Historic 2009 Ice Storm

Featuring:
Davis H. Elliot & Pennyrile Rural Electric Cooperative
Bob Stopher, Region Manager

The Story:
Everybody in the Electric Industry has been through an Ice Storm recovery effort, but nobody expected the devastation that occurred in February 2009. Western Kentucky was one of the hardest hit areas; in fact, in the history of Pennyrile Rural Electric Cooperative no event had been worse. Pennyrile RECC had 1398 poles broken and over 94 miles of distribution primary line down due to the ice. Only a very small percentage of their system retained electricity. Davis H Elliot Company is the primary contractor for Pennyrile RECC, under the management of Bob Stopher, and normally has 4 crews working on their system routinely.

When the lights went out, a call to Bob Stopher was all it took. Within 36 hours, he had over 150 Davis H Elliot Linemen arrive at the various districts of the Pennyrile System. When there were no other contractor resources available and the need for more line workers still existed, Bob contacted some of his other customers and they sent help to Pennyrile also. The entire state was looking for off road equipment and the availability was minimal. Since this wasn't Bob's first Rodeo, so to speak, he knew what type of equipment would be needed over the long haul to get the power restored. Very early into the storm, he secured from various companies; 5 Track-mounted Digger Derricks, skid steer loaders, Dozers, and every other equipment necessary to rebuild the Pennyrile system.

Bob is a salaried Manager who paid the same amount whether he works 40 hours a week, or 60 hours a week. Bob worked over 350 hours during a 3 week period. Bob didn't put the effort into making sure his customer and folks in the communities of western Kentucky could get their power for any personal gain or recognition. He can't help it, it's in his blood. In my 23 years working in the Utility business, I have never witnessed or met a more determined Champion of the Utility business than Bob Stopher.

Submitted by: Brian  Sarrett, Davis H. Elliot Company, Inc.

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