June 22, 2022
With its new consolidated operations center as the backdrop, Starkville Utilities hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony this week [June 21] to formally commission the state-of-the-art facility at 605 Highway 182 East, which represents a major step forward in improving performance and service capabilities for customers.
“This is a big day for employees and customers,” said Edward Kemp, Starkville Utilities general manager. “Our new facility is designed to meet the needs of a modern utility workforce focused on safety, service and professionalism. It is also part of our ongoing commitment to provide more innovative services and technologies to better serve customers.”
In addition to Kemp, attendees included Starkville Mayor Lynn Spruill, Vice Mayor Roy A. Perkins, and former Starkville Utilities general manager Terry Kemp.
After working at different addresses, electric and water division employees are now united in the consolidated operations center, which features 10,000 additional square feet of space for offices, training activities, a larger warehouse and a “war room” that doubles as a venue for community meetings and events. The project also expanded the parking area.
The $1.9 million project was funded through Starkville Utilities’ capital budget and will not affect customer rates.
“Our consolidated operations center is an investment in the future that will position us to serve Starkville’s continued growth with safe, reliable and affordable utility services,” Kemp said.
Starkville Utilities is a public utility serving 14,000 residences, businesses and industries in Starkville, Mississippi as well as Mississippi State University. Its mission is to supply safe, reliable, and cost-effective electric and water service of superior quality and value that improves the lives of its customers.