BEHIND THE SCENES WITH OPERATIONS: Powering together

As the seasons change and communities settle into a busy time of year, we also take the opportunity to celebrate National Cooperative Month. It’s a time to reflect on what it means to be part of a member-owned organization committed to serving our members and strengthening our communities. As an electric cooperative, we are guided by seven cooperative principles, including cooperation among cooperatives, which plays an important role in the work we do every day.

Our cooperative has a unique story. Years ago, our board of directors recognized the value of working together and joined a cooperative that partners with other cooperatives every day. By sharing expertise, resources and services, these cooperatives can operate more efficiently, control costs and better serve the members who depend on them.

Through ownership of Innovative Energy Alliance Cooperative (IEA), KEM Electric Cooperative works closely with three neighboring electric cooperatives, Mor-Gran-Sou Electric, Roughrider Electric and Slope Electric. It’s a perfect example of how cooperation among cooperatives strengthens everyone involved.

Reduced Costs

Through IEA’s services, KEM Electric works alongside other cooperatives to help improve efficiency and better serve members. While IEA’s engineering department assists with system analysis, maintenance planning and future expansion, the collaboration extends far beyond engineering.

IEA also supports information technology and supervisory control and data acquisition systems, works with accounting teams on budgeting and financial planning, and partners with member services departments to help communicate outage information and other important updates to members. By sharing resources, expertise and services, participating cooperatives can accomplish more together than they could individually while keeping costs manageable for the members they serve.

Due to current lead times and logistics challenges in the utility industry, some materials can be difficult to obtain. One benefit of maintaining strong relationships with neighboring cooperatives is the ability to lend or sell materials to one another when needed. This helps keep overhead costs down by reducing the need to stock large quantities of inventory. Long lead times can delay projects, but when materials are unavailable, another cooperative can often help ensure projects stay on schedule.

Providing Mutual Aid

A well-known value of cooperatives is the willingness to help when others are in need. When a storm hits and a cooperative requires additional crew members or equipment, we call on one another for assistance. Because we are neighboring cooperatives, we are often familiar with each other’s service areas and may use the same technology, helping make the response process smoother during urgent situations.

Through these partnerships, we can better serve our members through cost savings while maintaining a high level of service. By working together, sharing resources and supporting one another, we build a stronger cooperative. This month, we are proud to celebrate not only what we have accomplished, but also the partnerships that have helped make those accomplishments possible.