For immediate release — Nov. 7, 2023
KISSIMMEE — Kissimmee Utility Authority is being recognized by The Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) with a “Building Strong Communities” award for making valuable investments that enhance the quality of life in our communities beyond efficient delivery of affordable, reliable, and clean energy.
FMEA recognized public power utilities for programs and projects that improve the environment, provide community education, collect charitable donations, focus on crime prevention and other special programs, such as lighting ball fields and playgrounds, taking part in community and holiday celebrations, hosting blood drives, recognizing veterans and members of the military, and strengthening the communities in which they serve.
In the past year, KUA supported more than 100 community organizations and activities that impacted a combined 250,000 residents. Notable projects included:
- Hosting several community blood drives
- Completing 914 free home energy audits and processing 534 rebates
- Funding $27,500 in college scholarships for local high school students
- Distributing 40,000 free hurricane preparedness guides and 15,000 free electrical safety calendars
- Sponsoring free student admission to the Osceola County Fair
- Sponsoring the City of Kissimmee’s annual events and providing a Kids Zone
- Hosting six free Movie in the Park events for the community
- Supporting Christmas meals for homeless military veterans
- Participating in holiday toy drives for children in need
- Installing additional EV Charging Stations resulting in a total of 69 in Kissimmee
- Collecting more than $121,000 for KUA’s Good Neighbor Fund
KUA was announced as an award recipient on Nov. 7 at the FMEA Energy Connections Conference and Trade Show in Orlando. The utility joins 19 other community-owned Florida public power communities in receiving this award.
“For the people who work for Florida’s public power utilities, it is more than just a job. It is a way for them to give back to their communities and an opportunity to strengthen the communities that they also live in,” said Amy Zubaly, FMEA Executive Director. “Congratulations to each of the utilities honored today, including KUA, and many thanks to the employees who have made this recognition possible.”
About FMEA
Florida’s 33 public power utilities, combined, are the third largest electric provider in the state, serving 14 percent of Florida’s customers. Florida’s public power utilities serve more than 3 million Floridians and are a statewide employment leader with more than 5,700 employees.
About KUA
Founded in 1901, KUA is Florida’s sixth largest community-owned utility powering 90,000 customers in Osceola County, Florida. For more information, visit www.kua.com.
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