How well the electric cooperatives’ mutual aid program would stand up to a national disaster was tested recently in Washington, D.C. Professionals from CREA, which represents Colorado’s 22 electric cooperatives; the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association; the National Association of State Energy Officials; and electric co-ops across the country gathered for the drill.
Thirty states were represented as the group examined the co-ops’ mutual assistance network and how it would operate with state energy offices if there were a multi-hazard, multi-regional event.
The exercise also gave co-op personnel and the state energy and emergency personnel opportunities to create and build relationships. And it was a chance to learn where systems need to be strengthened.
Officials were pleased with how well co-ops work together when facing a disaster.