The City established its own electric utility in 1904 with the completion of hydroelectric facilities in Hobble Creek Canyon and the installation of poles and wires to deliver the energy to its citizens. Since that time, the people of Springville have enjoyed the benefits of owning their own electrical system.
The primary benefit of local public ownership is the ability of the citizens to have a direct voice in the operation of the utility and the allocation of its derived benefits. Public ownership allows the City to transfer monies to the City’s general fund. These transfers help defray the costs derived from the City general operations and reduce the need for additional tax or fee revenue. Street lighting and energy usage, government building energy usage, and electrical services are all benefits Springville Citizens enjoy without a direct charge being assessed to the general fund.
Currently, the City is a member of the Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems (UAMPS). This organization is made up by 46 public utilities located in Utah, Idaho, Nevada, California, and New Mexico. Each member participates in projects based upon their system requirements, and can also take advantage of the collective resources through the economy of scale such a large offers.
The City is also a member of the Southern Utah Valley Power Systems (SUVPS) organization. This group operates and maintains the transmission/substation network located in the south part of Utah County. SUVPS is comprised of Springville, Spanish Fork, Salem, South Utah Valley Electric Service District (SESD), and Payson, which are all publically owned utilities.
Springville is also a member of the North West Public Power Association (NWPPA) and the American Public Power Association (APPA).