The Lassen Municipal Utility District (LMUD) that we know, came into existence in 1986. The original LMUD was created in 1931 on the premise to lower electric rates. Susanville residents complained that their electric rates then were exorbitant–some of the highest rates in the state. A revolt was born to form a municipal utility district to reign in the rates. When the voters approved it, the next order of business was to take over the Republic Electric Company and the battle lines were drawn. The takeover failed. LMUD’s board of directors decided to build its own power plant and transmission lines. They were unable to convince the voters to pass a bond measure to proceed. Many cited the area just too small to support two electric companies. In 1937, the original LMUD was dissolved.