A systematic approach to the replacement of an aging distribution system

Cass County Electric Cooperative (CCEC), like many other electric cooperatives, owns, operates, and maintains an aging overhead and a prematurely failing underground primary distribution system. Overhead primary comprises 69% or 3178 circuit miles of CCEC´s distribution system. The vast majority of CCEC´s overhead primary distribution system was constructed during the 1930s and 1940s, which indicates the system is reaching 50+ years of age. Underground primary cable comprises the remaining 31% or 1436 circuit miles of CCEC´s distribution system. Installation of underground primary cable was very prevalent in the 1960s and 1970s at CCEC. However, due to a continuing history of premature cable failures, underground primary cable is now being replaced significantly sooner than the cable´s anticipated life expectancy. This paper outlines the systematic approach utilized by Cass County Electric Cooperative to begin replacing its aging overhead and prematurely failing underground primary distribution systems