Electric and Natural Gas Service

 The City of Newton has been providing Electrical power for it's citizens since 1941,  providing electricity service to over 1100 meters. In 2001, the city electrical crews completed a voltage change over that converted the system to one voltage, improving the efficiency of the distribution system. 
In September 2005, Hurricane Rita destroyed 75% of the electrical distribution system, but with the help of  CPS Energy from San Antonio the system was rebuilt in less than a month. With the many improvements made to the electrical system the City Council has been able to lower the electrical rate four times in the last 10 years. The City of Newton's Electrical rates are now among the lowest in the State of Texas.  The average cost of electricity of the residence of the city of Newton is less than 10 cents per kWh including the fixed cost of the power cost recovery. The City currently purchase it's power from NRG.



The City of Newton began servicing its citizens with Natural Gas Service in 1949, and now provides services to just over 800 customers. The gas system,  has undergone major improvement over the past decade. Over the last 14 years the City of Newton Gas personnel have installed over 7 miles of  poly gas pipe and has lowered the unaccounted for gas from over 14% in the late 1980's to under 2% in 2010. The dedication of the city employees and the efficiency of the system has enabled the City to keep the cost of natural gas low.
 

 

 

Electrical and Natural
Service

Main Office:  101 North Street    Main Phone: 409-379-5061
Emergency Phone: 409-379-3636, email: city@newtontexas.org

James Bean,
Electrical Superintendent
Jay Wilkerson,
Natural Gas Superintendent

Melvin Forward,
Retired Electrical Superintendent
Edgar Hogg,
Retired Natural Gas Superintendent

 
 

   
 


Electrical Lineman  James Bean replaces a transformer.

          HISTORY
The City Council of the Town of Newton started discussion on the construction of a Electrical Power system in 1940 and at the regular meeting on February 15 , 1941 an election was held to authorize the issuance of $75,000 in revenue bonds to acquire and improve and Electric Light and Power System. February 20, 1941 the election was canvassed with 102 votes cast all in favor. On February 27th 1941 the City Council passed a resolution employing Albert C. Moore and Company, consulting engineers of San Antonio, Texas as engineers for the Town of Newton, Texas in connection with the establishment of Municipal Electrical Lighting and Power System. Plans were approved for the electric distribution system and diesel electric generating plant on March 24, 1941. A contract was signed with Universal Electric Construction Company for 64,980.33 for the construction and installation of the Electric Power Plant and distribution system. Noted in the bid specification for the electrical distribution and generating plant that prevailing rate of wage which had been established by the owner was as follows: Skilled Labor .80 cents per hour, Semi-skilled labor or .45 cents per hour and unskilled labor .30 cents per hour.
         On March 23, 1942 the town of Newton accepted the Electric Light and Power generating plant and distribution system for operation and purchased the General Light and Power Company. But by September 18, 1946 with growing need for electrical service the Mayor and secretary were authorized to execute a contract with Gulf States Utilities Co. for the purchase of Electrical power. At the March 20, 1950 City Council meeting the Mayor and Council approved a 5 year contract with Gulf States Utilities Company, beginning April 1, 1950 for the delivery of electric power to the City of Newton Municipal Power Distribution System.
           On August 7, 1947 the city council discussed making an effort to get natural gas for the City of Newton. The Mayor was authorized to negotiate with Garrett Engineering Co. of Houston Texas to seek a commitment to purchase natural gas at wholesale prices for the City of Newton. Feb 4, 1948: Mayor Stringer introduced a motion to sell 80,000 revenue bonds to install gas system in the City of Newton. An election held on Feb 28,1948, Voting 114 for 0 Against the city proceeded with plans for construction. After researching the cost for construction of the gas system it was determined that the gas system could not be installed for 80,000 and a new bond election was order on April 17, 1948 on a 100,000 bond. 54 votes for  0 against. June 15, 1948 an ordinance prescribing rates to be charged by the City of Newton Natural Gas Service at 1.50 min charge and .80 per mcf for first 4200 cu feet.
     
Electric Crew makes repairs after a storm.
Melvin Forward makes repairs to power lines.

CPS crew making repairs to Electrical Lines after Hurricane Rita.
Daniel King practicing his trade at LIT.

Natural Gas crew installing new natural gas connections.
Natural Gas Lines being replace with new poly line along Caney Creek.

Tree Trimming crews from San Antonio trims pine trees after hurricane Rita. 
Daniel King second from the left shown during his training at Lamar Institute of Technology School. 


City of Newton Electrical Lineman Daniel King (left) and Brant Will installing a new pole and transformer. (July 2007)


Daniel King prepares utility pole for meter connection. (July 2007)
 
          .