Powering Reliability: How URE uses advanced technology to reduce outages

At URE, delivering safe and reliable power is more than a goal — it’s a promise to our members. While storms, accidents and equipment failures can’t always be prevented, we’re constantly looking for ways to reduce the impact of outages and restore service faster when they occur. By combining the expertise of our skilled lineworkers, engineering team and operations staff with advanced tools and systems, we’re making strategic investments that strengthen our electric system and keep power flowing.

One way we’re staying ahead of potential problems is by using infrared imaging technology on our equipment. These specialized cameras scan critical components for hot spots, loose connections and other warning signs that aren’t visible to the naked eye. Identifying and addressing these issues early helps us prevent unexpected failures and reduce the likelihood of outages.

As demand grows and neighborhoods expand, URE continues to upgrade and install new infrastructure to better serve members now and in the future. When an outage is caused by an underground line, locating the problem can be challenging because the issue isn’t visible. To address this, we’ve invested in new underground equipment that can detect faults and pinpoint the exact section affected. This capability allows our crews to isolate the problem area and restore service to the rest of the line more quickly, significantly minimizing outage times for members.

We use radio frequency interference detection tools to quickly track down where radio interference problems are originating. These issues might just mean annoying static on the radio, but sometimes the source may be electrical equipment that needs fixing. Our engineering staff has the training, equipment, and know-how to identify the source of interference and find damaged gear fast. We’ve also helped other cooperatives do the same, saving them time and money by making it easier to pinpoint radio interference. That’s a great example of Cooperation Among Cooperatives, a key cooperative principle. 

Through proactive maintenance, strategic investments and innovative technology, URE is working every day to deliver the dependable service our members rely on.