Carthage Water & Electric Plant (CWEP) is a municipally-owned, locally controlled, not-for-profit electric utility company responsible for operating and maintaining the municipal electric, water, and communication systems of Carthage, Missouri. CWEP has made it a priority since 1898 to provide the most reliable, efficient, and cost-effective utilities to our families and friends in the Carthage community, and will continue to do so.
Our Mission
Carthage Water & Electric Plant (CWEP) provides safe, quality, reliable, and cost-effective utility services in the Carthage area by a dedicated team focused on service and community engagement.
Our Vision
CWEP will be the trusted, innovative, resilient utility provider and partner.
Our History
The Beginning: 1898
On November 22, 1898, Carthage held a special election on the proposition to issue $25,000 in bonds for the erection of a city-owned and operated electric light plant. The election resulted in an overwhelming majority voting in favor of the plant, and Carthage’s municipal utility, now known as CWEP, was born.
The Original Electric Plant
The original plant, built near the location of the present CWEP power plant just north of Carter Park, housed 2 90-kilowatt dynamos with capacity for street and commercial lighting.
- 50 – 2,000-candlepower arc lights for street lighting
- 150 – 50-candlepower incandescent lights for street lighting
- 2,600 – 16-candlepower incandescent lights for commercial lighting
The high cost of meters at the time led to a rate structure based on the number of light bulbs used at any location.
Expansion into Water Services: 1907
In 1907, dissatisfaction with the private water plant led to the passage of a $220,000 bond issue for the construction of a municipal water plant and distribution system.
At this time, the electric plant was placed under the jurisdiction of the newly created Board of Public Works, along with the water plant.
Growth of Power Generation
- Improvements brought the electric plant’s total capacity to 600 kilowatts.
- In 1907, a $100,000 bond issue was approved to purchase a new 750 HP diesel engine.
- The plant turned a profit of $48,375.85 during the first year the diesel engine was in operation.
- In 1923, a second 1250 H.P. diesel engine was installed.
- In 1925, steam plant operations were discontinued and the steam equipment was disposed of.
The Current Power Plant
After determining that further expansion of the original power plant was not feasible, construction on the current CWEP power plant began in 1927. By 1930, all generation was produced in the new building.
This expansion allowed CWEP to supply the electrical needs of Carthage from this plant up until 1981. By that time, it had become more feasible to purchase most of the City’s power from larger generating facilities, while CWEP kept the plant maintained and ready to provide power as needed.
Improving Reliability in the 1990s
In the mid-1990s, the Board of Public Works initiated an expansion of the supply lines that formed a “loop” around the community.
- The system includes enhanced switching capabilities.
- Power can be redirected around any major break in service.
- Schools, factories, businesses, healthcare facilities, and residents benefit from added reliability.
Water and Wastewater Improvements
In 1996, CWEP approved the issuance of bonds to expand the water storage and distribution system and wastewater plant capacity.
These improvements, along with an additional $6,000,000 investment by CWEP, ensured the community had ample water and wastewater capacity to meet its needs well into the 21st century.
CWEP Today
Today, a fully capable power plant stands ready to aid as a peaking plant that can be brought online to help keep the cost of power low for Carthage consumers.
The power plant has also sold quantities of electrical power on the open market during shortages in other parts of the state and country, helping keep local rates well below the national average.
A Tradition of Service
CWEP has always taken pride in the high quality and dedication of its employees. Crews react quickly during severe weather and stand ready for emergencies.
The experience and knowledge of the staff and management are reflected in the community’s confidence that clean water, reliable power, and internet service will be available at a reasonable cost.
