In 1919, Central Maine Power Company (CMP) was serving over 21,000 customers.
This period marked a significant phase of expansion for CMP, reflecting the growing demand for electricity and the company's ongoing efforts to broaden its service footprint across Maine. The customer base of over 21,000 highlights the utility's substantial growth and its increasing importance in the regional energy sector.
Key Details of CMP's Customer Growth in 1919
| Year | Customer Count (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| 1919 | Over 21,000 |
Context of CMP's Development
By 1919, CMP had established itself as a vital power provider. The company's expansion during this time was part of a broader trend of utility growth in the early 20th century. To support its continued development and meet the rising demand, CMP actively sought new financing in the subsequent decade. This strategic financial maneuver ultimately led to the sale of its stock to Samuel Insull's Middle West Utilities holding company in the 1920s, a move that further integrated CMP into the larger national utility landscape.
Significance
The rapid increase in customers underscores CMP's pivotal role in providing essential power services and its successful efforts to extend its network. This era of substantial customer acquisition laid the groundwork for the company's future expansion and its eventual integration into larger utility conglomerates, shaping the development of the power infrastructure in Maine.
