Closing the Door on 2024
Missoula Electric Cooperative’s Year in Review
As we welcome a new year, it’s important that we pause to reflect on the achievements, challenges, and moments of resilience that shaped Missoula Electric Cooperative (MEC) and its members over the past year. From strengthening community partnerships and advancing wildfire mitigation efforts to overcoming the “storm of the century” and securing strategic grants for future improvements, 2024 highlighted MEC’s unwavering dedication to safety, service reliability, innovation, and community.
Wildfire Mitigation and Infrastructure Upgrades
The Northwest’s unwelcome “fifth season”—fire season—remains a stark reality for western Montana, home to some of the nation’s most fire-prone landscapes. Recognizing this challenge, MEC continued to prioritize wildfire mitigation last year, guided by our comprehensive Wildfire Mitigation Plan (WMP). Introduced in 2020, the WMP sets the foundation for reducing utility-related ignition risks, enhancing system reliability, and safeguarding our communities.
A primary part of the WMP is the Co-op’s Vegetation Management Program. MEC aims for a full-system inspection every two years, identifying and mitigating potential hazards before they become significant issues. In 2024, MEC’s Rights-of-Way (ROW) crews completed inspections across all or parts of Districts 4, 5 and 6, including areas like Seeley Lake, Condon, Ovando, Helmville and Potomac. All Priority 1 areas were cleared ahead of fire season and crews continued addressing Priority 2 zones and member service requests well into the fall. As the new year unfolds, ROW crews will continue inspections and work prioritization in the Co-op’s remaining districts.
MEC is advancing wildfire safety through infrastructure modernization, replacing aging equipment with fire-resistant materials and introducing innovative technologies like automated electronic breakers and drone inspections. These tools, including drones equipped with infrared cameras, enhance our ability to detect and address risks in real time.
Operational adjustments during high-fire-risk periods, such as modifying equipment settings and deploying the Daily Situational Analysis Tool (DSAT), further minimize wildfire risks. While these measures may result in longer outages during fire season, they significantly enhance safety.
Summer Storms
On July 24, a historic windstorm tore through MEC’s service area, unleashing hurricane-force winds that reached an astonishing 109 mph. The storm left a trail of destruction in its wake, knocking out power to more than 90% of the Cooperative’s system and toppling 80 power poles. Missoula’s Mullan Road saw a majority of the damage.
In response to this unprecedented storm, MEC’s three line crews, two Rights-of-Way (ROW) crews, and twelve support crews from neighboring cooperatives and utilities sprang into action. For seven days, crews worked tirelessly to restore power, showcasing the Cooperative spirit and the resilience of our community.
Even after power was restored, the work was far from over. ROW crews were tasked with mitigating post-storm hazards, clearing loose limbs, and addressing leaning trees that posed ongoing risks. Collaborating with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the crews ensured all cleanup efforts adhered to the agency’s standards, paving the way for potential storm recovery reimbursements.
Although this storm was the most impactful, multiple summer storms tested our cooperative in ways we never anticipated, leaving behind challenges and lessons that will not soon be forgotten.
Strategic Advancements and Federal Grants
In 2024, MEC secured several federal grants to bolster system reliability and wildfire safety:
Rock Creek Undergrounding Project:
Supported by FEMA, this initiative will bury approximately 2 miles of powerline in rugged terrain, reducing wildfire risks and enhancing resilience. Construction is set to begin in 2025.
Seeley-Swan Valley Undergrounding:
This project, part of the Department of Energy’s (DOE) GRIP program, aims to mitigate wildfire in a high-risk area by burying approximately 46 miles of powerline, with completion targeted for 2028.
System Modernization for Resilience:
This grant, also funded by the DOE, will allow for installation of intelligent high-voltage devices and weather-monitoring technology to enable rapid response during high-risk fire conditions across MEC’s entire service area.
Community Engagement and Education
The Cooperative’s dedication to community and education shone brightly in 2024, with over $200,000 contributed to charitable organizations, non-profits, schools, and students throughout our service area and beyond.
A key part of this generosity came from members participating in the Co-op’s Operation Round Up® (ORU) program, which rounds monthly electric bills to the nearest dollar. In 2024, ORU contributed $59,650 to address critical needs in youth programs, education, public safety, health, community support, and emergency services through partnerships with groups like The Missoula Food Bank and Community Center, Community Health Alliance, Blackfoot Challenge, and others. I extend my heartfelt thanks to every member who participates in this program—your generosity makes a real difference.
Another highlight of 2024 was supporting local schools through the Bright Future Fund. In December 2024, we awarded $108,000 across 44 area schools, helping to address important needs in classrooms, schools, extracurriculars, and more. These efforts, among others, reflect MEC’s unwavering commitment to community and local education.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on 2024, we remain deeply grateful for the support of our members, the dedication of our employees, and the strength of our community. The Co-op will continue to pursue innovative solutions and strategic partnerships to build a safer, more resilient future for all. Thank you for being part of our journey this year, and helping to reaffirm that together, we are stronger than any challenge we face
