Electric Co-op Today

Lineworkers at a Mississippi co-op recently returned from a two-week stint in Guatemala where some two-way learning took place.

Chad Cochran instructs a Guatemalan crew on how to ascend a pole. (Photo By: Ricky Brockway)

The six-member crew of Lucedale-based Singing River Electric Power Association trained their counterparts at the Municipal Electric Utility of Jalapa on safe electrical practices and good customer service. In turn, the 10 Guatemalans gave the Mississippians some first-hand encounters with a culture they knew virtually nothing about.

“I was amazed at what they would do with what little they had,” said the co-op’s Ronnie Cooley, a 30-year veteran, about his first international trip. That’s why we were determined to try to do the best job we could.”

The co-op deemed the trip, arranged and financed by the NRECA International Foundation, a success. The municipal utility workers had limited skills and looked to the Mississippi line workers for their expertise on remodeling old lines, transferring loads and generally managing an electrical system.

“We taught them how to use climbing hooks,” said Cooley, who noted that he and his co-workers gave the trainees their own personal equipment and clothing. “They didn’t use hooks because they had concrete poles.”

Cooley said the trip’s highlights included a soccer game held as part of the town’s annual Municipal Week. To the Americans’ delight, the electric utility team won the overall title.

Said Cooley: “We were on the sidelines cheering and hollering.”

Tags: International, Lineworkers