Providing safe and reliable service to our customers requires all of our departments and employees working together to support our common goal.  Our six run-of river hydroelectric facilities along the St. Joseph River in Indiana and Michigan play an essential role in meeting our customers’ energy needs. Together, our hydroelectric facilities generate more than 22 megawatts of energy a year – enough to power 15,000 homes annually. 

Richard Walag, Hydroelectric Maintenance Supervisor, is responsible for daily operations at the hydroelectric facilities. 

How long have you been with I&M and in what roles? 

I have worked for I&M for 32 years. I was a hydroelectric mechanic for 25 years and the last seven years I’ve served as the hydroelectric maintenance supervisor.

How did you come to work at I&M?

Interestingly enough, I went to an I&M service center to pay my electric bill. While there, I saw a posting on the front door informing customers and the public I&M was hiring. I took a leap and decided to apply.

If you had to describe your job to someone, what would you say?

I work to keep our six hydroelectric generating facilities located on the St. Joseph River in Indiana and Michigan operating safely. I’m in charge of daily operations at all six plants, making sure equipment is working, our employees have the tools to work safely and the water is flowing to generate power.

What’s something about your department or role that most people wouldn’t know?

All six of our hydroelectric facilities have been generating electricity for more than 100 years. Without them, there would likely be no upstream recreational lake for boating or frontage property. AEP also owns and operates nine other hydroelectric facilities in Virginia and West Virginia.

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

Show up to work each day, and do your best and treat everyone equally & fairly. You must have diversity to maximize potential.

For more information on the careers AEP offers and open jobs click here.