Utility shareholders not only are investors, they also are citizens, utility customers and families on a budget.

Florida’s energy industry is facing a time of rapid, complex and exciting change. The decisions we make as a state today will set the direction of our energy infrastructure for years to come, and in turn shape the future of Florida. Because a strong, sustainable energy industry is critical to the foundation of a strong and sustainable state.

Utility Shareholders of Florida has formed to bring an informed voice to today’s energy policy discussions. It is the voice of energy investors — the shareholders who form the backbone of the investor-owned utilities that light our homes and power our businesses.

Many shareholders are current and former utility workers who have devoted their lives to the state’s energy sector. Utility Shareholders of Florida harnesses the collective intelligence of our members and ensures policy-makers hear and understand investors’ point-of-view.

With the worldwide economic crisis forcing tough economic choices at every level — from federal and state government to corporations, small businesses and individual Floridians — it is more critical than ever that decision-makers have all the information they need to act wisely.

Utility shareholders not only are investors, they also are citizens, utility customers and families on a budget. Sixty-eight percent of utility investors have an annual household income of less than $75,000 a year and most are seniors, many of whom depend on their utility dividend income.

USoF’s mission is to give utility shareholders an efficient and effective way to stay on top of industry developments, learn about legislative and regulatory decisions that could affect their investment, and speak out on utility issues. Working together we will create the solid, forward-thinking energy industry needed to ensure a vibrant investment climate for our state.

USoF is a non-profit, member-driven organization. We are governed by a board of directors that, other than the executive director, is made up of volunteers. Our board members represent a broad cross-section of shareholders, including retired utility workers who served in all parts of Florida’s energy industry from power plants, to “poles and wires,” to commercial services and management.

Membership in Utility Shareholders of Florida is limited to shareholders of electric or gas utility companies that operate in Florida (or the parent of such a utility). USoF is not a shareholders’ rights association and does not engage in the advocacy of shareholders’ rights. Formed in December 2008, USoF is funded by a start-up grant from the Alliance of Utility Shareholder Associations and the dues from our associate and general members.