Co-Op Heroes: Stories from Electric Utility Operators

In this episode of The Co-op Heroes Podcast, we sit down with Micah Thompson and JD Cox, recorded live at the NRECA Safety Leadership Summit in St. Louis, Missouri. They make the case that safety culture lives or dies on something most people in the industry are not comfortable talking about: love. Most co-ops approach safety the way you would expect. Policies, training, federal standards, meetings in the break room. And then someone gets hurt anyway. Not because the rules were wrong. Because rules alone have never been enough to change what a person does at 2 in the morning after a five-day stretch in the rain. JD Cox spent 38 years in the industry, 24 of them on a line crew. On his 21st birthday, a cable failure dropped a steel ball 29 feet onto the top of his head and broke his neck and back in two places. He came back to work 75 days later. What changed was not his knowledge of the safety manual. It was his understanding of why any of it actually matters. He has spent the years since building a message around the idea that compliance follows love, not the other way around. Micah Thompson heard JD speak at an NRECA certification class in Madison and says nobody in the room made an impression like he did. He has spent his career trying to close the gap between what organizations say about safety and what they actually do when no one is watching. His test is simple: what do your people feel on Sunday night at nine o'clock? Together they make the case that safety is not a goal, it is a promise. Goals get abandoned. Promises stick because they are tied to something real, the people waiting at home, the kids in the stands, the coworker riding shotgun every day. Featured topics: Why love is the missing word in most safety conversations JD's accident on his 21st birthday and what it changed about how he sees the work The difference between a safety goal and a safety promise Moral courage and what the 1942 Lineman and Cableman Handbook got right What the Sunday night feeling tells you about the culture you actually have Micah and JD are not the kind of safety professionals who lead with citations. They lead with character and conviction. Their message is that if you want people to follow the rules when things get hard, you have to give them a reason that matters more than the rules. This is a conversation about what genuine care looks like in the field, and what it costs when it is not there.

Ken Macken dedicated his life and career to electric cooperatives. He knew the job from the inside: the crews, the culture, the moments where safety either holds or it doesn't. As Director of Safety and Training at NRECA, he became the leader of what is now one of the most attended electric utility safety conferences in the country, growing the Safety Leadership Summit this year in St. Louis to nearly 1,300 attendees. He didn't do that by talking about compliance. He did it by connecting with people. Ken believed the shift from a process-first culture to a people-first culture was the most important thing happening in the cooperative world. He talked about it plainly, the crew of three or four guys who are irreplaceable, the wife at home waiting, the soccer game after the shift. He believed that when you understand your why, safety stops being a rule and starts being a commitment. He also believed that leadership is not a title. It is a price you pay, a willingness to set aside your own interests long enough to bring someone else to a higher level. Ken's legendary 10-10-2-2 (come home with ten fingers, ten toes, two arms, and two legs) will live in the consciousness of electric cooperatives for generations. Ken unexpectedly passed away two days after this conversation was recorded. What he left behind is a body of work, a conference that will keep growing, and a way of thinking about safety that has shaped how cooperatives across the country show up for their people. This episode is our conversation, exactly as it happened. Featured topics: Why leadership has to be at the center of any real safety culture The price of leadership and what it actually costs Technology, complacency, and the question of who owns who The aging grid and what Americans may have to rethink What 25 years in the cooperative world taught him about legacy After the interview, we appended tributes submitted by some of the people Ken worked with who were deeply impacted by him. The cooperative community lost one of its best. Ken will be deeply missed by everyone whose life he touched. May this episode serve as a humble tribute to a man who lived for others. And may we strive to follow his example.

In this episode of The Co-op Heroes Podcast, we sit down with Chris Hansen, CEO and General Manager at La Plata Electric Association in Durango, Colorado. He shares what it takes to walk away from a long-term G&T contract, rebuild trust from scratch, and build a co-op ready for what comes next. Most co-ops do not set out to reinvent how they buy power. They are focused on keeping the lights on, serving members, and managing risk. But when La Plata's board made the decision to leave Tri-State and become an independent co-op, they were up against a hard reality. The co-op was capped at 5% local generation, had a growing solar footprint with nowhere to put it, and needed a CEO who could turn a controversial strategic pivot into something members could believe in. Chris Hansen's path to that job is anything but conventional. He started his career as a nuclear engineer, moved into utility consulting, left to run for the Colorado state legislature, and spent a decade in the state house and senate before a friend reached out about an opening in Durango. Fourteen months in, he is building a power supply portfolio from the ground up, navigating energy politics in real time, and making the economic case to members one conversation at a time. The proof is starting to show up in people's bills. Rates at La Plata will be roughly 15% lower than they would have been under the old contract. That kind of outcome does not happen by accident. It comes from direct PPAs with solar, wind, and hydro projects that were off limits before, from joining SPP to access the regional market, and from a disciplined approach to utility-scale storage. But Chris is quick to point out that the engineering was never the hard part. The hard part was earning trust in rooms full of people who were not sure the decision made sense. Featured topics: Why La Plata left Tri-State and what the board was trying to solve Turning a 5% local generation cap into a reason to build something new The economic case for independence when rates had just gone up Integrating renewables and storage in a winter-peaking, oil-and-gas-heavy territory What a former nuclear engineer and state senator thinks about SMRs and the energy culture wars Chris shares how he thinks about communicating energy policy without getting pulled into the politics around it, what skills a co-op actually needs when it steps out of a G&T relationship, and why skating to the puck is the right frame for where La Plata is headed. His story is a reminder that some of the most consequential decisions in the co-op world happen quietly, in board rooms, years before anyone outside the territory notices. This is a story about a bold bet, a deliberate transition, and the work of building trust fast enough to make it stick.

