Page 19 - Senior Link Magazine Summer 2026 - Online Magazine

LEVELLAND HISTORY

first ordinance, granting a franchise to an electric provider, A century later, we call it something different—demand
was not only practical, but also forward-looking. charges—but the idea is the same: keeping the lights on
means paying not just for what you use, but for what must
Most established businesses in towns across the U.S. already always be available.
relied on electricity by the 1920s for lighting, equipment, and
longer operating hours. Although many homes in towns had Levelland’s first franchise agreement was a simple bargain:
electricity, it was not guaranteed. Service could be limited the city granted access to its streets, alleys, and right-of-ways
or inconsistent, and some households still used kerosene and, in return, the community received electric service.
lamps.
A century later, franchise agreements are far more complex,
In counties like Hockley, electrification lagged significantly. shaped by regulation, regional markets, and modern
Widespread rural electrification didn’t really take off until infrastructure. But the foundation is unchanged. Utilities still
the 1930s and 1940s (with New Deal programs like the Rural rely on access to public spaces, and cities still negotiate on
Electrification Administration). behalf of their citizens.
Bringing electricity to a community wasn’t routine, it was The details have evolved. The purpose has not.
transformational.
In 2026, Levelland still has a franchise agreement for this
In 1926, 5,000 kilowatt hours of electricity cost users just four service. As part of the agreement, Xcel Energy agrees to pay
cents—less than a dollar in today’s money. Today, that same franchise fees to the city for the use of Levelland’s right-of-
amount would cost hundreds, because the difference isn’t ways. Those fees are part of the city’s annual budget and
just price, it’s how much more we expect from the power help off-set costs to the citizens. In the current year’s budget,
behind the switch. Something that began as a luxury has it is projected that the city will receive $700,000 in franchise
become an essential, high-demand utility. fees from Xcel Energy.

As part of the agreement, the city agreed to pay Texas This is just one of many decisions that have been made in
Utilities Company a minimum monthly charge based on the past 100 years that have helped to shape the City of
‘horsepower’—a term borrowed from the mechanical age Levelland. As we continue through our centennial year,
to describe electrical demand. It wasn’t about how much additional articles will become available showing how
electricity was used, but how much power had to be ready at city leaders have been forward-focused and innovative in
a moment’s notice. the decisions that were made on behalf of the citizens. If
you would like to receive those articles, send an email to
That charge was for electricity provided to the city for Levelland100@yahoo.com to be added to the mailing list.
streetlights as well as the power needed to run the pumps
that provided water for customers.