Oct 22, 2024 | Latest News
South Dakota linemen returned Thursday from the Southeastern U.S. after helping restore power for thousands of people affected by Hurricane Helene.
The 18 linemen from five rural electric cooperatives—East River Electric Power Cooperative, Sioux Valley Energy, Bon Homme Yankton Electric Association, Oahe Electric Cooperative, and West River Electric Association—left Oct. 2 to join line crews from around the country working to repair the devastated power grid.
During their restoration efforts, South Dakota’s linemen assisted Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative in Pickens, South Carolina, where crews faced more than 64,000 meter outages and over 800 broken poles after the storm. The linemen were then called to Wrens, Georgia, where Jefferson Energy Cooperative worked to build back after a total system outage.
“Tropical storm Helene tested our cooperative unlike any other natural disaster in our 84-year history, and we needed every ounce of help we could bring in to restore power to the 90% of our membership that lost power in this storm,” Blue Ridge Electric CEO Jim Lovinggood said.
South Dakota’s linemen stayed at basecamps with dozens of other utility workers from all across the country. The workers camped in several large, army-sized tents, but with the linemen’s busy schedules, nobody spent much time there anyway.
“We’d get up at about 5:30, head to the chow hall for breakfast at 6 o’clock, get to our trucks and do our service checks, load up material, and then head out to the job,” recalled West River Electric lineman Zach Hansen. “Then about 7 o’clock or 7:30 p.m., we’d head back to the yard for supper from 8 o’clock to 10 o’clock. Then we’d hit the sack for the next day.”
Hansen said that each time the crew repaired damaged infrastructure, they’d first need to start the labor-intensive process of clearing through debris and trees toppled by Helene’s heavy wind gusts.
“When we have blizzards and ice storms in South Dakota, it’s hard work—and you’re trying to stay warm,” Hansen explained. “But out here, there’s a lot more chainsaw work and fixing wire breaks. It’s not just straight miles of lines lying down like we’re used to at home.”
By Oct. 9, fewer than 1,000 meters in Blue Ridge Electric territory remained offline and the South Dakota crews were dismissed to begin the 1,200-plus mile journey home.
But as the South Dakota convoy—which included bucket trucks, skid steers and ATVs—moved homeward to reunite with their families, another call came in.
The call was from Jefferson Electric in Wrens, Georgia, where still more than 10,000 homes and businesses remained without power nearly two weeks after the storm. Just like before, South Dakota’s rural electric cooperatives answered the call.
“When our line superintendent called me that morning and asked me how we felt about going to Georgia, I said, ‘well, we’re right here, so we might as well go in and help,’” Bon Homme Yankton lineman Gunnar Dally said. “If they need help, we’re more than willing to come.”
The stop in Wrens delayed the linemen’s return home by about a week, but the appreciation from the communities helped keep spirits high.
“When we were on breaks, there were people stopping to thank us for helping,” Dally said. “A lot of them were very surprised when we said we were from South Dakota.”
Bon Homme Yankton Electric Manager Stephanie Horst thanked Dally and the 17 others who volunteered to travel, saying their selfless actions reflect their deep strength and dedication to community.
“We’re deeply thankful for their service and we reflect on the profound impact they’ve made—not just in restoring power, but in bringing hope and relief to communities in need,” Horst said. “Their efforts truly embody the heart and soul of our cooperative family.”
Sioux Valley Energy Vice President of Engineering and Operations Ted Smith thanked his eight linemen for volunteering for a challenging restoration mission while also commending the rest of his co-op crew.
“We also need to recognize the line workers that stayed behind taking on extra duties for their teammates,” he said.
Hansen recognized another subset of heroes: the families.
“The unsung heroes of storm jobs are the people we leave behind,” he said. “My wife is at home with six kids taking care of the ranch while I’m gone. If we didn’t have those people, we couldn’t go out and do the things we needed to do. They are the real heroes.”
SDREA General Manager Steve Barnett thanked the linemen for volunteering to help with the storm restoration efforts and for embodying the values of South Dakota’s rural electric cooperatives.
“These 18 linemen gave up time at home with their families to help people in need they’ve never met in a place they’ve never been,” Barnett said. “Their selfless actions reflect what we stand for as a family of cooperatives, as South Dakotans, and as fellow Americans. We thank them for their work, their spirit and their dedication to keeping the lights on—at home, and in South Carolina and Georgia.”
Oct 4, 2024 | Latest News
Linemen from five of South Dakota’s rural electric cooperatives left for South Carolina Wednesday to help restore power along Hurricane Helene’s path of destruction.
The 18 linemen – eight from Sioux Valley Energy, four from East River Electric Power Cooperative, two from Oahe Electric Cooperative, two from Bon Homme Yankton Electric Association and two from West River Electric Association – will work alongside Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative crews near Pickens to get members’ power back online.
The storm, which made landfall last week as a Category 4 hurricane with 140-plus mph winds, ripped through the Southeastern U.S., with high winds and falling trees causing catastrophic damage to power distribution lines. After the storm, Blue Ridge Electric reported over 450 downed utility poles, leaving 90% of its service area, or 64,000 meters, without power.
