By Ken Schlimgen, General Manager
A Difficult Loss
January of 2026 hit our cooperative hard and will not be forgotten. Not because of severe cold or power outages, but because we lost a friend, husband, leader and coworker in an auto accident.
Chandler Bakley, or “Chuck” to those who knew him, was a very special individual. He truly cared about his work, his family, his friends, his coworkers and our members.
Chuck worked for Central Electric since 2021. He started as temporary summer help and was eventually hired as a full-time apprentice lineman on the Mitchell crew.
Chuck married the love of his life, Angie, in October 2024, and was working towards journeyman lineman status. Despite his abbreviated time with our cooperative, he left a real legacy. Please keep Chuck’s family, friends and your cooperative employees in your thoughts and prayers as we mourn his loss.
Requirements for Wind, Solar, Batteries, EVs
Every year, we visit with members who express interest in generating their own electricity using what our industry calls distributed energy resources (DERs). The most common DER in our area is small wind generators, followed by solar panels. Battery storage systems and electric vehicles are another emerging resource with capabilities to supply power back to a home or the grid.
These technologies can provide benefits to members and, when connected properly, can also support the broader electric system. As your electric cooperative, we support members using DERs while remaining focused on delivering safe, reliable power.
While each of these technologies operates differently, they all share one important characteristic: they can affect how electricity flows through the system. The electric grid was originally designed to deliver power in one direction—from the substations to homes, farms, and businesses. When power can also flow back onto the system, careful planning and coordination are required.
Safety is our top priority. Our employees must be confident that lines are de-energized before performing repairs. Improperly installed or unapproved DER equipment can energize lines unexpectedly, creating serious hazards for crews and the public. This is why interconnection requirements, inspections and approvals are essential protections—not obstacles.
Reliability is equally important. Voltage fluctuations, frequency changes or equipment operating outside of required standards can impact service quality for neighbors and place additional stress on cooperative infrastructure. When DERs are installed correctly and operate as designed, they can be a benefit. When they are not, they can create challenges that affect a large area.
Your cooperative is committed to working with members who want to add a DER. Our interconnection process helps ensure that equipment meets safety standards, system impacts are understood, and everyone remains protected. These steps allow us to maintain a reliable grid today while preparing for the energy systems of tomorrow. Information on the cooperative’s interconnection process can be found on our website www.centralec.coop.
If you are considering solar, battery storage, a generator, or other energy technologies, I encourage you to contact Pat Soukup, Manager of Member Services and Marketing. Pat has provided more detailed information on page 11, and he can help you make an informed decision on DERs.
Tell Us ‘Who Powers You’
Nominations are being accepted for the annual “Who Powers You” contest hosted by Central Electric and the region’s other Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. The contest highlights local people and organizations who are making a difference in their communities.
Member-owners, employees, organizations and residents who live, work or support communities within the service territory of the region’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives are eligible to be nominated. Nominations will be accepted through April 19, 2026. Visit www.WhoPowersYouContest.com for more information.
Until next month, stay safe!