The Benefits of Public Power

Did you know that Central Lincoln is a public power provider? This means that instead of focusing on profits for investors, we’re governed by our customers and dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and affordable power at the actual cost, with no markups. This approach allows Central Lincoln to maintain significantly lower rates than many investor-owned utilities while upholding the high standards of service our communities rely on.

The History of Public Power & Central Lincoln PUD

Central Lincoln People’s Utility District (PUD) is part of the broader public power movement in the United States, which began in the early 20th century as a response to private companies’ control over electric power. Public power utilities are owned by the communities they serve rather than by private investors, and their primary mission is to provide reliable, affordable electricity to their customers.

The Beginnings of Public Power

Constructed in the 1930s and 1940s by the U.S. Government, the Bonneville and Grand Coulee Dams transformed the Northwest by providing affordable electricity. These monumental projects powered economic growth and extended service to rural communities previously beyond the reach of utility infrastructure, reshaping the region’s development.

Public power began gaining traction in the early 1900s, particularly with the passage of the Federal Water Power Act of 1920, which encouraged the development of hydroelectric power. The New Deal era under Franklin D. Roosevelt provided the greatest boost to the movement. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), established in 1933, was one of the first large-scale public power projects in the U.S. and served as a model for utilities nationwide.

The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), created in 1937, played a crucial role in the Pacific Northwest. It was established to market the electricity generated by the Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River and later from other federal dams. BPA’s affordable power supported the growth of people’s utility districts like Central Lincoln.

Public Power Movement

The public power movement has grown significantly over the decades. Today, there are more than 2,000 public power utilities in the United States, serving about 49 million people. These utilities are governed by local boards or commissions, giving residents a direct say in how their utility is run. Public power utilities like Central Lincoln continue to play a vital role in providing communities with access to electricity while supporting local economic development and environmental stewardship.

Central Lincoln People’s Utility District: A Brief History

Central Lincoln began operations on May 5, 1943, with a focus on providing safe, reliable, and affordable electricity.

At its inception, Central Lincoln’s electric system relied on two primary power sources to serve the area from Depoe Bay to Coos Bay: the C.D. Johnson Lumber Company generating facilities in Toledo and Mountain States Power Company near Coos Bay. These sources were limited, resulting in high costs and restricted capacity for expansion.

Through the dedication of local residents working on behalf of Central Lincoln, low-cost power from the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) was obtained in 1946, with the completion of a 115,000-volt transmission line from Albany to Toledo. This marked the beginning of several BPA projects that expanded Central Lincoln’s capacity, including lines into Mapleton, Reedsport, Florence, and Glasgow.

For more than 80 years, Central Lincoln has proudly served our communities — growing from just under 5,000 customers in 1943 to over 41,000 today. With a team of over 130 dedicated employees, we remain committed to delivering affordable, reliable power and exceptional service to the people who call our communities home.

Central Lincoln at Your Service: The Benefits of Public Power

As a customer of Central Lincoln People’s Utility District (PUD), you’re more than just a ratepayer — you’re part of a community-driven organization that values affordability, reliability, and local control. We’re driven by a commitment to serve our communities with care and integrity. While we may not always be perfect, we strive to make every decision with your best interests at heart.

Here’s how this dedication benefits you:

Affordable Rates: Central Lincoln is owned by the communities it serves, which means it operates on a not-for-profit basis. Revenues are reinvested into the utility, allowing us to upgrade infrastructure, enhance emergency response capabilities, and adopt new technologies. This focus helps keep rates affordable while ensuring reliable, high-quality service.

Reliable Service: Reliability is a cornerstone of our mission. As a locally managed utility, we can respond quickly to outages and service issues. Our ongoing investment in infrastructure means your electricity supply is consistent and dependable, with fewer interruptions and faster resolutions when needed.

Local Control: Being a customer of Central Lincoln means you have a voice in how your utility is run. Our operations are overseen by a locally elected board, ensuring that decisions about rates, services, and investments reflect the values and needs of our communities.

Customer-Focused Service: Central Lincoln is deeply rooted in our communities, and this connection fosters a customer-first mindset. The employees at Central Lincoln are not just dedicated to serving you — they’re also your neighbors and friends.

Transparency and Accountability: Central Lincoln operates with a high degree of transparency. Decisions are made in open meetings, and financial information is publicly accessible. This openness ensures you are informed about how your utility is managed and how your money is spent, reinforcing our accountability to you.

From affordable rates and reliable service to local control and community investment, we strive to do more than keep your lights on — we genuinely care and are committed to doing what’s best for you.