Leading Hartselle Utilities as General Manager, Ty Chancelor has focused on innovative efforts that improve reliability, efficiency, and customer service. We asked him to elaborate on the specific technology and modernization that has changed his LPC footprint, in addition to describing some of his team’s wins for their community.

The modernization effort that has likely had the biggest impact on our community in recent years has been Hartselle Utilities’ transition to Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). We began with the conversion of our electric and natural gas systems and ultimately plan to expand AMI capabilities to our water system as well. It’s significantly improved the reliability and efficiency of our operations while also enhancing customer service. For a growing community like Hartselle, investing in modernization projects like AMI helps position us to serve our customers more efficiently while preparing for future technology needs. One specific project our team is especially proud of is our peak shaving initiative. The installation and implementation of the project was spearheaded by our previous General Manager, Bob Sittason, with engineering support from Lance Junkin and Stewart Engineering. Bob strongly believed in making strategic investments that would create long-term value for our customers, and this project is a great example of that vision. Peak shaving has allowed Hartselle Utilities to reduce wholesale power demand costs during periods of highest usage, creating substantial savings for our system and ultimately for our customers. The project also positioned Hartselle Utilities to be more proactive and data-driven in managing system demand and power costs. In March 2022, the Board also approved a voltage reduction proposal as part of our continued efforts to improve system efficiency and maximize savings opportunities. Beyond the financial impact, this project represents the forward-thinking leadership and long-term planning that continues to shape our organization today.

Ty also credits Seven States as being a valuable partner for Hartselle Utilities as the needs of his community have continued to evolve. 

Seven States has been a tremendous partner in helping Hartselle Utilities explore and implement innovative projects that benefit our community. One of the best examples is the installation of our downtown EV fast charging station. With financial support and guidance from Seven States, Hartselle Utilities was able to bring fast-charging infrastructure to our downtown area, helping support economic development, tourism, and the growing demand for electric vehicle accessibility. The project aligned well with our goal of preparing our community for the future while also encouraging visitors to spend time in our downtown district. Since the ribbon cutting in July 2024, the charging station has seen strong community and traveler usage. Projects like this demonstrate how partnerships with organizations like Seven States help local power companies take practical steps toward innovation while still focusing on community needs.

Despite the rapidly changing technology in the Valley, the utility business remains rooted in personal relationships and customer service. Chancelor believes that will always remain important in communities like Hartselle.

No matter how much technology evolves, I don’t think in-person customer interaction will ever completely disappear in the utility industry. Utilities are still very relationship-driven, especially in communities like Hartselle where customers know our employees personally and expect a level of service that goes beyond an app or automated system. Technology absolutely improves efficiency and communication, but there are still times when customers simply want to talk to a real person face-to-face — whether it’s discussing a billing issue, setting up new service, or navigating a difficult situation after a storm or outage. At the end of the day, utility service is still about serving people, and I think that personal connection will always matter.
 

When asked a lighter question outside the utility world about who he’d most like to sit down with over dinner, his answer came without hesitation.

Without question, it would be Dak Prescott. Now realistically, Dak would probably spend dinner wondering why a utility manager from Alabama is staring at him like he’s meeting a superhero, while I’d spend the entire evening trying not to ask too many Cowboys questions in the first five minutes. I’d like to say we’d have deep conversations about leadership, overcoming adversity, and performing under pressure — and hopefully we would — but there’s a strong chance I’d also ask him to explain at least three questionable fourth-quarter decisions from recent seasons. As a Cowboys fan, hope springs eternal. Every season starts with “this could be the year,” and honestly, that kind of optimism probably translates pretty well to the utility business too.