lineworkers – Dakota Electric Association® https://www.dakotaelectric.com EmPowering Our Members with Safe, Affordable & Reliable Electricity Tue, 20 May 2025 16:21:04 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 https://www.dakotaelectric.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/dakota-electric-squarelogo-1443621295273-66x66.png lineworkers – Dakota Electric Association® https://www.dakotaelectric.com 32 32 Dakota Electric Association® crews respond quickly to electrical contact incident https://www.dakotaelectric.com/2025/05/20/dakota-electric-association-crews-respond-to-electrical-incident/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=dakota-electric-association-crews-respond-to-electrical-incident Tue, 20 May 2025 16:21:04 +0000 https://www.dakotaelectric.com/?p=714204

The cooperative reminds the public of the importance of electrical safety and emergency preparedness

(FARMINGTON, MN) May 20, 2025Around 9:20 a.m. on May 8, a semi-truck was involved in an electrical contact incident near a grain elevator on the edge of Miesville. Two Dakota Electric crews traveling to another job site observed the situation and stopped to respond.

The crews arrived shortly after the vehicle contacted the power lines. Following Dakota Electric’s emergency response procedures, one crew secured the area and notified the control center, which alerted emergency services. The other crew moved the driver to a safe location and began life-saving efforts, later assisted by a Dakota County sheriff’s deputy.

Dakota Electric is proud of the actions of powerline specialist crew chief Greg, powerline specialist journeymen Jake and Reid, and groundman James — the four employees on site who acted in alignment with their training and safety procedures. Their actions helped ensure the safety of those nearby and provided critical, life-saving aid until emergency responders arrived. This swift response — combined with the coordinated support of the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office and the Miesville and Hastings fire departments — demonstrate the shared dedication to public safety among local agencies and utilities.

Dakota Electric crews complete regular CPR training and follow strict safety protocols for working around energized equipment. The cooperative also encourages the public to stay alert when working near or around power lines. If a vehicle contacts a power line, the safest action is to stay inside the vehicle and call 9-1-1. If there is a fire and evacuation is necessary, exit by jumping clear of the vehicle — making sure not to touch the vehicle and ground at the same time — then safely shuffle away without lifting your feet.

Dakota Electric is thankful the driver is in recovery and extends best wishes to him and his family.

Members of the public are reminded that if they see something that appears unsafe, they should call 9-1-1 and report it. Dakota Electric’s emergency line is available 24/7, 365 days a year at 651-463-6201.

Flames engulf a semi-truck after it made contact with electrical equipment near a grain elevator on the edge of Miesville, Minn., on May 8, 2025. Crews from Dakota Electric Association responded to the scene, assisting the driver and securing the area.

From left, Dakota Electric Association employees Reid, powerline specialist journeyman; Greg, powerline specialist crew chief; James, groundman; and Jake, powerline specialist journeyman, were part of the team that responded to an electrical contact incident on May 8 near Miesville, Minn

About Dakota Electric Association:
Dakota Electric Association is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative serving over 117,000 members in and around Dakota County. Established in 1937, Dakota Electric is committed to providing its members with reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity while actively engaging with the community and promoting energy efficiency. For more information, visit www.dakotaelectric.com or follow Dakota Electric on X, Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn.

]]>
Dakota Electric Association® crews head to Florida ahead of Hurricane Milton https://www.dakotaelectric.com/2024/10/17/dakota-electric-association-lineworkers-provide-aid-after-hurricane-milton/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=dakota-electric-association-lineworkers-provide-aid-after-hurricane-milton Thu, 17 Oct 2024 19:11:26 +0000 https://www.dakotaelectric.com/?p=711304

Two bucket trucks and a digger derrick were sent to provide mutual assistance

(FARMINGTON, MN) October 17, 2024 – Dakota Electric Association recently sent six crew members with two bucket trucks and one digger derrick to support Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative (WREC) in Dade City, Florida, with Hurricane Milton restoration efforts. Electric cooperatives in Florida reached out for mutual assistance before the storm hit to get teams staged for more efficient restoration.

Minnesota Rural Electric Association (MREA) worked closely with WREC and Dakota Electric’s Utility Services team to mobilize and stage crews before the hurricane made landfall. Dakota Electric mechanics were in contact with WREC regarding equipment needs and worked tirelessly to prepare the trucks and equipment for the long journey to Florida. In addition to the workforce and materials sent by Dakota Electric, Kandiyohi Power Cooperative in Spicer, MN, also sent crews, trucks and materials to assist.

“This is a perfect example of cooperation among cooperatives and concern for community – two of the seven Cooperative Principals,” said Ryan Hentges, President and CEO of Dakota Electric. “By working together, we can safely improve response times and deal more effectively with community needs. We sincerely wish all the folks impacted by Hurricane Milton a safe and fast recovery.”

Earlier this month, 18 of Minnesota’s electric cooperatives sent 80 lineworkers to help restore power after Hurricane Helene caused outages to more than 1.25 million cooperative members in the Southeastern United States.

“It’s times like these, when communities are in need, the cooperative difference really shines,” Hentges continued. “Lineworkers from co-ops around the country packed bags, loaded trucks and kissed family members goodbye as they sacrificed for the sake of others in need. Thank you to Luke, Kyle, Clay, Tim, Wyatt and Bryce who volunteered to help with the mutual aid efforts.”

 

About Dakota Electric Association:
Dakota Electric Association is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative serving over 115,000 members in and around Dakota County. Established in 1937, Dakota Electric is committed to providing its members with reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity while actively engaging with the community and promoting energy efficiency. For more information, visit www.dakotaelectric.com or follow Dakota Electric on X, Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn.

-end-

]]>