Jackson Purchase Energy Cooperative (JPEC) provided exciting electrical safety demonstrations for students at the Mayfield/Graves County Area Technology Center (ATC) on April 2 as part of the Power in Partnership program, a joint effort between the ATC and Graves County Economic Development (GCED) that brings a range of professionals to the classroom to share expertise and offer career advice.
With carefully orchestrated bright arc-flashes, crackles, and loud bangs, JPEC’s safety demonstration captured the students’ attention to illustrate the dangers of contacting overhead and underground electrical lines. Presenters included JPEC Vice President of Operations and Technical Services Ward Morgan, Director of Safety and Environmental Compliance David Brandon, Journeyman Line Technician Gabe Defew, and Apprentice Line Technician and ATC graduate Tray Madding. The team tailored one presentation specifically for students in the electricity program and a second presentation for students in machine tool and welding.
"We thank JPEC for taking time to demonstrate life-saving knowledge to our students,” said Mayfield/Graves ATC Principal Josh Heisner. “It was very cool that Tray Madding was one of the presenters. He completed our electricity program in 2024 and is now working as an apprentice line technician for JPEC. It's awesome to see graduates eager to give back to our programs."
“Nothing is more important than safety in our industry, and opportunities like this allow students to see firsthand both the risks involved and the responsibility that comes with working around electricity,” said Morgan. “As a cooperative, JPEC is committed to investing in our communities by sharing knowledge that helps keep people safe and prepares the next generation for successful careers.”
Jackson Purchase Energy Cooperative is a rural electric cooperative serving more than 23,000 consumer-members across six counties in far Western Kentucky. JPEC is one of 24 rural electric distribution cooperatives in Kentucky, which together provide electricity for 1.5 million Kentuckians in 117 of Kentucky’s 120 counties.
JPEC was organized in 1937 and the first lines were energized in 1938. JPEC currently owns and maintains more than 2,990 miles of line and 27 substations.
“Learning to work safely in challenging environments is a critical lesson for our ATC students and to layer that with the opportunity to meet and interact with JPEC staff members is extremely valuable,” said GCED President Jason Lemle. “We are grateful to Jackson Purchase Energy for supporting Power in Partnership and for investing the time and resources necessary to bring this demonstration to our students.”
The ATC’s electrical technology program is designed to help prepare students for entry-level electrician positions in industry and the building trades. Students participate in layout, assembly, installation, testing, and maintenance of electrical circuits, apparatus, and residential wiring activities. Training involves electrical theory and electrical codes currently used in industry. The ATC is located on the Mayfield High School campus and educates students from Mayfield Independent Schools, Graves County High School and Carlisle County High School.