2018 October NAEC Center Pages

north arkansas electric cooperative edition

North Arkansas Electric Cooperative board members and staff broke ground on the co-op’s solar farm west of Salem on Sept. 17. Pictured, from left, are Jason Strong, engineering manager; Dennis Wiles, director; Mike Dover, director; Mel Coleman, CEO; Larry Goodwin, director; Julie Haney, chief financial officer; Lacey Johnson, HR manager; James Woody, operations manager; and Cameron Davis, director.

NAEC breaks ground on solar installation North Arkansas Electric Cooperative reached an agreement with Today’s Power Inc. to begin construction of a 1-megawatt solar array near Salem.

The project is among the most advanced systems in the U.S. and will involve a single-axis tracking array of more than 4,000 panels on about eight acres along U.S. Highway 62. The output of the energy produced by the array at its peak is projected to provide for the power needs of 125 homes.

“We are excited to break ground on this project that marks the first time NAEC will own a generation source,” CEO Mel Coleman said. “Harnessing the sun’s energy has become an economically viable and environmentally responsible means of creating electricity.”

The energy landscape may be changing, but NAEC will never lose sight of who we’re working for — you.

OCTOBER IS NATIONAL COOPERATIVE MONTH! WE ARE PROUD TO SERVE OUR MEMBERS. 22

OCTOBER 2018

NORTH ARKANSAS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

IMAGES: TORI MOSS; NRECA/ROB DAVIS; HERESWENDY/ISTOCK.COM

SAFE, RELIABLE & AFFORDABLE ENERGY. THEN. NOW. ALWAYS.

For safety, stay clear of power lines, especially if they’re down

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Downed power lines can look relatively harmless, but don’t be fooled. They likely carry an electric current strong enough to cause serious injury or possibly death.

These tips can help you stay safe around downed lines: • If you see a downed power line, move away from the line and anything touching it.

• The proper way to move away from the line is to shuffle with small steps, keeping your feet together and on the ground at all times. This will minimize the potential for a strong electric shock. Electricity wants to move from a high voltage zone to a low voltage one — and it could do that through you.

• If you see someone who is in direct or indirect contact with the downed line, do not touch the person. You could become the next victim. Call 911 instead.

• Do not attempt to move a downed power line or anything in contact with the line by using another object, such as a broom. Even normally non-conductive materials like wood or cloth, if slightly wet, can conduct electricity and electrocute you.

• Be careful not to put your feet near water where a downed power line is located.

• Do not drive over downed lines.

Chris Waltrip, safety and training coordinator, said members should avoid power lines even if they aren’t down. For example, never try to cut a tree that is touching or could touch the lines. You could be electrocuted.

Contact NAEC, so it can be removed safely.

Please contact NAEC before working within 10 feet of power lines Unfortunately, people often see the cleared expanse of the cooperative’s right-of-way as an ideal location to install a billboard, operate large equipment or build a structure.

North Arkansas Electric Cooperative asks that anyone who wants to work within 10 feet of the overhead energized lines or conductors contact the cooperative before any work begins.

“We can go to the site and see if it is safe for you to work in that area,” said Chris Waltrip, NAEC safety and training coordinator. “If we determine it is not, we can take steps, such as adding cover to lines, to help ensure your safety.”

Anyone wanting to work near lines may contact NAEC from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday by dialing 870-895-3221 or by visiting a co-op office.

NORTH ARKANSAS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

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