What is a utility shareholder association?

A utility shareholder association is a non-profit advocacy organization that represents the interests of shareholders of investor-owned utilities. There are currently 12 state-specific utility shareholder associations throughout the United States.

Who can belong to Utility Shareholders of Florida?

Utility Shareholders of Florida (USoF) general membership is open to people who hold shares in investor-owned gas and electric utilities that operate in Florida.

What is your mission?

Utility investors are the backbone of the industry that powers our businesses and heats or cools our homes. Our mission is to ensure that the utility investors’ voice is heard during critical energy policy debates, to help our members stay abreast of the issues during a time of rapid industry change, and to promote a vibrant and forward-looking utility investment climate.

How much does it cost to join? Is membership tax-deductible?

General membership in USoF is free. Power Members support our mission with a minimum contribution of $15. USoF is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization. Contributions to 501(c)(6) organizations are not deductible as charitable contributions. Because USoF will engage in lobbying activities, federal tax law does not allow for deductibility.

What are the demographics of your membership?

Most utility investors are seniors, and many depend on income from their utility dividends. Sixty-eight percent of utility investors have an annual household income of less than $75,000 a year, and 89 percent are over age 50, according to Ernst & Young research commissioned by the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), a national association for shareholder-owned electric utilities.

Who decides your advocacy positions?

The Board of Directors of Utility Shareholders of Florida decides the association’s advocacy positions by majority vote. Board members all serve without pay, with the exception of the executive director, who is responsible for running day-to-day operations. Our Board is composed of shareholders who are retired utility workers representing a broad cross-section of Florida’s energy industry, from power plants, to distribution and transmission, to commercial services and management.