An update from CEO, Hunter Robinson
This year has been ... let’s just say challenging. Just when you think it can’t get any worse, 2020 throws something else at you.
It reminds me of a quote by Rae Smith: “Adversity shakes the foundations of our character to see if what we believe and value is really worth standing for.”
Cooperatives are built on a set of values we call the seven co-op principles. We talk about them quite a bit, but there are also times when we see them in action.
Utilities have taken quite a hit this year. Our nation has been dealing with hurricanes, wildfires and a pandemic. Long ago, cooperatives set standards on how power lines are built, and these standards allow crews to go to other co-ops and construct line just as they would here at Central. These standards allow for the execution of co-op principle number six: Cooperation Among Cooperatives.
In September and October, we sent line crews to Louisiana to help with Hurricanes Laura and Delta. I am proud of our cooperative’s ability to help others in their times of need. Mutual aid is a great thing, and while you hope you never need the favor returned, there is a small thought in the back of your mind that knows one day you will need to make the ask.
Little did we know that less than a month after sending crews to Louisiana, we would be in need of mutual aid to help restore power during one of the biggest ice storms in our co-op’s history.
The first wave of ice hit on Monday, Oct. 26, followed by two more rounds on the two days following. More than 14,000 meters were affected by the storm, which equates to about 63% of our system. The first few days were difficult as we worked to ensure the safety of the public, check thousands of damage reports and begin to restore power. Restoring power during an ice storm becomes somewhat a losing battle because as you make repairs, other areas behind you will begin to fall due to ice loading on trees and wire. It does not take long before a storm becomes too large for a single co-op.
Cooperatives from Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas and Oklahoma answered our call and sent crews to assist. We had more than 100 individuals in the field assessing damage, clearing the destruction and working to restore power. Crews worked in shifts around the clock for nine days. The entire employee group pulled together to answer calls, dispatch crews, and work to make sure crews were safe and cared for.
It was in our time of adversity, that Central and the cooperative business model was at its strongest. When we were shaken, it was our beliefs and values that helped us to overcome. I would like to thank the crews from Ozark, Petit Jean, Barton County, Barry, Verdigris Valley, People’s, Heartland, Twin Valley and Four River electric cooperatives who assisted in our time of need. Your assistance exemplifies the co-op principle number six, Cooperation Among Cooperatives, and we are thankful for you all.