Lubbock, Texas, might be best-known as the birthplace of Buddy Holly, the icon of 1950s rock ‘n’ roll. For years, it also had a claim to fame in electricity circles: competing sets of power lines.

Most customers with Lubbock Power & Light (LP&L) could switch to Southwestern Public Service Co., or vice versa. The setup lasted decades and predated the retail choice now found in much of Texas.

Energy Wire