Monday will mark the 75-year anniversary of Spencer Municipal Utilities.

On November 20, 1942, the citizens of Spencer voted to place the management, and control of the city’s electric and water utilities in the hands of a separate Board of Trustees and the new entity was named Spencer Municipal Utilities (SMU). In addition to the electric and water utilities, the steam system was also then operated by SMU.

“A public owned utility provides many benefits to the community of Spencer with services our customers expect to connect them to the world,” says Amanda Gloyd, marketing and community relations manager. SMU sells its reliable electricity, water and communications services to the community at the lowest cost possible.

Over the last 75 years SMU has continued to improve the infrastructure and equipment to meet the growing needs of the community of Spencer.

SMU transitioned the electric utility to expand its portfolio to include hydroelectric power as well as wind power. SMU has also led several project to assist with service and reliability including installing the jet turbine in Spencer as well as converting to underground distribution lines throughout the community. Most recently, SMU installed a loop transmission system to improve reliability in the event of a power outage.

To continue meeting the community of Spencer’s quality water needs SMU has stayed ahead of community growth with efficiently maintaining our source, improving water treatment facilities as well as a distribution maintenance plan. In order to ensure an adequate supply of water for all uses, SMU is committed to groundwater protection and in cooperation with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the City of Spencer with a Wellhead Protection Plan.

In 1997 when the citizens of Spencer voted for a municipal communications system and for it to be owned and operated by SMU, the community put their trust in the leadership and experience of SMU. SMU is continuing to prepare for future generations with the current fiber to the home construction initiative.

“We have been a leader in the community of Spencer to help the community grow and thrive over the last 75 years and we are looking forward to continuing to meet the needs of our community,” adds Gloyd.

The public is invited to help celebrate on Monday, November 20 from 8:00am-5:00pm with an open house featuring refreshments and giveaways at Spencer Municipal Utilities.

SMU is a leading provider of cable, internet, and telephone service in the Spencer community and has been providing water since 1886 and electric services since 1901.

 

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