As a cornerstone of the city’s infrastructure, the Electric Department is tasked with the immense responsibility of maintaining a reliable and safe power supply for Prescott’s homes, businesses, and public facilities. This dedicated crew handles everything from routine maintenance and installing new services to the urgent and often hazardous work of restoring power after storms and unexpected outages. Electric Superintendent Jake Cornelius emphasizes the dedication this requires from his crew. "Our main goal is to keep the power on for our citizens, no matter the conditions," Cornelius says. "When an outage happens, our guys are ready to respond safely and get everyone's lights back on as fast as we possibly can."
The department is a collaborative effort, with the office staff providing crucial support that serves as a direct link to the public. For Office Manager Shanta Wiley, this connection is what sets their work apart. "Being part of a small town is what makes this job special," Wiley said. "You're not just helping a name on an account; you're helping your neighbors, people you see at the grocery store or at school events. There’s a real sense of community in what we do, and we take a lot of pride in being there for our friends and neighbors when they need us."
The success of the department hinges on the seamless collaboration of all its members. As Electrical Operations Manager Larry Jones explains, trust among members of the team is paramount. "I couldn't ask for a better crew. They all work great together, and in this line of work, that's everything," Jones states. "You have to be able to trust the person next to you completely. It's a good group because they look out for each other, which means they're not just working efficiently, they're working safely. That trust and dedication are what allow us to get the job done right for the community."
The work of the Prescott Water and Light Electric Department is absolutely critical. They power our schools, keep our businesses running, and ensure our homes are safe and comfortable. Their diligence is a key component of public safety and economic stability in the community.
Join SWARK.Today as we offer a heartfelt salute to the hardworking team at the Prescott Water and Light Electric Department. The next time you see a line truck out in the elements or your power is quickly restored after a storm, remember the dedicated individuals who are on the job. Be sure to offer them a big thank you for all that they do. Their names are as follows:
- Larry Jones - Electrical Operations Manager
- Shanta Wiley - Office Manager/Electric Dept Billing Specialist/Web Administrator
- Jake Cornelius - Electric Superintendent
- David Thomason - Electric Lineman and Police Officer
- Nicholas Morrison - Electric Lineman
- Ferrando L. Gillard - Electric Lineman
- Austin Beavers - Electric Lineman
- Melinda Ann Stockton - Electric Operations Team
- Mark Burnside - Senior Meter Reader
- Rebecca Pannell - Meter Reader
- Da'Quarius Hopper - Meter Reader
- Jeffery Williams - Meter Reader
Stay tuned for our next SWARK Service Spotlight to learn more about the invaluable public servants who make our communities better every day.