Tyler Markus named 2022 Kansas Municipal Utilities, Lineworker Award of Exellence recipient

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Kansas Municipal Utilities, the statewide asswociation for municipal utilities, announced today that Tyler Markus of Pratt, Kansas was named the recipient of the 2022 Lineworker Award of Excellence. This awad is given to the electrical lineworker who best exemplifies the core values of their community and their craft.

"It is my honor to present Tyler with this award. He exemplifies the ideal lineworker," said Brian Meek, Director of Energy Services at Kansas Municipal Utilities. "Tyler's dedication, technical expertise, and leadership make him a role model lineworker for all of Kansas. Last year his skills played a crucial role in constructing a record number of power poles and improving the reliability of the city's electrical system. Tyler's knowledge of electric transformer theory and operation has resulted in a consistently low outrage rate in the city distribution system. His expertise and desire for service has also been demonstrated on several mutual aid events including Hurricane Irma in Florida. Tyler has been a volunteer instructor at KMU's Lineworker workshops for several years, where he has passed along to other lineworkers, not only his knowledge of electrical systems but his passion for his work and his community."

This award is given annually to one electrical lineworker from a municipal utility in the state of Kansas. In order to be nominated, the lineworker must meet a lengthy set of criteria. Portions of the criteria include demonstrating a commitment to improving the lives of their community members, striving to achieve excellence in their technical field, acting as a mentor for their peers, and many others. All nominations are reviewed by utility experts and one candidate is chosen as the award recipient.

"We think it is important to recognize individuals that are doing exceptional work in their community and for their community," said Brad Mears, Executive Director of Kansas Municipal Utilities.

The City of Pratt has operated a Municipal Electric Utility since 1910. The City of Pratt's electrical distribution department maintains and operates over 150 miles of distribution lines providing electrical power to 4,200 meters in a service area reaching 7 miles north and 8 miles east of the city limits. The distribution department has 10 employees with a combined 99 years of experience.