POWERING THROUGH THE STORM
JUNE 20-26, 2025
On June 20, 2025, a rare and powerful storm system swept across central and eastern North Dakota, bringing with it a devastating combination of tornadoes and a derecho. Nearly every corner of our service territory felt the storm’s fury—flattened trees, downed lines, and destroyed infrastructure stretched as far as the eye could see. One particularly severe tornado near Enderlin left heartbreaking impacts, including the tragic loss of life and damage that will be remembered for years to come.
At Cass County Electric Cooperative, we know that North Dakotans are no strangers to tough weather—but this storm was different. It tested us in every possible way. And yet, from the first lightning strike to the final restoration, what stood out most wasn’t the destruction—it was the grit. The unwavering resistance of our employees, members, and communities to give up or give in.
First Outage: 8:59 PM, Friday, June 20, 2025 (Rogers Substation)
This tribute honors the North Dakota spirit. It tells the story of a cooperative and a region that stood tall in the face of disaster, rallied together, and did whatever it took to rebuild—not just poles and wires, but connection and trust.
Counties Served by CCEC Impacted
Substations Offline
When disaster struck on Saturday, June 21, CCEC immediately activated its Emergency Response plan, led by Jodi Bullinger, Vice President of Engineering and Operations. Our entire team of 106 employees stepped up, rallying together to deliver supplies, assess damage, restore service, and keep our members informed. In challenging times, the strength of our cooperative truly shines.
29 Lineworkers
Seasonal Apprentices
8,485 Members Out of Power
THE NUMBERS
216 Broken Power Poles 6 days Restoration Work
$1 M
Estimated Total Cost
“ One of our highest responsibilities is keeping the lights on—and restoring power when they go out. ”
- Paul Matthys, President/CEO
at Cass County Electric Cooperative
213 assessments were reported of primary and secondary line, guys wires, and neutrals impacted.
16-hour days
Lineworkers worked tirelessly to restore power to our CCEC members.
More than
assessments indicated trees on, in, or impacting line.
Initial assessments indicated damage to 34 transformers.
25 Hours
Average Time Without Power for Affected Members
3,887
Hours Worked
8 Digger Derricks EQUIPMENT DEPLOYED
Bucket Trucks
15 Line Trucks
17 Patrol Trucks
5 Skid Steers
Broken Single Phase Poles
269,933
Total Number of Member Hours Without Power
2,363 Engine Hours
45,000
Total Miles Driven
3,863 Vehicle Stops
CASS COUNTY ELECTRIC
COOPERATIVE EMPLOYEES
Chuck Ames, Manager of Operations
Morgan Bachelor, Communications Assistant
Alexis Berg, Member Service Specialist
Todd Bollinger, Business Accounts Manager
Nick Brand, Staking Technician
Daryl Brandt, Sr. Design Project Manager
Chad Brousseau, VP of Member & Energy Services
Jodi Bullinger, VP of Engineering & Operations
Josh Bullinger, Journeyman Lineworker - Valley City
Kevin Bunn, Manager of Purchasing & Facilities
Rich Butler, Line Crew Foreman - Arthur
Bill Casey, Power Control Technician
Christen Colgrove, Cable Locator
Jim Collins, Energy Services Technician
Rebecca Crooks, Member Service Specialist
Dianna DeGeest, Design Project Manager
Greg Depee, IT Security Administrator
Bret Dolan, Journeyman Lineworker - Valley City
Michelle Dowell, Member Service Representative
Mitchell Eidsvold, Power Control Technician
Chris Erickson, Manager of Technical Services
CJ Erickson, Manager of System Maintenance & Fleet
Delcy Fontaine, Member Service Specialist
Heidi Gackle, Energy Services Specialist
Jack Glaser, Seasonal Apprentice Lineworker
Kelsey Gorder, Line Crew Foreman - Fargo
Kristi Grandalen, Accountant
