Trystan Casey
Lamar Electric Cooperative (LEC) is a member-owned electric cooperative that provides reliable electric services to its members in Texas. LEC has an extensive network of transmission lines, including energized lines and underground lines, serving thousands of members across multiple counties. The cooperative is currently under the direction of General Manager Bryan Story, who oversees the management of these transmission lines. LEC's linemen play a crucial role in maintaining and restoring power to its customers, often working in challenging conditions to ensure uninterrupted electric services.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Lamar Electric Cooperative (LEC) |
| Location | Blossom, Texas, United States |
| Year established | 1938 |
| Type | Rural Electric Distribution Cooperative |
| Ownership | Member-owned |
| Number of members | 9,150 (2017); 14,000 (2024) |
| Number of employees | 31 (2017); 43 (2024) |
| Meters connected | 12,333 (2017); 18,255 (2024) |
| Miles of energized line | 2,340 |
| Miles of transmission line | 10 |
| Miles of underground line | 49 |
| Average meters per mile of line | 5.51 |
| Member composition | 93% residential, 5% small commercial, 1% large commercial, 1% other |
| Current General Manager | Bryan Story |
| Previous General Managers | Jerry Williams; A. B. "Buzz" Corder |
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What You'll Learn
Linemen work in all weather conditions to restore power
The Lamar Electric Cooperative (LEC) is a member-owned cooperative that provides electricity to rural populations in Lamar, Red River, and Delta Counties. LEC averages approximately 2,340 miles of energized lines, including 10 miles of transmission lines and 49 miles of underground lines.
Linemen play a crucial role in maintaining and restoring power to the cooperative's members. They work in all types of weather conditions, including storms and flooding, to repair damaged infrastructure and restore power to the community. During storms, high winds, heavy rain, and lightning strikes can knock down power lines, creating hazardous conditions for linemen. They must be cautious to avoid electrocution from live wires and be vigilant to avoid slipping in slippery conditions or getting struck by flying debris.
Linemen are trained to handle these challenges and take the necessary precautions to stay safe while working. They undergo apprenticeships to learn about electrical systems, safety procedures, and the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). They also become proficient in using various tools and equipment, such as bucket trucks, cranes, and other heavy machinery.
The dedication of LEC linemen is evident in their around-the-clock efforts to restore power as soon as possible. Their work ensures that members of the cooperative can continue their daily lives, powering their homes and businesses, as well as essential services like hospitals and emergency responders.
In addition to the linemen's hard work, LEC implements a Right of Way Program to help prevent power outages. By clearing trees and spraying brush, the program reduces the likelihood of power outages caused by falling limbs or trees damaging the lines.
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The Right of Way Program helps prevent power outages
The Lamar Electric Cooperative (LEC) is a member-owned cooperative that provides electricity to rural populations in Lamar, Red River, and Delta Counties. LEC has approximately 2,340 miles of energized lines, including 10 miles of transmission lines.
LEC's Right of Way Program helps prevent power outages by clearing trees and spraying brush to reduce the likelihood of limbs or trees falling on power lines. This is essential, as trees and power lines are a dangerous combination that can result in power outages and even pose safety risks to individuals.
Trees falling onto power lines due to high winds or ice storms can cause lengthy power outages, affecting hundreds of consumers. While pruning trees can provide temporary relief, they are not a permanent solution as the trees will grow back. Therefore, it is crucial to implement mechanical clear-cutting and spraying methods to permanently remove trees from the right-of-way.
Additionally, some companies take an integrated vegetation approach to the right of way. Instead of clear-cutting or mowing, this approach aims to create healthy and self-sustaining ecosystems where tall trees won't grow. By combining selective herbicide use with physical removal, this method can effectively eradicate problem vegetation and encourage the growth of more compatible species.
Right-of-way maintenance is a critical aspect of power outage prevention. Regular maintenance, including trimming and removing trees on a 4-year cycle, reduces the chances of falling trees or limbs causing power outages, especially during storms. By investing in preventive maintenance, electric cooperatives like LEC can minimize the occurrence and impact of power outages, ensuring a safe and reliable power supply for their members.
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Lamar Electric Cooperative is member-owned
Lamar Electric Cooperative (LEC) is a member-owned cooperative that provides reliable electric services to its members in Texas. It was chartered as a Rural Electric Distribution Cooperative in June 1938 to serve the rural populations of Lamar, Red River, and Delta Counties. Since then, LEC has grown significantly and now has approximately 14,000 active members, 43 employees, and 18,255 meters connected.
