Michael Thomas, KEC’s Manager of Engineering & Distribution Management Systems, has been with the cooperative for nearly eight years. He plays a critical role in ensuring reliable power for our growing cooperative and community.
What made you interested in working for KEC?
My family and I were living in the Dallas area, where opportunities to escape the concrete jungle were few and far between. We love the outdoors, and I grew up in Arizona camping and exploring. Moving to a less populated area offered a better lifestyle for my kids and the chance to enjoy nature more often. Professionally, I desired greater variety in my work, as well as opportunities for growth.
Tell us about your educational background and previous work experience that led you to KEC.
I earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M University. After graduation, I worked as an electrical engineer at Hewlett-Packard before joining CoServ, an electric cooperative in Texas, for five years. That experience gave me a strong foundation for engineering at an electric cooperative.
What does a day look like for you?
No day is ever the same. In my role I oversee the work of the engineering department staff, including four engineers and one designer. We are responsible for the analysis and planning of the power system, developing construction work plans, as well as designing capacity and reliability improvement projects. Every major construction project is reviewed based on load projections to minimize the likelihood of costly future upgrades. To maintain system reliability, we must plan for extreme heat and cold, and other contingencies to ensure our members have the power they need.
Tell us about the new substation in Rathdrum.
Our department has also been focused on the design and development of a new substation on the Rathdrum Prairie. This substation will improve reliability for KEC members in northern Kootenai County by providing connections between KEC’s other existing substations in Rathdrum, Hayden, Twin Lakes, and Athol. To connect the new substation to our electric service area, KEC will also construct a new transmission line, install new underground power lines and rebuild existing overhead power lines.
We expect to break ground in early 2026 with significant work completed over the summer. The goal is to have it energized next winter prior to any significantly cold weather.
As the project manager of the new substation, I coordinate the work and ensure timely decisions. Our engineers handle the technical details, including modeling the design in 3D to ensure that everything works together as intended. The goal is to use this design as a blueprint for future substations to maximize efficiency.
What is the biggest challenge in your job?
Although I love it, the vast volume and variety of work can be a challenge. We must anticipate growth, weather extremes, and equipment needs, not just for today, but for the next 10 years. Our planning must be strategic to achieve short-term goals while ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with long-term objectives.
What is the best part of your job?
I enjoy working with my colleagues, looking at the big picture, and finding ways to improve processes. It’s rewarding to plan and make decisions that will benefit members for years to come.
What’s your favorite thing about our community?
I love outdoor activities, including camping, boating, and hiking. Having several national parks within driving distance is also a bonus. My family enjoys all four seasons—there’s always something to do, from summer trips to Silverwood to winter adventures.