At its annual conference banquet in Palm Beach, the Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) presented Kissimmee Utility Authority Board Chairman Manuel Ortega with the Policymaker Award. The Policymaker Award is awarded to a local elected or appointed official who has demonstrated a strong commitment to public power.
Ortega has been a member of the KUA board of directors since 2015 and has been actively engaging with the Florida Legislature and Members of Congress on key issues of importance to municipal electric utilities, and representing Florida’s public power communities through service on FMEA’s Legislative and Regulatory Committee and the APPA Policy Makers Council. FMEA is the statewide trade association representing Florida’s public power utilities.
“Manny’s insight and experience have helped shape policies and practices that not only improve operational efficiency but also prioritize the wellbeing of KUA’s customers and the community. His commitment to keeping ratepayers at the forefront of policy decisions has been instrumental in fulfilling his utility’s mission and vision,” said Amy Zubaly, FMEA Executive Director. “He embodies the spirit of public power – a passion to serve, a commitment to community and a vision for the future. We thank him for his many contributions to public power.”
