Three electric utilities recently came together through a work-sharing arrangement to work on an electric distribution line rebuild for the Village of Callaway, Neb.
The Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska (MEAN) helped to facilitate and coordinate the work-sharing arrangement that included nine lineworkers from neighboring MEAN participant communities Broken Bow, Arnold and Ansley. The work included updating six blocks of electric distribution line that will ultimately improve the efficiency of the Village’s electric system by lowering the system’s voltage losses.
“This type of project is an in-kind effort,” said MEAN Electrical Distribution O&M Specialist Rich Eymann. “When it’s time for the other utilities that need assistance on a larger project, this group can come together again to assist each another.”
The work-sharing arrangement can be a valuable benefit to completing larger electric distribution projects that are beyond the scope of the resources of smaller electric utilities. Eymann, along with the local electric utility, assess the work that needs to be done and resources and equipment required. Through working together, smaller utilities can complete larger projects and save money in the process.
The Callaway Village Council grilled hamburgers for lunch at the Village Fire Hall during the one-day event.
For more information on this type of work-sharing arrangement between MEAN participant communities, contact Rich Eymann at reymann@nmppenergy.org.