In 1936, Water and Power Community Credit Union (WPCCU) was formed by a group of employees of the Department of Water and Power in downtown Los Angeles.
Ninety years later, the credit union continues to thrive. Be sure to follow @wpccu on social media for upcoming 90th Anniversary branch events, special offers, and more.
Do you have a favorite memory with the credit union?
Share your story with us. We’d love to hear from you.
Special Anniversary Offers
Celebrate Savings: Take advantage of our special 3.90% APY* 90th Anniversary Savings Certificate. 15-month term, $1,000 minimum. Limited time only!
90th Annual Meeting
Thank you for being a part of our 90th Anniversary Celebration and Annual Meeting held on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
It was a joy coming together with our members to celebrate this incredible milestone.
90 Years of WPCCU
- 1934: Federal Credit Union Act becomes law, creating the federal credit union charter
- 3/26/1936: Los Angeles Water and Power Employees Credit Union founded by 10 LADWP Employees
- 10/19/1936: The Credit Union opened its doors at 207 S. Broadway, Los Angeles. First President: E.G. Alberts. Accounts offered: Savings ($2,000 max), Loans ($200 max)
- 1937: An amendment to the Federal Credit Union Act: Special tax exemption for federal credit unions. Second President: George C. Sopp
- 1940: Established LADWP payroll deduction to the Credit Union
- 1954: Herman T. Guayante named Credit Union Manager, later CEO. Longest term of any credit union officer (until 1985)
- 1963: Over $13 million in assets. Main office: 311 S. Spring Street, Los Angeles, later moved to LADWP building on Hope Street. Opened two additional branches in Van Nuys and Downtown Los Angeles
- 1964: 23 employees, 3 branches. Obtained an IBM machine for accounting, ending an era of hand posting
- 1966: 30th Anniversary. 16,000 members, $17 million in assets
- 1971: $29 million in assets – Top 25 largest credit union in California. Established Loans by Phone. Purchased property at 1053 W. Sunset Blvd., the Credit Union's future headquarters
- 1974: Adopted new name: “Water and Power Credit Union”
- 1979: Checking accounts and credit cards now available
- 1983: $100 million in assets. Established first ATM
- 1985: Herman T. Guayante retires after 30 years as the Credit Union CEO. Robert Rose named President and CEO. Personal computers introduced
- 1988: Reached $185 million in assets
- 1991: Carl E. Stewart named President and CEO. 30,000 members, $231 million in assets. Added Select Employee Groups. WPCCU became a member of the credit union shared branch system
- 1996: Introduced PC Express (now Online Banking)
- 2006: 70th Anniversary of service to the community of Los Angeles
- 2008: Reached $500 million in assets
- 2009: Introduced Mobile Banking
- 2010: All branches, except Hope Street, become credit union shared branches, joining the 6,400 other branches that serve participating credit union members across the nation
- 2011: 75th Anniversary. Five branches. 24/7 online mobile, and telephone support. $458 million in assets and 42,000 members
- 2016: 80th Anniversary, “The Magic of Membership”. Carl E. Stewart retires after 25 years as CEO. Barry Roach named President/CEO
- 2018: Established new Online and Mobile Banking platform. Membership Expansion: Los Angeles County
- 2021: 85th Anniversary. Membership expansion to San Bernardino County
- 2023: Mike Tufegdzich named President and CEO. Over $970 Million in assets
- 2024: Expanded chat options with AquaPowerBot®. Enhanced AI-based technology for fraud prevention
- 2025: Established new contactless debit cards. 3x certified Great Place to Work®
- 2026: WPCCU celebrates “90 Years of Putting Members First”