Manager’s Message – July 2025

Capital Projects Update

In March, Lane Electric shared a snapshot of our capital projects, which total more than $3,500,000 for 2025. With the busy summer construction season underway, I wanted to provide a mid-year update on our progress.

• On June 9, crews began an overhead-to-underground project on Perkins Road, near Veneta, to add redundancy to the system. Most construction work is anticipated to be complete by the end of July.
• In Lowell, the infrastructure on 5 poles and 5 spans on First Street was updated to improve reliability for the members.
• In Cottage Grove, cooperative crews replaced 4,735 feet of failing underground cable to increase reliability for members.
• A system improvement project was completed in Westfir, north of the airport. Equipment was replaced to support wildfire mitigation goals and maintain reliability.

Crews are also beginning the installation of new electronic reclosers in 6 of our substations. These devices enhance system protection through additional settings and controls, contributing to the cooperative’s wildfire mitigation goals.

Speaking of wildfire mitigation, with the heat of summer just ahead, we are moving our system into wildfire safety settings. This heightened line sensitivity can lead to intermittent outages, so we encourage members to be prepared.

Need tips on how to navigate wildfire season? Visit the Wildfire Prep page.

General Manager Scott Coe