October 2019 | Volume 81 | Issue 10
Platte-Clay Participates in Lineman Rodeo
Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative participated in the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperative’s Third Annual Lineman’s Rodeo Sept. 4-5 at the association’s headquarters in Jefferson City.
The event — designed to let linemen show off the skills they use on the job — also raised funds for future projects that send Missouri linemen to developing nations to build power lines for people living without the benefits of electricity.
First Lady Teresa Parson visited the event Thursday morning and spoke with the linemen on the importance of their work abroad.
“Electricity can change and improve lives through better education, health care, utilities and economic opportunity,” she said. “It also brings agricultural activity, new jobs and a better quality of life to rural communities around the world. These are the same benefits that rural Missouri received through the cooperatives that were established more than 80 years ago.”
The two-day event consists of team and individual competitions in apprentice and journeyman divisions. Some of the challenges include the Hurt-Man Rescue and Modified Pole Climb. Linemen were also faced with a 100-question knowledge test and mystery events they had little time to prepare for, such as navigating an obstacle course with a weight suspended from the boom on a digger-derrick truck. Competitors were judged on how safely they completed each challenge. Individual times were only used in the case of a tiebreaker.
“Safety is always the first concern for co-op crews when they head out to work,” said AMEC’s Craig Moeller, who organized the event and also leads Missouri’s International Program. “The Lineman’s Rodeo is a great opportunity for them to practice the challenges they face every day and reinforce the training they need to get home safely.”
The AMEC Lineman’s Rodeo is a fundraiser for international electrification projects sponsored by Missouri’s electric cooperatives and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. In December a new team, including a lineman from Platte-Clay, will travel to Guatemala to electrify the village of Trapachitos.
A total of 48 linemen from nine cooperatives in Missouri took part in the safety, skills and knowledge competition. More than $30,000 was raised, thanks in large part to the 48 sponsors who stepped up to support the effort.
New Technologies Moving The Power Industry Forward
Dave Deihl, General Manager
From the General Manager
This month we are celebrating National Co-op Month, which recognizes the success of the cooperative business model that has helped to feed, clothe and electrify the world. Cooperatives in many industries have helped pushed the envelope by advancing technologies that are shaping the world of tomorrow – and the power industry is no different.
One advancement in the power industry that’s impacting our co-op in particular is the development of better, more affordable wind energy. As the technology behind the construction, maintenance and power generation of wind energy continues to improve it has become a more reliable source of power for our cooperative system.
Our power generation partner, Associated Electric, has invested in this developing technology by signing an agreement with the Tenaska Clear Creek Energy Center to add over 200 megawatts of wind energy to its mix. The project, some of the work for which is being done by our transmission partners at NW Electric Power Cooperative, is expected to be completed sometime in 2020.
Another area where technology is moving us forward is energy efficiency. Earlier this year, we rolled out a number of new rebate programs for energy efficient equipment and appliances. One of the most popular new programs is our smart thermostat rebate. Energy efficiency rebates help us keep our system’s overall load under control and help members save energy, a win-win. Information about these programs can be found on our website, www.PCEC.coop.
Technology can also be useful for getting more information about our services in the hands of those it belongs to – the members. Platte-Clay’s Information Technology, Finance, Engineering and Marketing teams are currently working on new ways to give members better insight into their electric account and energy usage. Stay tuned to the Northland Connection newsletter in coming months for more information about this exciting project.
Co-op Month is an opportunity for us to reflect on all we have been able to accomplish together since Platte-Clay got its start in 1938. It also presents an opportunity to think about what the future holds and how we can continue to invest in the future. That technology of tomorrow has arrived and it’s being put to good use at your co-op through diversified energy resources and improved member service.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns you can reach me via email at GeneralManager@PCEC.coop.
Co-op Students Win Drawing For Mizzou Youth Experience Tickets
Two Northland students were the recipients of free tickets to the University of Missouri football game against West Virginia on September 14. The tickets, provided through the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, included the chance to participate in the Mizzou Youth Experience – a program designed to give students the opportunity to learn about the university system’s offerings and impact. Stay tuned to Platte-Clay’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/platteclayel) for future opportunities to enter drawings.
Platte-Clay Moments
PCEC linemen climb poles and operate bucket trucks during pole-top rescue training – this training focuses on teaching line workers how to take the correct steps during emergencies.
Left: Electric vehicle on display at the 92 Showdown (Platte County vs. Kearney) where PCEC helped with the charitable drive. Right: A family explores a PCEC bucket truck during a “Touch-A-Truck” event in Excelsior Springs in September.
Prepare For The Holidays
Trim your holiday energy costs this year by choosing energy efficient LED lights! LED holiday lights use less energy and can last up to 40 seasons. They’re also easier to install – you can connect up to 25 LED strings without overloading a wall socket!
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.