Power Plant in 1923
Since 1920
History of MMU Electricity
Marshall Municipal Utilities has been providing electricity to the City of Marshall, Missouri since early 1920.
The development of the electric utility began in 1893 when a group from Mexico, Missouri, was granted a 20-year franchise to operate an electric light plant in the City of Marshall. This was purchased in 1911 by Missouri Gas and Electric Service Company.
The franchise expired in 1913 and the Company requested that a new grant of rights be approved by the people. The Council agreed on the basis that the Company expand and upgrade the present street lighting system. Soon it became evident that an agreement could not be reached on a “reasonable cost.”
It was then that a group of civic-minded citizens approached the Council demanding an election for a bond issue to build a municipal light and power system. After two unsuccessful attempts, finally in 1916 the people passed a bond issue to purchase the existing company.
Many legal battles, injunctions, a World War, and other difficulties ensued before the electric power plant was started and had taken over all electric service in Marshall by early 1920. Si McDonough became the Distribution Superintendent in 1920 and held the position until his retirement in 1964. During this period, Hubert Hinton worked his way through the ranks from lineman in 1926 to Utilities Superintendent in 1949. He was in charge of the Utilities until his retirement in June of 1980.
Marshall has always been very proud of its street lighting system. In the 1920’s, it was referred to as the “Great White Way” and Marshall was known as Missouri’s best lighted city. It was stressed that “this illumination enhanced the beauty and attractiveness of the city, provided protection to those who went abroad at night in the line of duty, to worship, or in the pursuit of entertainment; created a favorable impression upon visitors and strangers within our gates; and prevented crime and immorality.”
The original bond issue was for $75,000, a second bond issue was voted in 1919 for $46,000, and a third bond issue in 1920 for $65,000, making a total of $186,000 indebtedness to be paid by direct tax on the people. By 1934, this investment had a valuation of $646,118.32. The electric utility was valued in 1989 at approximately $16,835,610.
In 1920, 221,674 kWh were generated; in 1934, 5,119,000 kWh were generated as recorded on 2,425 meters. In 1988 there were 5,881 meters serving the City of Marshall with 147,964,171 kWh being sold. On August 31, 2000 at 4:00 p.m. there was a historic net peak of 45,340 KW.
MMU Employees in 1923
Turbines inside the Power Plant in 1923
Power Plant in 1999
Through the years, increased expansions were made to the plant and more equipment was purchased to keep up with the ever increasing demand for electricity. By 2021, none of the turbines located in the power plant were still in use, so the plant was demolished. Local (MMU) generation still consists of 6 units housed in other buildings that can operate on natural gas or diesel with a net peak capacity of 30 megawatts.
In 2005, MMU joined the Missouri Public Energy Pool (MOPEP) to meet its power supply requirements. MoPEP has a diverse portfolio that includes ownership in coal, natural gas, solar and contracted resources which include landfill gas, hydro, wind and coal.