Safety is a critical aspect of any electric utility, particularly in rural electric cooperatives that serve vast and often remote areas. As your local rural electric cooperative, GCEA provides essential electrical services to the communities it serves, ensuring that homes and businesses have safe, reliable power. However, the delivery of electricity comes with inherent risks, making safety a top priority for both our GCEA employees and the members we serve.
One of the primary safety concerns in rural electric cooperatives is the maintenance and operation of power lines. GCEA’s overhead lines span long distances, often through challenging terrain. Lineworkers are frequently required to work in hazardous conditions, including extreme weather, rough landscapes, and high-voltage environments. To mitigate these risks, GCEA emphasizes rigorous safety training programs that cover proper equipment handling, emergency response procedures, and safe work practices. Regular safety checks and continuous education ensure that employees are well-prepared to handle any situation that may arise.
Additionally, GCEA has a safety advisory committee composed of cooperative employees who voluntarily meet to discuss safety-related topics and set initiatives for workplace safety. The committee also administers a safety incentive program to encourage safe practices among employees. The program provides employee recognition for demonstrating exceptional commitment to safety, fostering a work environment where safety is valued and prioritized.
For GCEA members, safety is equally important. GCEA invests in public education programs to raise awareness about electrical safety in homes and businesses, as well as enjoying safe recreation. These programs highlight the dangers of downed power lines, the importance of using electrical equipment properly, and the need for keen awareness of electric infrastructure around recreational opportunities. GCEA distributes safety tips through school presentations, social media, community meetings, and newsletters, thereby fostering a culture of electric safety within our communities.
Another significant safety measure is the implementation of advanced technology to monitor and manage the electrical grid. Smart grid technology allows electric cooperatives to quickly detect and respond to outages, identify potential hazards, and perform preventive maintenance. Automated systems reduce the need for manual inspections, minimizing the risk to workers while enhancing the reliability of the power supply.
Safety in rural electric cooperatives also extends to environmental and regulatory compliance. GCEA must adhere to stringent safety standards set by organizations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the National Electrical Safety Code. Compliance with these standards ensures GCEA’s operations are conducted safely and efficiently and protect employees, members, and the environment.
Safety is a cornerstone of electric cooperatives. Comprehensive training programs, public education initiatives, advanced technology, regulatory compliance, and more ensures we at GCEA maintain a strong focus on safety.
Thank you for partnering with us to ensure the safety of our employees and the wellbeing of the communities we serve.
Author: John Stoeber, Chief Operating Officer
A multigenerational native of the Gunnison Valley, John Stoeber began his career in 1994 as a lineman for GCEA. He was promoted to COO September 2021 after having most recently served as GCEA line superintendent.
