Jackson aldermen accept plan to improve city electrical system

The Jackson Board of Aldermen took a step toward the future Monday when members unanimously accepted a plan to improve the city's electric system.

The newly approved Electrical System Facility Plan could be launched in 2014 and last through 2023, but for the time being the plan will be subject to more scrutiny to determine which direction the city will take concerning its implementation.

"We're going to give it more review," said Alderman Dave Reiminger. "We haven't really decided which steps to take yet."

Reiminger, who steers the board's Power and Light Committee, said the new electric-system plan comes in three versions with three different price tags. The most expensive version costs $21 million to improve the electric system within a vast area of town, while two other versions that cover smaller areas come in at about $19 million and $8 million.

"What we'll have to do is figure out which direction we need to go," Reiminger said. "Everything is still in the planning stages."

Jackson does not rely on a power company for electricity; instead, the city maintains its own electric system to provide residents with electricity.

Reiminger said that once a decision has been made concerning implementation, an immediate change could involve the addition of a power-distribution loop within the city limits.

"We already have two distribution loops," he said. "But if a tornado comes through town and knocks out power, we'll be in a better position to keep power running with an extra loop. Things will be safer that way."

Director of utilities Don Schuette said he expected no major changes to Jackson's power grid within the first five years of implementing any particular version of the plan.

"After five years, it will be dependent on how the city has grown," Schuette said.

The plan was submitted to the board by Mid-South Utility Consultants of Memphis, Tenn.

In other action, the board of aldermen accepted a $4,200 grant from the Missouri Intergovernmental Risk Management Association that will go toward the purchase of an air monitor by the Wastewater Department and a dash-mounted camera for the police department.

klewis@semissourian.com

388-3635

Pertinent address: 101 Court Street, Jackson, MO