October 25, 2021

Tracing its roots to a collection of companies that once generated power to illuminate downtown streetlights and operate electric passenger railways, Toledo Edison will celebrate its 100th anniversary on Monday, Nov. 1.

“Toledo Edison’s history coincides with the history of electricity, as the company formed and grew along with this revolutionary product that now touches nearly every aspect of our lives,” said Ed Shuttleworth, president, Ohio Operations.

Toledo Edison was established in 1921, when streetcar operations run by Toledo Railways and Light were sold to the Community Traction Company, known today as the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority. As passengers left electric railways and trolleys for automobiles, Toledo Edison acquired the system’s transmission lines, enabling the company to deliver power to customers in rural areas along former streetcar routes.

Residential electric consumption and industrial growth in Toledo Edison’s service area continued after World War II, and the company expanded its operations to keep up with the demand for electricity. For the next 30 years, Toledo Edison continued to purchase smaller utility companies and expanded its generation resources. In 1986, Toledo Edison became part of Centerior Energy, which then became FirstEnergy Corp. in 1997.

“When Toledo Edison joined with CEI and Ohio Edison to form FirstEnergy, it was the culmination of decades of human achievements and technological advancements in the electric utility industry,” Ed said.

Toledo Edison will mark a century of serving northwest Ohio on Nov. 1.

An Energized Workforce

Throughout Toledo Edison’s incredible story, one thing has remained constant – its dedicated employees. They have guided the company through its many transformations, always ensuring that delivering electricity safely and reliably to customers remained the number one priority.

“Our employees bring their grit and tenacity to every job, working in inclement weather and during all hours of the day and night,” said Ed. “As we prepare to enter our second century of service, I know they will continue to lead the way by seeking opportunities for growth and innovation, developing sustainability initiatives to help protect the environment, and most important, maintaining a steadfast commitment to working safely.”

In addition to being instrumental to the company’s success, Toledo Edison employees are champions in the community, participating in a multitude of charitable causes across the region. For example, they install free smoke detectors for local families, donate and prepare meals for guests of the Ronald McDonald House of Northwest Ohio, and host food and monetary donation drives for local foodbanks.

“Our employees not only support local organizations financially, but they also volunteer their time and talents at fundraising events and other activities,” Ed added. “We look forward to continuing to serve as a light across northwest Ohio for many more years to come, keeping our communities nice places to live, work and raise families.”

Although we are marking Toledo Edison’s 100th anniversary this year, official celebration events for employees and retirees have been delayed until 2022 due to COVID-19 safeguards.

The commitment of Toledo Edison employees goes beyond their efforts to deliver reliable service to customers. Employee volunteers also participate in a variety of community initiatives, including the installation of free smoke detectors to help promote home safety.