BPUB is a proud member of the American Public Power Association (APPA), the national voice of more than 2,000 community-owned electric utilities that collectively serve over 55 million Americans across 49 states and five U.S. territories.
Public Power at a Glance
U.S. communities served by public power utilities nationwide
Public power serves 1 in 7 electricity customers in the U.S.
Fewer minutes without power vs. private utility customers per year
Less than what private utility customers pay on average
Why Public Power Matters
According to the American Public Power Association, public power utilities share five defining characteristics that set them apart from investor-owned providers. BPUB embodies each one.
Public power utilities are owned by the community and operated as a division of local government. Citizens have a direct voice in how their utility is run — not distant shareholders or corporate boards.
How this works at BPUB:
- Governed by a board of six members appointed by the Brownsville City Commission, with the city mayor serving as an ex-officio member
- PUBCAP Meetings on the third Wednesday of each month provide a public forum for project updates and community input
- Board Meetings on the second Monday of each month address organizational decisions, policies, and rate considerations
- All meetings are open to the public with opportunities for comment
The Pillars of Public Power
Not-for-Profit
BPUB operates without a profit motive. All earnings are reinvested into the community through infrastructure improvements, job creation, educational programs, and public services.
Learn moreLocal Economic Engine
Public power keeps energy dollars circulating locally. BPUB employs hundreds of Brownsville residents and contracts with local businesses, strengthening the economic fabric of our community.
Learn moreEnvironmental Responsibility
From the Sendero Wind Project to resaca restoration, BPUB invests in renewable energy and environmental programs that protect our region for future generations.
Learn moreHow BPUB Rates Compare
As a community-owned utility, BPUB consistently offers some of the most competitive electric rates in South Texas. The chart below compares our residential rate against investor-owned and retail electric providers in the region.
BPUB Advantage
Compared to highest-priced provider
41%
Lower rate
$69.13
Saved/month
BPUB in the Community
Powering Brownsville Forward
From infrastructure upgrades to community events, BPUB is more than a utility. We are a neighbor, employer, and partner in building a stronger Brownsville.
View Our Projects
Public Power Nationwide
BPUB is part of a national network of community-owned utilities that put people before profits. Across the country, public power utilities generate 10% of all electricity and distribute 15% of all power flowing to American homes and businesses.
Of all U.S. electricity is generated by public power utilities
Of all retail electricity sales in the U.S. come from public power
People employed by public power utilities across the country
Frequently Asked Questions
What is public power?
Public power refers to electric utilities that are owned and operated by the communities they serve, rather than by private investors. In the United States, more than 2,000 communities are served by public power utilities, collectively providing electricity to over 55 million Americans. BPUB is one of them, providing electric, water, and wastewater services to Brownsville since 1908.
How is BPUB different from investor-owned utilities?
The key difference is accountability. Investor-owned utilities answer to shareholders and are driven by profit. BPUB answers to the citizens of Brownsville. Our board is appointed by local elected officials, our meetings are open to the public, and every dollar we earn is reinvested in local infrastructure, programs, and services. Nationally, public power customers pay 9% less on average and experience 90 fewer minutes of outage time per year.
Who sets BPUB's rates?
BPUB's rates are set by its Board of Directors, with input from the community through public meetings and comment periods. Rate-setting is a transparent process that considers the cost of providing service, infrastructure needs, and affordability. Unlike retail electric providers, BPUB does not add a profit margin for investors.
Can I choose a different electric provider?
Brownsville is served exclusively by BPUB for electric, water, and wastewater. Because BPUB is a municipally owned utility, it operates outside the deregulated retail electric market. This structure allows BPUB to maintain lower, more stable rates, exercise local control over service decisions, and reinvest fully in the community.
How can I participate in BPUB's decision-making?
You can attend BPUB Board Meetings held on the second Monday of each month and PUBCAP meetings held on the third Wednesday of each month. Both are open to the public and provide opportunities for comment and engagement. Meeting agendas and minutes are available on our meetings page.
Does BPUB invest in renewable energy?
Yes. BPUB participates in the Sendero Wind Project, a 78 MW wind energy facility, through a long-term power purchase agreement. BPUB also maintains a solar interconnection program for customers who install solar panels and continues to evaluate emerging renewable energy opportunities. Nationally, approximately 41% of power generated by public power utilities comes from non-carbon-emitting sources.
What is the American Public Power Association?
The American Public Power Association (APPA) is the national service organization representing the interests of more than 2,000 not-for-profit, community-owned electric utilities across the United States. APPA advocates on behalf of public power at the federal level, provides training and resources, and helps communities understand the value of locally controlled utility services. BPUB is a proud APPA member. Learn more at publicpower.org.