As we step into July, with its long sunny days and the buzz of summer activity, we also find ourselves in the season where Mother Nature can change her mind in an instant. Along with backyard barbecues and trips to the lake, summer in northern Minnesota often brings severe weather—strong winds, lightning, and heavy rain—all of which can take a toll on our electric system.
At Beltrami Electric Cooperative, we’re always prepared for storm season. Our crews are on call and ready to respond when outages occur, working efficiently and safely to restore service. When the lights go out, restoring power is not always as simple as flipping a switch—especially when damage extends beyond the cooperative’s equipment.
That’s why it’s important for all of us, as members of the co-op, to understand the difference between the equipment your cooperative maintains and what is considered the member’s responsibility. This knowledge can help avoid delays and ensure the restoration process is smooth and safe for everyone involved. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Beltrami Electric Cooperative is responsible for:
- Utility poles
- Distribution power lines
- Electric meters
- Transformers
Members are responsible for:
- The meter base (the box the meter plugs into)
- The weatherhead and service mast on your home for overhead service lines
- Underground service lines running from the meter to your home or business
- Your electrical service panel
If any of the equipment on your side is damaged during a storm, it’s your responsibility to contact a licensed electrician to make repairs. For safety reasons, our crews cannot reconnect power until the member-owned equipment is in proper working condition. Taking care of these repairs promptly helps line crews restore power faster and keeps everyone safe.
Another essential part of keeping the power flowing during storms is vegetation management. We all appreciate the natural beauty of our region, and overgrown trees and limbs can interfere with power lines and cause blinks and outages. That’s why your cooperative maintains a year-round vegetation management program across our service territory. If you see tree limbs dangerously close to power lines near your home or business, please call our office. We’ll take care of it safely and professionally.
We know how much you rely on electricity for comfort, security, and convenience—especially when weather turns unpredictable. By understanding your role and the co-op’s role, and by staying proactive about potential hazards, we can work together to ensure faster repairs and a more resilient electric system for our entire community.
As always, if you have questions about your electrical equipment or need help determining what’s yours and what’s ours, our team is here for you. Give us a call at 218-444-2540 or email info@beltramielectric.com. Stay safe, enjoy your summer—and thank you for being part of the Beltrami Electric Cooperative family.