YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
Dear editor,
This year, City Utilities celebrates 80 years of powering Springfield’s growth. Since 1945, CU has been more than just a utility provider – we have been a driving force behind the city’s economic development, providing access to reliable, affordable services.
As one of the largest public power utilities in the nation – and the only to provide electric, natural gas, water, broadband and transit – CU has played a critical role in Springfield’s economic success. Being community owned means we prioritize value over profit, reinvesting in infrastructure and innovation to keep Springfield competitive and attractive for growth.
Local control has been at the heart of our success. In the late 1800s, Springfield’s utilities were controlled by out-of-state private companies that prioritized profits over service. In 1945, Springfield residents took ownership of their future by purchasing Springfield Gas and Electric Co., ensuring a stable and locally managed power supply for the future.
CU has consistently invested in infrastructure to support economic expansion. The construction of the James River Power Station in 1957 was a pivotal moment, helping Springfield establish itself as a leading economic hub in southwest Missouri. More recently, in 2023, CU completed its fiber expansion project, bringing high-speed internet access to nearly every Springfield resident and business. This investment in infrastructure ensures Springfield remains competitive in today’s technology-driven economy, supporting business operations, remote work, education and health care.
Our commitment to affordability directly benefits businesses. In 2024, CU’s electric customers paid 28% less than the national average and 11% below the state average. Natural gas customers saved even more, with rates 35% below the national average and 52% below the state average. These savings translate into lower operating costs for businesses, making Springfield an attractive location for startups, expansions, and long-term investments.
Beyond infrastructure and affordability, CU actively supports business growth through strategic partnerships and initiatives. Our economic development team works closely with local organizations, site selectors and industries to facilitate business expansion and relocation. We provide tailored energy solutions, infrastructure planning and efficiency programs to help businesses maximize operational efficiency and sustainability.
For 80 years, CU has proudly powered Springfield’s progress. As we look ahead, we remain committed to fostering economic development, supporting businesses and strengthening our community. We are here. We live here. And we exist to serve you – just as we have for the past 80 years.
—Dwayne Fulk, president/CEO, City Utilities of Springfield
Springfield-based Small Batch expects growth in sales as they target a national, local market.
City Utilities must work with Springfield City Council to promote the repeal of a nonsensical, discriminatory tax placed upon CU residential customers who reside just beyond the city limits. This tax has remained in place for, I believe, more than seven decades. Utility customers outside the city limits but immediately adjacent to the city generally purchase their goods and services from city-based merchants. Should we charge an additional tax on those purchases merely because the purchaser resides just beyond city boundaries? That’s what happens with utilities. We pay a tax of 5, or 10 percent on utilities, depending upon which we use (gas, water or electric). Former CU Manager Gary Gibson has publicly stated it costs CU no more to serve non-city residents. This is an unfair tax, especially for those non-city customers with CU pipelines, cell towers and telephone poles on their properties, all of which help CU’s bottom line.
Let’s put an end to this discretionary tax.