Electric Department

The City of Odessa’s Power and Light Department is comprised of an electric generation plant and an electric distribution system.

Municipal Power Generation Plant

The current generation plant was originally constructed in 1939. Several additions and changes have been made since that time to accommodate our ever-increasing population. When the plant was first constructed, it supplied all of the power the City of Odessa required. In the 1960s, the city’s electricity needs increased beyond our generation capacity. During that time, the City entered into a contract with Missouri Public Service as our wholesale power supplier. The contract with Missouri Public Service, which has also been known as Utilicorp and Aquila, expired in 2004. In early 2004, the Board of Aldermen asked for bids from several electric suppliers, and received 4 bids. The Board of Aldermen chose the best and lowest bid offered, which was from the MoPEP Power Pool. In April 2004, the City of Odessa began purchasing power from the Missouri Joint Municipal Electric Utility Commission (MJMEUC) through the MoPEP Power Pool. The MoPEP Power Pool is not a power supply company, it is a coalition of cities partnering to purchase and develop supplies. In 2007, there were 32 member cities in the MoPEP Power Pool, including Higginsville, Harrisonville, Carrollton and Marshall. The MoPEP Power Pool is non-profit and member-directed, meaning each city has a vote in the decisions made by the MoPEP Power Pool. MJMEUC is authorized by state law to operate as an electric utility for the benefit of the combined requirements of the members. You can learn more about MJMEUC at http://www.mpua.org/about/MJMEUC.asp.

Beat the Summer Heat

Summer Home Energy Efficiency Tips

The bigger the difference between the inside and outside temperatures, the more energy you will use to cool a house. For example, if the outside temperature is 98 degrees and the inside is set at 68 degrees, this 30-degree difference is going to cost! Follow these easy ways to conserve energy to beat the summer heat. 

• Set your thermostat as high as possible while maintaining reasonable comfort levels
• Set your thermostat to 84 when you're away from home
• Replace your AC filter every 3 months or more often if it gets clogged with items like pet hair 
• Block outside air from getting inside by locking windows, closing storm windows and sealing air leaks 
• Avoid heating up your home during the afternoon and early evening to keep your air conditioner from working extra hard to keep you cool
• Keep window shades closed during the day
• Make sure your vents are NOT blocked with furniture, curtains or rugs
• Avoid using heat-producing appliances like ovens and dryers from 3 to 6 PM
• Run washer, dryer and dishwasher only when you have full loads 

Click here to view free and low-cost energy savings tips from Missouri Public Utility Alliance. 

Winter Efficiency Tips

• Optimal Settings: Set thermostats to 68°F while awake and lower while sleeping or away.
• Heat Pump Care: Avoid frequent, large adjustments with heat pumps to prevent the costly emergency heat setting from turning on.
• Maintenance: Clean or replace furnace filters monthly to ensure efficient airflow.
• Clear Vents: Ensure furniture, rugs, or curtains do not block registers.
• Fireplace: Keep the damper closed when not in use. 

• Seal Drafts: Use caulk or weatherstripping on drafty doors, windows, and gaps.
• Insulation: Ensure proper insulation levels (R-38 in attics, R-19 in walls/floors).
• Outlet Sealers: Install foam gaskets behind outlet and switch plates on exterior walls. 

• Lower Temp: Set the water heater to 120°F to prevent overheating water.
• Laundry/Dishes: Wash clothes in cold water and air-dry dishes.

• Refrigerator: Clean dust from coils, ensure the door seals tightly, and check that the temperature is

  

  37∘F−40∘F37 raised to the composed with power F minus 40 raised to the composed with power F

  . 

• Sunlight: Open curtains on south-facing windows during the day to let in heat; close them at night to insulate.
• Clothing: Dress in layers and use extra blankets.
• Fans: Run ceiling fans on low in the clockwise direction to circulate warm air.
• Unplug: Turn off/unplug unused electronics and computers.