BECi achieves historic safety record while keeping rates low
Local cooperative reaches unprecedented mark with two million safe employee-hours
 One locally owned power provider has gone where no other electric cooperative in the nation has gone before.
Officials at Beauregard Electric Cooperative, Inc. (BECi) held a special meeting on Friday, Feb. 4, at their DeRidder headquarters to announce that the co-op has achieved an unprecedented record for safety by logging two million consecutive employee-hours without a lost-time accident.
BECi’s management and board of directors indicated that no cooperative in the nearly 70-year history of the national rural electric cooperative movement has recorded as many hours without a lost-time accident. BECi’s most recent lost-time accident occurred in August of 1997. During that time the co-op has attained 31 safety goals and has been recognized by various entities across the country for its outstanding record.
Mike Pigott, executive vice president and general manager of BECi, said the cooperative’s historic achievement stands as a tribute to the organization’s board of directors and employees.
“Though we have reached and surpassed many targets and milestones since 1997, the most important aspect of reaching the two million mark is the fact that we have not had significant human suffering and loss,” Pigott said. “Our people have shown tremendous pride and leadership when it comes to making sure employees and consumers are free from harm. Our employees have enhanced their skills and increased their vigilance in carrying out their duties each and every day, and they will continue to do so under the direction of our board, management and supervisory staff.”
Pigott also pointed out that the cooperative’s outstanding safety record has been accomplished while keeping rates low. BECi members currently pay nearly 10 percent less for electrical power than customers of competing utilities in the region. He also noted that over the past 17 years the cooperative has reduced rates by 40 percent.
BECi has become a model for other utility companies across the state and nation by maintaining a comprehensive safety program, which features both academic and practical field training on a continuing basis. Directed by Safety Coordinator Eddie Ware, a ten-member safety team meets monthly to discuss ongoing training opportunities, proper operational procedures and objectives needed to sustain a safe working environment for employees and consumers.
BECi employees, managers and directors receive the bulk of their professional training through the Association of Louisiana Electric Cooperatives (ALEC) in Baton Rouge, which represents 10 electric cooperatives throughout the state. Randy Pierce, executive director of the statewide organization, applauded BECi for its heavy participation in the various training programs offered by ALEC and for placing a premium on safety.
“Achieving a safety record as stellar as BECi’s is a credit to every individual involved in the cooperative,” Pierce said, “but it begins with the recognition that when it comes to distributing a potentially dangerous commodity such as electrical power, the safety and well-being of both co-op employees and the members is paramount. Reaching such a significant milestone demonstrates the co-op’s understanding that while rates may rise and fall and board policies and personalities may change, safety should always be the top priority.”
Beauregard Electric has received local, regional and nationwide recognition for its safety program. In July 2004, Federated Rural Electric Insurance Exchange, BECi’s provider of property and casual insurance, honored the cooperative with its highest safety award. Insuring almost 85 percent of the nearly 900 cooperative systems in 40 states, Federated places a strong emphasis on safety and loss control.
“For many years, Federated has worked hard to promote a safe working environment so employees can go home safely every night,” said Frank X. Fraas, President and CEO of Federated Rural Electric Insurance Exchange in Lenexa, Kan. “We have insured cooperatives for more than 45 years and Beauregard Electric has reached a record that no other electrical cooperative has achieved. We are proud of the cooperative and its efforts to strive for excellence.”
BECi will continue to serve its members with a safe environment and low rates. |
