Some of the electricity required to meet customer demand is generated by Gardner's electric utility with dual fuel combustion turbine units.  The utility maintains and operates two rapid start peaking generating units at the Energy Center located at 1150 East Santa Fe.

Most of our electric needs, however, are met through energy purchases from outside sources. Faced with rising utility rates, the City of Gardner has begun generating its own power for use during peak demand periods.

Since going online in June of 1990, the new Gardner Energy Center has generated both power and substantial revenue for the rapidly growing City.  The City maintains its own electrical distribution system and resells power to its customers.  By generating power to meet peak period demand, the City of Gardner is able to take advantage of lower wholesale rates.The utility has three 161,000 volt/12,470 volt substations (Sub #1 located at 1150 E. Santa Fe, Sub #2 located at Moonlight and East Santa Fe, Sub #3 1/4 mile north on Waverly and 167th Street).