The Electric Distribution Department is responsible for maintaining the electric distribution system as well as the City's street lighting and traffic signal system.

The Department maintains 4 substations:

• Hegemann Substation, where incoming electricity from American Electric Power (AEP) is received.  The voltage is reduced from 138,000 volts to 69,000 volts and supplied to the City's remaining substations and 2 industrial customers. 

• Spokeworks Substation, where the voltage is further reduced to 12,470 volts and supplied to several industrial customers and the Village of New Knoxville.

• Tomlinson Substation, where the voltage is also reduced to 12,470 volts and supplied to the remainder of the distribution system through breakers located within the Power Plant.

• 69kv Substation, this substation was installed in 1999 at AAP St. Marys Corp.

Distribution employees carry out a variety of electrical jobs for other City departments.  They also install equipment and provide electric service to community events such as the annual SummerFest and install Christmas decorations.

Special Services Provided by the Electric Distribution Department:

1. On call personnel 24 hours/day;

2. Removal of electric meter boxes when putting siding on your home;

3. Trim tree limbs from around power lines;

4. Maintain street lighting;

5. Maintain traffic lights;

6. Maintain lighting in our parks;

7. Provide a rental light program for your home;

8. Provide an electrical safety program;

9. Check for low voltage to your home;

10. No charge to read your meter between tenants;

11. No charge to turn power on/off between tenants.

For any of the above services, please contact the Utility Office at 419-394-3303, ext. 11243, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.  All other hours, contact the Police Department at 419-394-2325.

The Electric Distribution Department participates in the following programs:

Ohio Energy Project - This program involves Kids Teaching Kids about the environment, energy safety, different types of energy, and how to save energy.  Children from 6th grade through High School complete projects that teach other students about energy.  The St. Marys Program has been recognized by the State Governor for Outstanding Participation in the Ohio Energy Project, and the school groups have won awards every year since the program began.

Public Power Week - A week long celebration of our local Public Power Utility.  Activities include electrical safety demonstrations to the elementary classes along with an electrical safety poster contest.  Prizes are awarded to all 1st and 2nd place winners in each age group.  The Utility Office hands out pens, pencils, outlet safety caps, and other public power items throughout the week.