July Mitchell Lyter Editorial

When members think about the electric system, they often picture power lines, substations, and the crews who work around the clock to keep the lights on. What many people don’t see are the communication systems working behind the scenes that help keep those crews connected every day.

Recently, Cass County Electric Cooperative completed an upgrade to its radio communication system. While the cutover took only a few weeks and caused minimal service disruption, the project was a multi-year process of evaluation, testing, and planning. The new system enhances coverage, improves reliability, and helps ensure seamless communication across our operations. While radios may not be the most visible part of our work, they are among the most important tools our employees use to serve members safely and efficiently.

Safety is always our highest priority. With a service territory spanning 10 counties, some areas have limited or unreliable cellular coverage, making dependable communication essential. For lineworkers and other field personnel, reliable radio communication is a critical tool when working around energized equipment or during challenging weather conditions. In the event of an emergency, our team follows established Mayday procedures that rely on the radio system to quickly communicate and coordinate a response. These procedures are practiced annually to ensure they are effective and ready when needed.

Communication also plays a critical role during major weather events. When severe storms move through the region, crews must work together to assess damage, coordinate restoration efforts, and respond to outages as quickly and safely as possible. A dependable radio system helps ensure employees can stay connected when it matters most. It also allows dispatchers, operations staff, and field crews to share real-time information, helping restoration efforts move efficiently and safely.

Most members will never see the radios our employees use every day, and that’s okay. Their value is found in the work they help accomplish behind the scenes. From routine maintenance to storm restoration, reliable communication helps our teams work safely, respond efficiently, and continue delivering the dependable service members expect. Strong communication also helps reduce delays, improve coordination, and support faster decision-making in the field.

At Cass County Electric, we are always looking ahead to ensure we have the people, equipment, and technology needed to meet the needs of our growing membership. Investments like this one help position us to continue serving members well, today and into the future.