$5.7 million invested in power reliability and electric operations in 2026

A message from our Manager of Engineering, Cody Holthaus.
 

Keeping the lights on for more than 12,000 members across our service territory requires careful planning, ongoing maintenance, and strategic investment. Each year, Butler Rural Electric Cooperative evaluates the condition of our system and identifies projects that will strengthen reliability, improve safety, and prepare the electric grid for the future.

Our 2026 work plan reflects that commitment. Through targeted investments in vegetation management, equipment upgrades, system maintenance, and infrastructure improvements, the cooperative will continue building a stronger, more resilient electric system for members.

Clearing the way for reliable power
One of our largest investments in 2026 includes tree and vegetation management, with $1.14 million dedicated to managing vegetation along 14 power line feeders served by six substations.

Trees and vegetation are among the leading causes of power outages, especially during storms. By proactively trimming branches and removing potential hazards along power lines, we can reduce the risk of outages before they happen. This ongoing work protects power lines from falling limbs and ensures crews can access equipment safely when maintenance or repairs are needed. Our tree and vegetation management map can be found here. 

Rebuilding aging infrastructure
Investing more than $2.4 million in rebuilding projects is essential to maintaining the reliability, safety, and longevity of our electric system. Many existing infrastructure components such as poles, conductors, and hardware experience wear over time due to weather exposure, aging materials, and increasing load demands.

Rebuilding projects allow the cooperative to proactively replace aging facilities with modern, more resilient equipment that reduces outage frequency and improves system performance.

An additional $80,000 is budgeted for equipment maintenance, including work on voltage regulators, which help maintain consistent voltage levels across the system. Properly functioning regulators ensure members receive stable, high-quality power while also lowering long-term maintenance costs and strengthening the grid against storms and other disruptions.

Expanding the system for growth
Allocating $755,000 for line extensions supports the continued growth and development within Butler Rural Electric Cooperative’s service territory. As new homes are built, extending electric lines is necessary to provide reliable power to new members. This enables the cooperative to construct new distribution lines, transformers, and related infrastructure needed to connect these members safely and efficiently. By investing in line extensions, the cooperative not only fulfills its mission to serve its community but also ensures all areas have access to dependable electric service.

Upgrading equipment
To safely maintain and repair our electric system, crews rely on specialized vehicles and tools. In 2026, we will invest more than $550,000 in new equipment and trucks, including a bucket truck and trailers for transporting equipment. These vehicles are essential for reaching power lines, repairing damage, and responding quickly to outages across the cooperative’s service area.

Strengthening substations
Substations serve as critical hubs that distribute electricity throughout the cooperative’s network. We will invest $250,000 in substation improvements in 2026. This includes:

• Completing the Milford Substation relay project, which already received more than $750,000 in investment in 2025. Our Milford Substation serves members in Milford, Oxford, and Somers townships. Relay upgrades improve system protection by helping isolate faults quickly, minimizing the number of members affected by outages.
   
• Replacing steel masts at our Layhigh Substation. Our Layhigh Substation serves members in Hanover, Morgan, and Ross townships. Structural improvements like mast replacements ensure substations remain safe and reliable for years to come.

Preventive maintenance
In addition to upgrades, substations require regular maintenance to ensure reliable operation. Butler Rural Electric Cooperative has allocated $145,000 for substation testing and maintenance. This includes oil testing for equipment, battery testing for backup systems, preventive maintenance inspections, and mowing and vegetation control at substation sites. These routine tasks help detect issues early and prevent unexpected equipment failure.

Supporting technology behind the grid
Butler Rural Electric Cooperative relies on a sophisticated software system to monitor the grid, manage outages, track equipment, and maintain member service. In 2026, we will dedicate more than $200,000 to hardware and software systems, primarily for support, maintenance, and updates that keep these critical platforms running smoothly. Reliable technology allows employees to monitor system performance, respond more efficiently to outages, and maintain accurate operational data.

Metering and member connections
Accurate metering is essential for billing and system monitoring. In 2026, we will invest more than $180,000 in meters and metering equipment, including new electric meters, meter bases, and testing and maintenance equipment. These upgrades support reliable energy measurement and ensure the cooperative continues providing accurate billing and system data.

Maintaining the backbone of the system
Poles are the backbone of our distribution system, supporting miles of power lines across the cooperative’s territory. In 2026, we will invest $44,000 in pole testing around our New Biddinger and Shandon substations. These substations serve members in Crosby, Harrison, Morgan, and Ross townships.

Pole testing helps identify structural issues such as rot or deterioration before a failure occurs. When weak poles are identified, they can be repaired or replaced, preventing outages and improving system safety for members and lineworkers.

A commitment to members
Every project in our 2026 work plan supports Butler Rural Electric Cooperative’s mission to improve the quality of life for our members. From trimming trees and testing poles to upgrading substations and maintaining equipment, these investments ensure the cooperative’s system remains strong and resilient. Electric reliability is the result of careful planning, ongoing maintenance, and a commitment to serving our members today and into the future.