Renwick Municipal Electric Plant went on line, March 14, 1915, at 6
pm, when lights at every street corner, businesses, IOOF hall and
three homes were turned on. The first generator was operated by a
steam engine. The original cost of $90,416 was financed by the
insurance of municipal revenue bonds.
In 1922, steam generation was replaced by a 75 HP semi diesel
engine and generator. In 1925, a 40 HP diesel engine and generator
were added.
With the addition of the Boone Valley Rural Electric Co-op as a
purchaser of power more KWH were needed. In 1939, a 300 HP engine and
generator replaced the 40 and 75 HP units. In 1942, the last addition
was made when another 300 HP 4 cylinder diesel engine and generator
joined the plant power producers. Total HP was 725 and rated capacity
483 KWH.
Annual usage sampling: 1936 - 204,320 KWH, 1945 - 946,307 KWH, 1946
- 1,094,275 KWH.
In 1949, Renwick Plant closed except for emergency power
production.
(I visited with a gentleman at the power plant, during my visit.
He said that normally the electricity was turned off at 10:00pm.
Sometimes on the weekends, there was a dance in town, and if the plant
operator was given a "gift," he'd stay later and keep the lights on.)
