Trends, Reports & Analyses
Updated Co-op Map on the Way
Make room on your office bulletin board for NRECA’s 2012 electric cooperative map.
NRECA’s Mike Ganley and Louise Williams proofread the 2012 map of electric co-ops. (Photo By: Victoria A. Rocha)
NRECA members will soon get the latest version of “America’s Electric Cooperative Network,” the colorful map that displays service areas for all distribution systems and G&T cooperatives.
The association’s Strategic Analysis Unit produces a new version of the map every few years “when there’s enough changes,” said Mike Ganley, the unit’s director. “For accuracy’s sake, that’s when we update it.”
At first glance, the 2012 map doesn’t look too different from its earlier versions, first published in 1999 and then again in 2004.
But a closer look reveals “more Swiss cheese” within co-op country, said Louise Williams, who as senior geographic information systems associate, handles the pain-staking logistics involved in updating the map.
On the 2012 map, no longer are co-op service areas solid blocks of color. “We received more electronic map files from co-ops this time, which provide a greater level of detail,” Ganley said. “It shows more accurately where other utilities provide service in towns within co-op territories.
“This new map was also adjusted to account for co-op mergers and territorial acquisitions, name changes and changing G&T relationships.”
As the unit’s map whiz, Williams manages nearly 900 co-op files during the year-long process it takes to update the document. She begins by sending a letter and map to the co-ops asking for updates.
“We tell them, ‘This is what we think your service area looks like, so tell us if we’re wrong,’” she said.
When the co-ops send changes—and most do—Williams uploads the data into a complex desktop mapping and geographic analysis software system. After that, it’s back and forth between the co-ops, NRECA and the printer to fix mistakes and clarify things.
“The more accurate the service territory, the better we can answer questions and requests for information,” said Ganley, while flipping through a binder of past uses of the map.
Those requests usually come from co-ops, NRECA lobbyists and regulatory staff asking for customized maps for legislative or economic development purposes.
NRECA will send one large map and one small map at no cost to co-op members. Authorized users of cooperative.com can click here to order additional copies and get discount information.
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