History
Introduction
Private Enterprise
Years of Prosperity
The War Years
The First Enterprise
Energy Crisis and Trusteeship
Community, Conservation, and Service
Into the Next Century and Beyond
Energy Efficiency Pays Big 1
Energy Efficiency Pays Big 2
Energy Efficiency Pays Big 3
Innovations and Environment

Waverly Light & Power
1002 Adams Parkway
Waverly, IA 50677

Service & Billing:
(319) 352-4252

General:
(319) 352-6251

Fax:
(319) 352-6254

Weekends:
(319) 352-5400

Introduction

Waverly Light and Power's history was typical of the U.S. electrical utility industry in taking advantage of economies of scale. As that structure changed from small, local only generation, the price of electricity plummeted -- from $4.00 per kiloWatt-hour for U.S. consumers in 1892 to 60ó in 1930 and just 7ó in 1970 (in 1992 dollars). The 1993 Waverly Light and Power system average cost to customers was 6.6ó. Demand has soared. Thus, a relatively recent push for "conserving" to stem future escalating costs, and, to respond to an increasing awareness that we have a moral obligation to be good stewards of the resources that we employ. Interestingly, small, local generation is a likely prospect for future resources. History repeats itself?

The history of the utility is not lacking in color, with many notable events and changes, some of which were not always welcomed. Some examples are: A hanging, disasters from fire - both at our beginning and very recently - and floods from the river that spawned the energy business. Renewable energy generation was our start and is our most recent addition.

The utility is and has been a cornerstone in the development of this community. Waverly is a vibrant community and has always met challenges head-on. The operation of its electric utility reflects this spirit of innovation and determination. The City made a wise decision back in 1904 by spending $13,500 to own their electric utility. That choice has yielded millions of $ in helping the community prosper, while still owning an asset worth over $20 million.

We had fun in researching our history. Many thanks to our predecessors for saving some priceless photos and records. A special thank you to Karen Bergmann our resident historian and to Mary Chevelle for excellent research and compiling.
We hope that you will enjoy reflecting on our past.

What's New

Waverly Light & Power Receives National Recognition for Reliable Electric Operations

Waverly Light and Power names new General Manager

Waverly Light and Power completes second substation retro fill

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