When you live in one of AMEA’s Member communities, you’re part-owner of a power utility! You’re in good company: Nearly 49 million people across the U.S. are public power customers. Learn how locally-owned power supports a vibrant, thriving community at WeAreCommunityPowered.com.
Since 1992, AMEA has awarded over $3 million in scholarship monies to graduating high school seniors who receive their electric service from AMEA Members, including Alexander City, Dothan, Fairhope, LaFayette, Lanett, Luverne, Opelika, Piedmont, Riviera Utilities, Sylacauga and Tuskegee. To be eligible for an AMEA scholarship, a student’s parent and/or legal guardian must receive electric service from an AMEA Member utility, and the student must attend a four-year college/university, community college, and/or vocational school within the state of Alabama.
AMEA is dedicated to researching and identifying cost-effective resources as part of our energy future. In 2016, our efforts took us into the area of solar power—energy that is harnessed directly from the sun’s radiation. The AMEA Board of Directors approved a 50-KW solar research project to be placed at the AMEA headquarters facility, located at 80 TechnaCenter Drive in east Montgomery, near I-85. The AMEA Solar Research Project was completed in August 2016. Energy produced from the project is utilized by the adjacent headquarters facility.
AMEA’s Economic Development Program works with and supports the efforts of our Members by enhancing existing industries and bringing in new industry. AMEA provides no-interest loans through the Capital Fund Program and grants are available to assist with special economic development projects and events. AMEA also plays a vital role in supporting statewide recruiting events and continues to build relationships with other utilities and groups to provide opportunities for AMEA Members and the state.
In the late 1970s, 11 Alabama cities formed a coalition to stabilize wholesale power supply costs, while sharing resources to meet mutual needs.