Greer Commission of Public Works301 McCall Street , Greer, South Carolina, United States

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to serve our community by providing safe, high quality, and reliable water, natural gas, electric and wastewater services in an environmentally and fiscally responsible manner consistent with sound business principles. Our talented staff and dedicated Board of Commissioners work each day to provide high quality services to the people of Greer and surrounding areas. Led by our vision to be the leading provider of energy, water, and related services in the Southeast, we are committed to improving the quality of life for our customers and community. 

HISTORY AND OPERATIONS

The Greer Commission of Public Works (CPW) was charted in 1913 following a citywide election approving its formation. In 1914, CPW began providing electric, wastewater, and water services to the City of Greer. Natural Gas service began in 1957, and that utility is CPW's largest customer base. Today, we serve residents and business with our four utilities in Greer and nearby communities.

ELECTRIC SERVICE

CPW generated its own electricity until 1927. In the 1930s, CPW began purchasing power from the Southern Utility Company. In the 1970s, The Commission joined the Piedmont Municipal Power Agency - a ten member action agency that owns a 25% stake in Generator II at the Catawba Nuclear Generating Station. Since 1985, CPW has received power from the nuclear generator through PMPA. Today, CPW's distributed energy is over 95% carbon free. We currently serve more than19,400 meters, primarily within the City limits of Greer.

NATURAL GAS

CPW's largest utility in terms of coverage is its natural gas unit. In all, we serve approximately 24,400 meters in 450 square miles. The service territory stretches from southern Spartanburg County to the North Carolina line and includes the communities of Duncan, Lyman, Wellford, and Landrum.   CPW is served by the Transcontinental Gas Pipeline (Transco), with two gates along that line to receive natural gas. 

WATER AND WASTEWATER

CPW is served by two water reservoirs - Lake Cunningham and Lake Robinson. These reservoirs are supplied by the South Tyger River and are meticulously maintained for both recreation and drinking water sources. Combined, these reservoirs cover over 1,000 acres and are enjoyed regionally by boaters, anglers, and nature lovers.   The water treatment plant is located on Lake Cunningham just north of Greer on River Road. The plant has a capacity of 24 million gallons per day. The award winning water plant services the City of Greer primarily, providing high quality water to approximately 20,100 meters.   CPW began treating wastewater at Maple Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant in the 1950s. Today, the plant treats sewage for the city's residents and businesses, safely returning high quality effluent to the environment. The plant has a capacity of 10 million gallons per day serving 12,000 customers.

GOVERNANCE

The Commission is governed by an elected, three-member Board of Commissioners. The Commissioners serve staggered six-year terms. The Board of Commissioners makes recommendations to the City of Greer for the issuance of any bond debt; however, CPW operates independently otherwise. The Board has responsibility for management, budgetary duties, debt management, rate setting, and general operations oversight. Day-to-day operational management is handled by the General Manager. The General Manager serves as CPW's chief executive, and reports directly to the Board of Commissioners.