March 2022 | Volume 84 | Issue 3
Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative Maintains Strong Safety Record
Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative is proud of its strong track record when it comes to keeping employees safe.
In February, the cooperative was recognized once again for zero lost time accidents and for achieving the lowest controllable modification factor attainable under their worker’s compensation program.
This keeps the cooperative’s insurance costs down and, most importantly, shows the importance and priority placed on safety by the organization.
CEO Dave Deihl, Operations Supervisor Travis Anderson and Safety Director Jim Cox were recognized at an annual safety conference by Rob Land, Vice President of the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives.
The achievement is a testament to the success of Platte-Clay’s “Zero Harm” safety program which includes year-round training, annual testing, internal employee communications and monthly worksite visits. It’s also a testament to the focus and determination of employees to keep each other safe in the field and office so they can all make it home at the end of each day.
Navigating Post-COVID Economy And Workforce Challenges
Dave Deihl, General Manager
From the General Manager
Every organization has been disrupted by the pandemic, and almost all are now dealing with leftover effects on workforce issues and supply chain management.
Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative has not been immune to these challenges, but I believe they present an opportunity to reevaluate how we can best serve our employees and keep our focus on the essential services we provide our members.
The past two years have not been a walk in the park for the cooperative. Supply chain concerns, contact tracing, quarantines and other business disruptions have been commonplace as we’ve dealt with the impact of COVID-19.
With more positions recently becoming open for the cooperative, we’re working hard to fill openings in our departments quickly while maintaining our high standards for new hires. We believe our members deserve the best service possible and that means taking the needed time to find the best candidates possible.
We’re happy to report that materials and supplies remain in good shape for the time being. Although we continue to see rising costs, we are confident we have the tools we need to set up new services and maintain existing ones for our members for the foreseeable future.
We continue to monitor and react to workforce and supply chain issues impacting organizations across the energy sector. These are quickly-evolving challenges that require fast action and we’re fortunate to have the flexibility to react appropriately as a utility that is owned and led by its local consumer-members.
What makes our organization different from most other businesses in the energy industry is our dedication to our membership.
When the going gets tough, we’re always reminded of our origin story and our priorities. We exist as a non-profit utility created by Northlanders over 80 years ago to deliver electricity to underserved communities.
Even decades after our formation, our history drives what we do on an every day basis. Our mission today is much the same as it was in those first days: to empower communities and energize life with safe and reliable energy.
Continuing Education Opportunity For Northland Teachers
Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative is proud to support local educators with a continuing education scholarship program for the “Energy in Today’s Classroom” course each year in Columbia, Missouri. This year’s continuing education course will take place on August 2-3, 2022.
Instructors who are actively teaching middle or high school in PCEC’s service territory are eligible to apply for the sponsorship. One applicant will be chosen. The scholarship will cover all expenses including tuition, meals, mileage, instructional material and lodging.
The emphasis of the course’s content will be energy. The curriculum’s title is “Energy in Today’s Classroom,” with educators from the University of Missouri-Columbia and industry experts conducting classes. Participants will earn one graduate hour from the University of Missouri-Columbia. An additional graduate hour can be earned upon completion of additional course requirements.
Course content will include:
- Energy basics
- Power generation and transmission
- Energy efficiency
- Energy sources
- Economics and energy production
- Description of instructional materials
- Tour of power generation station
Contact mail@pcec.coop to be considered for participation in this educational program.
Platte-Clay Moments
CEO and General Manager Dave Deihl poses with Governor Parson at the annual Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives Legislative Conference in Jefferson City.
Left: A Platte-Clay crew works to repair electrical equipment attached to a power pole during a routine maintenance job. Right: A lineman works to repair a power line during a worksite safety observation by the cooperative.
Find New Ways to Save Energy
PCEC’s new online account experience includes new tools to help you save energy. Once logged in, navigate to “My Savings” and then click on “Ways to Save” to get started with your custom plan for saving energy in your home or business. The savings plan allows you to create savings goals and identify estimated cost savings for different types of energy efficiency projects. Visit www.PCEC.coop to explore the new account experience.
The Northland Connection is published monthly by Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc., 1000 W. 92 Highway, Kearney, MO 64060. Postmaster: Please send address changes to: Northland Connection, PO Box 100, Kearney, MO 64060 or mail@pcec.coop.
Platte-Clay is an equal opportunity employer.