Local customers rated their community-owned utility more highly than others taking a similar survey in the region and across the nation.
Earlier this year, Sioux Center Municipal Utilities (SCMU) offered an electric utility customer service survey in collaboration with SCMU’s energy partner, Missouri River Energy Services. Answers from the 92 local respondents ranked well compared with area and national data.
Nearly 80% of local participants said SCMU resembles their ideal utility, about 20% higher than national data, and more than 84% said they were satisfied/loyal customers or advocates of the utility.
Local customers rated SCMU highly on providing consistent, reliable service and also restoring power in a reasonable amount of time (both nearly 90%) as well as the areas of maintaining modern/reliable infrastructure, responding promptly and communicating with customers, and community involvement.
The local survey recorded that many customers are interested in using Bright Energy Solutions rebates for energy-saving equipment for homes and businesses, available at www.siouxcenter.org/rebates.
SCMU Communications Coordinator Maggie Landegent said some survey takeaways include working to strengthen relationships with customers under 35, that some customers are interested in time-of-use electric rates, and SCMU can help customers learn more about solar and renewable energy choices.
“One of the highlights of the survey is that nearly 80% of local participants correctly identified our utility as community-owned, and nearly 90% recognize community ownership is important,” Landegent said. “Having a community-owned utility means local control, local crews for quicker response times, and a community focus and values.”
Sioux Center Municipal Utilities serves more than 2,680 electric customers power from a diverse supply mix, including 30% from renewable generation.