News

CPU’s Community Involvement Goes Beyond Providing Utility Services

CPU works every day to improve safety, efficiency and quality of life in Clarksdale

Clarksdale Public Utilities has always been committed to delivering reliable, affordable utility services — but there is more to CPU’s mission than meets the eye. From maintaining streetlights and repairing fire hydrants to powering municipal offices, CPU serves a variety of needs that enhance Clarksdale’s safety, efficiency and quality of life.

“CPU is more than a utility provider. We perform a number of valuable services that keep our city operating safely and efficiently,” said Curtis D. Boschert, CPU general manager. “We see these services as investments in our community that make Clarksdale a great place to live.”

As Clarksdale’s municipally owned utility, CPU provides approximately $700,000 in electricity, potable water and sewer services to the city at no cost. These services keep local government offices functioning efficiently while allowing more investments to be made in city services, technology upgrades, infrastructure improvements and other areas that benefit residents.

CPU also enhances public safety as part of its community support. CPU’s Water Department installs and services fire hydrants and maintains the water-supply system used by fire departments to suppress blazes. In many cases, CPU repairs fire hydrants at a fraction of the cost of replacing them.

Of significance are the contributions of CPU’s Electric Department, which installs and maintains streetlights that illuminate city streets and neighborhoods. Recently, CPU crews installed lights in viaducts on Riverside, Issaquena, DeSoto and Carolina avenues in downtown Clarksdale. The new lights not only improve visibility and safety for motorists and pedestrians but also make the area more inviting and attractive.

In a city that welcomes tourists from all over the world, event promotion is an important function. CPU linemen use the utility’s lift trucks to install banners and signage throughout Clarksdale to promote local festivals and events, and CPU also promotes community events through sponsorships and volunteer support. Most recently, CPU helped organize the largest “Trick or Treat in Downtown Clarksdale” to-date.

“We were able to grow the event from nine participating businesses in 2017 to 28 businesses in 2019,” said Angela Haire, CPU administrative assistant. “It has been rewarding to see its popularity grow and to be part of a fun, family-oriented event that brings the community together.”

As part of CPU’s Bright Future initiative, Boschert said the utility is on track to boost customer satisfaction through service improvements, technology investments, and projects that support community growth. Communicating more with customers is also part of CPU’s strategy to build positive relationships with customers and the community.

“CPU has been an integral part of the community for many generations, and we are making plans to ensure that CPU serves Clarksdale’s utility needs well into the future,” Boschert said. “It is a privilege to give back to the city because we take pride in serving customers and making a positive difference.”

Clarksdale Public Utilities is a municipally owned utility serving approximately 6,800 homes and businesses in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Its mission is to safely provide sustainable electric, water and wastewater services in a reliable and courteous manner by well-trained team members, committed to top quality, efficient operations, competitive rates and the vitality of the community.