Power Distribution

The City of Pratt’s Electrical distribution department maintains and operates over 150 miles of distribution lines providing Electrical workers working on electrical pole in snowelectrical power to 4,200 meters in a service area reaching 7 miles north and 8 miles east of the City limits.

Employee Training

The distribution department has 10 employees with a combined 99 years of experience (9 years on average). The training program used is four categories, each consisting of nine sections that require a pass rate of 80% or better and demonstrates competency of the job knowledge of that section. Each category generally requires one year of study and on the job training. All employees are expected to complete the training program and, at completion, the employee receives a journeyman lineman certificate. This journeyman certificate is highly sought after by large, independently owned utilities.

About Linemen

The job of a lineman is a time honored profession. A special type of person is required to go out in the worst of weather conditions to restore much needed power to the citizens. It is the feeling of commitment to the community that makes the job and the hard, dangerous working conditions worthwhile and rewarding. An example of the importance of the distribution linemen is the tornadoes and Ice storms of the past.

The Electrical Distribution Department is continually working to maintain and improve the reliability of the City’s electrical infrastructure as well as looking for ways to keep costs minimal. Providing safe, affordable and reliable power to our citizens is priority.

Kansas Mutual Aid Program

The City of Pratt has been a member of the Kansas Mutual Aid Program (KS MAP) for the last several years. Mutual aid is recognized by FEMA as an emergency response group allowing for the time and material consumed to be reimbursed to the City of Pratt from the State and Federal governments.

Tree Trimming

A rotational, two man tree trimming crew keeps trees trimmed out of the main distribution feeders and main secondary feeders to help reduce power outages during storms.