In this episode of The Co-op Heroes Podcast, James Tanneberger, CEO of South Central Indiana REMC, shares the story that permanently changed the way he thinks about safety and how it shaped the leader he is today. ames opens up about his early career working around substations without fully understanding the risks involved. Safety felt like a formality back then, not because he was reckless, but because nobody had ever shown him how close to danger he actually was. That changed when a colleague with 36 years of experience was killed during a routine switching operation after a breaker closed into a hot bus inside a metal clad unit. What happened next wasn't just a policy change. It was a complete reckoning with what safety culture actually means. The conversation goes deep on the idea that accidents like this one rarely come down to a single mistake. The real root cause is almost always culture, the invisible message an organization sends its people about what actually matters. James explains how leaders communicate priorities without saying a word, through budget decisions, PPE approvals, and whether they stop to listen when a lineman flags a hazard. At SCI-REMC, that recently meant burying a stretch of line overrun with rattlesnakes because the crew asked and leadership listened. We also talk about the role of technology in keeping linemen out of harm's way, from remotely operated switching devices to automated outage management systems that can reduce an outage from 600 homes to 60 before a truck ever rolls, removing the need for a lineman to stand underneath a switch that throws sparks on a fireball. Featured topics The incident that made safety James's permanent number one priority Why the root cause of most accidents is culture, not individual error How budget decisions send louder messages than any safety speech Building a culture where every employee owns safety personally How fiber optic infrastructure and smart grid technology are keeping co-op linemen safer The Checklist Manifesto and why even experienced crews need written procedures This episode is a reminder that safety is not a program you roll out. It is a culture you build, one decision at a time.

In this episode of The Co-op Heroes Podcast, we sit down with Mark Gabriel, CEO of United Power, to talk about what it takes to reinvent an electric cooperative from the ground up. Mark shares how United Power made the difficult decision to leave their G&T and rebuild their entire power supply from scratch. What started as a painful process turned into a complete transformation, replacing one power supplier with 27, raising $700 million in bonds in five weeks, and opening a 162-megawatt natural gas plant in just 20 months. A big part of the conversation focuses on hyper-localization, United Power's strategy of generating and storing power within their own footprint to reduce transmission dependence and keep dollars in their communities. Mark explains why this approach isn't actually new. It's a Back to the Future moment, returning to the distributed model that powered the earliest days of the electric grid. We also talk about battery storage, the real cost of small modular reactors, and why the way co-ops charge their members for electricity may need a fundamental rethink as the industry changes. Throughout the discussion, Mark makes the case that the co-ops who will thrive are the ones willing to think differently. Featured topics Why United Power left their G&T and how they rebuilt their power portfolio Raising $700 million in bonds to fund the transition The hyper localization strategy and what it means for members How battery storage is changing the way United Power manages the grid The future of nuclear and the case for distributed generation This episode is about what it looks like when a co-op outgrows the traditional model and has the courage to build something new. The Co-op Heroes Podcast brings you real stories from electric utility operators, the people who work every day to keep our communities powered, safe, and connected.

In this episode of The Co-op Heroes Podcast, we sit down with Mike Partin, President of the Board at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, to talk about what it takes to represent electric cooperatives at the national level. Mike shares how co-ops work together to make sure their voices are heard, especially in Washington where decisions can directly affect reliability and costs for rural systems. Representing hundreds of co-ops and millions of consumers gives the cooperative network real influence, but only when they move together. A big part of the conversation focuses on disaster recovery and why federal support matters so much for co-ops. After major storms, restoring power can cost millions of dollars, and delays in reimbursement can put real pressure on member-owned utilities. Mike explains why these programs matter and what co-ops are doing to improve the system. We also talk about the future of the grid, rising demand, and the challenge of keeping power reliable and affordable as the industry changes. Throughout the discussion, Mike makes the case that cooperation is still the strength of the co-op model. Featured topics • How co-ops work together to influence national policy • Why disaster recovery funding matters for members • The importance of a united cooperative voice • Challenges facing the electric grid This episode is about what happens when local co-ops come together to solve national problems and why that cooperation still matters today. The Co Op Heroes Podcast brings you real stories from electric utility operators, the people who work every day to keep our communities powered, safe, and connected.

In this episode of The Co Op Heroes Podcast, we sit down with Amanda Opp, Integrated Services Manager at Flathead Electric Cooperative. She shares how an internal operational challenge became a homegrown digital solution, and what that journey reveals about innovation the cooperative way. Most co ops do not set out to become software builders. They are focused on keeping the lights on, serving members, and doing more with limited resources. But when Amanda could not find a system that worked for vegetation management in the field, she did what co ops have always done. She built one. Starting with a simple goal, moving tree crews from paper maps to a digital workflow, Amanda led an eight year evolution. The result transformed how work is tracked, how crews communicate, and how members experience vegetation management with no surprises. Amanda's story begins far from a corner office. She started as a cashier at the co op and worked her way into managing tree crews, learning firsthand how field operations really function. With creative freedom, a GIS background, and constant feedback from boots on the ground crews, she designed a system that prioritized clarity, safety, and usability. Simple visual cues replaced confusion. Incremental changes replaced disruption. Trust replaced resistance. Along the way, Amanda learned the balance every builder must strike. Be bold enough to create something new, and humble enough to change it when it does not work. That same humility now guides her as she steps back, hands the system to fresh eyes, and turns her focus to another growing challenge, wildfire mitigation in Montana. Featured topics • How co ops turn internal problems into practical digital solutions • Moving vegetation management from paper to digital without losing buy in • Designing tools with field crews, not just for them • Why incremental change builds trust and adoption • Leadership, humility, and knowing when to hand something off Amanda shares how building this system shaped her as a leader and why the same cooperative principles that electrified rural America still drive innovation today. When co ops trust their people, listen closely, and are willing to jump in and learn by doing, they do not just solve problems. They create solutions others can build on. This is a story about rolling up your sleeves, taking a few knocks, and proving that some of the most impactful innovation comes from co ops solving problems for their members. The Co Op Heroes Podcast brings you real stories from electric utility operators, the people who work every day to keep our communities powered, safe, and connected.

