Owensboro Municipal Utilities celebrates 125 years with infrastructure and service improvements

Owensboro Municipal Utilities (OMU) is celebrating a significant milestone this year, marking 125 years of service to the community. During the Owensboro Board of Commissioners meeting on July 1, 2025, OMU General Manager highlighted the utility's extensive reach, serving over 100,000 customers across water, electric, and telecommunications services.

OMU currently provides water to more than 26,000 customers and has nearly 27,000 electric customers, with telecommunications services rapidly growing to almost 6,000 subscribers. The utility's mission focuses on delivering reliable services at economical costs, positioning itself as a valued partner in the community's progress.

The meeting also acknowledged the contributions of Tony Cecil, a long-serving commissioner who recently resigned to spend more time with his family. His involvement in various projects, particularly in power supply, was recognized as instrumental to OMU's success.

OMU has received multiple accolades for its service quality, including the Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3) award at the platinum level from the American Public Power Association, and recognition for its water treatment and distribution systems. Safety remains a top priority, with the production department achieving four years without a lost time incident and receiving the prestigious platinum safety award.

The utility is actively engaged in several infrastructure projects, having secured over $4 million in funding for improvements in the Hillcrest area, which are now complete. Upcoming projects include the installation of new wells, enhancements to the Orangeboro River Port Authority's water supply, and significant upgrades to water lines in growing areas.

In total, OMU anticipates receiving over $8 million in funding for various infrastructure projects, underscoring the utility's commitment to enhancing service delivery and supporting community development. The collaborative efforts of local leaders, including the mayor and state representatives, have been pivotal in advancing these initiatives.