Lights turned on last night About 10:30 pm last night the power house engine was started & electrical current generated. Conn Mansell took a leading part in the ceremony by closing the switches. The first he touched was for street lights, but an open circuit prevented the lamps from doing their duty. Then the switch for building was closed and the hotels and others who were connected up had the lights in use. On Wednesday evening the lights were to have been turned on but engineers and contractors did not believe their reputation and the “juice” was not turned on. The moon for the first time in several days in derision shed its bright rays over the town instead. The 150 h.p. Diesel engine is a wonderful machine using crude oil and exploding it by the heat generated by the high pressure of 1,000 lbs. there being no batteries to start it and the plant will generate 2,300 volts The Melfort Journal, October 10,1913.

In August of 1929, for $100 000, Canadian Utilities Ltd. was granted the right to sell power to the citizens of Melfort for a period of 20 years. In the early 1950s, the plant was dismantled; one engine was sold to Yorkton and the other was sold to a scrap iron dealer. In 1949/early 1950's the structure was taken over by Saskpower. It is currently owned by the Melfort and District Museum and the City of Melfort. “The Power plant to my knowledge was operated by Chet Tatlow. When he moved to [Prince Albert], Bert French and Jack Price took over the operation of the plant and distribution system. From 1947-1950 Vince Elmer took over the operation of the plant; which was called Canadian Utilities until 1949 when it became Sask. Power Commission. In 1950 the plant ceased operation. There were two large 500 kW diesel generators, which faced east and west in the north end of the power plant. In 1951 the plant was dismantled. One engine sold to Yorkton and the other sold to a scrap iron dealer by the name of Gurstein. Remaining in the plant was the switch board panel for the town of Melfort. This switchboard handled three main feeders; 23 volts each for the town, and the shunt transformer for the 6900 volt street lights. Up to 1950 Melfort was supplied with power from [Prince Albert] and sometimes Tisdale on the 24000 volt system. The Power plant in Melfort was used to pick up excessive load. The two diesel engines were started with air pressure and had to be synchronized when picking up excessive load. When these engines were dismantled the one that went for scrap iron had wheels so big and heavy they had no machinery to break or load them, so they dragged them across the street north of the power plant and buried them in a vacant lot, where they remain to this day.” Gilbert Scott, et al. The Powerhouse is used as the Museums main office and is open year-round to visitors. Inside you will find a variety of small displays. These displays are changed periodically.