As your local electric cooperative, we're committed to providing safe, reliable electricity and we're excited to share some major improvements we've made in 2024 to strengthen our electrical grid and better serve our community. 

Building a Stronger Network, Mile by Mile  

So far this year, we've installed nearly 18 miles of new electrical lines, with plans to complete 23 miles total through 17 different projects. But what does this mean for our community? Let's look at three key projects that showcase how we're working to keep your lights on and prepare for our region's future. 

Making Our Airport More Reliable 

We recently completed a major upgrade to the airport's power supply, replacing aging underground cables that were becoming increasingly difficult to maintain. Some of these cables were buried under the airport tarmac - not an ideal situation when repairs were needed! By installing new, higher-capacity cables in protective conduits, we've significantly reduced the risk of power outages at this crucial facility. 

Connecting Communities: The Rafter J Project 

Imagine having a backup route for electricity, just like you might take a detour when your usual road is closed. That's exactly what we created with the Rafter J tie-line project. We replaced over 2,200 feet of aging power lines, some requiring helicopter assistance due to the challenging terrain. This upgrade creates a vital backup power route between two substations, meaning if there's an issue on one line, we can redirect power through another – keeping your lights on even when problems arise. 

Underground Solutions at Vallecito 

The east side of Vallecito Reservoir presented a unique challenge: aging power lines running through heavily forested areas were vulnerable to falling trees, wind, and heavy snow. Our solution? We moved 2.6 miles of power lines underground along County Road 501. This project does double duty - it reduces power outages and helps with fire prevention by eliminating the risk of trees interfering with power lines. 

Looking to the Future 

These improvements aren't just about fixing what's broken – they're about building a more resilient electrical system for our community's future. By upgrading our infrastructure now, we're: 

• Reducing the likelihood of power outages 

• Creating more efficient ways to restore power when issues do occur 

• Protecting our beautiful forests from fire risks 

• Making our system more resilient against extreme weather 

As your local electric cooperative, we're proud to make these investments in our community's future while keeping our commitment to providing reliable, affordable, and environmentally responsible power.