East Central Energy recently installed a new pole and transformer in downtown Pine City. In addition, the electric co-op made several equipment upgrades at the local substation to handle growing demand for energy in the Pine City area. The upgrades are part of East Central Energy's $57 million four-year work plan to improve system infrastructure and accommodate new service growth.

In this case, one new pole makes a big difference. With the new pole, ECE added new power distribution equipment to reroute a portion of the electricity from an existing pole. This expands the distribution system's capacity to stabilize energy flow to supply the increased demand on the existing pole and equipment.

Brian Olson, ECE construction and maintenance supervisor, pointed out that the existing pole had become difficult to maintain and repair because over the years as buildings were constructed all around it direct access was nonexistent. Ladders from rooftops and a small pathway behind the existing buildings offered the only access to the historic pole. This made equipment repair time-consuming and labor intensive. To alleviate those challenges ECE line technicians positioned the new pole and transformer in a more accessible location. The new distribution equipment also reduces energy demands on the original equipment to provide better service for ECE members.

"In addition to the new pole and power distribution equipment, upgrades were made to the Pine City substation to nearly triple its capacity," added Dave Curtis, ECE operations manager. Jennifer Veeser, ECE communication and marketing manager, recently toured the upgraded substation with Brian Olson. Brian highlighted new automation and equipment upgrades that make this substation capable of handling the increased load demand and improve energy stability for the Pine City area. ECE plans additional improvements to service the Pine City area in the near future. Watch the Pioneer and the ECE Co-op Advantage newsletter for updates.




The new pole rerouted a portion of the electricity from an existing pole to stabilize energy supply to downtown Pine City businesses.


Jennifer Veeser, ECE communication and marketing manager, recently toured the upgraded substation with Brian Olson, ECE construction and maintenance supervisor. Brian highlighted new automation and equipment upgrades that make this substation capable of handling the increased load demand and improve energy stability for the Pine City area.