Electricity   We have no definite record when electricity came to Abernathy. The original Texas Utility Company was formed about 1916. In the mid-thirties the name became Texas-New Mexico Utilities. In 1946 it merged with other utilities of the Plains area to form the Southwestern Public Service Company.   Rural electricity was not readily available until after World War II. At that time Southwestern Public Service and REA (now South Plains Electric Cooperative) began installing lines so the rural people would have the advantage of electricity. This progress helped make large changes in the way people spent their time. More modern conveniences became available through the advancement of electricity.