Perkasie Electric Plant
120 N. 7th Street
Beginning in 1900, Perkasie residents had the opportunity to purchase electricity. Perkasie Borough generated electricity at the borough electric plant on Seventh Street. Coal fired boilers provided power to run the original Westinghouse Electric Company generator. Until 1903, electricity was generated only at night.
As more homes and businesses were wired for electricity, more modifications and additions were required to keep up with the demand. During the 1920’s, the borough added steam turbo generators necessitating construction of nearby spray ponds for cooling.
In 1938, the borough identified the need for a major $120,000 expansion of the plant. Since electric generation could not stop, Perkasie Borough constructed a larger steel, concrete and brick building in increments around the original building. Also constructed was a brick, 150-foot smokestack with the name “PERKASIE” appearing in large black letters.
In 1947 Perkasie Borough stopped electric generation and began buying power from PP&L. The electric generating equipment was removed. Today the building is home to Perkasie Borough Electric Department for storage of trucks and supplies for maintaining the borough power lines.
Reference Perkasie Historical Society archives
As more homes and businesses were wired for electricity, more modifications and additions were required to keep up with the demand. During the 1920’s, the borough added steam turbo generators necessitating construction of nearby spray ponds for cooling.
In 1938, the borough identified the need for a major $120,000 expansion of the plant. Since electric generation could not stop, Perkasie Borough constructed a larger steel, concrete and brick building in increments around the original building. Also constructed was a brick, 150-foot smokestack with the name “PERKASIE” appearing in large black letters.
In 1947 Perkasie Borough stopped electric generation and began buying power from PP&L. The electric generating equipment was removed. Today the building is home to Perkasie Borough Electric Department for storage of trucks and supplies for maintaining the borough power lines.
Reference Perkasie Historical Society archives