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Over a century of hydroelectric power and legacy for Ephraim, Utah

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Over a century of hydroelectric power and legacy for Ephraim, Utah

By Cory Daniels

Nestled in the heart of the U.S. state of Utah, the city of Ephraim has a rich history of innovation and community-driven progress. One of the most significant milestones in this history is the development and evolution of the city’s hydroelectric power system. Ephraim’s oldest hydro plant, which began operating in 1905, was inducted into the Hydro Hall of Fame at HYDROVISION International 2024. This is an opportune moment to reflect on the journey that began over a century ago and continues to power the city today.

Hydro Hall of Fame

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The beginnings: Early 20th century visionaries

The history of Ephraim City’s Electric Light and Power system dates to 1904, under the leadership of Mayor Alfred Dahl. In a period marked by burgeoning technological advancements, the city’s leaders recognized the potential of harnessing electricity to improve the quality of life for their 150 to 200 residents. A mass meeting was called to discuss the establishment of a hydroelectric power plant with a capacity of 200 kW, and the proposal quickly gained traction.

The decision to proceed was made, and engineer Frank C. Kelsey from Salt Lake City was employed to design the specifications for the power plant. Water would be supplied to the powerhouse via a flume canal located 2.5 miles east of the city in Ephraim Canyon. Tragically, Mayor Dahl passed away on Dec. 1, 1904, before the project could be completed. His vision, however, lived on through the efforts of his successor, Councilman C.R. Dorius.

On March 5, 1905, a special bond election was called, and the citizens of Ephraim voted in favor of building the power plant, with a budget of $20,000. Construction commenced in the summer of 1905, overseen by Henri B. Bixler from Akron, Ohio. By the end of the year, the power plant was operational, initially running only during the night to provide essential electricity for streetlights and households.

Expansion and adaptation: Growing with the community

The early years of the power plant saw gradual expansions to meet the growing needs of the community. In April 1909, the city council extended the operating hours to include daylight, providing power from noon to sundown. By 1910, efforts were under way to secure additional water sources, as at the time there was only one source of water, which came from Cottonwood Creek in Ephraim Canyon. This led to the construction of the New Canyon ditch, which diverted water from New Canyon Creek to the electric light canal and would allow for more generation at the power plant.

A significant development occurred in 1927 when the citizens of Ephraim voted for a $40,000 bond to build a second hydroelectric power plant called Lake Hill. The city’s need for power was increasing. A pea factory was coming to town, so they needed the energy to supply that factory. The new plant was located about 4 miles east of Ephraim in Ephraim Canyon. This new 300 kW facility was completed in the winter of 1927-1928 and began operation in June 1928 under the administration of Mayor Andrew Armstrong. The Lake Hill power plant marked a major milestone, significantly increasing the city’s power generation capacity. This plant no longer exists.

Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, the city’s hydroelectric system continued to evolve. Under Mayor Lyman Willardsen in 1936, an 8-inch-diameter steel pipe replaced the cement pipeline between the lower Old Hydro plant and upper Lake Hill plant, enhancing efficiency of the two plants. An extra 15 kW turbine-generator unit was also installed at the Old Hydro plant to use drinking water for power generation. By 1940, a new, higher capacity power line was constructed from the lower plant to the city, further improving the distribution network.

Challenges and innovations: Adapting to change

The mid-20th century brought new challenges and innovations to Ephraim’s hydroelectric system. In 1946, under Mayor L.C. Anderson, a 16-inch-diameter steel pipeline was installed. The pipeline ran from Birch Creek, about 4 miles east of Ephraim City in Ephraim Canyon, to the lower plant, replacing the old Bald Mountain electric power ditch about 2.5 miles east of Ephraim in the canyon. This upgrade was crucial in maintaining a reliable water supply for power generation. Birch Creek supplied water to the Lake Hill power plant and then it was diverted through a tailrace into a pipeline for the Old Hydro plant.

In 1950, the city voted to rebuild the electric power distribution system at a cost of $10,000. The following year, another significant investment was made with the construction of a new diesel electric power plant in the city center, costing $130,000. This plant, operational by May 1952, was designed not only to meet the increasing power demands but also to heat a proposed swimming pool, showcasing the city’s forward-thinking approach.

