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Electricity is on!
Last week Mother Nature reminded us of her power and communities were left literally, picking up the pieces. “As everyone is aware, we experienced three consecutive nights of severe weather that raised havoc with our electrical system and our members’ personal property,” said West Central Electric CEO/Manager, Jeff Birkeland. In total, West Central Electric lost 69 transmission poles and 297 distribution poles. “Although the 297 distribution poles might sound alarming,” said Birkeland, "the 69 transmission poles are far more critical. Our transmission line system is the backbone of our electrical system.” A comparison of the Transmission electrical lines made by Birkeland would be the main line for the West River Lyman Jones water system. "If you lose your main water line, nobody is getting any water, or in our case, electricity. At one time, we had 2,300 meters without power,” said Birkeland. "Shortly after repairing the main transmission line we went from 2,300 meters without power down to 60. That’s how critical a transmission line is for us.”