As a kid, nothing struck fear in my heart like a trip to the dentist. The uncomfortable chair, swishing some mint-flavored liquid and spitting it in a weird little sink — I didn’t like any of it. Plus, that gosh awful sound of whatever power tool they used was enough to make me sick to my stomach. Once I was so nervous about being in the chair that I actually tried to convince my dentist to not give me a Novocain shot before a filling, which didn’t work out how I anticipated.
I wish I could say my fear of the dentist improved as I grew older. It didn’t. They say public speaking is one of the worst fears most people have, but I would get up in front of a crowd every day if it meant I could miss a dentist appointment.
It wasn’t until much later that I realized those regular visits to the dentist had a real purpose other than some kind of corporal punishment. The key to avoiding the dreaded drill was not in avoiding the dentist altogether, but in regular cleanings. It was this routine maintenance that kept my teeth healthy and free from cavities. While the process is still something I dread, I know that enduring a little discomfort now will save me from a lot of pain down the road.
My last near-death experience at my dentist made me think of some of the right-of-way work performed by our electric cooperatives. Just as regular dental cleanings prevent cavities, the “cleaning” of the right of way where your electric lines run ensures the lights stay on for you and your neighbors. The analogy might seem a bit unusual, but the principle is the same — preventive maintenance is essential to avoid bigger problems later on.
This past year, I faced a similar dilemma on my farm when an oak tree began growing too close to my electric line. I’d always liked that tree; it had been a part of our home’s landscape for years. But as much as I enjoyed that tree, I enjoy reliable electricity even more. The thought of losing power was much worse than losing a tree. So, when the folks from Boone Electric came by this summer, the tree had to go.
No one, least of all the electric co-op employees who maintain our rights of way, wants to cut down your trees. Co-ops are required to document that every piece of equipment and every foot of power lines are a safe distance from trees and other vegetation. The wrong tree in the wrong place is a hazard, especially to power lines. But, when it comes down to choosing between keeping a tree and ensuring reliable electricity, the choice is clear.
Just like with my teeth, a little routine maintenance — whether it’s dental cleaning or tree trimming — goes a long way in preventing bigger issues. It’s not always pleasant, but it’s absolutely necessary to keep the lights on and our daily lives running smoothly.
Caleb Jones is the executive vice president and CEO of Missouri Electric Cooperatives. He is a member of Boone Electric Cooperative.