In this episode of The Co-Op Heroes podcast, we sit down with John Cassady, CEO of Indiana Electric Cooperatives, to explore how one grassroots advocacy campaign stopped a regressive tax increase that would have blindsided rural communities, and what this fight reveals about defending people who don't know they need a champion. Most people don't spend their days reading legislative proposals or tracking tax code changes. They're working, raising families, trying to make ends meet. But while they're living their lives, decisions are being made at the statehouse that could dramatically increase their electric bills. By the time they find out, it's too late. That's where advocates like John come in, serving as the eyes, ears, and voice for communities that don't know what's coming. Early in his career, John faced a defining challenge. Ohio's governor proposed a sweeping tax reform package designed to help the business community. Buried in the details was a dramatic increase to the kilowatt hour tax, a regressive tax that would hit rural electric consumers the hardest. The proposal had the backing of the governor, legislative leadership, and one-party control of the statehouse. When John raised concerns, the Speaker of the House essentially told him to pound salt. What happened next is a masterclass in grassroots advocacy. John hit the road, meeting co-op leaders in their offices and at local diners, building trust and conveying urgency. He helped CEOs translate abstract policy language into real impacts. A tax increase became "$60 more per month on your electric bill." That got people's attention. Featured topics: How regressive taxes disproportionately impact rural communities The challenge of communicating urgency about policies people don't know exist Building grassroots campaigns through co-op leaders, boards, and member consumers Why showing up in person matters when you need people to trust you and act Turning awareness into action: letters, emails, and constituent engagement Losing the battle in the House but winning the war in the Senate The moment a rural legislator said, "We're going to take care of you on this" Why good ideas and organized communities can overcome formidable political opposition The empowerment that comes from demystifying the political process How electric co-ops continue the legacy of selfless leadership, from bringing electricity to rural America in the 1930s to bridging the digital divide today John explains how this early victory shaped his entire career and taught him the power of helping others find their own voice in the political process. When people come together for the right reasons and bring their voice to the table, change is possible. And when you're fighting for something bigger than yourself, for member consumers who rely on affordable electricity, the mission becomes deeply personal. This is a story about fighting battles rural communities don't see coming, empowering people to engage in a process that often feels distant and dysfunctional, and the enduring power of the cooperative mission to serve the common good. The Co-Op Heroes podcast brings you real stories from electric utility operators, the people who work around the clock to keep our communities powered and served.

div]:bg-bg-000/50 [&_pre>div]:border-0.5 [&_pre>div]:border-border-400 [&_.ignore-pre-bg>div]:bg-transparent [&_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [&_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8 [&_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [&_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8"> _*]:min-w-0 standard-markdown"> In this episode of The Co-Op Heroes podcast, we sit down with David Formella, utility forester at Southside Electric Cooperative in Virginia, to explore what happens when trees, power lines, and people intersect in unexpected ways. David brings a unique background to utility forestry: a degree in natural resource conservation from Virginia Tech, military service as a Marine, and experience as an EMT. When he arrived at Southside Electric, he discovered that being a utility forester means wearing countless hats, from vegetation management and storm restoration to emergency response and member education. The stories David shares reveal the human side of keeping the lights on. One day, he went to address a member's complaint about tree removal and ended up calling 911 when the member had a medical emergency. During a helicopter aerial trimming operation, a horse broke loose and went running down the road. Beyond the dramatic moments lie the daily challenges of balancing member concerns about beloved trees with the critical need to maintain safe, reliable power delivery. What emerges is a portrait of cooperative work that goes far beyond job descriptions. It's about being present in your community, caring about members as people, and being ready to help however needed, whether that's preventing outages, bird-dogging for mutual aid crews during storms, or simply being there when someone needs help. Featured topics: The unexpected emergencies utility foresters encounter in the field How cooperatives respond during major storms and restoration efforts Bird-dogging: supporting mutual aid crews during major outages Aerial trimming operations with helicopters and their unique challenges Balancing member relationships with vegetation management requirements Why the cooperative model demands caring about people above all else David's experience shows that working at an electric cooperative isn't just about technical expertise. It's about embodying the cooperative principle that caring about people comes first, even when that means stepping outside your role to help a member in crisis. The same mindset that drives vegetation management to keep communities safe extends to every interaction, creating the foundation of trust that makes the cooperative model work. When you work for a utility where neighbors are members, you can't just be a forester managing trees. You have to be ready for anything, from medical emergencies to livestock on the loose. David's stories remind us that the cooperative difference isn't found in policies or procedures, but in the willingness to show up, care deeply, and do whatever it takes to serve the community. The Co-Op Heroes podcast brings you real stories from electric utility operators: the people who work around the clock to keep our communities powered and served.

