When Hurricane Milton struck Dade City, Florida, Dakota Electric Association quickly answered the call for support. Six lineworkers traveled south with two bucket trucks, a digger derrick and a mission to help restore power through Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative (WREC).
Planning for this effort started before the storm even hit, as WREC coordinated with electric cooperatives in nearby states to ensure a fast and efficient response. Dakota Electric was one of many cooperatives ready to mobilize, thanks to the work of the Minnesota Rural Electric Association (MREA), which collaborated with WREC and Dakota Electric’s Utility Services team. Dakota Electric mechanics worked diligently to ensure the trucks and equipment could make the long trip south, while Kandiyohi Power Cooperative from Spicer, Minnesota, also joined in, sending additional crews, trucks and materials to support recovery.
Dakota Electric’s President and CEO, Ryan Hentges, highlighted the response as a prime example of core Cooperative Principles in action. “By working together, we can respond more effectively to meet community needs,” Hentges said. “Our thoughts are with all those affected by the storm.”
The impact of these cooperative values was reflected in the actions of Dakota Electric’s team, including volunteers Luke, Kyle, Clay, Tim, Wyatt and Bryce, who left behind their daily routines to help those in need. Their dedication, along with that of hundreds of lineworkers across the country, exemplifies the strength of the cooperative network.
“It’s times like these, when communities are in need, that the cooperative difference really shines,” Hentges added. As lineworkers packed bags, loaded trucks and bid their families goodbye, they demonstrated that in the face of adversity, these co-ops are united by more than just electricity — they’re connected by a commitment to serving communities wherever the need arises.
