___________________________________________________________________________ Flathead Electric Cooperative
in partnership with the investor-owned utilities that operate in Montana. I think it is a win-win for the utilities and the people of Montana, as it requires all electric facilities providers to prepare a wildfire mitigation plan with certain requirements. The legislation protects electric facilities providers who are substantially complying with their wildfire mitigation plan from strict liability in the case of a wildfire.”
As our conversation continues, Jason turns his attention to how FEC will evolve in 2026 and beyond.“ Fall is usually one of our busiest times as people try to get their new construction projects energized before the cold temps of winter,” he shares.“ Our crews are also preparing to wrap up our own capital improvement projects and instead focus on maintenance during the winter months, as well as budgeting and planning for 2026.
“ We’ re also in the middle of a five-year capital investment project to upgrade part of our sub-transmission voltage from 35kV to 69kV, as well as upgrading capacity at several substations. This project includes replacing four power transformers with larger units and adding three more power transformers at new or existing substations.
“ Our ultimate mission is to provide reliable and affordable electricity to our members,” Jason concludes.“ Over the next five years, I’ d like us to be operating under a new BPA contract and potentially be part of developing new baseload generation. On a wider scale, I’ d also like to see a new transmission line built to deliver generation to our growing loads. Around 25 percent of our employees will be eligible for retirement over the next five years, so our people will inevitably change, but I’ m confident that new employees will bring new energy to fuel our great cooperative forward.” ■
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