Tuesday | January 21, 2025
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PPEC is celebrating its 90th anniversary in historic fashion. The co-op announced its 2025 work plan, budgeting $4 million for system improvements to enhance reliability, increase efficiency, and support future growth. These investments are critical as PPEC gears up to provide high-speed fiber internet service in late 2025.

This year marks 90 years of dedication to the community, honoring the co-op’s founding in 1935 when a group of rural members joined together to improve their lives.

“Our cooperative is committed to maintaining reliable and affordable electric service while preparing for an exciting future,” said PPEC President and CEO Randy Price. “Our new internet service may not be available to every member – depending on their location and other internet options – but we are making strategic investments in infrastructure to ensure that every member does benefit from improved electric reliability and cutting-edge services.”

Details about the fiber deployment will be announced in the co-op’s monthly member magazines and during the Annual Meeting broadcast on Saturday, March 22, at 10 am on Facebook, YouTube, and www.PPEC.coop.

Highlights of the 2025 work plan include:

  • System improvements:
    • 20 miles of old copper line rebuilds (about $2.3M) and pole replacements (about $1M) to address aging infrastructure and improve reliability, primarily in PPEC’s Indiana territory.
    • Installing and upgrading new sectionalizing equipment, which will automatically isolate faults and segment PPEC’s electrical system, resulting in smaller outages affecting fewer members.
  • Substation upgrades:
    • Completing Baseline substation repairs after animal damage.
    • Ground-to-sky testing and maintenance for four substations (Herb Monroe, Seiler, Route 14, and Hessen) to enhance performance and extend lifespan.
    • Continued design and engineering for Seiler and Herbert Monroe substations, slated for expansion completion in 2026 and 2027.
  • Equipment investments:
    • Several vehicle replacements, including a digger truck and wire trailer to modernize the fleet and improve crew efficiency and safety.
  • Pole testing and maintenance:
    • Testing approximately 3,460 poles in Van Wert and Convoy areas, including Tully, Union, Harrison, and Pleasant Townships. Poles are tested on a 10-year rotating cycle, with replacements planned for those that fail.
  • Vegetation management:
    • Routine right-of-way maintenance by Mint City Utility Services, in the Ft. Brown, Latty, Continental, and Miller City areas to reduce tree-related outages.

Looking Ahead to Internet

In preparation for the launch of high-speed fiber-optic internet, PPEC is evaluating its facilities to ensure they meet the growing demands of both the electric and fiber businesses.

Over the next three years, PPEC’s contractor, Osmose Utilities Services, will conduct a system-wide equipment assessment, including joint-use pole audits. These audits ensure that poles shared with other utilities (such as for internet, phone, or cable attachments) comply with National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) clearances and prevent hazards from overloaded equipment or wire interactions. The work will also update mapping and provide crucial data for the design and construction of PPEC’s upcoming fiber system.

Through mid-2025, Osmose is working in the Latty, Roselm, Ottoville, Ft Jennings, Van Wert, Convoy, Tillman, and Rt 14 substation areas. Osmose will assess poles in Paulding, Van Wert, Putnam, and Allen counties (Ohio) in 2025, Putnam and Defiance counties (Ohio) in 2026, and Allen and Adams counties (Indiana) in 2027. PPEC will keep members updated throughout the process.

PPEC is also implementing several new policies, including updated easement requirements and no longer allowing customer meter bases or hardware to be installed on co-op poles and equipment. Safety will continue to be a priority for the co-op.

Commitment to Members

To celebrate its 90-year anniversary, PPEC’s member appreciation celebration will be a carnival event at the co-op headquarters on Saturday, July 12, 2025. Members and their family are welcome to join in the festivities.

As a not-for-profit, member-owned utility, PPEC operates differently from most companies. PPEC returns members’ patronage (their portion of equity in the co-op) to them as capital credits. Last year, PPEC returned $2 million in capital credits to current and former members. Since 1935, the co-op has returned more than $36 million in patronage.

For more information about PPEC’s plans or upcoming construction, visit www.PPEC.coop or call 800-686-2357. Stay updated by following PPEC on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube.