Spring Storms Hit LCEC Service Territory

May went out with a bang, and June followed right behind as Lea County Electric Cooperative's territory was hit by a pair of storms.

In the early evening of Wednesday, May 31, a storm came through with high winds near Lovington, causing more than 1,000-meter outages and destruction of the system. In addition, more than 30 transmission poles and more than 70 distribution poles were damaged and found crossing roads in the area. Crews were on standby as soon as the weather alerts were issued.

Once the storm passed and it was safe to begin the restoration process, LCEC crews, contractors A.R.C. Powerline Construction and Expanse Electrical Company, along with crews from neighboring cooperatives Roosevelt County Electric Cooperative (based in Portales, New Mexico) and Central Valley Electric Cooperative (based in Artesia, New Mexico) worked tirelessly that evening and the following few days. The sixth Cooperative Principle was in full force: Cooperation Among Cooperatives.

On June 2, just when it looked like the restoration process was coming to an end and the crews were feeling a little reprieve, another storm came through the area and damaged more than 30 additional poles in the Gaines County, Texas, service area of the LCEC system. LCEC crews, along with contractors, began the repairs. They all worked on restoring power to this area for several days.

Members were updated and informed of the outages and power restoration progress through social media as frequently as possible. Many others assisted by answering calls, ordering materials, coordinating crews to the various areas with damage, delivering materials, delivering meals, photographing the restoration process and communicating with members.

It takes the efforts of many to bring power back after these types of events. Thank you to everyone who had a part in restoring power to all the members affected by these storms!

The enchanted CEO

By Charise Swanson

New Mexico Rural Electric Cooperative Association