unequaled electric and water distribution systems, along with, billing and collection
services at the highest possible efficiency at competitive rates. Maintain water production
and sewage treatment with quality standards that meet or exceed State and Federal
Regulations."
The operation of Stilwell Utilities was setup by the City Charter to be operated as a separate business
from that of the City of Stilwell. To accomplish this, a Utility Board was created to employ personnel to
manage the electric, water, and sewer utilities for the benefit of the citizens of Stilwell. While many
believe we also sell natural gas, we only read the meters and collect the bills for Northeast Oklahoma
Public Facilities Authority (NOPFA). They set the rates monthly based upon what they have to pay to
purchase the natural gas.
In 1962, a trust was created, Stilwell Area Development Authority (SADA), to manage the water and
sewer system. This was to allow long-term financing to improve the water filtration plant and distribution
system. This worked well but also created the problem of managing the running of two businesses
instead of one.
In January 2000, the City Council took action to help simplify our business by making the electric utility a
part of SADA effective July 1, 2000. The City Council retains rate oversight and has approval authority for
any changes made to the rates. This is similar to the oversight the Oklahoma Corporation Commission
has over the privately owned utilities serving the state. We feel that local control is better for the citizens
of Stilwell than state control.
PO Box 1512 -- 4 East Walnut
Stilwell, OK 74960
