In my role, I am responsible for electric distribution line design, preparation of construction drawings, setting of field stakes, and mapping services. My typical day consists of communicating with new and existing members regarding their projects, reviewing maintenance data that is collected by our field inspectors, and preparing the necessary paperwork for our crews to complete construction work.
Tell us about the FEMA grant KEC received to put overhead lines underground in the Spirit Lake East subdivision.
In January 2021, a severe windstorm swept through the Inland Northwest causing extensive damage and widespread power outages. The damage to KEC’s system was staggering. At its height, more than half of KEC’s members were left without power.
The storm caused nearly $2 million in damages including numerous broken poles, lines, and other damaged equipment. After the storm, a federal emergency was declared for Kootenai County which allowed KEC to apply for a mitigation grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
We recently learned we were awarded the grant to convert approximately 22 miles of the most problematic overhead lines in the Spirit Lake East subdivision to underground. The purpose of this project is to mitigate risk and improve power reliability during extreme weather events. The grant will reimburse KEC more than $10 million or 90% of project construction costs.
My role in this project includes designing the new underground electric distribution lines, staking the project area and later ensuring the construction process is smooth. I coordinate with KEC staff from various departments to obtain the necessary paperwork requested by FEMA to make this project possible. I am also responsible for communicating with our membership in the area to ensure they are aware of the project and how it will affect them.