Here in northern Minnesota, we know a thing or two about trees. We take pride in the natural beauty that surrounds us through the iconic woods and lakes of our region.
At the same time, Lake Country Power shares another responsibility with its members. To provide safe, affordable and reliable electricity. To keep the lights on, to power our homes and businesses, and to make sure that when you flip a switch, the energy you depend on is there.
Lake Country Power works every day to strike a careful balance between preserving the beauty we cherish and executing the cooperative’s mission. One of the most important ways it does that is through regular vegetation management.
Trees are the No. 1 cause of outages at Lake Country Power. We’ve all seen how it happens. Strong winds, heavy ice or sudden storms bring down branches and, with them, power lines and poles. By effectively trimming trees and vegetation, the co-op can be proactive in preventing outages.
That’s why you may notice crews from Lake Country Power’s trusted contractors working along the lines throughout the year. These crews are highly trained and certified by the International Society of Arboriculture, Minnesota Department of Agriculture and annually train in the Electrical Hazard Awareness Program. All of these follow the latest industry standards to ensure the job is done safely and effectively.
Beyond reliability and efficiency, there’s also a financial reality we can’t ignore. Preventative maintenance like tree trimming is far more cost-effective than repairing widespread damage after an outage. Left unchecked, overgrown vegetation can lead to more frequent disruptions and higher costs for everyone. A thoughtful, strategic vegetation management program helps keep those costs down for Lake Country Power members.
At the end of the day, we all want the same thing: a community that’s safe, resilient and beautiful. Lake Country Power is proud to be part of that effort. Its roots run deep here, just like the trees we work to care for.
Brian Napstad was elected to the LCP Board by members in District 8. He can be reached at 218-485-1528 or bnapstad@lcp.coop.