In this episode of The Co-Op Heroes podcast, we sit down with Nate Melby, VP and Chief Information Officer at Dairyland Power Cooperative, to explore how an electric cooperative became an unlikely pioneer in artificial intelligence, and how that innovation is now spreading across the cooperative movement. When Nate arrived at Dairyland Power, a Generation and Transmission cooperative, he brought an unexpected background: a PhD in Information Systems and experience with deep learning research in academic laboratories. In 2018, while most industries were still experimenting with AI, Dairyland began building machine learning models to optimize load management and system efficiency. The journey evolved into something bigger. What started as internal experimentation became VoltWrite, Dairyland's proprietary AI solution. But the real innovation was to not keep the technology to themselves. Following the core cooperative principle of collaboration, Dairyland began sharing VoltWrite with other cooperatives. Today, it's a nationwide service helping electric co-ops across the country work smarter, faster, and more efficiently. Nate shares the real challenges of bringing AI to an industry skeptical of new technology. The technical barriers proved manageable. The human factor (overcoming doubt, building trust with early adopters, helping skeptics become believers) required patience, board-level support, and demonstrable results. Featured topics: The early days of machine learning adoption at Dairyland Why cooperatives were positioned to innovate before the mainstream Real-world use cases: semantic summarization, anomaly detection, document analysis The big dollar decision: replacing a software project with AI agents built in-house Overcoming the human factor in technology adoption How board support and demonstrable wins build organizational buy-in The cooperative principle of collaboration that turned VoltWrite into a national service "Pulling on the thread" problem-solving and agentic AI Building agents for compliance automation and complex workflows Nate explains how cooperatives, constrained by limited resources, are uniquely positioned to benefit from AI. When you work for a utility where every efficiency gain directly serves members, the incentive to innovate becomes clear. And when cooperatives collaborate rather than compete, those innovations ripple across the entire network. This is a story about leadership, courage in the face of uncertainty, and how the cooperative principle of working together for greater good extends into the age of artificial intelligence. The Co-Op Heroes podcast brings you real stories from electric utility operators, the people who work around the clock to keep our communities powered and served.

In this episode of The Co-Op Heroes podcast, we sit down with Doug Gilmore, Power Resources Manager at Flathead Electric Cooperative in Kalispell, Montana, to explore how one cooperative turned a complex challenge into an innovative opportunity. Flathead Electric serves one of the fastest-growing regions in the country. Kalispell was recently voted the fastest-growing micropolitan city in the United States. In just five years, the cooperative added 8,300 meters while facing another challenge: members were asking to install their own solar systems and feed power back to the grid. The easy answer would have been "no." Instead, Doug and his team asked three questions: What do our members want? How can we enable that? What guardrails do we need? The result was a thoughtfully-designed net metering policy that balances member autonomy with system reliability. Rather than simply reacting, Flathead Electric created six key policy components that serve the cooperative's needs while giving members what they want. Flathead is proving that innovation and safety can coexist, and they now manage nearly 300 (and growing) net metering applications annually. Featured topics: How to say "yes" to complexity instead of defaulting to "no" Net metering policy design: six components that work Managing the "duck curve" and the challenges of solar generation Time-of-use rate design and how to align incentives with system needs Cost-of-service analysis to ensure no rate class subsidizes another Economic development through smart rate structures The power of the cooperative network: sharing ideas across regions and states Working in a cooperative where membership ownership changes everything The challenge of rapid growth and how planning prevents problems Doug shares how the cooperative principles of member ownership, democratic governance, and the willingness to collaborate create space for thoughtful innovation. When you work for a utility where neighbors are members, decisions take on deeper meaning. When you're part of a network of co-ops across the country willing to share best practices, everyone gets smarter. This is a story about embracing complexity, serving members well, and how cooperatives thrive by thinking outside the box while staying true to their core values. The Co-Op Heroes podcast brings you real stories from electric utility operators: the people who work around the clock to keep our communities powered and served.

In this episode of The Co-Op Heroes podcast, we sit down with Zach Anderson, Chief Operating Officer of Wolverine Power Cooperative, to discuss one of the most significant achievements in cooperative energy history: the restart of the Palisades Nuclear Generating Station. When Palisades entered decommissioning status, it seemed like a closed chapter. But Wolverine Power Cooperative and their partner Hoosier Energy saw something different: an unprecedented opportunity to secure carbon-free baseload power that could serve their members for decades. What followed was a bold move that had never been successfully executed in the United States: bringing a nuclear plant that was going to be decommissioned back online. The cooperative difference shines through this story. Unlike investor-owned utilities that must seek board approval and navigate complex profit motives, Wolverine's member-owned structure allowed leadership to move quickly and decisively. When Holtec, the plant's owner, needed three things: NRC approval, DOE loan support, and a committed power partner, Wolverine stepped up. That partnership became the catalyst for the entire project, ultimately securing long-term contracts for 100% of Palisades' output. Featured topics: The history of G&T cooperatives and their role in providing reliable power supply How cooperatives can move faster and more decisively than traditional utilities The unprecedented challenge of restarting a decommissioned nuclear plant Creating a balanced energy portfolio: wind, solar, natural gas peakers, and baseload nuclear Local economic impact: $10 million annually in tax revenue and 600 six-figure jobs Rate stability and price competitiveness for member cooperatives How decarbonization and reliability work together as partners, not competitors State-level support behind the Palisades restart Zach shares how Wolverine's decision to secure this abundant, carbon-free power source leaves the cooperative in its strongest position in nearly 80 years. The impact cascades through the entire cooperative network: members get price stability, clean energy, and reliability, while the state gains crucial decarbonization leadership. This is cooperation in action, where bold decisions by one G&T benefit the distribution co-ops and consumers it serves.

