The St. Petersburg Energy Alliance announced survey results showing that most residents oppose a government takeover of the city’s electric utility, citing concerns about higher taxes, mounting debt, and a preference for investing in affordable housing instead.
According to the Morning Consult survey conducted between December 26, 2025, and January 3, 2026, among 501 adults in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area, 74% of St. Petersburg residents fear that a government acquisition of the electric utility would result in higher taxes. The poll also revealed that 54% oppose the city taking over the utility due to an estimated debt of $2 billion or more. Respondents expressed a desire for city investment in affordable housing instead.
St. Pete Catalyst reports that in Pinellas County, the survival budget for a family of four is $108,480—over $30,000 above the median household income. Consequently, 46% of households fall below the poverty line or are classified as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), earning above poverty levels but struggling with basic necessities. Housing costs and inflation significantly contribute to these challenges.
Research from Brattle indicates that over the past quarter-century, 92% of municipalization initiatives in the United States have been abandoned or rejected due to high costs and uncertainties. Examples include Boulder, Colorado’s $29 million expenditure over ten years before abandoning its effort and similar failures in Chicago and Maine due to prohibitive costs and legal complexities.
The St. Petersburg Energy Alliance is part of the Pinellas Energy Alliance—a business trade group focused on regional energy concerns—and aims to inform residents about financial implications related to city proposals for acquiring electric utilities through commissioned surveys highlighting potential debt and tax increases.
