Tell City Electric Department has been in business since 1941. Previous to 1941, electric service to Tell City and the surrounding area, including Cannelton, Troy and Hawesville (Kentucky) was provided by the Ohio River Power Company. Ohio River Power owned and operated an electric generation plant in Tell City.
In early 1941 Ohio River Power Company was put up for sale. The City government at that time, including Mayor Ed Huebschman and Clerk-Treasurer Norman E. Ress, was interested in purchasing the assets of the company. A petition signed by 5% or more of the voters of the City was presented to the City Council requesting the purchase of the company.
The City Council on August 27, 1941, entered into a contract for the purchase of the Ohio River Power Company for $475,000.00. The purchase became official on October 10, when $490,000.00 of revenue bonds at a 3.5% rate of interest were sold to finance the purchase. TCED is governed by a Board of Directors appointed by the Mayor and City Council. The TCED General Manager is responsible for the operation of the department and supervises 18 full time employees. The Board of Directors and the Tell City, City Council has final approval authority for all TCED rates and charges.
TCED is a member/owner of the Indiana Municipal Power Agency (IMPA). IMPA is which is our power supplier. TCED strives to engage in the betterment of the Tell City area and supports efficient use of energy. TCED contributes to community betterment through volunteer efforts, educational programs, and community involvement. We do all of this to repay our customers for their business, provide a brighter future for Tell City and make Tell City a better and more inviting place to live.