NARUC Observes MLK Day as a Day of Utility Service

For Immediate Release: January 12, 2018

Contact: Regina L. Davis, 202-898-9382, rdavis@naruc.org

NARUC Observes MLK Day as a Day of Utility Service

2018 Marks 50^th Anniversary of Civil Rights Leader’s Death

WASHINGTON—The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners joins state utility commissions in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on January 15, 2018. Recognizing this date as a national day of service, NARUC’s Board of Directors honored the legacy of Dr. King by passing a resolution in 2008 designating the holiday as a Day of Utility Service.

NARUC further recognizes this holiday by issuing the following statement:

“This year marks the 50^th anniversary of Dr. King’s tragic death and NARUC continues to honor his legacy of public service by encouraging all Americans to engage in acts of utility service. On this most important holiday, we can accomplish this in a number of ways: adjusting thermostats, weatherizing homes, installing energy-efficient lightbulbs and taking other measures to conserve energy. Also, we urge citizens to help their neighbors and communities in service-related activities.

“Years ago, NARUC participated in the ‘Anybody Can Serve, So Let’s Conserve’ campaign to remind us that simple lifestyle changes can go a long way in reshaping our future. Therefore, let us try to emulate Dr. King’s famous quote, ‘Everybody can be great ... because anybody can serve.’”

—NARUC President John Betkoski III of Connecticut

The resolution designating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a Day of Utility Service was adopted at the Winter Committee Meetings in Washington, D.C., on February 20, 2008. The resolution can be viewed on NARUC's website at bit.ly/NARUCMLK.

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NARUC is a non-profit organization founded in 1889 whose members include the governmental agencies that are engaged in the regulation of utilities and carriers in the fifty States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. NARUC's member agencies regulate telecommunications, energy, and water utilities. NARUC represents the interests of State public utility commissions before the three branches of the Federal government.