City of Anaheim - Electric History

In 1894, by a vote of 103 - 5, the residents of Anaheim decided to start their own electric utility. They believed that owning and operating a not for profit electric utility was in their economic self interest. Within a year, the City of Anaheim was operating the area's first city-owned electric utility, bringing 145 electric incandescent bulbs and 22 arc lights to downtown Anaheim.

Today, more than a century later, Anaheim Public Utilities continues to operate as the only municipal electric utility in the county. Our system delivers electricity to Anaheim's 345,000 residents and more than 15,000 businesses, including multi-million dollar tourism, sports and manufacturing customer. Anaheim's electric system has grown to support a customer base of more than 593,000 kW annual peak demand and using 2.6 billion kilowatt-hours a year.

Anaheim Public Utilities still boasts some of the lowest electric rates in California. In fact, Anaheim residents enjoy the lowest electric rates in the region - averaging more than 25 percent lower than in neighboring Orange County communities.

1895	Municipal electric system commences operation serving a consumer base of 145 incandescent bulbs and 22 arc lamps.
1895-1916	City generates its own power.
1916-1976	City purchases its power supply from Southern California Edison Company.
1968-1975	Faced with increasing Edison wholesale rates (up 52% or $6.6 million in 1973), the City studies participation in electric generation and transmission projects.
1975	Voters approve Electric Revenue Bond to finance studies, construction and buy rights in electrical generation and transmission projects throughout the western United States.
1976-1983	The City buys most of its power supply from Edison, but saves millions of dollars by making economy energy purchases from Nevada Power and other utilities in the western United States.
1983	Anaheim begins receiving power from its ownership share of San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, Units 2 and 3.
1986	Anaheim first receives power from its participation share in the Intermountain Power Project in central Utah.
1991	The Public Utilities Board and City Council approve a five-year undergrounding plan. This marks the beginning of a 60-year program to underground 12 and 69 kV lines along major streets.
1998	With the arrival of electric restructuring in California, Anaheim Public Utilities emerges as one of Southern California's best-rated electric companies and Anaheim residents enjoy the lowest electric rates in Orange County - 15 percent lower!
1998	The City initiated a strategic options process to explore electric industry restructuring alternative that would be in the best interest of Anaheim citizens.