The History of Public Power in Statesville, NC

North Carolina's First Public Power Community

The City of Statesville was the first municipality in the State of North Carolina to provide electric service to its citizens. As the result of this historical accomplishment, we have been recognized as the first Public Power Community in North Carolina. Public power is a national concept where municipally owned electric utilities serve their communities.

Statesville opened the door to the future by introducing electricity on February 4, 1889. It all happened when a switch was pulled and the City's first electric lights blinked on to illuminate the tiny downtown area for a momentous two hours.

Town officials probably had no idea that this was to be one of the most significant events in the history of the City. At the time, they only wanted a better alternative to gas street lamps.

In 1908, the City generators were turned off and the City began purchasing electricity from Southern Power Company in Charlotte. Subsequent contracts were signed to continue purchasing power from Southern Power Company, which later became Duke Power Company.

Statesville and 18 other cities in western North Carolina are members of the North Carolina Municipal Power Agency #1. The agency has 75% ownership interest in Catawba Nuclear Station Unit 2, which is operated by Duke Energy. The agency provides each member cities with a plentiful, reliable and affordable source of electricity.

Today, the electric utility industry finds itself on the threshold of the future. As we move forward into the new century, we are continually faced with economic, political, and industrial challenges.

In 1889, Statesville began serving its citizens with 22 carbon arc streetlights and a steam electric generator. Today, we serve over fourteen thousand customers through six delivery points and five substations and over 270 miles of distribution lines. The electric distribution system operates at 22,940 and 4,160 volts.

The American Public Power Association marked the City's 100th anniversary of Public Power with the presentation of the Century Award in 1989. Other activities included a City Council proclamation, open house event, and special recognition of electric department employees.

THE STORY OF PUBLIC POWER IN STATESVILLE (author unknown)

Statesville, North Carolina

Upcoming City Events:

Displaying 121 Events:
Carolina BalloonFest
Oct 19, 2024
8:00 AM EDT
531 Old Airport Rd.
Statesville, NC 28677
Read More 
Fall Festival at the Bentley Community Center
Oct 19, 2024
6:00 PM EDT
1410 3rd St.
Statesville, NC 28677
Read More 
Carolina BalloonFest
Oct 20, 2024
8:00 AM EDT
531 Old Airport Rd.
Statesville, NC 28677
Read More 

Latest Statesville Electric Utilities News:

Essential Electric Safety Tips from the City of StatesvilleMay is National Electric Safety Month. Electricity is an essential part of our daily lives, but it can also pose significant hazards if ...
Did you know that you can save on your energy bill by wa... When possible, try washing with cold water. ENERGY STAR says that water heating consumes about 90% of the energy it takes to operate a c...
April is National Safe Digging MonthApril is National Safe Digging Month and this is your friendly reminder from the City of Statesville to call NC811 before beginning your...

Read More