Manager's Report
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Manager’s Report – written July 6, 2010
Another month records yet another storm for Moreau-Grand. My heart goes out to our members in Dupree and surrounding area. The night of June 16th will be the topic of conversation for generations to come.
After multiple tornadoes coupled with anywhere from 12 to 15 inches of rain the damage was massive. Aside from the individual damages to homes, buildings, businesses, roads, fences… Moreau-Grand lost over 120 poles with 24 of these being transmission poles. Our estimated cost from this storm is coming in at $380,000.
Once again, our employees rallied for the cause. Within 24 hours, the town of Dupree had power restored and within 48 hours, all residential members had power.
Fortunately, we had two contractors in our service area working on ice-storm restoration, thus were able to dispatch to the Dupree area within hours of notification. Both Midwest Power and Boldt Power brought full crews to the scene and were a huge part of the successful and speedy recovery.
Hats off to Kerry Burgee, Dupree/ Eagle Butte Foreman – even though Kerry had major damage to his own place, he clocked 18 hours days to bring power back to the area. Kerry’s knowledge accumulated over the past 39 years at your co-op is invaluable. I refer to Kerry as the “Oak” of Moreau-Grand Electric – he stands tall and true to the cause and is as solid as an oak.
Each storm is so different – what made this one unique was the extensive damage right in the town of Dupree. In the more congested areas, damage was done to meters, transformers, meter loops, security lights, street lights, in addition to the poles and wire itself.
How does the saying go – “it is a good life if you never weaken”. Moreau-Grand employees certainly have not weakened – but instead become stronger through all the trials.
June is typically the month that your board makes the determination as to general capital credit retirement for year-end. With all the millions of dollars in expense experienced thus far in 2010, the board made the unanimous decision to NOT make a general capital credit retirement during 2010. Cash flow simple does not support this action. FEMA reimbursement is slow coming; in fact Moreau-Grand is still waiting for reimbursement from the November 2008 storm damage.
In closing, I would like to acknowledge the passing of Rex Witte former director from Glad Valley. A tribute to Rex can be found within this publication. Rex was a director for Moreau-Grand from 1990 through 2002 – serving as Chairman of the board for several years. We offer our condolences to the family.
Until next month…..
