Welcome to the Utility Shareholders of Florida (USoF) website.

If you are not a member, I hope you’ll consider joining us today. For too long, utility shareholders were the only stakeholder group not represented in Florida’s public policy discussions over energy. Shareholders — whose investments power the energy infrastructure — were not present at the table. Others were defining who we are, what we can afford, and what course the state should take in regard to its energy future.

Since the formation of the USoF in December 2008, that has changed. Through our expanded communications network, the association provides our members with an outlet to advocate on behalf of their investment, and to tell their story to regulators and legislators. We keep members informed and alert them when action is required to protect their investment.

I am most proud of our role in last year’s fight to preserve the 15 percent dividend tax rate. Emails, letters and phone calls from USoF members helped to ensure that Congress understood the importance of lower dividend tax rates and that our Representatives were ready to vote in support shareholders.

Right now, we are in the midst of a dynamic season of change for the energy industry. Decisions made today will affect our state for years to come; the voice of utility investors must be represented. Publicly owned utilities, and their shareholders, are uniquely poised to take a leading role our country’s sustained economic recovery – a robust and ready utility base is the heart of improved productivity and job creation.

After 34 years in the utility industry, I am now nearly three years into retirement and more convinced than ever that shareholders must speak up. It is a privilege to serve on the board of an enterprise dedicated to making utility shareholders part of the debate about Florida’s energy future, and to ensuring policy makers understand that shareholders are real people whose perspectives should matter.

USoF members, whether they live in beautiful Florida or another state, are interested in promoting and protecting their investment by taking an active role in issues that affect Florida’s electric and gas utility industries. I encourage you to join us today. Your contributions will make a difference in Florida’s, and our Nation’s, future.

Melvin Klein
President