[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 158 (Thursday, September 28, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E908]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF THE MODESTO IRRIGATION DISTRICT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN S. DUARTE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 28, 2023

  Mr. DUARTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today because the Modesto Irrigation 
District is celebrating 100 years of supplying clean, reliable power to 
our communities. Since the construction of the Don Pedro Dam and the 
coinciding establishment of the Don Pedro Powerhouse, Modesto 
Irrigation District has been providing the City of Modesto and the 
surrounding areas with power that has brought innovation, growth, and 
development to the region.
  In 1919, a bill was introduced to provide for the development of 
power by irrigation districts. Governor William D. Stephens signed the 
bill into law May 21, 1919. Three days before the bill was to become 
effective, construction of the Don Pedro Dam and Powerhouse began.
  On October 27. 1921. the first concrete was poured at the dam. With 
construction of both the Don Pedro Dam and Powerhouse underway, the 
decision was made for the plants to generate and distribute their own 
power. In 1923, Modesto Irrigation District raised its first power 
pole. It took determined, fearless people with incredible foresight to 
accomplish such an achievement despite the presence of a powerful and 
already established, competitive private utility.
  Throughout the years, the successes of the retail distribution of 
power out of Modesto Irrigation District continued. In 1950, there was 
a net energy profit of $1 million-a-year as shown by the electrical 
department, and energy consumption increased 10 percent per year in the 
post-war years.
  Due to being publicly owned and locally controlled, the Modesto 
Irrigation District could provide the people of Modesto and the 
surrounding area with lower energy rates than private utilities. These 
lower rates helped grow Modesto and the surrounding region in both the 
residential and industrial fields at a rapid rate.
  Today, 100 years since the introduction of retail power in the 
region, Modesto Irrigation District serves an area of 560 square miles 
with electricity. This electricity is transmitted over 1,800 miles of 
power lines throughout their service area. The District relies on a 
diverse, balanced power resource mix to meet customers' needs. 
Embracing the latest technology and sustainable practices. Modesto 
Irrigation District continues to be a leader in the public power 
industry.
  Through the courageous determination of their founders, Modesto 
Irrigation District evolved into a robust and self-reliant community-
owned utility. On behalf of the people of California's 1311, 
Congressional District. I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations 
to Modesto Irrigation District for 100 years of service and offer my 
sincerest wishes to their future.

                          ____________________