Each year, Coos-Curry Electric Cooperative budgets for and performs work to maintain the safety and integrity of the electric system. While there are a number of ongoing maintenance programs, the pole testing and replacement program and tree trimming programs are considered the most important. For most years, they are also the most expensive.
CCEC uses industry-standard utility practices and Oregon Public Utilities Commission mandated guidelines to systematically survey the condition of our electric system – including the utility poles. That means between 10 and 12 percent of the 24,000 poles in our entire 2,343 sq. mile service territory are tested every year. Any problems identified are scheduled for maintenance or replacement, giving first priority to those poles and geographic areas of the electric system needing the most urgent attention, and within the available budgeted funds and work load. Program costs for the pole replacement program are between $250,000 and $750,000 every year.
Trees define the landscape on the southern Oregon coast; but they also have the potential to crowd power lines and cause outages. To minimize the problem, CCEC manages a tree trimming program that identifies problem areas and systematically removes or trims trees to keep them a safe distance away from our power lines and other electrical facilities. The cost is approximately $1.5 million annually.
The bottom line is to maintain a safe and reliable electric system for the membership. As a cooperative, the cost associated with building and maintaining an electric system that benefits the entire membership is shared fairly and equitably by all members through the monthly minimum charge. These on-going maintenance programs are the way CCEC protects the integrity of the electric system on behalf of the membership. The programs also help the cooperative reduce the number of outages members may experience. It's important work that is never done.
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