Investing in our communities

Whether it’s maintaining traffic lights or supporting economic development efforts, Ripley Power and Light Company works behind the scenes in many ways to partner with the communities it serves.

One of those efforts is the annual in-lieu-of-tax payments it makes to Lauderdale County and the local municipalities the utiliy serves.

The amounts are determined by a formula, which is audited by TVA and Ripley Power and Light. The funds come directly from operating revenues, which are received from the sale of electricity to customers.

“The money we pay is based on the net plant value we have in each of the communities we serve,” said Mike Allmand, President and CEO of Ripley Power and Light. “The net plant value includes lines, poles and other equipment. It’s our contribution because we don’t pay taxes, and we want to pay our part.”

As a public utility, Ripley Power and Light is exempt from paying taxes.

“This is not a mandate,” Allmand said. “By law, this is the only way a city can receive funds from us. It is our investment in our communities.”

2020 Distribution of Funds

  • City of Ripley: $380,389
  • Town of Halls: $20,419
  • Town of Gates: $3,319
  • Town of Henning: $5,261
  • Lauderdale County: $118,854

Total Funds Distributed: $528,242

Here are more ways, Ripley Power and Light helps local communities. The utility …

  • Works with TVA, HTL Advantage and the West Tennessee Industrial Association to help existing industry and attract more jobs.
  • Maintains street and traffic lights.
  • Offers scholarships to students who attend Dyersburg State Community College and the University of Tennessee Martin-Ripley Center.
  • Works with communities to install outdoor lighting in public areas.

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