Greer CPW was created in a 1913 citywide election. In 1914, Greer CPW began providing electric, water and waste water services and in 1957 launched natural gas service. By 2008, Greer CPW had grown to providing service to nearly 16,000 electric, almost 20,000 gas, over 17,000 water and about 10,000 waste water meters.
Greer CPW generated its electric supply until 1927 at which time it became a power purchaser. Until 1985 Greer CPW bought wholesale electricity from Duke Power above and beyond its low-cost Southeastern Power Administration (SEPA) allotment. In 1985, Greer became a charter member of the ten-member Piedmont Municipal Power Agency (PMPA), which owns 25% of Duke Energy’s Catawba Nuclear Station Unit 2. PMPA provides over 96% of Greer CPW’s wholesale electric supply.
Greer CPW’s electric unit has 190 miles of overhead and 170 miles of underground 12.470 kV distribution covering 32.4 square miles.
Greer CPW’s gas unit is served by Transcontinental Gas Pipeline (Transco) through an eight-inch high pressure line owned by Greer CPW along with 46 miles of high pressure lines, 683 miles of intermediate and distribution lines, and 139 pressure-reducing and regulating stations. Gas service customers cover 450 square miles.
Greer CPW’s waterworks unit consists of two raw water reservoirs; Lake Cunningham and Lake Robinson. Lake Cunningham was constructed in 1957 and is about 280 surface acres. Lake Robinson was constructed in 1984 and has about 800 surface acres. Greer CPW’s 24 MGD water treatment plant is located at Lake Cunningham.
Greer CPW’s wastewater unit consists of the 4.5 MGD capacity Maple Creek plant placed in operations in the 1950’s, but subsequently upgraded in 1997 and 2000. Currently Greer CPW is upgrading the plant to 7.5 MGD with 10 MGD targeted. Wastewater customers are served through approximately 70 miles of collector mains and outfall lines.
Greer CPW is governed by a three member Commission of Public Works elected at large for staggered six-year terms. The Commission has management, budgetary, debt management, rate setting and fiscal responsibility for Greer CPW. The Commission makes recommendations to the City Council for the issuance of bonds.