When Blue Ridge Electric sent out a call for help, South Dakota’s cooperatives answered.
“Mutual aid is one of our main principles in the co-op family,” said Mark Patterson, Manager of Loss Control Services at South Dakota Rural Electric Association. “When our sister co-ops are in trouble, we’re there to assist, and we’re sending guys and equipment 1,200-plus miles to get there.”
The convoy includes bucket trucks, skid steers, an ATV, and other equipment crews will need to make repairs in the swampy and mountainous terrain.
East River Electric’s transmission maintenance superintendent, Wade Bialas, who is coordinating the relief effort, told linemen to expect to stay in tents, work long days, and to prepare for less-than-ideal conditions. The volunteering linemen are prepared to stay in South Carolina between two and four weeks. Despite the challenges, Bialas says the linemen who volunteered are excited to have the opportunity to do some good and help people in the wake of the disaster.
“I have 34 linemen that report under me, and I guarantee you all 34 would have stepped up to go,” Bialas said. “Everybody from the Midwest has that willingness to step up and help out any way they can.”
One of those linemen stepping up is Zach Hansen from West River Electric, who says going with the crew was an easy decision.
“It’s just the co-op way,” he said. “There are people in need down there who lost their houses, lost their lives, and this is something we know we can do to help. It’s kind of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
SDREA General Manager Steve Barnett extends his best wishes to Hansen and his fellow linemen as they prepare to face the challenges of the coming days.
“Their unwavering dedication and service are an amazing testament of cooperation among cooperatives,” Barnett said. “I am praying for their success and safety in the days ahead.”
Sep 10, 2024 | Latest News
East River Electric Power Cooperative has presented an award to Kermit Pearson in honor of his 35-years of service on the cooperative’s board of directors. The award was presented during the organization’s 74th annual meeting on Sept. 4, 2024, in Sioux Falls.
As a member-owner of Lake Region Electric Cooperative, Pearson has served as the representative for Lake Region Electric on the East River board of directors since 1989. Altogether he has served electric cooperatives for over 43 years. He currently is seated as East River Electric’s representative on the Basin Electric board of directors where he serves as board vice president. In addition to these leadership positions, he also serves on the South Dakota Rural Electric Association board of directors. A former Vo-Ag instructor and manager of the South Dakota State Fair, he has also been a director on the North Central Livestock Association Board, and an elder at the First Presbyterian Church. His leadership, involvement, and influence earned him a spot in the South Dakota Co-op Hall of Fame in 2018
“It’s a pleasure to honor Kermit, one of our longest-serving board members, with this 35-year service award. During Kermit’s tenure on East River’s board, our cooperative family has experienced immense load growth, has developed innovative programs and has maintained our legacy of providing safe, affordable and reliable electricity.” said East River CEO and General Manager Bob Sahr. “East River offers its sincere thanks and appreciation for Kermit’s continued leadership.”
Kermit is a graduate of Britton High School and attended South Dakota State University in Brookings. He and his wife Peggy live in Lake City on the farmstead his parents settled. They have 4 children.
Sep 10, 2024 | Latest News
East River Electric Power Cooperative held its 74th annual meeting Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, at the Best Western Plus Ramkota Hotel in Sioux Falls. This year’s annual meeting theme was “Cooperatives: Partners in Progress.” The meeting highlighted the many ways East River Electric is working alongside its member systems to enhance and power people’s lives and communities by providing safe, reliable and affordable electricity as well as investing in communities and individuals. Attendees took part in the event in person as well as through a livestream viewing option.
“East River’s board, our employees and our member systems are “Partners in Progress” as we do what needs to be done to serve our members today – and at the same time plan for tomorrow,” said East River CEO/General Manager Bob Sahr. “We’re facing a lot of challenges – immense growth, supply chain issues, inflation – but through it all we stick together. We prepare for what lies ahead by maintaining forward momentum to seize the opportunities that will come our way.”
During the annual meeting presentation, East River leadership discussed the cooperative’s Transmission System Upgrade Plan, detailing achievements, progress, and challenges that have been overcome. Now in its sixth year, the plan is focused on enhancements and updates to the system’s infrastructure while ensuring the cooperative can meet demand, sustain reliability and prepare for future capacity growth
“We’ve continued to make enhancements and upgrades to East River’s infrastructure meeting goals through planning, coordination and execution. The plan is vital for positioning our system for future load growth and improving reliability,” Sahr said. “The upgrades have paid off, and our system’s reliability has significantly improved, especially during severe storms. Also, with unprecedented growth potential coming to our system, the improvements made in recent years have reinforced the backbone of the transmission system while maintaining the ability to serve anticipated growth. We continue to complete major projects within the plan and adjust our priorities as load growth develops the need for further system improvements.”
During the annual meeting lunch, East River’s leadership presented two individuals with the cooperative’s Eminent Service Award: Brad Schardin, retired CEO and General Manager of Southeastern Electric Cooperative, and Jeff Genzer, president at Duncan, Weinberg, Genzer & Pembroke law office in Washington, D.C. The Eminent Service Award is the most prestigious honor given by East River’s board of directors to individuals who have had a great impact on East River Electric and the rural electrification program. In addition, East River director Kermit Pearson from Lake Region Electric was presented with an award for over 35 years of service on the East River board of directors.
