Cutler Hydroelectric Power Plant - Utah Historical Markers on Waymarking.com

The Cutler Project was built in 1927 as the largest and most technologically advanced hydroelectric plant in Utah. It was the last of several integrated power plants built by Utah Power & Light along the Bear River. In addition to the Art Deco style powerhouse, other elements of the historic complex include the switchyard, dam, conduit, penstock, and operator's camp--all critical components of a hydroelectric project. Unlike most hydro plants in Utah, which are "high head" facilities that operate on small mountain streams, Cutler is a low head plant utilizing a reservoir.

During the late nineteenth century, a combination of technological developments, capitalist enterprise, and economic demands led to the creation of Utah's hydroelectric power industry. Small utility companies around the state built water power plants to generate electricity, mostly for streetcar systems, mines, and other industries. Cities also consumed power for municipal, commercial, and domestic use. By the early twentieth century, a merger and consolidation movement among Utah's utilities culminated in the formation of the Utah Power & Light Company (UP&L), which had the corporate strength to construct large facilities such as Cutler. In 1989, UP&L merged with PacifiCorp, an Oregon corporation, which continues to operate the Cutler Project.