LCEC Celebrates 85 Years of Powering SWFL

provided to The Santiva Chronicle

This year, LCEC proudly celebrates 85 years of energizing Southwest Florida and empowering communities since 1940. It all began when orange grove owner George Judd sold the North Fort Myers Mariana Grove power plant to residents to form an electric cooperative, starting with just 15 miles of power lines and 158 members.

Under the leadership of its first manager, Homer T. Welch, LCEC embarked on a mission to provide reliable, cost-effective electricity to the region. Eighty-five years later, that mission remains at the heart of the organization.

Today, LCEC serves more than 240,000 customers across six counties in Southwest Florida, with over 8,900 miles of distribution lines delivering efficient and dependable energy. LCEC employs more than 450 employees who are dedicated to serving its members and practicing the LCEC values of safety, service, integrity, diversity, teamwork, accountability, and community stewardship daily.

LCEC members can rest assured knowing LCEC will spend the next 85 years working just as diligently to provide reliable electric and quality service at the lowest possible rates while continuing to give back to the communities it serves.