State fair display kicks off this historic anniversary and shares our story through photos, artifacts
At LG&E and KU, we are marking an extraordinary moment in our company’s history: a centennial celebration of our utilities.
A number of commemorative events are planned over the next year as we celebrate our historic anniversary. And, we’re kicking off our celebration at the Kentucky State Fair from Aug. 16 – 26.
We invite you to stop by and visit the LG&E and KU booth in the Main Street Kentucky exhibit area, which is located in the South Wing. Our booth tells the story of the utilities’ historic and far-reaching contributions through photographs, artifacts and displays about our rich history.
“Both LG&E and KU have rich histories that we are proud to celebrate with our customers and employees,” said Victor A. Staffieri, chairman, CEO and president of LG&E and KU. “During our centennial observance, we honor LG&E and KU and the outstanding qualities that define the companies today: dedicated employees, corporate citizenship, a commitment to safety and customer satisfaction, reliable service and low-cost energy — reasons for us all to celebrate.”
The first official celebration milestone takes place tomorrow, Aug. 17, to commemorate the date in 1912 when New Yorker Harry Reid sold his Versailles electric company and became general manager of a new company called Kentucky Utilities Company. It was part of Chicago-based Middle West Corporation. Reid came to central Kentucky seven years earlier to buy the Versailles power plant, with a vision of creating a network of electricity generating plants.
To cap off the year-long centennial celebration, one of the final milestones will take place July 2, 2013. It was on that date in 1913 that entrepreneur H.M. Byllesby consolidated a number of gas and electric companies to form Louisville Gas and Electric Company. LG&E — whose predecessor’s roots trace back 175 years — was owned by Standard Gas and Electric system that served 5.5 million customers in 19 states at the time.
Each utility has contributed to the growth and prosperity of the commonwealth of Kentucky. We have seen dramatic progress over the last 100 years, but one thing has stayed the same from our standpoint. At the end of the day, we strive to provide the same service to every customer…the very best possible.
Take a look at our online timeline to learn more about the utilities’ significant milestones through the years.