In this episode of The Co-Op Heroes podcast, hosts Pablo Fuentes and James Tanneberger sit down with Chad Mertz, Vice President of Strategic Communications at Hoosier Energy to explore the challenge facing the entire cooperative movement: communicating with the next generation. Chad dives into the creative solution that's changing how communities understand the difference co-ops make. Hoosier Energy is a Generation and Transmission cooperative, one of 45 G&T co-ops across the country that provide the backbone of power supply and transmission for member cooperatives like South Central Indiana REMC. When Chad joined Hoosier Energy four years ago, board members and member CEOs raised an urgent concern: younger people simply didn't understand what a cooperative was or why it mattered. The numbers told the story. A survey revealed a stark generational divide: 93% of adults over 65 had a positive perception of co-ops, while that number dropped dramatically with each younger demographic, creating what Chad calls "a diagonal line" of declining awareness. Recruiting young talent became difficult. Events lacked young attendees. The cooperative message wasn't reaching the generations that already aligned with co-op values, whether they knew it or not. Rather than resort to traditional advertising, Chad's team recognized something powerful: young people are naturally attracted to cooperatives because of their values: local decision-making, democratic governance, and reinvested margins instead of corporate profits. These values reflect what Gen Z and Millennials actually believe in, they just didn't know co-ops embodied those ideals. Featured topics: Why younger generations are naturally aligned with cooperative principles The challenge of communicating co-op value in an investor-owned utility world Crafting authentic stories from real member communities Using multimedia and geo-targeting technology to reach local audiences How storytelling builds long-term relationships where traditional marketing falls short The spring campaign featuring customized videos highlighting local cooperative heroes Discover how the cooperative movement thrives when people understand the real difference it makes, not through selling, but through authentic stories that reveal the human side of community service. This is how you bridge the gap between mission and market, between legacy and future. The Co-Op Heroes podcast brings you real stories from electric utility operators, the people who work around the clock to power and serve our communities.

In this episode of The Co-Op Heroes podcast, host Pablo Fuentes heads to the Hendricks County Fairgrounds to speak with Tommy Nance, VP of Operations at NineStar Connect, about the fourth annual Indiana Lineman Rodeo, an event born from a simple vision that has become a beacon for community for linemen across the state. Five years ago, during the height of COVID, Tommy and fellow cooperative leaders asked themselves an important question: what if Indiana's electric cooperatives created their own space where linemen could safely showcase their skills, network with peers, and let their families finally see what they do every single day? The result is a day of intense competition where linemen face timed challenges like: bucket truck rescues, transforming heavy equipment, and "hurt man rescue" drills. But beneath the competitions lies something deeper: the chance for families to witness the danger, precision, and brotherhood that defines this profession. Featured topics: The real day-in-the-life of a lineman: 8-hour shifts plus constant on-call for storms, accidents, and emergencies How linemen network, compete, and push each other to be better through friendly rivalry The evolution of the rodeom, from bouncy castles for kids to hand-crafted trophies that honor the year and the craft Lessons learned year-over-year about creating meaningful community experiences The future vision: uniting all 38 Indiana co-ops and competing nationally Tommy shares how the cooperative spirit thrives when linemen see each other beyond the apprenticeship classroom, and when families understand why their loved ones miss birthdays and work Christmas. This is a story about competitive excellence serving a bigger purpose: connecting the people who keep our communities powered. You can learn more about the Indiana Lineman Rodeo at https://www.indianaec.org/safety/indiana-electric-cooperative-lineman-rodeo/ --- The Co-Op Heroes podcast brings you real stories from electric utility operators, the people who work around the clock to keep our communities safe.  

In this episode of The Co-Op Heroes podcast, host Pablo Fuentes sits down with Shaun Lamp, President and CEO of Great Lakes Energy, to hear firsthand accounts of how crews and community members responded to one of Michigan's most devastating natural disasters in recent memory. When a once-in-a-century ice storm struck in March 2025, Great Lakes Energy's 14,000-mile system faced unprecedented challenges. With up to three inches of ice coating their infrastructure (six times more than design specifications), lineworkers didn't just restore power, they became first responders and community heroes. They cut their way through impassable roads to reach stranded members, many facing dangerously cold homes without heat. Featured stories include: - Lineworkers who left spring break vacations to answer their community's call - Crews strategically positioning themselves in treacherous conditions to clear obstacles - The powerful "My Daddy's a Line Worker" campaign that celebrated the families supporting these essential workers - Critical safety lessons about generator installation and use that protect both homeowners and crews Shaun shares how the cooperative difference shone through during the crisis. Employees who didn't just complete assigned tasks but actively cared for the members and families they serve. He also highlights the collaboration between neighboring cooperatives and the shared commitment to learning and supporting one another across the industry. This is a story about resilience, sacrifice, and the everyday heroes who show up for their communities when everything is on the line.   --- Great Lakes Energy can be found at https://www.gtlakes.com/   Great Lakes Energy YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@greatlakesenergy   Weather Channel Ice Storm interview with Shaun Lamp : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=su0SOv8Jv4E

