June 30, 2025

WPPI Energy members support community in Public Power Month of Giving

Member Utilities

June is the month of giving for public power utilities, which is why WPPI Energy’s members took time over the last month to emphasize that their everyday work is to serve their communities.

“A strength all our members share is their closeness to the people they provide energy to each day,” said Kelly Davis, WPPI director of energy services.

An example of that support came from collaboration between Kaukauna Utilities and the city’s public library. Librarians were overjoyed to share with the public that they received a basket of small gifts from the utility in mid-June.

“As a municipal utility, we’re proud to be powered by the people we serve, and even prouder to stand alongside dedicated public service professionals like you,” read the note that indicated utility staff were “Fueled by Gratitude” to municipal workers like themselves. This basket was one of several handed out to workers throughout the city to highlight the importance of their everyday work and to thank them for it.

That wasn’t the only time Kaukauna Utilities connected with Kaukauna Public Library in June. In the final week of the month, they collaborated to host the very popular “Touch a Truck” event in the city, which brought out nearly 1,000 attendees looking to learn more about industrial vehicles. KU brought two vehicles to the event for the community to learn more about, which included the very popular bucket truck.

Other WPPI member utilities give back in similar ways, from fundraising to support local food pantries and school supply drives to educational demonstrations in front of students and disbursing funds through scholarships.

Each utility, much like the community it serves, is unique in its work to give back. And some of the work they do can be less direct, but just as powerful, such as investment in downtown beautification projects. Others take time to lend a hand with seasonal decorations. Some sponsor special events.

“All 51 of our locally owned member utilities take the time to provide for their community in a way that best helps their friends, neighbors and families thrive,” Davis said. “This month simply highlights the work they do throughout the year to support the needs of everyone they serve.”