BEHIND THE SCENES WITH OPERATIONS Committed to reliability

KEM Electric Cooperative continues to invest in a reliable electric system, which means line crews have been busy making upgrades to infrastructure across the service area. These upgrades, such as outage mitigation technology, are diligently planned additions throughout the territory.

Many factors can be involved in an outage, including equipment accidents, birds and squirrels, as well as weather. Although we do not always have control over what impacts a member’s electric service, technology can be installed to mitigate the chances.

Upgrading outage mitigation technology

As upgrades were made throughout the system this summer, crews installed guards on equipment, such as transformers, fuse cutouts and arresters. These updates help reduce outages and blinks while protecting wildlife. Small animals often nest, feed or perch on utility structures, which can be dangerous if they come into contact with exposed conductors or other energized equipment.

Due to the bird migration routes through North Dakota, the cooperative is sometimes required to use additional bird deviation equipment. The bird diverters are installed along the overhead power lines to help birds, such as whooping cranes, notice the lines. This helps prevent bird strikes, which can cause bird deaths as well as blinks or outages for members.

We are committed to protecting wildlife while delivering reliable electric services to our members. As outage prevention technology continues to improve, the installation of protective equipment helps reduce animal-related outages, prevent animal deaths, and minimize power blinks and service interruptions to our members.