MESSAGE FROM OPERATIONS: ENSURING RELIABILTY

KEM Electric Cooperative is dedicated to ensuring safe and reliable electric services to our members each and every day. In strides, the line crews persist with maintenance and projects to strengthen our system to continue the reliability members have come to know and expect. These tasks include routine tree trimming, pole change outs, installation of underground cable and outage restoration. 

One of the projects KEM Electric employees recently completed is replacing seven miles of three-phase overhead with underground cable south of the Tappen Substation. Converting this stretch of overhead power line to underground will help to further ensure safety and reliability to KEM Electric’s system. Line crews have also addressed residential requests for underground cable installation, eliminating power lines and poles in their yards.

KEM Electric continues to work with contractors for vegetation management as the weather allows. Trimming trees around overhead lines helps improve service reliability and keep members safe. Overgrown trees and branches are a leading cause of power outages and by routinely conducting vegetative management KEM Electric can reduce related outages. 

Although our crews work to ensure the system is ready to withstand the elements, sometimes animals or weather can cause damage to the system. This summer KEM Electric’s service area saw its fair share of straight-line winds which caused poles to snap. Additionally, animals account for outages and disruptions as well. When small animals encounter power lines and other electrical equipment, they cause service disruptions, known as blinks. They can also cause extensive damage to the cooperative’s equipment. In a recent instance an animal causes the top of a utility pole to burn off. KEM Electric has installed safeguard equipment to help alleviate these disruptions. 

As our crews work across the service area, we appreciate your input and cooperation. If you come across something that looks like it needs to be assessed by KEM Electric, please call our office at 701-254-4666.