Provo's quest for public power is rooted in the Great Depression of the 1930's when banks, businesses and utilities were failing across the country. Many citizens believed the time had come for Provo to gain control of their electric utility, as Logan, and other western cities had previously done. Prominent civic leaders envisioned a municipally owned electric utility as a vehicle to enhance city funds and to provide local jobs to the community.

In 1933, 150 Provo residents met and formed an organization called the Provo Development Association to study the issue of municipally owned power. Mark Anderson, the first president, ran successfully for Provo Mayor in 1936 on a platform to review the electric utility issue.

Provo City Power: The Early Years

Under Mayor Anderson's leadership, the city began its own investigation of a locally owned electrical utility by first conducting a community survey to affirm interest in the project. A lengthy questionaire was also sent to municipal power cities to learn about their experience in the power business. Comparably sized cities were all making money and supplying such amenities as free street lighting to their communities. After three years of study, an election was held to issue bonds for construction of Provo's first power plant. The mayor was convinced that Provo's power plant would provide a "square deal" for all Provo residents.

Utah Power & Light mobilized all of its resources and influence to stop construction. Both sides used radio, pamphlets, door-to-door contact, mass meetings and debates to counter each other. On October 1, 1936 Provo residents voted affirmatively to issue bonds for the construction of a Provo Power Plant. Lawsuits and delay tactics on the part of UP&L waylaid construction of the power plant until 1940. At the dedication of the Power Plant on April 1, 1940, Provo's residents realized their dream of a locally owned, locally controlled power utility.

Provo City Power: Post-War Expansion

From 1935 until 1940, resident's need for electricity increased by 80 percent. The postwar years through the rest of the 40's and 50's brought a building boom and again more power needs. By 1947 it was evident that the plant would need to be expanded. The construction was completed in 1949, nearly doubling the plant. During the plant's first 10 years of operation, Provo Power passed the million dollar mark in profits.

During these early years, Provo learned about running a municipally owned plant, and through hands-on experience, the way to run a successful utility operation.

Provo City Power: 1960's Through 70's

Households in Provo had significant influence on the continued expansion and development of Provo Power. The widespread use of air conditioning, and electric appliances continued to challenge the city. The department stepped up its public relations efforts to encourage customers to use the convenience of electric energy. A modern, safe home was considered and all electric home.

The City worked hard to increase its customer base, and success was evident in the need to find other power sources. Federal power projects and other options for generation were explored. The use of new Federal power sources required the building of substations to provide transmission to homes and businesses. The Sharpe Gillespie Substation, at the mouth of Provo Canyon, and the Vasco Tanner Substation in southeast Provo were built to transmit these new power sources. Also in 1970, the Provo Power Utility Building was built and dedicated to former Mayor Mark Anderson.

In the early 1970's Provo Power was faced with the nationwide "energy crisis" due to oil shortages. Provo's public relations efforts turned to suggestions for better home insulation, lower thermostats and other energy saving methods. Despite these efforts, the demand for electric energy continued to grow.

Provo City Power: Securing Our Power Sources

Provo Power began to understand, in the post energy crisis era, that reliance on Federal energy sources would not meet the needs of our growing communtity. Provo joined five other cities to form the Utah Municipal Power Agency to investigate and acquire future power supply for its members. During this era Provo's energy sources expanded to include partial ownership of Hunter Unit Number 1, a coal-fired power plant in Emery County, the Cove Fort geothermal plant in Sulpherdale, and a few small hydroelectric facilities. These added to Provo's other power sources from the Colorado River Storage Project, Deer Creek Reservoir, Bonanza Contracts, the Provo Power Plant and contracts with UP&L. Like working the stock market, the diversified portfolio added security and reliability to Provo Power consumers assuring the public of a continuous electric supply.

Provo City Power: Present

The challenges facing the Power Department now are vastly different from our beginning in 1940. Deregulation of power utilities is occuring throughout the country, and in Utah, deregulation is likely to occur in the next few years. With deregulation pending, it is critical that Provo Power develop and enhance its competitive edge so that we are prepared to compete with the best of the best.

Since 1940, the increases in population served, kilowatt hours provided, and funding surpluses earned for the City are dramatic evidence of the significant role that Provo Power has played in the lives of Provo residents. Still locally owned, locally controlled, Provo Power continues to help Provo direct and control its own destiny.