Case Study
Clark Energy Cooperative
A rural utility office wanted to protect their employees but didn’t want their branch offices to look like a frightening county lockup. Clark Energy needed a professional-looking barrier that didn't compromise on safety or visual appeal.
The Problem: Unsecured Teller Lines
Clark Energy serves roughly 19,000 customers and maintains 3,000 miles of line in 11 counties. They still face many of the same challenges they did in 1938: A large service area, far-flung customers, and a demanding environment for maintaining utility operations.
As every utility company employee is well aware, customers become upset when their service is disrupted. It’s not uncommon for utility office visitors to become verbally abusive or even aggressive.
In addition to their active main offices in Winchester, KY, Clark Energy maintains two small satellite offices. These are located in Powell and Menifee Counties, where they serve as hubs for linemen and as payment centers. Over a quarter of Clark’s customers are in these two rural counties. Many still prefer to conduct their business and pay bills in person.
These small payment centers are relatively isolated and lightly staffed throughout much of the day, with only one or two counter workers on site. Worker safety is a constant worry for management, the workers themselves, and even customers—especially after a disgruntled customer assaulted a counter worker at the Winchester Municipal Utilities water offices.
TSS' Systems Approach
Project Consulting
Clark Energy realized they needed to install custom bulletproof barriers in their branch offices. However, none of the local contractors could build an acceptable system. Local glaziers can often source bulletproof materials, but they still lack the experience and tools to design and fabricate custom bullet-resistant barrier systems. The result is often an “institutional-style” barrier with solid sheets of dingy laminated glass and little consideration for day-to-day usability or aesthetics.
Since custom fabrication is something we do every day, we knew we could design a secure barrier that blended into the surrounding aesthetic of the office. We spoke with Holly Eades, Clark Energy's Vice President of Finance, and recommended a baffle-style transaction window that would integrate seamlessly into the existing interior and be as unobtrusive as possible.
DESIGN & ENGINEERING
Working closely with Clark Energy, TSS engineers designed a custom solution based on one of their existing UL-rated transaction windows. This custom system combined two windows, minimizing the use of hardware and keeping the barrier itself low and visually understated. Integrating the existing angled dividers preserved counter space for customer convenience and created an inviting space.
FABRICATION & ASSEMBLY
TSS custom fabricated all components in our Michigan facility. Many bulletproof components are difficult to modify in the field, so we custom-cut the glazing to fit perfectly in the intended space and flame-polished the edges to ensure a smooth finish.
Delivery & Installation
Arched Baffle Transaction Windows
Baffle-style transaction windows use two pieces of offset bulletproof glazing to facilitate clear sound transfer with minimal visual obstruction. By significantly enlarging the arched voice ports and backers, TSS ensured that customers and staff would be able to communicate effortlessly. The window also includes an inset deal tray for passing paperwork and payments between the customer and secure sides of the barrier.
One More Utility Office, Secured
Since 2004, TSS has helped countless utility offices and payment centers increase their bulletproof protection without compromising on functionality or aesthetics. Our unique systems approach to security and experience with bulletproof products ensure we can find a solution that works for everyone.
A PDF version of this case study is available if you'd like to learn more about our work with Clark Energy.
Request a Consultation From TSS
TSS is ready to help make your next bulletproof project a success. Whether you’re coming to us with engineered plans or you’d like to talk through your options, TSS is on your side. To get started, reach out to us and request a consultation. We look forward to speaking with you!
About TSS
Founded in 2004, TSS’ purpose is simple: to be the industry leader in protecting people and property from physical attacks. Our professional in-house design, manufacturing, and installation teams enable us to deliver total security solutions that are customized to your needs with the fastest speed to completion and an exceptional customer experience. Today, with staff and locations nationwide, we have secured tens of thousands of buildings, ensuring daily Physical Security for What Matters Most™.