This month's message from CEO/General Manager Michael Cremer in Your Co-op Connection in Rural Missouri.
June 2026
Summer yard work for your cooperative
The beginning of summer in Missouri is special. Everything is growing and all the colors of nature are on display. Of course, that means mowing season is in full swing. For some, mowing the grass is a relaxing activity while others think of it as a dreaded chore. Either way, it’s a necessary task that requires all of us to get on a schedule just to keep up with it.
We do the same at Crawford Electric. To continue delivering reliable electricity in the safest way, we have to stay on a schedule to clear our rights-of-way.
Keeping lines clear of overgrown vegetation through mowing and trimming trees is a major way we can prevent power outages. When severe weather rolls in, strong winds, heavy ice or sudden storms can bring down branches, power lines and poles. In fact, nearly half of all power outages can be traced back to trees and vegetation coming into contact with electrical infrastructure.
That’s why you may notice crews from Crawford Electric or our trusted contractors working in your neighborhood. It is our way of helping prevent problems before they start.
Honestly, it’s not just good practice. It’s required. Electric utilities across the country are obligated to manage vegetation near power lines. Scheduled trimming helps remove dead or weakened limbs and keeps fast-growing trees from becoming hazards. We want to stay one step ahead, especially as we prepare for severe weather events.
Preventative maintenance such as tree trimming is more cost-effective than repairing widespread damage after an outage. Overgrown vegetation can lead to more frequent disruptions and higher costs for everyone. A thoughtful, strategic vegetation management program helps keep those costs down for our members.
At the end of the day, we all want the same thing: a community that’s powered, safe and resilient. At Crawford Electric we’re proud to be part of that effort.
