Manager Connection: Employees form the infrastructure of the cooperative
General Manager Syd Briggs
When we flip a light switch, we expect a light to turn on.
We usually don’t give much thought to the processes or people behind it, until the light doesn’t turn on because of a power outage.
Severe weather is the top cause of power outages in the United States. There certainly has been episodes of severe weather nationwide this past year. When storms cause the power to go out, we depend upon our electric cooperatives or utilities to restore power as safely and quickly as possible.
Line technicians are the front line, but they do not work alone. In fact, behind every flick of a light switch or press of an electronic appliance button, there is an entire team of utility personnel working hard to make sure electricity is delivered safely and reliably to homes, farms, and businesses.
In addition to our line technicians, your electric cooperative has team members with various needed areas of expertise to provide energy in more resilient and efficient ways, updating grid systems, operational planning and design. Our safety manager schedules training to keep co-op personnel safe, which in turn benefits the safety of consumers.
Member service representatives answer questions on outages and billing, communication efforts provide consumers information on safety, efficiency, and outage updates. Dispatchers relay vital information to line crews. Managers connect team members and work to keep the co-op running as efficient as possible in its efforts to meet the goals and expectations of members.
Together, all of the employees form the infrastructure of their electric cooperative/utility. They work daily to provide enough power to meet a community’s needs, manage load, minimize the possibility of power outages, restore power, provide education on safety and efficiency topics, and more. While many of these employees work behind the scenes, they all play a role in helping power communities and people’s lives.
As a member and electric consumer, you are part of the team as well. From reporting power outages and downed lines to taking advantages of opportunities to learn more about safety and efficiency—doing your part helps your community as well.
While frustration can be experienced when there is a disruption of electric service, remember—co-op employees are there to help. The processes and rules they follow have been established for safety, reliability, and fairness of the system.
The inconveniences of wait times and power outages are not their fault. The time it takes to restore power can vary widely depending on the extent of a storm’s destruction, the number of outages, and when it becomes safe for line technicians to get to the damaged areas. Whether it is minutes, hours, or even days, you can help do your part by being prepared.
When you have the chance, thank the co-op personnel you meet, whether on the phone, online, or in person. They play a key role in your community as they work to keep the lights on and people safe.
Trust
#swce/TRUST
