MESA, AZ The City of Mesa's Energy Resources Department, received the Century Award from the American Public Power Association for celebrating its 100-year anniversary. Established in 1987, the Century Award is given each year to public power utilities that have served their consumers and community continuously for 100 years.
"We're delighted to receive this prestigious honor," said Frank McRae, Energy Resources Director. "For a century the City of Mesa has provided dependable electricity and service at a reasonable price, and we look forward to serving the people of Mesa for the next 100 years."
Last November, Energy Resources marked their centennial with the unveiling of utility box artwork series. The artwork was wrapped on electric transformer boxes, traffic signal cabinets and street light boxes along Center Street between Main Street and University Drive. The six locations each depict a different theme of how the publicly-owned utility has "energized" Mesa:
o Energizing downtown Mesa
o Energizing a safe community
o Energizing creativity
o Energizing a sustainable city
o Energizing a strong workforce
o Energizing Mesa's history
"Public power systems like the City of Mesa's are an expression of the American ideal of local people working together to meet their community's needs," said Sue Kelly, president & CEO, APPA. "Like schools, parks, police, and fire protection, they are governed locally and operated to provide an essential public service."
The City of Mesa first acquired their own electric and gas utility in 1917 through purchasing the South Side Gas & Electric Plant from Dr. A. J. Chandler. The plant was located on the southeast corner of Center Street and University Drive in downtown Mesa. Today, the utility provides electricity to more than 16,000 customers and natural gas to more than 62,000 customers.