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Be Safe and Be Ready This Winter

Last month, I highlighted the importance of being ready for the unexpected, specifically regarding grid reliability and the possibility of rolling blackouts during extreme weather. While that remains critical, it’s potentially even more essential to prepare for the unique challenges winter storms, particularly ice storms, could bring us this season.

When rain transitions, in freezing temperatures, to ice, it can significantly damage your cooperative’s electrical system. Ice buildup can overload power lines, break poles, and cause trees that were not previously a concern to sag, lean, or snap onto wires.

Longtime members of Pioneer may recall the ice storm we experienced in early 2005. That storm resulted in 97 broken poles and left many of the 6,800 affected members without power for several days. In 2019, another, less destructive, storm coated power lines with up to half an inch of ice in some areas, causing outages for 1,300 members.

In both cases, our crews worked tirelessly around the clock to restore power, with help from neighboring co-ops and tree crews. When severe winter weather hits and causes widespread outages, it’s important for our members to understand how we prioritize restoration.

Our restoration process is typically guided by restoring power to the greatest number of members as quickly and safely as possible. Pioneer works with its transmission provider to have repairs made to the transmission lines feeding our substations, which are essential for delivering electricity to all members. When substation equipment is operational, crews focus on distribution lines serving the highest number of members, continuing until every individual outage is resolved. To increase efficiency, crews typically work in a geographical area and will restore all outages in the area before moving on to another area.

Pioneer is prepared to face whatever challenges this winter brings, but we encourage you to be prepared as well. After all, planning for the worst while hoping for the best ensures you’re ready for any situation.

Extreme cold during winter storms can make staying warm and safe more challenging, especially if power outages occur. While staying indoors can reduce risks like car accidents and icy falls, it’s essential to be mindful of indoor hazards. Prolonged power outages can leave homes too cold, and alternative heating methods — like space heaters or fireplaces — can increase the risk of fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Improper generator use, such as plugging it directly into a wall outlet, can endanger anyone working on or connected to the power line. Pioneer recommends using a GenerLink device for connecting a portable generator to your home. Check out www.generlink. com for more information. You should never operate a generator inside an enclosed space.

It’s essential to ensure your generator is properly maintained and ready for use. Test your generator periodically, check fuel levels, and inspect it for any signs of wear or damage. If you ever need to manually switch over to a generator, verify its operation ahead of time to avoid unnecessary delays during an outage. Proper preparation ensures you can safely rely on your generator when you need it most.

If you rely on electricity for medical needs or are concerned about extended outages, it’s crucial to have a contingency plan. If you don’t have one, I encourage you to create one.

While we aim to restore power as quickly as possible, unforeseen delays can make providing precise restoration times difficult. As winter approaches, take a moment to review your outage plan, drive carefully, use heating equipment and generators properly, and know that we’re here for you around the clock.

And, finally, if you take one thing away from this message, let it be the reminder to always stay clear of downed power lines, regardless of the situation. Your safety — and the safety of our employees — remains our top priority as we face the season together.

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