The afternoon session began with a presentation from Basin Electric Cooperative’s CEO and General Manager Todd Brickhouse followed by a panel discussion on large loads featuring East River Electric’s Chief Operations Officer Mark Hoffman, Chief Financial Officer Scott Shewey and Basin Electric’s Vice President of Resource Planning and Rates Becky Kern. A business meeting followed the annual meeting’s general session where the director election was held, and the cooperative’s policy statements were adopted.
East River Electric Power Cooperative CEO and General Manager Bob Sahr (left) and East River Electric Board President Jim Ryken (Right) provided an update to the co-op’s membership during East River’s 74th annual meeting.
Former Southeastern Electric Cooperative CEO and General Manager Brad Schardin was presented with the Eminent Service award.
Jeff Genzer, President at Duncan, Weinberg, Genzer & Pembroke law office was presented with the Eminent Service award.
Sep 10, 2024 | Latest News
Brad Schardin was presented with East River Electric Power Cooperative’s highest honor, the Eminent Service Award, during the organization’s 74th annual meeting Sept. 4, 2024, in Sioux Falls. The award is given annually to individuals who have made significant contributions to East River and the cooperative movement.
Schardin’s electric cooperative experience spanned over 40 years and is marked by visionary leadership, unwavering commitment, and a profound impact on the communities he’s served, the co-ops he’s partnered with, and the people he’s crossed paths with.
His co-op career began in 1983 at Douglas Electric Cooperative, in Armour, S.D., where he served as general manager for seven years, helping to navigate the cooperative through growth and operational improvement. In 1990, Schardin took on the role of general manager at Turner-Hutchinson Electric Cooperative in Marion where he implemented innovative strategies to enhance member engagement and expanded the cooperative’s services, benefitting member-owners and the local community.
His leadership presence, as well as enthusiasm for member-owners and employees at Turner-Hutchinson, led to a shared management agreement with Lincoln-Union Electric Company in Alcester in 1997, and during that time he served as the general manager of both cooperatives. In 2000, the two electric cooperatives were consolidated, forming Southeastern Electric Cooperative. Once consolidated, Brad entered into another shared management agreement with McCook Electric, which eventually led to a merger incorporating McCook into Southeastern Electric, now one of South Dakota’s largest electric co-ops. Schardin remained at Southeastern Electric for the rest of his career, retiring as its general manager in 2023.
“The East River Electric board of directors thank you for your service to the cooperative and your leadership in advancing rural electrification in our region,” said East River board president Jim Ryken. “The leadership you have provided during your tenure as a cooperative manager, your service on various committees and initiatives has helped to ensure consumers across the region have received safe, reliable and affordable electric power for decades.”
Brad is known for his commitment to community development and being an inspirational leader, letting employees know they are appreciated, balanced with an emphasis on always putting member owners first. Outside of the cooperative realm, he enjoys working on and racing cars and he is the owner of Bowlway Lanes in Marion, S.D. Brad is a graduate of Black Hills State University. He and his wife Vicki live in Marion, S.D.
Sep 10, 2024 | Latest News
Jeff Genzer, President at Duncan, Weinberg, Genzer, & Pembroke, P.C. law office was awarded East River Electric Power Cooperative’s highest honor, the Eminent Service Award, during the organization’s 74th annual meeting September 4, 2024, in Sioux Falls. The award is given annually to individuals who have made significant contributions to East River and the cooperative movement.
Jeff was recognized for his nearly four-decade-long career that has been dedicated to energy and environmental law. During his almost 40 years in his current position and during his prior tenure serving as staff counsel for the National Governor’s Association, he’s demonstrated commitment to and has worked hard to protect and advocate in the best interest of rural electric cooperatives and their member-owners.
He has demonstrated legislative advocacy and handled litigation efforts on behalf of cooperatives, appearing before various courts and federal agencies including the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Department of Energy, and the Environmental Protection Agency. Jeff’s contributions to utilities and the cooperative cause have been significant, impacting state and local governments and initiatives across the nation.
Throughout his career, he’s served as general counsel for several key energy organizations and currently serves as general counsel to the National Association of Energy Service Companies, the National Energy Assistance Directors’ Association, and the Energy Programs Consortium. He has worked with East River Electric for many years through his role with the Mid-West Electric Consumers Association, helping cooperatives access low-cost hydropower from the nation’s dams.
“In recognition of your 38 years of service to electric cooperatives across the country, the East River Electric board of directors thanks you for your service to the cooperative movement and for your leadership in advancing and protecting rural electrification,” said East River Electric CEO and General Manager Bob Sahr. “Your work has helped to power the lives of millions of consumers across our region and around the country.”
In addition to his advocacy and dedicated work in the legal field, Jeff has made a positive difference through service in the Peace Corps, where he contributed to many development projects and served as the first energy planner in Micronesia.
