Recent News About Ohio's Electric Cooperatives
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RESAP/Commitment to Zero Contacts (CtZ) Phase 2 Progresses Towards Success
In a recent update on the RESAP/Commitment to Zero Contacts (CtZ) Phase 2 program, significant progress has been reported. The year 2024 has been highlighted as a milestone for the completion of the first round of CtZ Phase 2.One participant in the program expressed their positive experience, stating, "It has been amazing to be in those 18 closed door sessions talking about things openly and honestly with your line personnel." The emphasis was on fostering open communication, trust, and transparency within the cooperative environment. The dedication of lineworkers to...
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May 2024 Cooperative Safety Highlight - Hancock-Wood Electric
In the latest May 2024 issue of SAFELINES, the spotlight is on Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative and their innovative safety practices. The Cooperative Safety Highlight features a unique storage cart designed by Clint Patterson, aimed at enhancing safety and efficiency in the workplace.The storage cart, crafted to hold materials and tools for framing poles in the shop, was a collaborative effort with input from various team members. These mobile carts play a crucial role in the organization, with around 90% of poles being framed in the shop before the crew heads out. This...
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Ohio Electric Cooperatives Shift Focus to Managing Processes Safely
Ohio's electric cooperatives are undergoing a significant transformation in their approach to risk assessment and safety management. In a recent article for RE Magazine, Dwight Miller, a prominent figure in the industry, shared insights on the evolution of risk assessment practices within the cooperative sector.Miller highlighted the shift from traditional safety management programs to a more holistic approach of "managing processes safely." He emphasized the importance of integrating safety as a core value in every aspect of cooperative operations, stating, "In managing...
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ELDT (Entry-Level Driver Training) May 2024 Update
A total of 15 Ohio lineworkers have completed OEC’s ELDT program and now possess their CDLs, with an unknown speaker expressing, "That’s great news and it now appears to be slowing down a little bit."However, there have been some challenges encountered by two cooperatives in Ohio regarding the free theory course offered by the state, as mentioned by another unidentified speaker, "Please be aware that there have been issues for two cooperatives with the free theory course that the state of Ohio offers, and we had to do a workaround in order to get the students proper...
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Central Ohio Lineworker Training Program Prepares for Busy Year in 2024
Central Ohio Lineworker Training Program (COLT) is gearing up for a busy year ahead as it continues to provide essential training opportunities for lineworkers. The program's schedule for the year is filled with various educational activities aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of its participants.According to a recent update, COLT has seen enrollment from both apprentices and new hire students. A spokesperson for COLT stated, "This spring, 11 apprentices were enrolled and completed their COLT 1000/1050 classes, and we currently have 13 new hire students scheduled...
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Culture of Safety Strategy Lab Update: May 2024
In the latest update on the Culture of Safety Strategy Lab for May 2024, various key points were discussed and analyzed. The focus has been on identifying areas for improvement at the statewide level. According to the report, five high-level items have been pinpointed as in need of attention.The first area highlighted is in-house safety meetings or safety discussions, with an estimated current effectiveness of 30%. Incident reporting and analysis follow closely behind, with estimated current reporting at 25% and analysis at 10%. In-house crew observations were noted to...
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Safety Throwback - Looking Back at COLT Cohort 3 EUT-1100 from June 2006
In this issue’s Safety Throwback, we take a look back at COLT Cohort 3 EUT-1100, their basic underground class in June of 2006. The picture from the class features familiar faces, including Dave Byers from The Energy Cooperative, Chris Host from Carroll Electric Cooperative, Chad Shumaker from Frontier Power Company, Rob Campbell from Carroll Electric Cooperative, Ray Brunner from Butler Rural Electric Cooperative, and Derk Beckett also from Butler Rural Electric Cooperative.According to the information provided, four individuals in the photo are still employed at the...
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Growing Participation in RECAP Program Enhances Cybersecurity for Ohio Cooperatives
In the latest update of the Rural Electric Cyber Advancement Program (RECAP) for May 2024, it was reported that participation in the program continues to expand. According to the update, there are currently 21 cooperatives that have either completed the assessment or are scheduled to do so in 2024, with a call for all Ohio cooperatives to join in. The focus remains on maximizing the value of the program for members through "Cooperation Among Cooperatives."The assessments conducted in 2023 have unveiled common actionable items for many cooperatives, leading to the...
