From the Top

You're not alone if you've ever been at home and noticed your lights flicker during a storm. We call those "blinks," and while they can be annoying, they're a sign that our system works exactly as it should.

At any given time—especially during summer storm season—our electric system is up against everything from high winds to tree limbs, lightning and animals. Many people don't realize that roughly 80% of these disturbances are temporary faults. The system can typically clear the issue automatically by de-energizing the line for just one second. That brief interruption lets the problem pass, and the power is restored almost immediately without requiring a crew to intervene.

We know blinks are not ideal and can be frustrating. In almost every case, a blink is a good thing when compared to the alternative—a complete power outage. A blink means the system avoided a bigger problem.

You'll see more than a blink when the issue doesn't clear—such as when a tree takes down a line. That's when we roll trucks, send our crews, and restore service quickly and safely.

So, while a blink is a momentary inconvenience, it's also a tool that helps us keep power flowing to your homes and businesses. It's part of building and maintaining a reliable system.

Of course, we don't stop there. We know no one likes blinks, so we're constantly working to prevent them in the first place. That's where our tree-trimming program and system maintenance efforts come in. Keeping lines clear of branches, inspecting and replacing aging equipment, and hardening the system to withstand storms are all part of our strategy to reduce outages and blinks. A little prevention goes a long way.

Thank you for your continued trust in your cooperative. We'll keep working behind the scenes. It's safe, reliable power, and we'll always be here when you need us.