Last phase of Jackson voltage conversion to begin in March

A final phase of a project designed to provide better power management in emergency situations for Jackson is scheduled to begin in March.

Over the past few years crews have installed 15 new electric circuits throughout the city. Jackson utilities director Don Schuette said the final six circuits, which currently regulate 4,000 volts, should be installed by September. At that time Schuette said all of the circuits will regulate 12,000 volts.

Most of the new circuits will be uptown.

"We've been using two different voltage distribution systems for a few years, so this will bring together one common voltage system in the city," Schuette said. "We've been doing a little at a time through the years because we wanted to make sure we had the money to do the upgrades.

"Plus, it can be a logistical nightmare because we have to coordinate with merchants as we try to minimize the impact on their operations," Schuette said. "But it's a manageable nightmare."

While there is no way to completely eliminate power outages for each business in the uptown area, Schuette said merchants should only be without power one to one-and-a-half hours at a time. He expects the outages to be minimal.

"We'll work closely with merchants to try to minimize the impact of power outages," Schuette said. "When it's all said and done, merchants and residents will find it to be a very worthwhile project."

Pertinent address:

101 Court St., Jackson, MO