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Community Owned Power
In December 1889, the Wyandotte Electric Light Company, a private, for-profit company, began providing streetlights and retail electric service for the community. In 1892, local residents voted to create a municipal electric utility, which initially provided street lighting. In 1896, the municipal electric utility began serving retail consumers and for a number of years the municipal electric utility and the Wyandotte Electric Light Company competed locally for consumers.
Today, Wyandotte's municipal electric utility is one of 41 public power systems in Michigan, and one of nearly 2,000 public power systems in the United States. It serves 12,939 consumers, has $22.2 million in annual revenues, and sold 282 million kilowatt-hours in 2001. Peak electric demands range from 65,000 to 70,000 kilowatts (65 to 70 megawatts).
The municipal electric system has three sources of supply to provide reliable, affordable service: the 70-megawatt municipal power plant, a 28-megawatt interconnection with Detroit Edison's 40,000-volt transmission system, and a 98-megawatt interconnection with Detroit Edison's 120,000-volt transmission system. |
Wyandotte Municipal Power Plant
The municipal power plant consists of three boilers and four generators. Fuels include coal, natural gas and tire-derived fuel (TDF). TDF has a higher Btu or heating value than coal, is half the price of coal and produces similar emissions. About 26,000 tons of TDF (the equivalent of 3.5 million scrap tires) were consumed at the Wyandotte municipal power plant in 2006. In addition to supplying over 90% of all the electricity need of the residences and businesses in Wyandotte, the municipal power plant also supplies 100% of all the steam needs of BASF and Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital. |
Wyandotte Municipal Electric Distribution System
The Wyandotte municipal electric distribution system consists of 12.5 miles of 69,000-volt transmission lines and 75.3 miles of 13,200-volt and 4,800-volt distribution lines. The municipal electric utility also installs, maintains and provides electricity for streetlights throughout the community without additional charge. |
