Cooperation among cooperatives.
This is a principle that’s been repeated many times, but the practical application is unmistakably crucial.
That was once again the case with this spring’s tornado damage throughout the Hoosier Energy footprint.
In assessing the damage, several items were in short supply. Hoosier Energy Manager of Purchases and Contracts Damon Crain sent out a plea for help to some generation and transmission cooperative colleagues.
“If you could look at the attached Excel spreadsheet and let us know if you have any of these items and would be willing to sell directly to Hoosier or do an inventory transfer with us replenishing your stock when our next order arrives,” he wrote in an email. “We would appreciate hearing any offers or suggestions you might have.”
The responses generated just what Hoosier Energy needed – cooperation.
A total of 10 items were donated by Basin Electric Power Cooperative out of North Dakota, several items later determined not necessary were made available from Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association out of Colorado and one item was available to purchase from East Kentucky Power Cooperative.
Items included assembly anchors, extension anchors, bent bolts, three-bolt clamps, socket connectors, guy grips, suspension insulators, compression connectors, guy rollers and armor rods. Handling the details and getting the items to the boots on the ground fell to Senior Purchasing Agent Maria Jarvis.
“It’s been a huge team effort to gather the materials needed to clean up this storm,” line foreman Aaron Price said. “We were held up initially for a little time getting a few material items, but Maria was a big-time key, no doubt.”
All it took was a little cooperation.