Alpena Power Company

Alpena Power Company has been serving the Alpena area since 1881 when it was founded by George N. Fletcher. Since that time it has continued to bring reliable service to its customers. On this page, you will be able to see how Alpena Power has continued to grow from its inception.

On October 10, 1881, the Alpena Electric Light Company held its first Directors Meeting. The company was formed for the “manufacture and production of electricity and electrical lights to supply the City of Alpena and the inhabitants thereof”. First entries in the construction accounts are dated, November 30, 1881.

In 1886 there were 67 street lights in service.

In 1890, the Company purchased a 1,300-volt Thompson-Huston Incandescent Lighting Plant. In 1891, a boiler was purchased and moved to the Richardson Mill Dam (located just below Tenth Avenue) in order to operate it as a steam plant for the production of electricity.

In 1898, a new power house was erected on the north side of the Thunder Bay River at the Richardson Dam. Also during this time period, the construction of Four Mile Dam was started.

In 1902, the Alpena Electric Company acquired the Alpena City Water Company including the Hubbard Lake Dam. Construction of Four Mile Dam was completed.

The mission of Alpena Power Company is to provide in a responsible and environmentally compatible manner, for our customers, high quality, low cost services; for employees, continuing development in a productive workplace; and for our shareholders, a fair rate of return on their investment.