By Ken Schlimgen, General Manager
As general manager of your electric cooperative, I have the privilege of seeing firsthand what it truly takes to keep the lights on for our members. Behind every switch, every warm home and every business that opens its doors is a combination of dedicated people and a complex electric system that requires constant care. Reliable electricity doesn’t happen by accident. It is the result of skilled lineworkers and ongoing investment in the local grid.
On April 13, we recognize the lineworkers who are on the front lines of reliability. When storms roll through and outages occur, our crews respond. They are ready when it matters most—leaving their families and working through difficult conditions to restore power as safely and quickly as possible. That readiness comes from training, experience and a commitment to serving others.
Electric cooperatives were built on the principle of neighbors helping neighbors, and our lineworkers embody that spirit every day. Our lineworkers live and raise their families here. They understand that electricity is essential to daily life, to farms, to local businesses, to schools and to emergency services.
That commitment extends beyond our own service territory. During major outage events, cooperative crews assist neighboring co-ops—sometimes close to home and sometimes across state lines. This cooperation strengthens all electric cooperatives and ultimately benefits the members we serve.
Another important part of reliability happens long before an outage ever occurs. Much of the electric system we rely on today was built decades ago. Poles, wires, transformers and substations all have a lifespan. Routine maintenance extends that lifespan, but eventually equipment must be replaced to meet modern safety and performance standards. Proactive investments reduce the likelihood of outages, shortens restoration times and creates a stronger backbone for our community.
The demands on our electric grid are evolving. Homes and businesses use more electricity than ever before. Electric vehicles, smart appliances and new commercial facilities all add load to the distribution system. To maintain the reliability you expect, we strategically upgrade our infrastructure so it can safely meet increased demand.
These improvements require thoughtful planning and financial investment, but the return is significant. A stronger grid supports economic growth, improves service quality and enhances safety for our crews and our community. Most importantly, it ensures that the essential power you rely on is available whenever you need it.
We understand that any time the lights go out can be frustrating and possibly costly. We are grateful for your patience and encouragement during those moments. Linework is demanding, physical and if you’re not careful, unforgiving. Our crews approach each job with safety and teamwork. They take pride in the trust you place in them. We are thankful for the dedication of our lineworkers and for the opportunity to invest in the infrastructure that supports their work.
Reliability is about people, preparation and working together. By supporting our lineworkers and investing in our local grid, we are building a stronger, more resilient cooperative for the future
Until next month, stay safe!