Software to improve mutual aid coordination
For decades, TECA has organized cooperative mutual aid across Tennessee, and a new software application will help co-ops better coordinate efforts during events that require assistance.
The system developed by the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi allows co-ops in need to request aid and responding co-ops to assign crews and equipment – all in real-time using a web-based portal. The software also tracks time and expenses for consistent and efficient FEMA reporting. Tennessee joins statewides in Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Virginia, Maryland, Deleware, Kentucky, Indiana, New Hampshire and South Dakota already using the software, enabling utilities from across state lines to respond to significant events.
“Coordinating mutual aid for co-ops is one of the most important things we do at TECA,” says Todd Blocker, TECA’s vice president of member relations and statewide liason for Tennessee co-ops. “Time matters when members are in the dark. This system allows us to respond to calls for assistance in a more organized, efficient and effective manner and get the lights back on for our members.”
TECA will conduct training on the Cooperative Mutual Aid Assistance program on Wednesday, Sept. 28, at the TECA Conference Center in Nashville. All systems are encouraged to have a representative in attendance. Registration is open here.
