The Red Lake Electric Cooperative (RLEC) was organized by a group of farmers in 1938 for the purpose of delivering electricity to the rural areas. The Cooperative is controlled by the membership through their elected board of directors. There are nine director districts and directors are elected for three-year terms. Directors are elected by their respective districts at the annual meeting held each spring. Following are two good sources of information covering the Beginning, Development and Early History of the Red Lake Electric Cooperative.
Power Line Safety
Electricity, a powerful energy…
Electricity is a wonderful form of energy and has enhanced our lifestyles, health and well-being. However, electricity can also be very dangerous, causing serious injury or death. We all must excercise extreme caution when working on or around electric power lines. Keep these safety tips in mind:
- Electricity and water are a dangerous combination. Never place plugged in appliances where they might fall in contact with water. If a plugged in appliance falls into the water, NEVER reach in to pull it out, even if it is turned off. Shut off the breaker supplying the power FIRST, then unplug the appliance. If you have an appliance that has gotten wet, don’t use it until it has been checked out by a qualified service person.
- If you see a downed power line, keep everyone away from it. Then call Red Lake Electric Cooperative or law enforcement to report it. Just because a power line is lying on the ground, it is not always de-energized.
- You need to frequently familiarize yourself, your family, and hired help with the location of power lines in your yard. Make sure they understand the importance of staying clear of overhead power lines. When moving equipment around the yard, have a “spotter” watching to make sure you are clear of power lines.
- Keep kites, ladders, grain augers, conveyors and all other tall equipment or machinery away from overhead power lines.
Our Mission is to enhance the quality of life for people of our service area by safely and consistently providing quality electric service and other valued services while holding our employees, our community and our environment in high regard.
Red Lake Electric Cooperative is a member-owned electric distribution cooperative that provides safe and reliable electric service to 4,300 members. Red Lake Electric Cooperative (RLEC) service area covers 2,400 square miles. Included are all of Red Lake and Pennington County, and parts of Marshall County, Polk County and the area served by RLEC on the lands of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa.
Outdoor Safety
- Seek shelter during a lightning storm, and stay away from windows, electrical outlets, and corded phones.
- Do not leave extension cords lying on the ground.
- Check trees to assure they are clear of overhead power lines. If trees are close to contact with the overhead power lines, contact Red Lake Eletric Cooperative (218-253-2168 or 1-800-245-6068) to have them cut or trimmed.
- Do not plant trees near power lines. Visualize the tree at it’s full height and keep it at least that far from the power lines.
- Dial 811 or Call Gopher one call at 1-800-252-1166 before digging; It’s the law and can prevent serious injury and expensive repair bills.
- Make sure all exterior electrical panels have their covers properly in place to prevent children from accessing them.
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