ABSTRACT
As depicted in Exhibit 16.1, public outreach encompasses both public education and public involvement activities. Public education is the means by which a utility teaches members of the public about its mission, activities, importance to the community, and value. Public involvement is the means by which the utility solicits input from ratepayers on topics ranging from strategic direction to rate-setting practices. The two types of activities overlap, in that public involvement often provides an opportunity to educate members of the public as part of the process of soliciting input. One of the primary purposes of public outreach is to gain customer and stakeholder commitment for necessary financial support (typically through rate increases) to operate and maintain the utility in a sustainable manner.
