What are city-owned power companies commonly known as?

City-owned power companies are commonly referred to as municipalities. This terminology is used because these entities are owned and operated by local government entities, specifically cities or towns, to provide electric service to their residents. Municipal electric utilities are often established to ensure reliable and affordable power supply while being accountable to the community they serve.

These utilities usually operate independently of larger state or private power companies, allowing for localized decision-making and management. This can lead to more tailored services that meet the specific needs of the community. In contrast, investor-owned utilities are privately operated, power cooperatives are member-owned organizations, and state utilities are government-owned entities at the state level, which highlights the distinction of municipalities in providing localized electric services.