The cartoon mascot of the B.C. Electric “Reddy Kilowatt” makes an electrifying appearance this October in front of the Steveston Tram for the Steveston’s annual Scarecrow Crawl.
Who – or What – Is Reddy Kilowatt?
From 1944, Reddy Kilowatt was the cartoon mascot of BC Electric, the electric supply company that grew out of BC Electric Railway and eventually became larger than its parent company. BC Electric Railway owned the trams in this region, including our own Tram Car 1220.
Reddy is hard to miss. He is a stick figure whose body, arms, legs and hair are made from stylized lightning bolts. His round head features a light bulb for a nose and electrical outlets for ears.
BC Electric’s Version of Reddy
Reddy was introduced as “the Housewives’ Pal” because electricity and electrical appliances promised to make household chores easier. He even had his own catchy television jingle, which you can watch on YouTube.
During the 1950s, as BC Electric’s Interurban and streetcar lines were being closed, the company gave Reddy a few new looks. He sported a black moustache and different hats to mark the final runs of various lines.
A top hat represented the last run of the Chilliwack Line into the Fraser Valley; a bowler hat marked the Oak Street streetcar line; and a straw boater was worn for the final run of the Marpole-Steveston Line.
Reddy’s Origin Story – He’s 100 Years Old!
Reddy’s story doesn’t begin in British Columbia. He was created in 1926 by American advertising executive Ashton B. Collins Sr. for Alabama Power Company in Birmingham, Alabama.
Reddy was later licensed to electric utilities as a mascot and promotional character. His popularity spread widely, with more than 150 electric utilities in the United States and companies in at least 12 other countries eventually licensing the Reddy Kilowatt trademark.
Why Reddy?
Today, it is difficult to imagine life without electricity. But when electricity was still relatively new, electric companies had to convince people to bring this new technology into their homes.
Reddy gave electricity a friendly face. Through advertisements and educational materials, he encouraged people to use electricity and electrical appliances while also reminding them to use electricity safely.
What About Today?
Reddy Kilowatt is now mostly retired from his original job of promoting electricity. Today, he is best known as a nostalgic reminder of the early days of electrical advertising – and a popular collectible for fans of vintage design.
Steveston Scarecrow Crawl
From October 1 to 31, 2026, visit Reddy Kilowatt right here at the Steveston Tram! Come by, say hello, and see how this 100-year-old character brought to life as a scarecrow. Don’t miss the other scarecrows in front of businesses and heritage attractions throughout Steveston Village until October 31.
References:
The Story of Reddy Kilowatt | National Museum of American History
Whatever happened to Reddy Kilowatt? | Duke Energy | illumination