_*]:min-w-0 !gap-3.5"> In this forward-thinking episode of The Co-Op Heroes podcast, hosts Pablo Fuentes (CEO of Bloom Spatial) and James Tanneberger (CEO of South Central Indiana REMC) explore what makes electric cooperatives uniquely positioned to innovate and push boundaries that investor-owned utilities often cannot. James explains how his perception of electric cooperatives completely changed when he entered the industry eight years ago. Rather than the "sleepy organizations" he imagined, he discovered dynamic institutions driven by a single mission: improve the lives of our members. This mission, combined with cooperative structure, creates unique advantages for innovation. The cooperative innovation advantage: Self-governance through member-elected boards rather than regulatory oversight Non-profit structure allowing investment in community benefit over profit maximization Ability to move quickly on opportunities without lengthy regulatory approval processes Willingness to take calculated risks when downside is minimal but upside is transformational Real-world examples: James shares how Indiana cooperatives transformed the state's connectivity landscape. When state leaders trusted co-ops to bridge the digital divide, 25 out of 38 utilities built fiber networks. But cooperatives didn't stop there...30 organizations connected their networks to create Accord, a regional data superhighway that moved Indiana from 32nd to top 5 nationally in connectivity. This model expanded nationally through Tapestry, now supporting 12 states. Managing innovation risk: James outlines his approach to risk management: only pursue opportunities where the downside risk is minimal but the upside could be transformational. He shares the story of building a fiber connection to a regional hub that seemed like a modest efficiency gain but opened unexpected doors, including a partnership with Indiana's I-light network that more than paid for the entire project. The next big opportunity: The episode reveals an emerging opportunity that could reshape rural economic development: distributed data centers. As mega data centers face community opposition due to massive power consumption (200-500 megawatts) and water usage, cooperatives have identified an alternative model. With substations typically running at 50% capacity and fiber already connecting their networks, co-ops can deploy smaller 10-megawatt data centers on 1-3 acres without water consumption or major infrastructure upgrades. This distributed approach offers multiple benefits: it's less disruptive to communities, utilizes existing capacity, improves co-op load profiles by adding consistent daytime consumption to balance residential peaks, and positions rural America as a competitive player in the AI economy. Key insight: James argues that for cooperatives serving heavily forested territories with reliability challenges, the greater risk is not innovating. Standing still means accepting poor reliability and high rates, while calculated innovation creates paths to better serve members. This episode challenges the perception of cooperatives as traditional utilities and reveals them as innovation leaders tackling some of rural America's biggest infrastructure challenges. The Co-Op Heroes podcast brings you real stories from electric utility operators: the people who work around the clock to keep our communities powered.  

In this special roundtable episode of The Co-Op Heroes podcast, we sit down with five co-op vegetation management leaders at the Trees and Utilities Show in Knoxville, Tennessee. Each person shared a story about the heroic actions and the community impact of their vegetation management team. Featured Guests: Anthony Lindfors - Matanuska Electric Association (Alaska) Cindy Musick - Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (Virginia) Kevin Perkins - CORE Electric Cooperative (Colorado) Amanda Opp - Flathead Electric Cooperative (Montana) Jeff Wissing - Holy Cross Energy (Colorado) Stories Shared: Anthony introduces the "Hooded Llama Award," an internal recognition for crew members who go above and beyond, inspired by a Matanuska crew rescuing a llama with a feed bag stuck on its head during subzero weather. Cindy recounts how a tree crew saved an elderly woman's life after spotting her in a ditch during a routine trim job. The crew had repositioned their bucket truck multiple times that day, and only from that specific angle could they see the barefoot woman who had wandered from her home. The story demonstrates both divine timing and the quick thinking of crews working through interpreters. Kevin discusses the increasing volume of member calls about dead trees in Colorado, with requests jumping from 3-4 per week to 8 per day, and recognizes a utility forester on his team for his dedication to responding to every member concern. Amanda shares the emotional story of his veg management administrator, who arrived for a scheduled appointment to find a member unconscious in his bathroom. Despite performing life-saving measures, the member did not survive, but Kyle's presence provided crucial support to the family during a difficult moment. Jeff tells two stories: first, how his tree crew rallied around a young lineman's girlfriend after his sudden death, moving her entire household back to her family in southern Colorado; and second, about an old-school line superintendent who showed up after work to help dig footers for Jeff's father's garage. Key Themes: The episode illustrates how vegetation management crews serve as eyes and ears in their communities, often being the first responders in emergencies simply by being present in rural areas. The stories demonstrate the cooperative difference, employees who don't just complete their assigned tasks but actively care for the communities they serve. This roundtable format captures the collaborative spirit of the Trees and Utilities Show and the broader utility arborist community, where co-ops regularly share best practices and support one another across regional boundaries. For more information about the Utility Arborist Association and regional events, visit uaa.org The Co-Op Heroes podcast brings you real stories from electric utility operators, the people who work around the clock to keep our communities powered.

_*]:min-w-0 !gap-3.5"> In this episode of The Co-Op Heroes podcast, host Pablo Fuentes sits down with Keith Taylor, Professor of Economic Development at UC Davis and self-described "People's Professor," to explore how electric cooperatives are leading innovation in rural America. Keith shares the remarkable story of Anza Electric Cooperative in Southern California, which defied industry experts who claimed rural broadband deployment was impossible at reasonable costs. While incumbent telcos insisted it would cost $300,000 per mile to lay fiber, Anza accomplished the same task for just $30,000 per mile, a 90% cost reduction that has inspired cooperatives and community choice aggregators across the country. Key Insights Discussed: How Anza Electric overcame infrastructure challenges by combining microgrid development with fiber deployment The concept of "public entrepreneurship" and why cooperatives fill gaps left by government and private enterprise Why cooperatives consistently deliver better local economic impact than investor-owned utilities The role of cooperatives as "classrooms and incubators of democracy" Emerging opportunities in distributed data centers and digital public infrastructure Academic Perspective: Drawing from his book "Governing the Wind Energy Commons" and extensive fieldwork, Keith explains how cooperatives create community wealth, overcome political divisions, and provide stability in essential services. He discusses his research comparing cooperative-owned versus investor-owned wind farms. Future Vision: The conversation explores Keith's work developing the Institute for Cooperative and Civic Innovation at UC Davis, which aims to foster international collaboration and help cooperatives compete in an increasingly concentrated economy. From platform cooperatives to employee stock ownership plans, Keith outlines how the cooperative model can address modern economic challenges. This episode offers both inspiration from successful cooperative innovation and academic analysis of why the cooperative business model remains relevant in today's economy. Essential listening for anyone interested in rural development, cooperative theory, or community-driven solutions to economic challenges. Contact Keith Taylor at [email protected] or learn more about his work at UC Davis's Institute for Cooperative and Civic Innovation. Keith's book "Governing the Wind Energy Commons" can be found at https://wvupressonline.com/node/782 Other contacts and resources from this episode: Kevin Short, General Manager, Anza Electric Cooperative - [email protected] Shawn Trento, Telecommunications Manager, Anza Electric Cooperative - [email protected] Jessica Nelson, General Manager of Golden State Power Cooperative - [email protected] Gina Schaefer, Ace Hardware, https://ginaschaefer.com/   The Co-Op Heroes podcast brings you real stories from electric utility operators: the people who work around the clock to keep our communities powered.  