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New EPA Rules Threaten Reliability and Affordability of Electricity in Ohio
Today, the Environmental Protection Agency released its long-anticipated final rule targeting emissions from power plants across the country, impacting facilities like the Cardinal Power Plant in Brilliant, Ohio. The plant, described as the backbone of reliable and affordable electricity generation for Ohio’s electric cooperative members, is facing significant challenges ahead.Pat O’Loughlin, president and CEO of Buckeye Power and Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives, criticized the EPA's regulations, stating, "EPA has again proposed an unrealistic and unachievable set of...
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OEC Applauds DOE Transformer Rule Change That Eases Supply Chain Gridlock, Enhances Electricity Reliability
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Department of Energy revised its rule on electricity distribution transformers this week, which will ease supply chain challenges and ultimately support electricity reliability and grid resilience.U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown from Ohio expressed his satisfaction with the changes, stating, “Building transformers made with Ohio steel is crucial to our electric grid and our energy independence.” Brown also commended the DOE for listening to stakeholders and making significant improvements to the initial standards, adding, “The final standards are a step...
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The Community Foundation of Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives Donates $12,000 to Local Community Causes, and Family of Fallen Lineworker
COLUMBUS, OH - The Community Foundation of Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives has recently allocated funds to support various charitable causes within local communities and assist the family of a fallen lineworker.In a statement, the foundation announced that nearly $8,000 in grants were approved for 8 charitable organizations. The foundation expressed its dedication to giving back to the communities served by Ohio’s 25 electric cooperatives.Among the beneficiaries of the grants are organizations such as the Worthington Resource Pantry, Stiff Person Syndrome Research...
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Show Your Support for Fallen Lineworkers with a New, Custom Ohio License Plate
COLUMBUS, OH - April is a special time to honor and appreciate the hard work of electric lineworkers, as highlighted by the recognition of Lineworker Appreciation Day. According to electric cooperatives, April 8 is designated as lineworker appreciation day, with April 18 being marked as the national lineworker appreciation day.Encouraging individuals to show their support year-round, a newly designed Ohio license plate is now available for purchase at the cost of $20 during vehicle registration or renewal in Ohio. The design of this unique plate was crafted by Ohio’s...
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PacifiCorp Extends Life of Coal-Fired Generation and Reduces Proposed Future Renewables
PacifiCorp, a multi-state utility holding company owned by Warren Buffett, has made significant changes to its energy strategy by extending the life of two coal-fired power plants in the Pacific Northwest. The company's updated Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) marks a departure from its previously ambitious 20-year energy transition plan.Key revisions in the new plan include the extension of the operation of fossil-fueled plants for more than a decade, a decrease in the originally proposed expansion of solar and energy storage, and an increase in wind power. Additionally,...
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A Letter from Ohio's 2023-2024 Youth Leadership Council Representative
Ohio's 2023-2024 Youth Leadership Council Representative recently shared their experiences and reflections on their time serving in the council. The representative expressed gratitude towards electric cooperatives for their commitment to community welfare, stating, "My exposure to electric cooperatives demonstrated how they are not merely just an electric company that sends out a cool magazine. They are organizations which are concerned about their members and work to make their communities better."Reflecting on their participation in the Youth Tour and the NRECA Youth...
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Safety Meetings and Training Underway for Lineworkers in Current Quarter
Safety meetings and training sessions are currently in progress for lineworkers as part of the 1st quarter initiatives. The focus is on various aspects of safety and industry essentials to ensure the well-being of the workers.Jason Woods is leading a session on excavations with a specific focus on "Hazardous Pipelines ROW: What is an Excavation?" This training aims to educate workers on the potential hazards associated with pipelines and the importance of safe excavation practices.Zack Azallion is conducting a meeting titled "OSHA General Industry Essentials for the...
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Blake West and Dwight Miller Train Locals in Sierra Leone
In a recent trip to Sierra Leone, Blake West and Dwight Miller embarked on a mission that left a lasting impact on the local community. The duo recorded a web recording together and assisted in reviewing and completing essential manuals for Energicity, the local mini-grid provider."It was a life-changing trip for Blake and Dwight as they trained the locals on so many different things and were hands-on with cable splicing and climbing steel poles," shared a source close to the project. The hands-on approach taken by West and Miller allowed them to demonstrate...