Orlando Utilities Commission

The foundation for what would eventually become the Orlando Utilities Commission was laid even before the 20th century began. In 1875, when Orlando was incorporated, Central Florida was just beginning to evolve from a rural, agrarian economy based on cattle ranching and citrus growing to a thriving center of commerce. Attracted by fertile farm land and warm weather, settlers arrived from all over the country, as well as from abroad. In 1880, the South Florida Railroad added Orlando as one of its stops — helping to spur the first of many building and land booms in the Sunshine State. By the turn of the century, Orlando had paved streets, as well as electricity and phone service. In 1908, it was officially dubbed “The City Beautiful.” By the time the World War broke out, the City had become a popular resort. The war generated additional industrial growth and real-estate development throughout Florida that lasted through the early ‘20s — creating the need for reliable water and electric infrastructure in the region ... and setting the stage for the birth of OUC.