In this powerful episode of The Co-Op Heroes podcast, host Pablo Fuentes sits down with Chuck Tiemann, the legendary safety instructor known throughout the electric cooperative world for his uncompromising dedication to lineman safety. Speaking from the Indiana Lineman Rodeo, Chuck shares his remarkable journey from a life-changing accident to becoming one of the industry's most impactful safety advocates. On May 1, 1980, Chuck was severely burned in an electrical accident that cost him his left arm and right leg. Rather than letting this tragedy end his career in rural electrification, Chuck transformed his experience into a mission to prevent similar accidents from happening to others. After working to master prosthetics and exploring other careers, he returned to the electric utility industry in 1996 as a safety instructor with a clear goal: reduce electrical contacts to zero. Chuck's Impact by the Numbers: Visited 459 cooperatives during his career Helped reduce annual lineman burns from 200 per year (1980) to 64-68 per year in the co-op world Developed the famous "Chuckisms" - Four simple safety principles carried by linemen across the country Pioneered face-to-face safety training and honest conversations with crews Key Safety Insights: Chuck discusses the evolution of safety equipment, the psychology of complacency, and why the 8-12 year experience range represents the highest risk period for linemen. He explains critical procedures like equipotential grounding, the importance of testing for present voltage, and the life-saving practice of applying water to electrical burns within 90 seconds. The human element: Beyond technical safety procedures, Chuck emphasizes the importance of character, honest communication, and never becoming comfortable with dangerous work. His approach of speaking directly to linemen, even throwing his prosthetic hand across the room to make a point, has created lasting impact on safety culture throughout the industry. Chuck's story demonstrates how personal tragedy can be transformed into a force for protecting others. His dedication to visiting cooperatives one-on-one, building relationships with crews, and speaking truth about safety risks has saved lives and influenced an entire generation of electrical workers. Contact Chuck Tiemann at 256-874-5783 for safety training programs. The Co-Op Heroes podcast brings you real stories from electric utility operators, the people who work around the clock to keep our communities powered.

In this sobering episode of The Co-Op Heroes podcast, hosts Pablo Fuentes (CEO of Bloom Spatial) and James Tanneberger (CEO of South Central Indiana REMC) share a harrowing story that illustrates why water safety is a critical concern for utility workers. James recounts a near-tragic incident from his time in Texas, where two substation maintenance workers faced a life-threatening situation during the aftermath of a tornado. When one employee received a panicked call from his wife about a tornado hitting their neighborhood, the crew's urgent attempt to return home led them into a flooded low-water crossing. What seemed like a manageable situation quickly turned dangerous when their truck became a boat in rising floodwater. Key lessons covered: How quickly water conditions can change during severe weather Why vehicle size doesn't matter when water reaches the frame The critical decisions that saved two lives during a flash flood rescue The importance of calling 911 immediately rather than supervisors How moving water's power can be deadly even for strong swimmers Safety insights: The episode explores the deceptive nature of floodwater and why "turn around, don't drown" isn't just a catchy slogan, it's a life-saving principle. James shares additional stories from Texas flooding events and discusses how cooperatives are partnering with local communities to improve severe weather preparedness, including expanding tornado warning systems. Technology and prevention: The conversation touches on emerging technologies for natural disaster management, including fiber optic sensing and improved weather awareness systems that help utilities and communities prepare for severe weather events. This episode serves as both a compelling rescue story and an important safety reminder for anyone who works outdoors or lives in areas prone to flooding. The emphasis on weather awareness and community preparedness makes this essential listening for utility workers and rural residents alike.

In this inspiring episode of The Co-Op Heroes podcast, host Pablo Fuentes sits down with Mandy Barth, Vice President of Communication at Indiana Electric Cooperatives (IEC), to explore an extraordinary international mission that has been transforming lives for over a decade. What began as a one-time project in 2012 to celebrate the UN's International Year of the Cooperative has evolved into Project Indiana—a sustained effort to bring electricity to remote Guatemalan villages that have never had power. Mandy shares how Indiana became the first state to send an all-state team on an international electrification project, working alongside NRECA International to light up communities in Guatemala's mountains. Key Highlights: How 14-15 Indiana linemen have electrified more than 700 homes across multiple trips The profound impact on both Guatemalan families and Indiana utility workers Unique challenges of working in remote jungle locations with some 1,000-foot spans The cultural and logistical complexities of international utility work How they're helping villages form their own electric cooperatives Current efforts to solve power supply challenges through government advocacy Ongoing Impact: The project has brought electricity to families (including a woman in her 90s getting power for the first time), and it has also introduced the cooperative business model to Guatemala. The initiative continues to face challenges around connecting to the national power grid due to regulatory restrictions, making each project a complex balance of engineering, diplomacy, and community development. Mandy explains how this work has transformed the Indiana linemen who participate, with many saying it changed their perspective on gratitude and family priorities. The episode showcases how electric cooperatives extend their mission of community service far beyond their traditional service territories. For those interested in international development, cooperative business models, or utility infrastructure challenges, this episode demonstrates the powerful impact that skilled volunteers can have when they combine technical expertise with a mission to serve. Learn more about Project Indiana at projectindiana.org

