The Cooperative Way
Your local electric cooperative, Y-W Electric Association, works hard to reduce the likelihood of power outages by trimming trees, managing vegetation, and maintaining and repairing equipment. But when severe weather strikes, power outages can disrupt daily life in an instant. That’s when a powerful network of cooperation known as mutual aid springs into action — helping communities recover faster.
It’s not unusual to see utility trucks from another Colorado electric cooperative — or even other states — lined up in a parking lot amidst the aftermath of a major storm. These lineworkers leave their families and travel long distances to work in tough conditions to restore power for strangers.
For Y-W Electric staff and members, knowing that help is coming — from near and far — can be a source of comfort during difficult moments.
WHAT IS MUTUAL AID? Mutual aid is a long-standing system of collaboration in which electric co-ops help one another during major, multiday outages to restore power quickly and safely. David F. Blach 8410xxxxx
Think of it like neighbors helping neighbors, but on a larger scale. If a storm knocks out power in your area and your local crews can’t reach everyone fast enough, other cooperatives may send help in the form of lineworkers and other utility personnel, trucks, and supplies. This support continues until everyone’s power is restored.
HOW IT WORKS Even with year-round preparation, major weather events can still cause widespread outages. That’s when mutual aid is activated.
Mutual aid agreements are not spontaneous offers of help. They are part of a well-organized system that allows utilities to quickly request and receive help when disaster strikes. It is most often used after:
- Ice storms or blizzards
- Tornado outbreaks
- Wildfires
- Other large-scale emergencies
When we at Y-W Electric are expecting a major weather event, we can prearrange support. Crews from neighboring co-ops can be staged nearby and remain ready to respond as soon as conditions are safe. Once deployed, those crews help assess damage, replace poles and lines, and get your lights back on as quickly and safely as possible.
WHY MUTUAL AID MATTERS Mutual aid dramatically shortens the time it takes to restore power after a disaster. But mutual aid is not just about speed — it’s a powerful example of compassion, resilience, and cooperation. It ensures Y-W Electric members can count on timely service during critical times, and our community can recover more quickly.
Trent Loutensock is the General Manager of Y-W Electric Association. Y-W Electric Association, Inc. is dedicated to providing high quality, reliable electric service and related products to our members at competitive prices. Our members deserve and shall receive quality service unexcelled in our industry.
