ADAMS RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE LOCAL PAGES

As a cooperative, Adams Rural Electric operates like other cooperatives around the world and our foundation is based on the Seven Cooperative Principles and values. The sixth principle is Cooperation among Cooperatives. By working together with other electric cooperatives in the state of Ohio, we were able to have three cooperative crews assist us in restoration efforts. We say “thank you” to Logan County Electric Cooperative in Bellefontaine, which sent two lineworkers, and Holmes-Wayne Electric Cooperative in Millersburg, which sent four lineworkers to assist in restoration efforts.

Thank you also to Jerry Pack, owner of Pack Power Services, who sent two crews — eight lineworkers — to assist. One of these crews worked continuously to change broken poles during the storm. Jerry is a member of Adams Rural Electric and always willing to send help when we need it.

Thank you to A-1 Tree Care from Hillsboro, Ohio. A-1 is locally owned and has provided right-of-way clearing services on our system for the past several years. A-1 sent two crews — six tree trimmers — to assist in clearing trees.

Thank you to Dave McChesney, retired Adams REC employee. Dave retired in December 2022 but he graciously came back to assist during the storm.

As the manager, I am very proud of the dedicated employees of the cooperative. For four days, they worked very long hours and in some horrible conditions to get power restored to the members as quickly and safely as possible. On average, they work 16 long hours each day. Some go home at night to no power, as well, and leave their families in the dark. It is a group effort when these types of storms take place. Everyone pitches in and gives a 110 %. The o ce staff came in each day and prepared the lunch meals and delivered them to the crews and then came back at night to have the evening meal ready for the crews.

I wish I could say this windstorm was one-and-done for the year. Unfortunately, we’ve already seen another windstorm in March, which caused outages for two days, and one on April Fool’s Day, which resulted in outages for one day. Luckily, Adams Rural Electric crews were able to get power restored quickly without additional help needed. But like the other storm, we experienced more trees on the lines and broken poles. During one outage, crews had to use a kayak to get wire out of the creek to restore power on Nichols Ridge!

I want to finish by thanking our members. I appreciate the understanding, patience, and compassion you have shown during these events. I hear the crews telling of your acts of kindness and encouragement when they are out working. The employees appreciated the food that was sent to the o ce by many of you. We are all here to serve each of you.

I know it is frustrating to be without power. Please prepare for these types of events the best you can. If you need medical equipment, please have a backup plan in case you are without power for an extended period of time. If you see damage to lines or poles, please call and let us know. If you have trees that are growing in the primary electric lines, call the o ce now to get an order in to have them trimmed or removed before an outage occurs.

Rest assured that Adams REC is prepared to face the challenges that weather throws our way, whether it’s the dreaded ice storm, a spring windstorm, or a summer thunderstorm. Our crews will do what it takes to prevent outages whenever possible and restore power as quickly as possible when outages do occur.