In February, we experienced a peak load that was 15% higher than our previous highest demand, and our system performed well. We’re currently wrapping up a four-year construction work plan, which included upgrading transmission lines by replacing wooden poles with concrete and increasing conductor size and capacity, for increased efficiency and an enhanced ability to withstand storms. A new distribution substation is nearing completion, and three more are in the planning and design stages, so that we can better serve existing and new members. Distribution line improvement projects are ongoing

We invest in reliability by continuing to convert overhead distribution lines to underground; more than two-thirds of our lines are now underground. We do a complete visual patrol of our entire system each year, using drones for inspection of our transmission facilities and distribution lines in hard-to-access areas; this allows us to identify issues before they become problems, and helps us identify new ways to be proactive in increasing reliability. Our ongoing Right-of-Way maintenance program is another way we work to prevent outages.

We informally share what we’ve learned about keeping reliability high and costs down, amidst growing demand, at co-op engineering conferences – and co-ops share best practices with us as well. We learn from each other because we’re not in competition, and because we believe that members of all cooperatives deserve the best service possible.

But just because we’re not in competition doesn’t mean that we don’t think we’re exceptional, and that we don’t continue to strive to be. We lead the industry in several important ways, including reliability, and we’re proud of the strength and resilience of our system. Our entire team is focused on continually improving reliability, while being as efficient as possible. This member-centered orientation gives us a sense of purpose, drives our actions, and hopefully delivers results that make you glad to be a member.