In this episode of The Co-Op Heroes podcast, hosts Pablo Fuentes (CEO of Bloom Spatial) and James Tanneberger (CEO of South Central Indiana REMC) explore how electric cooperatives go beyond traditional utility services to improve their members' lives. James shares South Central Indiana REMC's mission to "improve the lives of our members" and how this philosophy has led them to provide services that investor-owned utilities typically don't offer. The conversation covers their journey from early dial-up internet services in rural Texas to their current $100+ million fiber-to-the-home project serving over 12,000 users. Services discussed: High-speed fiber internet and its impact on rural communities Early dial-up internet provision when no local options existed Security services (15-year operation before strategic exit) Propane delivery (discontinued due to risk considerations) Future considerations for water service delivery Key insights: How the cooperative business model enables innovation that profit-driven utilities might avoid The strategic decision-making process for entering and exiting non-electric services How fiber infrastructure improvements enhance both internet service and electric grid reliability The role of cooperatives in rural economic development and infrastructure James explains how the cooperative structure allows them to take calculated risks on services that improve member lives, even when the immediate financial return isn't guaranteed. The episode highlights how electric cooperatives often become innovators in rural service delivery, filling gaps that other providers won't address. Whether you're interested in cooperative business models, rural infrastructure development, or utility innovation, this episode demonstrates how mission-driven organizations can expand their impact beyond their core services.

In this episode of The Co-Op Heroes podcast, hosts Pablo Fuentes (CEO of Bloom Spatial) and James Tanneberger (CEO of South Central Indiana REMC) explore real-world utility emergency response through personal experience. James recounts his early days as an electrical engineer when he was assigned to the "manager on call" rotation. During a severe storm, a 69kV transmission line took a lightning strike and, instead of safely tripping as designed, the line exploded—destroying 30 spans of critical transmission infrastructure and leaving scattered aluminum fragments across the landscape. What you'll learn: How utility crews responded to an unprecedented transmission line failure The decision-making process during emergency restoration efforts Working through challenging conditions to restore critical infrastructure The importance of resource allocation during major outages How extreme weather creates unexpected operational challenges Key Lesson: James shares an important leadership principle he learned that night: "Call too many people too soon, rather than too few, too late"—a philosophy that has shaped his approach to emergency response throughout his career. This episode offers insights into the challenges and decision-making that utility operators face during emergency situations. Whether you work in the utility industry or are interested in infrastructure and emergency response, this story provides a practical look at how electric cooperatives maintain reliable service for their communities.

2023 was supposed to be a manageable year for SCI-REMC. Instead, it became a masterclass in crisis management when two of the worst weather events in the co-op's history struck within three months of each other. In this episode, James Tanneberger walks us through the devastating tornado outbreak in late March that left 12,000 members without power, followed by an even more destructive derecho in June that knocked out service to over half their territory – 18,000 members – in just 10 minutes. But Mother Nature wasn't finished: the global energy crisis triggered by the Russia-Ukraine war simultaneously drove wholesale power costs through the roof, forcing rate increases after a decade of stable pricing. James shares the tactical details of managing 36 restoration crews simultaneously, the critical role of "bird dogs" and damage assessors, and why sometimes the fastest way to restore power is to resist the urge to rush into dangerous conditions. He reveals how $30 million in underground line investments paid dividends during the crisis and why the co-op now views these catastrophic events as proof they can handle anything. Beyond the operational lessons, this episode explores how extreme adversity can forge organizational resilience and why thinking "outside the box" isn't just a business strategy – it's survival for modern electric cooperatives facing an increasingly unpredictable world.

What happens when a hurricane threatens to flood your electric utility's control center and you have just 12 hours to evacuate? For James Tannenberger and his team during Hurricane Rita in 2005, the answer was a 1997 Winnebago converted into a mobile backup operations center. In this episode, James shares the harrowing story of their 32-hour journey from Houston to Fort Worth – a drive that should have taken 3.5 hours – as 1.5 million people fled Hurricane Rita's path simultaneously. Armed with a mechanically-questionable RV that had previously served as the company's marketing vehicle, James and his colleague faced overheating engines, mysteriously engaging parking brakes, and the challenge of staying awake during stop-and-go traffic that barely reached 20 mph. Beyond the adventure story, this episode reveals the dedication and "expedition mindset" that drives electric utility workers during crisis situations. James discusses the culture of mutual support that allows utility employees to handle personal responsibilities during normal times while knowing they'll drop everything when the grid needs them.

When James Tanneberger became CEO of SCI-REMC, his co-op ranked 17th out of 18 electric cooperatives in Southern Indiana for member satisfaction, with a score of just 68 out of 100. Eight years later, that score has climbed to 74 and continues rising. In this episode, James shares the innovative strategies that transformed his co-op's relationship with its members, from deploying fiber-to-the-home technology that enables remote outage management to ditching expensive annual meetings in favor of connecting with members at county fairs complete with deep-fried Twinkies and "bunny hop" electrical safety demonstrations.

Welcome to the show! Hosts James Tanneberger and Pablo Fuentes give a quick overview of the show. We will share stories and interviews with utility operators, highlighting the trials and triumphs of the people who bring power to our homes and businesses.