San Joaquin Light and Power Corporation

San Joaquin Light and Power Corporation

Company type	Private
Industry	Electricity
Founded	1895
Headquarters	Fresno, California, United States
Products	Electricity

The San Joaquin Light and Power Corporation operated as an electricity provider serving seven counties within California's San Joaquin Valley. It was one of several utility firms absorbed by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) during the 1920s and 1930s, playing a role in the establishment of the contemporary PG&E network.

History

Originally established on April 1, 1895, under the name San Joaquin Electric Company by engineer John Samuel Eastwood, the firm constructed the hydroelectric San Joaquin Powerhouse No. 1 on Willow Creek near Fresno. The company underwent a name change to San Joaquin Power Company in 1905 and later adopted the San Joaquin Light and Power Corporation title in 1910. By the year 1920, it managed operations across 11 powerhouses.

Initial rivalry arose from Fresno Gas and Electric Company, led by Fulton G. Berry, who diverted upstream water sources, which contributed to San Joaquin Electric's bankruptcy in 1899 amid drought conditions. Nevertheless, the business persisted, with bondholders funding the creation of Crane Valley Dam and Bass Lake reservoir in 1901 to ensure a reliable water supply.

In January 1902, foreclosure occurred due to debts surpassing $683,000. That same year, lumber industry leader William G. Kerckhoff acquired the company from bankruptcy and reestablished it as San Joaquin Power Company with $800,000 in capital stock and bonds. Under Kerckhoff's leadership, the firm purchased Fresno Gas and Electric Company's electrical system for $25,000 in 1903.

Also in 1903, San Joaquin Power entered into a territorial agreement with California Gas and Electric Company (which merged into PG&E in 1905), defining service boundaries throughout central California.

In 1924, Great Western Power Company, a subsidiary of North American Company, acquired San Joaquin Light and Power. Subsequently, North American divested its combined utility assets to PG&E in 1930 for $114 million in stock, thereby unifying utility operations across Northern and Central California.