It’s been just over a month since destructive tornadoes and strong storms swept across Iowa. Our hearts go out to all those impacted, especially the communities and families that experienced injuries and loss of life. It’s in these dark moments when the cooperative spirit shines through, and the resilience of Iowans resurfaces.

As Iowans, no matter where we live or work, we can spend a lot of time driving. The time behind the windshield can be used to reflect on current events, and of course, listen to the radio. I’m often reminded of wisdom and life lessons found in the lyrics of good ol’ country songs like the 2007 hit by Tracy Lawrence, “Find Out Who Your Friends Are”:

The cooperative mutual aid model reminds us who our friends are and exemplifies Principle #6 – Cooperation Among Cooperatives.

As CIPCO’s Utility Operations group assessed system damage caused by the tornadoes and storms May 21, and later that day it became clear we needed help to restore service to our Member-owners, especially with more storms in the forecast. Late that night we made the call to request mutual aid.

Without hesitation, Northwest Iowa Power Cooperative (NIPCO), and Corn Belt Power Cooperative answered that call, and a coordinated restoration plan was quickly constructed. The NIPCO crew mobilized early the next morning, and after restoring damage on their own system, Corn Belt crews came to assist.

Together, our G&T crews worked tirelessly, and safely, until transmission service was restored and the job was done. To the NIPCO and Corn Belt crews that assisted, your spirit of “Cooperation Among Cooperatives” exemplifies the very best of our industry. Again, thank you for your efforts which took you away from home and family; we are honored to have partners like you. We also thank Dairyland Power Cooperative and Basin Electric who offered to help, even while dealing with damage on their own systems. We are thankful to our friends and neighboring G&Ts that offered to provide mutual aid assistance greater than our need!

At CIPCO, we know who our friends are. We hope that our neighboring utilities never experience destruction to their system that necessitates mutual aid, but if that day comes, we stand ready to assist. Without hesitation, we will drop everything, crank up the trucks, hit the gas, and get there fast!