Reddy.com: The Domain That Holds a Forgotten Cartoon Empire
The Rise & Fall of Reddy Kilowatt
In 1926, an Alabama man saw a lightning storm and, instead of running for cover, he saw a mascot. Yeah. A mascot. That’s how Reddy Kilowatt—an electricity-loving, light-bulb-nosed cartoon dude—was born. And for decades? He was everywhere.
From Alabama’s Secret to Nationwide Fame
At first, Reddy was just Alabama Power’s little spark of genius, helping sell the dream of home electrification. But then? His creator, Ashton Collins, had a better idea—why keep Reddy locked in Alabama when he could be everywhere? So, Collins started licensing Reddy out to other power companies, turning him into the face of electricity. By the mid-20th century, more than 300 utilities had him lighting up ads, billboards, and commercials across the country.
And then Hollywood called.
The guy behind Woody Woodpecker—yes, that Woody Woodpecker—gave Reddy a glow-up, adding new gloves, a bigger smile, and a starring role in an animated short film called Reddy Made Magic.
Reddy wasn’t just selling electricity anymore; he was a full-on cultural icon. He had comics, toys, TV ads, and even his own theme song.
When Saving Power Killed the Mascot
But then…the ‘70s hit. The world stopped wasting electricity and started saving it. Suddenly, power companies weren’t selling unlimited energy anymore—they were promoting conservation. And Reddy? He didn’t fit the new narrative.
By the 1990s, he was barely hanging on. And in 1998, Northern States Power (which later became Xcel Energy) swooped in, buying up the rights to Reddy Kilowatt—and his domain name, Reddy.com—essentially turning him into a corporate relic.
Is the World Reddy for a Comeback?
A few companies still use Reddy today, but mostly, he’s just a nostalgic throwback, popping up on vintage signs, old merch, and collector’s items.
But here’s the thing—Reddy was always about selling the future of electricity. And today? We’re in a new era of home electrification. EVs. Smart grids. Renewable energy.
So maybe—just maybe—the world’s Reddy for another comeback.
Or at the very least, we can all agree: Reddy.com is a domain with some serious history behind it.
