Tidal Current Destroys Lopez-San Juan Cable
The four-year-old Lopez-to–San Juan Okonite submarine cable failed due to the tremendous tidal current. Repairs were not finished until May 9 and cost $32,294.27. In addition, the excess … Read More
Mid-1950s Trend: “Live Better Electrically!”
The mid-1950s saw a nationwide effort to promote electric power sales. National “Live Better Electrically” and the “Medallion Homes” campaigns were launched.
OPALCO Headquarters Relocation Debate Draws 910 voters to Annual Meeting
Annual Meeting drew the largest crowd in the history of the San Juans: 910 members in attendance. There was a vote to decide where OPALCO’s headquarters should be … Read More
Willie Wiredhand Debuts at OPALCO
OPALCO didn’t start using the “Willie Wiredhand” mascot until 1953, two years after NRECA made him available to their member rural electric cooperatives. Here is Willie’s first appearance … Read More
1953 Update: Letellier and Buck Helm OPALCO
May 1953: George E. Letellier was the Manager of OPALCO and Robert F. Buck was President of the Board.
Lopez Island Celebrates New Power with Big Party
July 22, 1951: More than 700 people thronged Odlin Park on Lopez Island to help OPALCO and BPA celebrate the delivery of power from Anacortes to Lopez Island. … Read More
Submarine Cable Goes Live
July 18, 1951, 12:51 p.m.: After 14 years of effort to get low-cost Columbia River power from the mainland to the islands, BPA energized its newly installed cable … Read More
Shaw Island Powers Up
The lines on Shaw Island were energized.
World’s Longest Cable Laid From Anacortes to Decatur Island
“Bonneville Power Administration engineers yesterday completed laying the world’s longest submarine power cable, a line 7 ½ miles long linking Greens Point near Anacortes and the San Juan … Read More
“Queen’s Court” Christens Sub-Marine Cable
Anacortes’ “Queen’s Court” christened the cable to cross Rosario Strait and connect the San Juan Islands with power from BPA.
Celebrate OPALCO's 75th Anniversary
