Public Power Week, organized by the American Public Power Association, celebrates community-owned, not-for-profit electric utilities that put customers first. Observed Oct. 4-10, 2026, the week recognizes the importance of reliable, locally controlled electricity and the employees who help deliver it every day.

The benefits of community-owned utilities

Public power utilities are owned by the communities they serve. That means decisions are made locally, with customer and community priorities at the center. Because they operate on a not-for-profit model, public power utilities focus on providing safe, reliable service while investing in the long-term success of their communities. Revenue stays local, supporting infrastructure improvements, community programs and services that directly benefit customers.

Public power also creates stronger connections between utilities and the people they serve. Local leadership, local accountability and local investment help ensure utility programs reflect the unique needs and priorities of each community.

Efficiency Works: a powerful partnership

One of the ways Platte River Power Authority and its owner communities of Estes Park, Fort Collins, Longmont and Loveland deliver value beyond electricity is through Efficiency Works, the region’s customer-facing energy optimization program.

This collaborative effort combines Platte River’s energy expertise with Efficiency Works’ customer programs, outreach, education and energy-saving resources. The partnership of this program helps customers use energy more effectively while supporting progress toward a noncarbon energy future.

Through rebates, incentives, education and technical support for local contractors, Efficiency Works helps customers get more value from every kilowatt-hour they use. Whether upgrading equipment, improving building performance or exploring ways to optimize their energy use, customers can access tools and resources designed to make efficiency easier and more affordable.

When homes and businesses become more efficient, the benefits extend far beyond individual energy savings. Working together to adjust how and when we use energy helps communities make the most of existing infrastructure, supports long-term electric reliability and contributes to a more sustainable future.

Public power doesn’t just deliver energy. It helps customers use it wisely while strengthening community resilience through programs that support households, businesses and organizations of all sizes and income levels.

Ways customers can participate

Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, business owner or property manager, there are many ways to participate in Efficiency Works programs. Customers can explore opportunities such as:

• Home energy assessments and recommendations
• Business efficiency programs and custom energy-saving solutions
• Rebates for energy upgrades for homes and businesses
• Appliance recycling for residential-style, working refrigerators
• Flex Thermostat for residential-style thermostats

Every upgrade, large or small, can make a difference as northern Colorado transitions to noncarbon energy.

Celebrating Public Power Week

As we celebrate Public Power Week, we’re proud to recognize the partnerships that help strengthen our communities.

Through the collaboration between Platte River, its owner communities and Efficiency Works, we’re helping customers make informed energy choices to use energy more effectively.

Powered by community. Advancing the energy transition.

Learn more at https://prpa.org/public-power/.

When you think about saving energy at home or in the office, what comes to mind? Swapping out old light bulbs for LEDs? Upgrading to ENERGY STAR® appliances? Those are great steps, but there’s another simple solution that often flies under the radar: advanced power strips (APS).

These devices do more than just give you extra outlets. They help you cut down on wasted energy, protect your electronics and even save you money, all without adding extra hassle to your day.

What’s the purpose of an advanced power strip?

Every home and office has “phantom loads” – devices that keep using electricity even when they’re in standby mode. Think gaming consoles, chargers and printers. It might not seem like much, but all those little energy leaks add up over time.

An APS is designed to prevent that waste automatically. Instead of unplugging everything each time you’re done using it (which nobody wants to do), these strips cut power to devices when they’re not in use. It’s a simple way to make your space more energy-efficient without changing your habits.

How do they actually work?

Power-saving APS devices are broken out into tiers, tier 1 and tier 2. Both APS tiers use smart technology to figure out when your devices need power – and when they don’t. Tier 1 APS models include:

• Master-control outlets: Plug-in your main device (like a TV or computer) here. When the main device turns off, the APS knows to cut power to other connected devices.
• Controlled outlets: These are for accessories like speakers, printers or gaming consoles. They shut off automatically and stop using electricity when the master device powers down.
• Always-on outlets: These outlets are for things that need constant power, like your Wi-Fi router.
• A tier 2 APS includes additional hands-off controls with timers, motion sensors or remote controls.

It’s basically energy-saving on autopilot.

APS in action

• Office setup: Imagine you’ve got a desktop computer, monitor, printer and speakers. When you shut down your computer, the APS automatically powers down the monitor, printer and speakers. Not only is everything powered down, but none of these devices are sneakily using electricity – no more wasted energy.
• Entertainment center: Your TV is the master device, your gaming console and soundbar are plugged into controlled outlets and your Wi-Fi router is plugged into an always-on outlet. When you turn off the TV, your gaming console and soundbar shut off – but your Wi-Fi stays on. No more phantom power draining your wallet.

The benefits you’ll notice

• Lower energy bills: Cutting phantom loads can help cut costs without lifting a finger.
• Convenience: No more crawling under desks, moving furniture or setting reminders to unplug devices.
• Device protection: Many APS include surge protection to keep your electronics safe.
• Eco-friendly: Less wasted energy means a smaller carbon footprint.

Common misconceptions (and why they’re wrong)

“It’s just a fancy power strip.”

• Nope! Regular strips only give you more outlets and maybe some surge protection. APS actively manage energy use while offering surge protection.

“The savings aren’t worth it.”

• If you have multiple electronics, the savings add up fast, especially over a year.

“They’re hard to set up.”

• While tier 2 APS are a little more involved to set up, tier 1 APS are mostly plug and play once you get the right devices plugged into the right outlets – refer to the diagram below for examples of how to set up yours. You’ll spend more time deciding what to binge-watch than setting one up.

Ready to start saving?

APS are easy to use and make a real difference for your wallet and the planet. And here’s the best part: we offer rebates that help make them even more budget-friendly!

Check out our available rebates and start saving energy and money today.