Electric co-ops effectively respond to disasters.
A New Year has arrived. One of the matters foremost in our minds at YEC is that the first quarter presents us with some uncertainties associated with winter weather.
In the 74 years YEC has been supplying electric service, we’ve been hit with a multitude of memorable storm emergencies. Disasters exact an enormous cost, both in economic and human terms. Electric Cooperatives, like YEC, have a unique and effective approach to emergency management and disaster recovery: mutual assistance. Following a disaster, like the winter ice storm that blasted Horry Electric’s territory this past February, co-ops will rapidly deploy support staff and equipment to emergency and recovery zones to assist sister co-ops. The coordinated response, which entailed the marshalling of a host of resources, could hardly have gone better.
A similar game plan
We’re prepared to invoke a similar game plan when the next storm emergency comes along whether it occurs in our service area or in another. Since all co-ops use line-construction standards that are identical, crews can begin repair work almost immediately after arrival at any co-op.
YEC has taken other steps in preparation for inclement weather. Our crews are systematically making improvements to our power lines. Poles and wires with greater capacities and strength are being installed. Where possible, power lines are being relocated to corridors less vulnerable to damage from falling trees. YEC is also continuing to devote expenditures to right-of-way maintenance. Keeping power lines clear of trees and other undergrowth is essential to our supplying quality service.
Vital communication
Electric cooperatives across the country learn from disasters. We learn how to protect our systems better, how to become more resilient and how to communicate more effectively.
One of YEC’s top priorities is to keep our members better informed, not only during disasters, but also when any type of outage occurs. Learn about your cooperative’s new online Outage Map that gives real-time information on service interruptions in our service area. This new technology will help us serve you better, and we are excited to introduce it to you at the start of this New Year.
We can’t predict the weather, but we can be prepared. You can be certain that YEC is prepared and will respond to all types of outages as effectively, quickly and safely as possible.
Have a happy and safe New Year!
Paul Basha
President and Chief Executive Officer
Save the Date: May 9, 2015
YEC’s employees Anna Young, Cathy Heffner, Bonnie Whetstine, Paulette Warmoth and Ann Faulk invite you to attend YEC’s 74th Annual Meeting on Saturday, May 9, at YEC’s headquarters in York. A $15 power bill credit has been reserved for you.