Reliability requires investment
As your local power provider, Burke-Divide Electric Cooperative’s (BDEC) mission has always been straightforward: Keep the lights on and support the communities we serve. But behind every switch, every warm home and every open business is a complex system that requires constant attention and care.
Reliable electricity does not happen by accident. It depends on ongoing investments in the local grid through routine maintenance, timely repairs, system upgrades and the integration of new technologies that allow us to operate more efficiently and effectively.
Much of the electric infrastructure serving our members today was built decades ago. While it continues to perform reliably, all equipment has a finite lifespan. Poles, wires, transformers and substations must be maintained, repaired and ultimately replaced to ensure safe and dependable service. Proactive investments help extend the life of this infrastructure, reduce the likelihood of outages and shorten restoration times when disruptions occur.
At the same time, the demands placed on the electric grid continue to grow. Homes and businesses are using more electricity than ever before, driven by electric vehicles, advanced heating and cooling systems, smart appliances and new commercial development. As these technologies become more common, our system must be able to handle increased demand, while maintaining the level of reliability our members expect.
To meet these needs, BDEC continues to make strategic, reliability-focused investments in our system. In 2025, the cooperative invested around $6 million in infrastructure improvements, including construction of the new Twin Butte substation and transmission line to support growing demand in our western service area. Additional projects included new distribution tie lines that allow power to be rerouted during outages, converting distribution lines to higher voltage to improve service quality and installing sectionalizing equipment to limit the number of members affected by outages.
Looking ahead to 2026, the cooperative’s work plan includes approximately $3 million in additional projects focused on system reliability and resilience. These efforts include transmission line rebuilds, new tie line construction, further distribution line conversions and the installation of additional sectionalizing equipment to strengthen the system even further.
Technology is also reshaping how we operate the electric grid. Automated switching devices, smart meters and advanced monitoring systems allow us to identify problems more quickly and respond more effectively. These tools can isolate issues, reroute power to minimize outages and provide real-time data that improves maintenance planning and long-term system performance. In today’s increasingly complex energy landscape, adopting these technologies is not optional.
While these improvements require careful planning and financial investment, the return is substantial. A stronger electric grid supports economic growth, improves service quality, and enhances safety for our employees and the communities we serve. Most importantly, it ensures the power our members rely on is available when they need it.
Our commitment to reliability extends beyond infrastructure. It reflects our responsibility to the people and communities we serve. Every upgrade, repair and technology investment is made with the goal of supporting daily life – from the comfort of your home to the success of local businesses.
By investing in our local grid today, we are not only maintaining the system we depend on, but building a stronger, more resilient foundation for the future.
Until next time,
Jerry King
General Manager