NOD TO THE PAST, AN EYE TO THE FUTURE: Northern States Power-Wisconsin Celebrates 100 Years of Service
While locals recognize Xcel Energy’s operating company, Northern States Power-Wisconsin, for reliably providing the energy to power our lives and keep our community chugging along, they may not realize its deep roots in the area date back to the turn of the century – from harnessing the power of water for log driving to illuminating gas streetlights. And this year, NSP-Wisconsin celebrates its 100th anniversary, with a nod to its past and an eye toward the future.
For longtime locals and history buffs, NSP-Wisconsin is certainly a recognizable name. The journey began in 1923 when Northern States Power Company of Minnesota purchased the Wisconsin-Minnesota Light and Power Company, which had recently completed the Wissota Hydroelectric Project, an incredible feat and historic development that is still a salient contributor to the region’s economy today. The newly acquired company was renamed Northern States Power-Wisconsin on April 7, 1924, its headquarters moving from La Crosse to downtown Eau Claire.
Within a decade, the company transformed the great hydroelectric potential of the region by constructing a system of interconnected, semi-automatic hydroelectric plants and storage reservoirs. By 1929, NSPW was operating a system of five hydro plants on one river, including the Dells Hydro in Eau Claire. Today, they operate 19 hydroelectric generating plants on eight rivers in Wisconsin, as part of a diverse renewable energy portfolio, which also includes Upper Midwest wind farms, solar projects and biomass facilities. The company also expanded by offering natural gas service, and through acquisitions and mergers, NSPW grew to include customers in northern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
“To reach these historical milestones, it takes the dedication and innovation of thousands of current and retired employees,” said Karl Hoesly, president, Xcel Energy-Wisconsin and Michigan. “Our anniversary is more than a celebration; it reflects our commitment to innovation, progress, and making a positive impact.”
Since 2000, the company has been known as Xcel Energy, and serves 260,000 electric and 120,000 natural gas customers in parts of Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Over the last century, NSP-Wisconsin has navigated the Great Depression, World War II, technological advances, the “Big Wind” of 1980, numerous natural disasters, recessions and the pandemic.
“Now, we’re making steady progress on Xcel Energy’s ambitious, forward-thinking goals, while remaining committed to delivering reliable, clean and affordable service to our customers and communities,” Hoesly said. “As we embark on the next 100 years, I expect that we’ll keep building on our many achievements and I’m excited to see what the future holds.”
