Gallatin bought its first Fairbanks-Morse Diesel generating unit for electricity in 1936, adding a second F-M Diesel and then later a third F-M Diesel unit in 1939.

Gallatin Municipal Electric Power Plant (circa 1936)

Gallatin Municipal Electric Power Plant (circa 1936)

Gallatin bought its first Fairbanks-Morse Diesel generating unit in 1936, adding a second F-M Diesel and then later a third F-M Diesel unit in 1939.

Eventually, electricity could be purchased off the grid more cheaply than by operating its own generators. Still, even when not actually in use, the ability to produce electricity during periods of peak demand helped keep electric rates low for Gallatin consumers.

Gallatin Municipal Electric Power Plant (date unknown)

An aerial view of the City of Gallatin electrical plant and water treatment facilities (circa 1950), submitted by Jim Long.

A new 2,500 KW EMO was installed at the Gallatin Municipal Power Plant in 1983.

For decades the City of Gallatin operated and maintained its own diesel-power electric generators to save money for its electricity users. The ability of the city to produce electricity during “peak demand” periods allowed for a lower rate charged for power by the providing electric cooperative. Thus, the city’s power plant made money only when it was not actually in use.

Gallatin Municipal Electric Power Plant (date unknown)

Gallatin Municipal Electric Power Plant (date unknown)

Director of Utilities Conrad “Connie” Bashford pauses beside a new utility truck when purchased by the City of Gallatin for the municipality’s Electric Department. Connie had a vast knowledge and experience in electrical power distribution. Bashford worked for Farmers Electric Cooperative in Chillicothe, Missouri Power and Light, the City of Gallatin, the City of Macon, and the City of Cameron. Bashford [1934-2016] attended public school at Carlow and Jamesport before graduating from Gallatin High School in 1952. He served in the U.S. Air Force before embarking on his professional career in electrical power.