Spring has sprung, bringing with it our district meetings, warmer temperatures and refreshing rain showers. It’s that time of year when we all hope for favorable weather conditions to support our farmers in planting and nurturing their crops for a bountiful harvest.
Central Electric, like many agricultural businesses, has spent the winter months planning and preparing for a host of projects slated for 2024. Some of these endeavors will come to fruition this year, while others may extend beyond our initial timelines.
Back in 2019, we embarked on a project to upgrade our metering infrastructure across the system, transitioning to meters utilizing cellular technology for seamless communication with our office. I’m pleased to announce the successful completion of this project earlier this year. While our original goal was to replace all meters within a few years, supply chain challenges resulted in delays, extending the project duration. Nevertheless, the new meters are performing exceptionally well, marking a significant milestone for us.
Regular readers of my column are likely aware of our plans to replace load management devices installed in our members’ homes. These devices are crucial for managing peak electrical usage by controlling water heaters and air conditioners. However, similar to our metering project, we’re experiencing delays in the supply chain, impacting the anticipated rollout timeline.
In addition to these technological upgrades, we’re also focused on infrastructure improvements. This year, we aim to rebuild 150 electric services, replace 300 poles, and upgrade 49 miles of aging overhead lines. More than 1,500 miles of overhead power lines built in the 1940s-1960s remain in service, highlighting the continued need for modernization.
This past winter, we submitted an infrastructure grant application to the Department of Energy. If successful, the grant would support the replacement of approximately 150 miles of older overhead lines, among other system enhancements. We’ve progressed to round two of the application process, and we remain hopeful for approval, as it would significantly enhance reliability and potentially reduce future costs for our members.
This year, we will also be involved in several highway improvement projects that require the relocation of power lines. If you have driven south of Mitchell on Highway 37, you should have seen the work on the new High Plains Processing Plant. Your cooperative will be installing high-voltage infrastructure and relocating the Mitchell substation for this project. This complex endeavor requires close collaboration with various organizations, spearheaded by Manager of Operations Brian Bultje. Brian has been our champion for planning, ordering materials and overseeing the project.
Regarding our facilities, we’ve been evaluating our operations in Mitchell, Howard, Wessington Springs, Kimball and Plankinton. Recognizing the challenges of the aging facilities in Plankinton and Howard, we acquired land in Howard in 2022 and are currently finalizing building plans, with construction anticipated to commence this autumn.
In summary, Central Electric remains fully engaged in multiple projects aimed at enhancing our services and infrastructure. If you have any questions or wish to learn more about these initiatives, feel free to reach out. Perhaps we will meet at your local district meeting.
Until next month, stay safe!