By Raychael Moseley / Managing Editor

Marshall Municipal Utilities plans to hire an additional employee for its Electric Production Department as officials prepare for increased operations at the Marshall Energy Center.

The announcement came during the Board of Public Works meeting on Nov. 10, following recent training and updated projections for the facility.

People, Risk and Outreach Director Megan Baldridge reported that Electric Production Director Jarad Muller requested permission to begin advertising for a systems maintenance mechanic position already included in the department’s annual budget.

General Manager Jeff Bergstrom said the decision followed updated projections indicating that the Marshall Energy Center could operate approximately 40% of the time because of congestion on the regional electrical transmission system.

“They’re expected to run about 40% of the time, which is 2,000 hours a year,” Bergstrom said.

The anticipated increase in operations has created a need for additional staffing as MMU prepares the facility for regular service.

Bergstrom said the department could eventually require more employees depending on the facility’s operational demands.

“We may just, we’re adding one now, we may add more later, but that’s building that department back up from when we lost the coal plant,” Bergstrom said.

The Marshall Energy Center is part of MMU’s efforts to maintain reliable electricity generation following the closure of its former coal-fired power plant.

During the discussion, Bergstrom emphasized the importance of the new positions for the community.

“Those are local jobs that this project’s creating,” Bergstrom said.

Although additional positions could be created, Bergstrom said MMU is evaluating its staffing needs before making further commitments.

“We know we’re going to need one for sure, and hopefully we’ll be adding a couple more,” Bergstrom said.

Later in the meeting, Bergstrom reported that MMU continues to work through regulatory compliance requirements and operational agreements associated with the facility.

He also said some monitoring equipment and systems may not be completed until the second quarter of 2027, potentially requiring temporary arrangements.

MMU will begin advertising for the systems maintenance mechanic position as preparations for the Marshall Energy Center continue.