Justin Gronbeck, Journeyman Lineworker - Lisbon
Luke Hagness, Line Crew Foreman-Maintenance
Andrew Halbakken, Journeyman LineworkerFargo
Theresa Halverson, Manager of HR
Sara Hand, Communications Specialist
Nathan Hart, Meter & Apparatus Technician
Mike Hartsoch, Journeyman Lineworker - Fargo
Aaron Hauge, Meter & Apparatus Technician
Landon Haugen, Seasonal Apprentice Lineworker
Darrell Hennemann, Facility & Grounds Technician
Mason Hennings, Seasonal Apprentice Lineworker
Colton Hill, Journeyman Lineworker - Arthur
Brent Hodgson, Sr. Design Project Manager
Josiah Hofman, Seasonal Apprentice Lineworker
Jocelyn Hovland, Manager of Communications
Phil Humann, Power Control Technician
Tanya Jacobson, Member Service Representative
Josh Jenson, Journeyman Lineworker - Fargo
Chase Johnson, Journeyman Lineworker - Lisbon
Michael Klockmann, Fleet Technician
Rick Klose, Journeyman Lineworker - Kindred
Troy Knutson, Manager of Engineering
Kasey Kyllo, Power Quality & SCADA Technician
Nick Laid, IT Specialist
Phillip Lamb, Line Crew Foreman - Valley City
Jordan Lee, Warehouse Worker
Braden Legrand, Journeyman Lineworker - Fargo
Austen Leraas, Cable Locator
Nick Ludowese, Manager of GIS & Data Analytics
Mitchell Lyter, VP of Information Technology/CIO
Mike Mahlke, Line Crew Foreman - Fargo
Amy Mahlum, Lead Cable Locator
Paul Matthys, President/CEO
Tyler McAllister, Seasonal Apprentice Lineworker
Taylr McGovern, Corporate Administrative Assistant
Mike Mead, Manager of Safety
Caden Meek, Seasonal Apprentice Lineworker
Greg Melkert, Apprentice Lineworker - Kindred
Bob Miller, Manager of Energy Services
Laura Monley, Member Service Specialist
Lucas Nefzger, Journeyman Lineworker - Arthur
John Nelson, Meter & Apparatus Supervisor
Billy Nelson-Splichal, Journeyman LineworkerValley City
Matthew Niblock, GIS Developer
Easton Ogren, Journeyman Lineworker - Fargo
Matt Olson, Journeyman Lineworker - Kindred
Steve Peterson, Line Crew Foreman - Fargo
Taylor Pollard, Cable Locator
JR Prestegord, Journeyman Lineworker - Fargo
Trevor Prischmann, Energy Services Technician
James Prosper, Cable Locator
Sarah Rhea, Executive Assistant/ HR Specialist
Dean Riemer, Journeyman Lineworker - Fargo
Nick Runck, Journeyman Lineworker - Lisbon
Mitch Sauby, Line Crew Foreman - Lisbon
Stacey Schmid-Nelson, Member Service Team Lead
Tyler Schock, Linecrew Foreman - Kindred
Cody Schultz, Senior Staking Technician
Tom Seliski, Power Control Technician
Dan Shelquist, Warehouse Worker
Alison Sizer, Manager of Member Services
Sarah Smith, Plant Accountant
Adam Solum, Apprentice Lineworker - Fargo
Ryan Soyring, Distribution System Engineer
Joey Strauss, Journeyman Lineworker - Arthur
Shannon Stumpf, Business Accounts Coordinator
Connor Suhr, Seasonal Apprentice Lineworker
Millie Swesey, Member Service Specialist
Tony Tasa, SCADA and Relay Technician
Kyle Thompson, Fleet Technician
Wanda Throlson, Administrative Assistant of Engineering & Operations
Andrew Thronson, Design Project Manager
Tyler Villarreal, Journeyman Lineworker - Fargo
Ty Wadeson, Senior Staking Technician
Rochelle Wadeson, Accounting Specialist
Ann Watson, Manager of Accounting
Daren Wawrzyniak, Power Control Technician
Andy Weiss, VP of Corporate Services/CFO
Jeremiah West, Power Control Technician
THANK YOU
We are deeply grateful to serve such incredible members and communities. Your patience, generosity, and unwavering support have meant the world to our crews, whether it was a warm cup of coffee, a kind word, or simply your understanding during challenging times. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped keep our team going and to those who lent a hand in restoring power after the storm. Your kindness and resilience inspire us every day.
