DEC Sets Reliability Record in 2023

Over the years, DEC has cemented its reputation as one of the top electric utilities in the country. Our Co-op set records for reliability for the last two years, and we broke another reliability record again in 2023! 

Last year, the Co-op reduced the average number of outages experienced per member by seven percent, and reduced the duration of those outages by several minutes. On average, outages lasted no longer than about 60 minutes. These metrics reflect the benefits of the work completed through Co-op programs such as vegetation management, the addition of animal guards on the lines, and increased system automation. Earlier this year, DEC announced its inclusion of all substations within its distribution automation (DA) network. DA works to identify issues on the lines, then isolate them to minimize the number of members affected during an outage. According to vice president of operations Jesse Spampinato, the key to achieving record reliability lies not only in the work itself, but in the commitment and collaboration of DEC’s entire workforce. 

“This team effort continues to allow DEC to be a top cooperative nationwide in providing reliable power to members. We have to be proactive and use data and technology to provide new and innovative ways to continue to improve reliability,” Spampinato says, “both for proper power quality and outage prevention.” 

Even with the challenges currently facing all electric utilities — such as supply chain issues and the increased cost of materials — the Co-op continues to prioritize teamwork and innovation to maintain reliability.