About the Electric Line Department
The TMU Electric Line Department serves all electric users inside the city limits of Tipton and the majority of Cicero Township. This Utility operates with up-to-date equipment and the safety of our employees and residents as our primary concern. We maintain service under all weather conditions and restore service as soon as possible for the few interruptions that do occur. Our aggressive tree trimming program and the constant maintenance of our system keeps our distribution system ranked as one of the most reliable systems in the area.
The Electric Line Department is managed by Electric Superintendent Brad Cox. Brad is a Journeyman Linemen and has been with the Electric Department since 1979. He is in charge of the daily operation and maintenance and has the prime objective of providing our customers with a dependable supply of electricity. Superintendent Cox has a staff of four (4) Journeyman Linemen, two (2) Apprentice Linemen, one (1) Meter Technician, and one (1) Stores and Environmental Records Clerk.
Our Electric Distribution System consists of two 7,500/9,375 KVA transformers located at the electric substation on the west side of Tipton. This substation is owned by our electric energy supplier, Indiana Municipal Power Agency (IMPA) and is maintained under contract by Duke Energy. The substation receives energy at 69,000 volts from one of three possible feeds to the substation. The energy is then reduced to 7,200 volts and flows to our switching station located next to the substation. The energy then flows to our distribution system by way of five (5) major circuits. When the energy reaches its final destination, it is then transformed again to meet the needs of the end user.
Tipton is a member and was one of the founding fathers of the Indiana Municipal Power Agency in the early 1980’s. This was a group formed to allow smaller communities to be able to purchase or generate electric energy at a lesser cost than purchasing on the open market. The organization has grown to sixty-two (62) communities and has been a great benefit to our ratepayers over the years. Our electric customers enjoy a residential rate that is considerably less than some of the other power companies in the State. In today’s market, no energy is cheap, however, with sound management, the cooperation of employees and good equipment, we will protect our customer from any unnecessary costs. We feel our Electric Line Department is among the finest in the State of Indiana.
Electrical Safety Tips
Downed Power Lines
- Assume that any downed power line is energized
- Stay away from any downed power line and anything touching it. The ground around the power line may be energized for as far as 35 feet.
- Don’t attempt to touch anyone who is in direct contact with a downed line, as you could become the next victim. Call 911 for help!
- If a power line falls on your car while you are in it, stay in the car. Honk your horn to summon for help, but direct others to stay away from the vehicle. If you must leave the car due to fire, jump from the vehicle planting both feet on the ground simultaneously and avoid contact with both the car and the ground at the same time.
In-Home Safety
- Always match the light bulb with the recommended wattage on the lamp or fixture. Exceeding the recommended wattage can result in overheating the wiring and could cause a fire.
- In homes with small children, have tamper-resistant devices installed in outlets.
- Never run an electrical cord under a carpet or across a doorway.
- Major appliances such as an air conditioner, refrigerator, stove, dryer, etc., should be plugged directly into an outlet without the use of an extension cord or plug strip.
- It is best to plug only one heat-producing appliance such as a heater, coffee maker or toaster into a receptacle outlet at a time.
- Electrical extension cords are intended for temporary use. If you must use an extension cord, be sure to inspect it regularly for wear and tear. Make sure it fits securely in the outlet and does not feel warm after use. The best recommendation is to have a qualified electrician provide more outlets where they are needed.
- When you need to have electrical work done, always use a qualified electrician.
- When buying a new home or remodeling your home, have a qualified electrician do an inspection.
- Consider having an electrician install arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) so that the electricity shuts off if a dangerous condition exists. Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are also recommended to reduce the risk of shock in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, basements and outdoors.
Outdoor Safety
- National Electrical Codes require that all outdoor outlets have ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).
- Protect your outdoor outlets from the elements. Be sure they are covered when not in use.
- Keep dry leaves and other flammables swept away from outdoor lighting, outlets, and power cords.
- When using extension cords outdoors, use only weather-resistant heavier gauge extension cords that are specifically designated for outdoor use.
- Before placing a ladder, be sure to avoid placing it near overhead power lines or the electrical service line.
- Remember that some power lines run underground. Before you dig, call 811 to have primary utilities marked.
- If an electrical device falls into a pool or water, unplug it before retrieving it.
- Use the appropriate protective equipment for each power tool. Safety goggles, hearing protection, and other safety gear are worth the lifetime of sight and hearing they are protecting.
Tipton Municipal Utilities
210 S Main Street
Tipton, IN
46072
Hours:
Mon – Fri: 7:30 am – 4:00 pm
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