When most people think about electric reliability, they picture the power plant or the lines strung along the highway. What they don't always consider are the two quieter threats that keep our crews busy year-round — and that every member can help us address.
Reliable electricity doesn't just happen. It's the result of constant vigilance above ground and below it. At Nodak Electric, we work hard every day to protect the infrastructure that delivers power to your home, your farm, and your business. But some of the biggest risks to that infrastructure come from things that seem perfectly ordinary, like a shovel breaking ground for a new fence post or a tree branch rubbing against a line in the wind.
These aren't rare, dramatic events. They're everyday situations. And that's exactly why they deserve your attention.
North Dakota may not feel like a crowded place, but beneath the ground runs a complex network of utilities — electric lines, natural gas, fiber, water, and more. Across our service territory, underground lines are far more common than many members realize.
Digging without knowing what's below is one of the most preventable causes of outages we see. A single strike on an underground line can knock out power to dozens of members, create serious safety hazards, and result in costly repairs.
The solution is simple: Call 811 before any digging project, no matter how small. It doesn't matter if you're putting in a mailbox, planting a tree, or installing a new grain bin — if you're breaking ground, make the call first. North Dakota 811 will coordinate with utilities to mark the lines on your property, free of charge, within a few business days. It takes a few minutes and can prevent an outcome that affects you, your neighbors, and your cooperative. Make it a habit. Call 811. Every time.
The hidden cost of trees in a "treeless" state
Something that surprises many people is that tree trimming is one of our largest ongoing maintenance expenses — and that's in North Dakota, a state not exactly known for its forests.
But look around. Farmsteads across our service territory are lined with shelterbelts that have been growing for decades. Towns and cities have mature trees shading neighborhoods and lining streets. And many of those trees have grown up alongside — or directly into — our power lines.
Trees and power lines are a challenging combination. Branches that grow into or near lines can cause outages during wind events, ice storms, and even on calm days when a limb finally gives way under its own weight. To keep the lights on, we have to stay ahead of that growth through regular trimming and, in some cases, full removal.
This work isn't optional — it's essential. And it's ongoing. The trees we trim this year will grow back. New growth near lines requires constant monitoring. Our crews and contracted trimmers work throughout the service territory on a rotating basis, and even so, it's a challenge to stay ahead of the curve.
We understand that tree trimming can be a sensitive issue. These are your trees, often planted by your parents or grandparents to shelter a home from the wind. We don't take removal lightly. But when a tree poses a risk to the reliability and safety of the system, action is necessary — and it ultimately protects you.
Reliability is a partnership. Here's how you can help:
• Call 811 before any digging project. No exceptions.
• Think about what you plant and where. When adding trees or shrubs near your home, keep future growth in mind and avoid planting directly beneath or beside power lines. Low-growing species are a great option near utility corridors.
• Let us work. If our crews or contractors reach out about trimming near your property, please know it's being done to protect both you and your neighbors.
At Nodak Electric, keeping the power on is our mission — 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The steps we take to protect underground lines and manage vegetation may not always be visible to members, but the work is constant. With your help, we can keep doing it well.