Light & Power Department
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Powering St. Clairsville safely, reliably, and around the clock.
🧠Skilled. Trained. Safety-Focused.
The St. Clairsville Electric Department is made up of a dedicated, safety-focused crew working with high-voltage systems and critical infrastructure every day.
Our team participates in formal training at least twice each year, with additional instruction as needed to stay current with safety standards, equipment, and industry best practices. Every member of the crew has completed the required schooling and certifications and continues to build hands-on experience in the field.
The department has a strong culture of learning and mentorship. Under the guidance of experienced leadership, a motivated and eager crew is developing the skills needed to become knowledgeable, dependable linemen.
Daily training and growth are supported by Deputy Superintendent Chad Martin, whose extensive experience in the electric utility industry plays a key role in developing the next generation of linemen. Chad’s deep system knowledge, practical instruction, and commitment to safety help ensure the crew is trained correctly, confidently, and responsibly.
⚙️ Reliability, Maintenance & System Knowledge
Keeping the lights on takes more than flipping a switch.
The Electric Department is responsible for maintaining distribution lines, substations, transformers, poles, and related equipment that deliver power throughout the city. Preventative maintenance, system inspections, and timely repairs are key to reducing outages and responding quickly when issues arise.
⏱ On Call. On It.
Electric issues don’t wait for business hours.
Crews are on call 24/7 to respond to outages, storm damage, equipment failures, and emergencies. Weather events, accidents, and aging infrastructure can all impact service — and when they do, trained personnel are ready to respond.
🧰 Experience Matters
Electric utility work depends heavily on experience — knowing how systems behave, recognizing warning signs, and understanding how to troubleshoot safely and efficiently.
That knowledge is built over time, shared on the job, and passed from experienced hands to the next generation of linemen.
đź’™ Quiet Work. Big Impact.
Most days, electric service is invisible — and that’s the goal. When power is steady and systems are working as they should, it’s because a skilled crew is paying attention behind the scenes.
The Electric Department takes pride in keeping St. Clairsville powered safely and reliably, no matter the conditions.
đź“Ś SIDEBAR: Meet the Superintendent
The Electric Department is led by William “Bill” Burns, who brings over 20 years of experience with American Electric Power (AEP) to the City of St. Clairsville.
Bill’s career in the electric utility industry has given him extensive knowledge of distribution systems, safety practices, and real-world problem-solving. That experience now benefits the City — not only through reliable operations, but through hands-on leadership and mentorship.
Bill is known for:
- A strong work ethic and practical approach
- Deep system knowledge built over decades in the field
- A commitment to training and teaching the next generation
Under his leadership, the Electric Department places a strong emphasis on safety, skill development, and teamwork. Bill takes pride in passing along his knowledge to a younger crew, helping them build the experience and confidence needed to do the job right.