MEL COLEMAN CEO
What is mutual aid, and why does it matter?
Electric cooperatives employ a variety of methods to reduce the likelihood of power outages — from regular tree trimming, to equipment maintenance and repairs, to local grid updates. Unfortunately, outages still occur. When they do, though, co-ops are ready to respond.
Another way co-ops prepare for major outages and disasters is through mutual aid, a collaborative approach to emergency planning. The mutual aid model allows electric co-ops to help each other out during times of need. This approach permits co-ops to “borrow” restoration workers from other co-ops, thereby increasing the workforce response to areas impacted by a major outage event. It’s essentially about neighbors helping neighbors, even when those neighbors are fellow co-ops located hundreds of miles away.
North Arkansas Electric Cooperative (NAEC) lineworkers assisted with restoration efforts after Hurricanes Sandy and Katrina as well as hurricanes in Florida, South Carolina, Georgia and more. They’ve also helped after ice storms and thunderstorms hit multiple Arkansas co-ops. In turn, co-op lineworkers from Arkansas and other states responded to NAEC’s call for help after the 2009 ice storm and most recently the snow storm in January 2023.
Electric co-ops were formed to provide reliable electric service to our members at the lowest reasonable cost, and mutual aid has been a fundamental part of our DNA since co-ops were formed. The concept of mutual aid originated with the rural electrification efforts in the 1930s. From the very beginning, electric co-ops relied on each other to assist in times of need, and mutual aid provides an essential safety net in times of crisis.
Mutual aid ultimately benefits our members. During major outage events, we can increase our workforce and respond more quickly, leading to shorter outage times for members.
During major outage events, a variety of equipment is necessary to complete repairs, including bucket trucks and other specialized vehicles, utility poles, transformers and wires. Skilled lineworkers, tree trimmers, damage assessors and other key personnel are also often shared among co-ops. These experts provide critical skills and manpower to speed up the restoration process.
Today, mutual aid continues to be a vital part of how electric co-ops operate and serve members of our local communities. The goal of mutual aid is to restore power as quickly and safely as possible after a major outage event.
By sharing resources, co-ops can significantly enhance our response capabilities. In essence, mutual aid embodies the sixth cooperative principle of “Cooperation Among Cooperatives” and ensures our members receive reliable electricity even in the face of major challenges.
NEXT now serving 20,000 subscribers
North Arkansas Electric Cooperative’s fiber subsidiary, NEXT, Powered by NAEC, reached a milestone in May by connecting its 20,000th subscriber.
In celebration, NEXT is giving that subscriber – new Horseshoe Bend resident Karen Bachman – free 100 Mbps fiber internet service for life.
“This milestone has been a long time coming, and we are thrilled to be able to offer this promotion and celebrate the growth of NEXT,” said Scott Hamby, NEXT chief operating officer.
NEXT connected its first subscriber in December 2016 as part of a pilot project. More than seven years later, approximately 60% of NAEC members use NEXT services, which include high-speed internet, television and phone. Those interested in subscribing may visit an NAEC office to speak with a NEXT customer service representative, go to mynextfiber.com or call (870) 895-3221.
S. Main St., Salem
OFFICES 824 Hwy 56, Ash Flat
1520 Hwy 62/412 E., Mountain Home
CONTACT NAEC (870) 895-3221 info@naeci.com PAY/VIEW BILL naeci.com ▶ Account Login
REPORT OUTAGE (870) 895-3221 (844) 335-4461 NAEC App naeci.com ▶ Outage Viewer
BANK DRAFT DATE CHANGE — NAEC appreciates members who are enrolled in bank draft. Beginning in June, the co-op will begin drafting bank draft participants' electric bills on the 14th of each month rather than the 10th. NAEC is making this change to processing payments on the due date based on feedback from members. If the 14th falls on a weekend or holiday, NAEC will draft on the previous business day. Please call (870) 895-3221 or email info@naeci.com with any questions.
FOLLOW NAEC Twitter.com/NorthARElectric Facebook.com/NorthARElectric NAEC's offices will be closed July 4 in observance of Independence Day. A dispatcher will be on duty, and personnel will be on call in the event of an outage. Report an outage with the NAEC app or by calling (870) 895-3221.
