Beatrice Lang
Kaukauna, Wisconsin, earned its nickname, The Electric City, due to its history of producing hydropower from the Fox River. The city's location along the river, with multiple high drops, makes it ideal for hydroelectric power plants. Kaukauna Utilities, a municipally owned electric and water company, continues to harness hydropower today, providing lower electricity rates that attract businesses to the area. The nickname The Electric City has been embraced by the community, with references to it seen throughout the city, including in its festivals, sports teams, and businesses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Kaukauna, Wisconsin, United States |
| Population | 17,089 (2020 census) |
| River | Fox River |
| History of Electricity | Hydropower from Fox River, used since 1885 |
| Current Electricity Provider | Kaukauna Utilities |
| Renewable Energy Sources | Hydropower (nearly 30%) |
| Electricity Rates | Lower than competitors |
| Attractions | Electric City Lanes bowling alley, Electric City Experience music festival, Electric City Youth Soccer Association |
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What You'll Learn
- Kaukauna's Fox River location is ideal for hydroelectric power plants
- The city's hydropower history dates back over two centuries
- Kaukauna Utilities provides renewable hydropower at low rates
- The city has embraced clean energy and progressive values
- Kaukauna's Electric Department once sold electric stoves
Kaukauna's Fox River location is ideal for hydroelectric power plants
Kaukauna Utilities Manager of Generation and Substations, Dave Pahl, noted that there is over a 100-foot drop in elevation between Appleton and Green Bay, making the area ideal for hydroelectric power plants. This natural advantage has played a significant role in driving industry to the area. The construction of five municipal hydroelectric generating plants in the late 1880s contributed to the city's nickname.
The Fox River, which divides the city into the North Side and South Side, offers numerous recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. The river's historical significance extends beyond its role in electricity generation, as it was once a site of considerable indigenous settlement and trade. The rapids at Kaukauna made it a natural gathering place for trade along the Fox River, and the area was occupied by the Menominee tribe and other groups.
Kaukauna's location along the Fox River has not only provided a source of renewable hydropower but has also shaped the city's development and influenced its identity. The city's rich history, natural resources, and beautiful landscapes attract businesses and residents seeking lower electricity rates and a high quality of life. The city's commitment to clean energy and progressive values further enhance its reputation as a prosperous and forward-thinking community.
Overall, Kaukauna's location on the Fox River has played a pivotal role in its development as a hydroelectric powerhouse, earning it the well-deserved moniker of "The Electric City." The city's continued embrace of renewable energy and its efforts to balance progress with traditional Midwestern values contribute to its unique character and appeal.
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The city's hydropower history dates back over two centuries
Kaukauna, Wisconsin, is known as the Electric City due to its history of producing hydropower from the Fox River. The city's hydropower history dates back over two centuries.
The city's favourable position along the Fox River, with multiple high drops, allows hydroelectric plants to generate electricity. In fact, there is over a 100-foot drop in elevation between Appleton and Green Bay, making the area ideal for hydroelectric power plants. This natural advantage has been harnessed for over 200 years, with the construction of municipal hydroelectric generating plants beginning in the 1880s.
The completion of the first hydroelectric plant in Kaukauna marked a shift in the city's nickname from "The Lion on the Fox" to "The Electric City". This name change reflects the significant impact of hydroelectric power on the city's identity and development. The hydroelectric plants were a driving force for industry in the area, attracting businesses and powering the city's growth.
Kaukauna's early adoption of hydroelectric power set it apart from other cities in the region. The city's electric department played a crucial role in bringing electricity to the community, selling electric stoves as early as 1916 and providing power to adjacent neighbourhoods in the 1920s. The city's commitment to clean energy and progress is further demonstrated by its low electricity rates today, which are achieved through the use of renewable hydropower.
The Electric City's hydropower history is deeply intertwined with its identity and development. The city has embraced its nickname, incorporating it into various establishments and events, such as the Electric City Lanes bowling alley and the annual Electric City Experience music festival. Kaukauna's hydropower history is a testament to its innovative spirit and forward-thinking approach to energy, solidifying its reputation as a leader in renewable energy utilisation.
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Kaukauna Utilities provides renewable hydropower at low rates
Kaukauna, Wisconsin, is known as the "Electric City" due to its history of producing hydropower from the Fox River. The city has been harnessing hydroelectric power since 1885, and today, Kaukauna Utilities provides renewable hydropower at low rates to the community.
Kaukauna Utilities is a municipally-owned electric and water company that serves the city of Kaukauna and portions of surrounding communities, including Little Chute, Combined Locks, Wrightstown, and others. The utility company has been providing electricity to the area for over a century, with its history dating back to the construction of the Old Badger hydroelectric power plant in 1912. This plant is still in operation today and can power 1,000 homes.
Kaukauna's location along the Fox River is ideal for hydroelectric power generation due to the significant drops in elevation that allow water to apply pressure on turbines to generate electricity. In fact, there is over a 100-foot drop in elevation between Appleton and Green Bay, making the area prime for hydroelectric power plants. This natural advantage has not only benefited the city economically but also contributed to its identity as the Electric City.
