In the late 1800's, electricity changed the way we live. People marveled at the way it brightened streets and made life so much easier. But while the big cities had electricity provided by for-profit electric companies, far away rural towns were left in the dark. That's when these communities decided to "light their own way."
This short documentary looks back at the beginnings of Public Power in those North Carolina towns and how they built their own electric generators and began powering their city business and homes. Follow their history as they bring electricity and progress to their communities, weather the energy crisis of the 1970's, and rebuild after hurricanes and storms. And see the Public Power towns of today, enjoying the benefits of locally controlled power.