N O R T H A R K A N S A S E L E C T R I C C O O P E R AT I V E
What is mutual aid, and why does it matter?
MEL COLEMAN CEO
COURTESY OF NAEC
Electric cooperatives employ a variety of methods to reduce the likelihood of power outages — from regular tree trimming, to equipment maintenance and repairs, to local grid updates. Unfortunately, outages still occur. When they do, though, co-ops are ready to respond. Another way co-ops prepare for major outages and disasters is through mutual aid, a collaborative approach to emergency planning. The mutual aid model allows electric co-ops to help each other out during times of need. This approach permits co-ops to “borrow” restoration workers from other co-ops, thereby increasing the workforce response to areas impacted by a major outage event. It’s essentially about neighbors helping neighbors, even when those neighbors are fellow co-ops located hundreds of miles away. North Arkansas Electric Cooperative (NAEC) lineworkers assisted with restoration efforts after Hurricanes Sandy and Katrina as well as hurricanes in Florida, South Carolina, Georgia and more. They’ve also helped after ice storms and thunderstorms hit multiple Arkansas co-ops. In turn, co-op lineworkers from Arkansas and other states responded to NAEC’s call for help after the 2009 ice storm and most recently the snow storm in January 2023. Electric co-ops were formed to provide reliable electric service to our members at the lowest reasonable cost, and mutual aid has been a fundamental part of our DNA since co-ops were formed. The concept of mutual aid originated with the rural electrification efforts in the 1930s. From the very beginning, electric co-ops relied on each other to assist in times of need, and mutual aid provides an essential safety net in times of crisis. Mutual aid ultimately benefits our members. During major outage events, we can increase our workforce and respond more quickly, leading to shorter outage times for members. During major outage events, a variety of equipment is necessary to complete repairs, including bucket trucks and other specialized vehicles, utility poles, transformers and wires. Skilled lineworkers, tree trimmers, damage assessors and other key personnel are also often shared among co-ops. These experts provide critical skills and manpower to speed up the restoration process. Today, mutual aid continues to be a vital part of how electric co-ops operate and serve members of our local communities. The goal of mutual aid is to restore power as quickly and safely as possible after a major outage event. By sharing resources, co-ops can significantly enhance our response capabilities. In essence, mutual aid embodies the sixth cooperative principle of “Cooperation Among Cooperatives” and ensures our members receive reliable electricity even in the face of major challenges. North Arkansas Electric Cooperative line personnel assist Craighead Electric Cooperative to restore electricity to its members following a storm in 2021.
22
JUNE 2024
NORTH ARK ANSAS ELEC TRIC COOPERATIVE