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Planned Power Outages for Voltage Conversion Project

What Residents Need to Know
Posted on: July 23, 2025 - 5:03pm
electric work notice

UPDATED | 7/29/2025 9:41am

This morning, during scheduled voltage conversion work on Circuit 6, utility crews encountered multiple transformers that failed to transition to the new 7,200/12,470-volt system as expected. As a result, additional unplanned work is now underway to replace these transformers using stock on hand.

This unexpected equipment replacement will extend the outage duration for a portion of Circuit 6. The area currently impacted includes the North side of Brown Avenue and the South side of Main Street Terrace from 16th Street to 18th Street.

We understand extended outages are frustrating and we appreciate your continued patience as our crews work as quickly and safely as possible to restore service.

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ORIGINAL | Starting Monday, July 28th, 2025, City of Osawatomie utility crews will begin scheduled power outages in the area outlined on the map below as part of our ongoing electric system upgrade. This is an important step in the City’s long-term project to convert our electric distribution system from the older 2,400/4,160-volt infrastructure to a more modern 7,200/12,470-volt system.

electric outage map

What to Expect:

  • Each customer in the affected area will experience one power outage, which will last no longer than three (3) hours.
  • Outages will occur between 6:30 AM and 12:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
  • The full process may take up to 2 weeks to complete, but again, each customer will only be affected once during this time.

Why This Matters:
This upgrade began in 2018 with the addition of the 9th Street Substation. We are systematically transferring circuits from the Power Plant Substation to 9th Street, which uses the new voltage standard. This change brings several long-term benefits:

  • Improved reliability and efficiency of the electric system
  • Easier access to replacement equipment such as breakers and transformers, due to standardized voltage
  • Lower current (amps) at higher voltage, which allows us to use smaller, lighter wire—reducing the need for extra poles and lessening stress on the system infrastructure

To date, we have converted four of the City’s 12 circuits: two from the Power Plant Substation and two from 7th Street (to support connectivity). Over the next two weeks, we aim to complete all of Circuit #6 in this phase and 90% of Circuit #1. The remaining portion will be completed later this year once conduit installation is finished near Osawatomie High School.

This work will leave only Circuits #3 and #5 still connected to the Power Plant Substation. Planning for the conversion of Circuit #3 is expected to begin next year.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue working toward a more resilient and efficient electrical system for our community.

Please contact the City's Electric Warehouse if you have any questions or concerns at 913-755-6800.

This notice is being distributed via the City's official website, our official Facebook page, and the General Alerts subscription group available through TextMyGov. Text "OZGENERAL" to phone number 91896 to opt-in to future notices.