Kaukauna Utilities stands out among Wisconsin's city-owned utility companies by offering lower monthly electricity rates. This is largely due to their use of renewable energy sources, with nearly 30% of the city's energy coming from renewable hydropower. The low electricity rates have become a major selling point for business development in the city, attracting companies that require large amounts of energy, such as Bernatello's Foods, which chose to construct a cold storage distribution center in Kaukauna.
The combination of a rich history in hydropower, a commitment to renewable energy, and competitive rates has solidified Kaukauna's reputation as the Electric City. The city embraces this identity, with references to the Electric City found throughout, from the bowling alley to the music festival and even in the name of a former brewery.
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The city has embraced clean energy and progressive values
Kaukauna, Wisconsin, has a long history of producing hydropower from the Fox River, which runs through the city. The city's unique location along the river, with a significant drop in elevation, makes it ideal for hydroelectric power generation. This natural advantage has shaped Kaukauna's identity and commitment to clean energy and progressive values.
Kaukauna's embrace of clean energy is evident in its adoption of hydropower since the late 19th century. The construction of municipal hydroelectric generating plants in the 1880s earned the city its nickname, "The Electric City." The city-owned Kaukauna Utilities continues to harness hydropower from the Fox River, providing electricity and water services to the community. This locally sourced renewable energy contributes significantly to the city's energy supply, with nearly 30% of Kaukauna's energy coming from hydropower.
The city's commitment to clean energy has had a positive impact on its economic development. Kaukauna Utilities offers lower electricity rates compared to many privately owned utility companies in the state. These low rates have become a significant selling point for business development, attracting companies with high energy demands, such as Bernatello's Foods, to establish operations in Kaukauna. The city's early adoption of clean energy has not only reduced costs but also positioned Kaukauna as an attractive destination for businesses seeking sustainable energy solutions.
In addition to its focus on clean energy, Kaukauna has a history of embracing progressive values. The city has a diverse industrial and manufacturing base, including the historic Oscar Thilmany Paper Mill, established in 1883. Kaukauna was also an early provider of electric and water services to its residents, installing electric current meters in residences and businesses in 1913, allowing for more accurate billing. The city's electric and water departments made history in 1928 by being the first to request a combination rate for electricity that included the heating of homes, showcasing their commitment to innovation and efficiency.
Kaukauna's progressive nature is further reflected in its educational initiatives. The city has a rich history of promoting free education, ensuring that its residents have access to knowledge and learning opportunities. Additionally, Kaukauna is a "Bird City," with over 450 acres of protected greenspace, showcasing its commitment to environmental conservation and providing nature programming for its residents. The city also offers a range of recreational opportunities, including parks, trails, and access to the Fox River for activities like sports, swimming, and cultural experiences at the Historic Grignon Mansion and the 1000 Islands Environmental Center.
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Kaukauna's Electric Department once sold electric stoves
Kaukauna, Wisconsin, earned its nickname, the "Electric City", from its history of producing hydropower from the Fox River, on which it is situated. The city has been known by this nickname since 1885, when a hydroelectric plant was completed. The river's high drops between Appleton and Green Bay allow hydroelectric plants to generate electricity by harnessing the power of falling water.
The city's electric department has played a significant role in Kaukauna's history and its claim to fame as the Electric City. In 1913, the department had 550 customers, a number that grew to 2,276 in 1923. During this period, the department was building lines to adjacent neighbourhoods to provide electricity to farmers' homes and farms.
In 1916, the City of Kaukauna Electric Department sold electric stoves priced from $30 to $225. The department discontinued selling stoves in 1944. During World War I, the raw materials needed for these stoves were hard to come by.
Kaukauna Utilities, a municipally owned electric and water company, maintains the city's history of producing hydropower. The company, originally known as the Kaukauna Gas and Electric Company, celebrated its 110th anniversary in 2012. In 1919, an electric motor was installed in the Lawe Street drawbridge, eliminating the need for a bridge tender to crank it open by hand.
Today, Kaukauna Utilities provides electric service to portions of several communities in Wisconsin, including Kaukauna, Little Chute, Combined Locks, Wrightstown, Buchanan, Freedom, Holland, Oneida, and Vandenbroek. The company offers resources such as information about electric and water rates, incentive programs, community contributions, scholarships, and educational articles.
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Frequently asked questions
Kaukauna, Wisconsin, earned its nickname from its history of producing hydropower from the Fox River. The city has been known as the Electric City since 1885, when the Village of Ledyard joined with the north side to form the City of Kaukauna.
Hydropower is produced by falling water, where a large volume of water at a change in elevation applies pressure on a turbine to spin a generator to produce electricity. Kaukauna is situated along the Fox River, which has multiple high drops that allow hydroelectric plants to generate electricity.
Kaukauna's early electrification efforts included installing electric current meters in residences and businesses in 1913, allowing customers to be billed by the kilowatt. In 1916, the City of Kaukauna Electric Department sold electric stoves priced from $30 to $225. In 1919, an electric motor was installed in the Lawe Street drawbridge to allow it to open and close without a crank.
