Manager’s Message – March 2024
January Ice Storm Support
Dear Co-op Members:
Our first storm in 2024 was one of historical significance. For more than 2 weeks in January, Lane Electric — along with partner utilities and tree crews — battled icy weather, downed lines, and debris to restore power to our members.
At the height of the storm, more than half of our system was down due to damage to Lane Electric and Bonneville Power Administration equipment. Thanks to our hard-working line crews, restoration was achieved without injury or a lost-time accident.
In addition to our lineworkers, I want to thank our dedicated administrative staff. The inside staff worked tirelessly to support members, equipment, and service needs, and ensure crews were fed and cared for while working 15- to 18-hour days. In total, the Lane Electric team logged more than 20,000 hours related to this event.
We also had 10 mutual aid and vegetation management teams assisting the co-op with debris clearing and repairing damaged equipment. We’d like to extend our gratitude to:
- Central Electric Cooperative (Redmond, Oregon)
- Columbia Rural Electric Association (Walla Walla, Washington)
- Coos-Curry Electric Cooperative (Port Orford, Oregon)
- DJ’s Electrical Inc. (Portland, Oregon)
- Douglas Electric Cooperative (Roseburg, Oregon)
- Harney Electric Cooperative (Hines, Oregon)
- Jensen’s Tree Service (Roseburg, Oregon)
- Midstate Electric Cooperative (La Pine, Oregon)
- Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative (Baker City, Oregon)
- West Lane Tree Service (Elmira, Oregon)
Finally, I’d like to thank you, our members, for your support and patience. We know the challenges of being out of power, and we know this won’t be the last storm, environmental event, or natural disaster we will face. Working with members, local communities, and emergency services, we’ll be better prepared for the next one.
Sincerely,
Debi Wilson