As a member-owned cooperative, LEC is governed by a Board of Directors elected by its members. This structure ensures that the cooperative is directed by the people it serves, allowing for democratic decision-making and representation of its members' interests. LEC's members are primarily residential, with 93% of its members falling into this category, while 5% are small commercial, 1% are large commercial, and the remaining 1% fall into other categories.
LEC maintains approximately 2,340 miles of energized lines, including 10 miles of transmission lines and 49 miles of underground lines. The cooperative works hard to ensure reliable power for its members through initiatives like the Right of Way Program, which helps prevent power outages by clearing trees and spraying brush to reduce the likelihood of limbs or trees falling on the lines.
In addition to its focus on reliable power, LEC also prioritizes member services. It offers tools for members to manage their accounts and stay up-to-date with notifications through the SmartHub app. LEC also complies with Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standards to ensure the security of its members' information when accepting credit card payments.
Over its 85-year history, LEC has faced challenges and celebrated successes. One story recounted by A. B. "Buzz" Corder, one of LEC's first linemen who later became General Manager, involved linemen working tirelessly for four days and nights to restore power to a line from Blakney to Kiamichi in a truck-inaccessible area. This dedication to serving members and ensuring reliable power supply remains a key characteristic of LEC today.
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The Cooperative's General Manager is Bryan Story
The Cooperatives General Manager is Bryan Story. Bryan Story is the current General Manager of Lamar Electric Cooperative (LEC), which is owned and governed by its members. LEC provides reliable electric services to its members in Texas, including tools for managing account information through the SmartHub app. LEC also offers an easy application process for those who are moving, building, or renting.
Under Story's leadership, LEC has grown to approximately 14,000 active members, a significant increase from the 9,150 members in 2017. The cooperative also now has 43 employees and approximately 18,255 meters connected. LEC averages about 2,340 miles of energized lines, including 10 miles of transmission lines and 49 miles of underground lines.
Story's role as General Manager involves overseeing the cooperative's operations and ensuring reliable electric services for its members. He is likely responsible for strategic planning, financial management, and maintaining relationships with member cooperatives and other stakeholders. Story may also be involved in developing new electric lines, as this has been indicated as an upcoming initiative for LEC.
The position of General Manager at LEC has a history of being held by former linemen. A. B. "Buzz" Corder, one of the cooperative's first linemen, later became General Manager. Corder shared stories of the early days, including one incident where linemen worked for four days and nights in an area inaccessible by truck to restore power.
LEC's linemen are known for their dedication and hard work, often labouring in all kinds of inclement weather to restore power to their customers. The cooperative's Right of Way Program also helps maintain reliable service by clearing trees and spraying brush to prevent power outages caused by falling limbs or trees.
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The Cooperative provides reliable electric services to its members
LEC maintains approximately 2,340 miles of energized lines, including 10 miles of transmission lines and 49 miles of underground lines. The Cooperative's members are primarily residential, with some small and large commercial members. In 2024, LEC had approximately 14,000 active members, 43 employees, and 18,255 meters connected. The Cooperative is governed by a Board of Directors, which includes the General Manager, Bryan Story.
LEC is committed to providing reliable electric services to its members. They achieve this through initiatives such as their Right of Way Program, which helps prevent power outages by clearing trees and spraying brush to reduce the likelihood of limbs or trees falling on power lines. LEC also provides tools for members to manage their account information through the SmartHub app.
The Cooperative also works to maintain affordable rates for its members. LEC is a part of the Texas Electric Cooperatives (TEC), which helps to lower costs for member cooperatives by forming generation and transmission cooperatives that can obtain power at a lower price. LEC's linemen work around the clock in all kinds of weather to restore power to its customers, demonstrating their dedication to reliable service.
In addition to providing reliable electric services, LEC also prioritizes member engagement and accessibility. Members can easily manage payments, send notifications of service issues, and check their usage through the Cooperative's website or app.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2024, Bryan Story is the General Manager of Lamar Electric Cooperative.
Jerry Williams was the previous General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of Lamar Electric Cooperative.
A. B. “Buzz” Corder, one of Lamar County Electric Cooperative’s first linemen, later became the General Manager.
Lamar Electric Cooperative has 10 miles of transmission lines.
Lamar Electric Cooperative is located in Blossom, Texas, United States.