By December 1953, Ephraim’s power generating capacity had grown substantially. The upper plant’s capacity was 225 kW, the lower plant 200 kW and the diesel plant 470 kW. Despite seasonal variations in water availability, the city’s power infrastructure had become robust enough to support its needs and even those of neighboring communities like Moroni and Wales.

Anecdotes and community spirit

The history of Ephraim’s hydroelectric power system is not just about technical advancements, it is also about the community spirit and dedication of its people. One such story dates to the 1940s when local boys, in a mischievous attempt to shoot the doorknob off the Old Hydro plant, accidentally pierced the generator, necessitating repairs. This incident, while causing temporary disruption, also highlighted the close-knit nature of the community and the challenges faced in maintaining the power plant.

The dedication of the men who worked at the hydro plant is another testament to the community’s spirit. These workers were responsible for daily maintenance, including cleaning the ditches that channeled water to the plant. They walked the ditches morning and night, ensuring debris was cleared to maintain optimal water flow.

The men employed at the plant often had to perform labor-intensive tasks, including using horse teams to clear the ditches. Their commitment to keeping the hydro plant operational was unwavering, and their efforts laid the foundation for the reliable power system Ephraim enjoys today.

Preservation and modernization: Continuing the legacy

As we celebrate the induction of Ephraim’s old hydro plant into the Hydro Hall of Fame, it is important to recognize the ongoing efforts to preserve and modernize this historical asset. The old wooden shake roof of the building was replaced in the spring of 2017, ensuring the structure remains intact for future generations. The city will continue to pursue grant money to ensure the building stays intact for the next 50 to 100 years.

Today, the hydro plant continues to produce an annual average output of 70 kW to 80 kW, which sustains the community’s needs. Repairs and continual upkeep are still required, reflecting the dynamic nature of hydroelectric power generation. The dedication seen in the early 20th century persists, with modern technologies and techniques enhancing the plant’s efficiency and reliability.

Honoring the pioneers and their contributions

The story of Ephraim’s hydroelectric power system would be incomplete without acknowledging the pioneers who played pivotal roles in its development. J.H. Jensen, one of the city’s longest-serving employees, contributed significantly to the system’s growth over his 44-year tenure. His detailed account of the power system’s history provides valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs faced by the community.

Other notable figures include the various superintendents of water, such as F.Y. Jensen, Martin Johnson, N.C. Frost, Evan C. Erickson, James Z. Jensen, Archie Larsen, Frank Jesen, Melvin DeMille, Shirley Zabriskie, Hilmer Petersen, and J.H. Jensen. Their leadership and vision were instrumental in shaping the city’s power infrastructure.

Conclusion: A legacy of innovation and community

The induction of Ephraim’s old hydro plant into the Hydro Hall of Fame is not just a recognition of a piece of infrastructure but a celebration of a community’s journey. It’s a tribute to the visionaries who saw the potential for a brighter future, the engineers and workers who turned that vision into reality, and the countless individuals who have maintained and operated the plant through the years.

In recent years, Ephraim City has continued to build on this legacy by adding two additional hydro units to its mix of resources. Units 1 and 2, located at the mouth of Ephraim Canyon about 2.5 miles east of town and built in the mid-1980s, still generate enough electricity to power about 60% of Ephraim City’s loads during high runoff and spring collection periods. With a system peak load reaching 10 MW at certain times of the year — mainly in late July, August and early September — these units play a crucial role in meeting the city’s energy demands. Unit 1 has a maximum capacity of 2 MW, and Unit 2 has a maximum capacity of 750 kW.

On average, the old hydro plant produces around 500,000 kWh annually. It is mainly powered by snowmelt during the winter months, providing consistent power even with low flow. This production helps offset electricity that would otherwise need to be purchased from the market, ensuring a reliable and cost-effective energy source for the community.

As we look to the future, we carry forward the legacy of those who came before us, continuing to innovate and improve our power systems. The hydro plant’s history serves as a reminder of what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared purpose and a commitment to progress. We celebrate not just a hydro plant but the enduring spirit of Ephraim, Utah — a city powered by ingenuity, dedication and a strong sense of community.

Cory Daniels is power director for Ephraim City Power.

Editor’s Note: If you know of a historic hydro facility, anywhere in the world, that has been operating continuously for 100 years or more, click here to nominate it for the Hydro Hall of Fame. The 2025 inductees will be announced at HYDROVISION International next July in Minneapolis, Minn., U.S.