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 Major system projects under development
Feb 1, 2012
There are many things that we concern ourselves with on a daily basis at Blue Ridge Electric Cooperrative. Foremost on that list is the cooperative’s safety program. Our employees are our greatest asset, and we take very seriously their safety under all conditions at all times.
Another important part of our work is system planning. This undertaking consumes more of our attention because it’s the function that will ultimately include and direct most of our capital-budget expenditures. New power-line extensions, improvements to existing facilities, and scheduled maintenance all come under the umbrella of system planning. There are also major projects like new substations and transmission lines to be added to our system.
At this time, the cooperative has five of these big jobs under development:
Northwestern Anderson-Southwestern Oconee transmission line and substation – to provide enhanced service to many of our members residing in those two counties
Echo Hills substation – to be erected adjacent to Oconee County’s Echo Hills Commerce Park to supply power to the park campus and to some existing members in the wider area surrounding the commerce center
Cross Roads transmission line and substation – new facilities to bring the source of central-station power closer to members in that Pickens County community
Pickens substation – a proposed relocation and rebuild of an existing facility that will strengthen service for members now fed by that substation
Central substation – a soon-to-be-concluded relocation and rebuild of a substation that serves members in and around the municipalities of Central and Norris
I’m personally enthused about each of these projects. Once they’re completed, I know they will position the cooperative to deliver an even higher level of service. As I’ve often said, quality service is a top priority at Blue Ridge.
Shifting gears, I now want to give you some brief and early details concerning the two big events on the Blue Ridge calendar. At the May 7 annual meeting, attendees will be entertained by perhaps the most-popular bluegrass group on today’s music scene: IIIRD TYME OUT. We’re excited about securing this talented ensemble, and I hope you can be there to hear them.
Then, our Blue Ridge Fest charity fund-raiser on May 11 will feature two entertainment legends—Bobby Rydell and Jimmy Clanton. Between these two gentlemen, they scored dozens of hit songs during the 1960’s. It will be a privilege to have both of them perform on the Blue Ridge stage.
In the upcoming editions of South Carolina Living, we’ll share plenty of information with you about each of these events. In the meantime, please set aside both May 7 and May 11 and plan to join us.
Sincerely,
Charles E. Dalton
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