Feb 5, 2026
Keeping the lights on doesn’t start when a storm rolls in—it starts months (and even years) earlier with planning, maintenance, and smart upgrades. That’s why Prince George Electric Cooperative takes a proactive approach to strengthening its electric system, focusing on long-term reliability to meet the evolving needs of member homes and businesses.
One of the most important ways PGEC does this is through right-of-way trimming and maintenance. “By routinely clearing trees and vegetation away from power lines, we reduce one of the leading causes of outages before it becomes a problem,” says Sarat Yellepeddi, the co-op’s president & CEO. “This work may not always be visible, but it plays a huge role in preventing interruptions and speeding up restoration when severe weather strikes.”
At the same time, PGEC crews are routinely inspecting and upgrading equipment across the system—from poles and transformers to lines and substations. “These proactive measures help us identify and mitigate potential issues early, allowing us to repair or replace equipment before it becomes problematic to the cooperative and its members. It’s all about staying ahead of problems instead of reacting to them,” says Joshua Krenicky, the co-op’s vice-president of engineering and operations.
Yellepeddi says that the cooperative is also investing in system upgrades designed for today’s—and tomorrow’s—energy needs. One key project includes upgrading certain single-phase lines to three-phase power, which allows the system to better handle growing load demands. “These upgrades help reduce stress on the grid during peak usage periods, improve efficiency, and add capacity where it’s needed most,” he continues. The result? A more resilient system that can deliver reliable power even when demand is high.
“All of this work—trimming, inspecting, maintaining, and upgrading—is part of our commitment to reliability. While you may not see every project happening, you can count on the results when you flip a switch, plug in your devices, or rely on electricity during extreme weather. Because at the end of the day, strengthening the grid means keeping your power dependable when you need it most—and that’s a responsibility we take seriously.”
###
About Prince George Electric Cooperative
Headquartered in Waverly, Prince George Electric Cooperative serves over 12,000 members across six counties: Dinwiddie, Isle of Wight, Prince George, Southampton, Surry, and Sussex. As a not-for-profit, member-owned cooperative, it is committed to delivering reliable electricity, outstanding service, and support for the local communities it calls home. For more information go to https://pgec.coop/.