Dependable service results from diligence

One of our employees was driving recently along Highway 61 in Washington County when she noticed something moving in the sky.

In the dim morning light, she could make out hundreds, if not thousands, of ducks winging across the sky in countless arrow-shaped formations. They were heading eastward, probably on their way to feed in the area¹s fertile wetlands — or catfish ponds.

The employee was following the car of a co-worker who lives in the area. Upon arriving at their destination, she asked the co-worker if he had noticed the ducks overhead. He hadn't. To him, the ducks were just part of the backdrop of life in the Mississippi Delta.

We all tend to overlook the commonplace in everyday life. Like the man who doesn't see the ducks, we take for granted that our light and electrical appliances will spring to life when we flip the switch. Most people don't pause to think how valuable electric service is, or how much human effort goes into providing it every day of the year.

Your electric power association distributes electricity along literally thousands of miles of power lines. Every mile of line must be in perfect working order to ensure uninterrupted electrical service to all co-op members. Keeping them that way is a tall order.

Electric power association crews, and sometimes contract crews, routinely inspect utility poles, equipment and lines for signs of wear and tear. They examine poles for rot and other damage and replace them as needed, before they topple.

They check transformers and breakers, and they monitor substation equipment for proper operation.

Anything amiss raises a red flag. Crews deal with the problem before it results in equipment failure or a power outage.

Likewise, right-of-way crews routinely clear trees, limbs and brush from lines to prevent contact with power lines, a common cause of outage. Such preventive maintenance goes a long way toward improving the reliability of the entire electrical system.

But like ducks in the Delta, utility crews at work are so commonplace we tend to overlook them as we drive past their trucks. Next time you see a crew at work on a power line, know that they are working hard — sometimes in lousy weather conditions — to make sure you have power when you need it.

One more thing: slow down a little as you approach. They will appreciate your consideration for their safety.