On June 24, 1949, the Springfield City Council passed an amendment to its charter to “acquire and operate an electric power system.” Just over a year later, The Springfield Utility Board (SUB) provided power to its first customers, Jack and Iona Hartman.
The national public power movement begun in the 1880s sought to provide community-owned utility services to local customers on a not-for-profit basis. SUB proudly joined this American tradition of local people working together to meet local needs.
SUB’s mission has remained unchanged since its inception: delivering safe, reliable and cost-effective utility services to Springfield.
Challenging times for the new utility in the 60s
SUB’s first General Manager Frank Brown retired, and Jack Criswell was hired. For more than a decade, SUB and Pacific Power & Light competed for customers. Criswell negotiated a truce that new development in Springfield would be served by the utility with the closest power lines.
SUB also acquired the McKenzie Highway Water District and began providing water to its customers. SUB modernized the system and improved water quality during the 60s…