Your Utility and Community Spirit

I was born in Philadelphia and, except for a few years in college and early career positions, I’ve lived my whole life in the area. So you can probably guess who I’m rooting for in the Super Bowl.

As you might also guess, I’m not alone.

And if your utility is in an area with a major topical public point of pride – sports-related, cultural or anything out of the ordinary – you should join in on the fun.

Showing your support is an easy way to cement your role as a cornerstone in the community, especially in an era where there’s seemingly division on everything. Even better, it likely doesn’t cost much, if anything. If you want to sponsor a pep rally or something of that ilk, feel free, but even just expressing support on social media is fine.

You can have fun with it, too.

Back in 2018, the last time the Eagles made a run to the Super Bowl, PECO put out a press release, noting that it was turning its prominent Crown Lights on its Philadelphia headquarters green in honor of the team prior before the NFC Championship Game, but not referencing the team. The reason? It didn’t want to jinx the team.

PECO noted that the lights were used in advance of the Eagles losing the Super Bowl in 2005 and in advance of the Phillies losing the 2009 World Series but not used in advance of the Phillies winning in 2008 or in advance of Villanova University winning the NCAA national basketball championship in 2016.

The Eagles went on to win that game and also the Super Bowl, although oddly PECO hasn’t mentioned the lights since. I haven’t been by the headquarters building in a while, but I assume there’s no Eagles messaging this time around.

Yes, this may all seem frivolous, but there’s more to being part of the community than just being a trusted source of power. When people in your area think of the local mainstays, your utility should be something that easily comes to mind.