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Two Million Miles and Counting
January 6, 2026
Stearns Electric Association Employees Drive Two Million Accident-Free Miles
Stearns Electric Association employees achieved a significant safety milestone in December: two million miles driven without an accident. This marks the first time the Cooperative has reached this achievement.
Since September 2022, Stearns Electric employees have safely logged more than two million miles across the Cooperative’s 72-vehicle fleet, which includes bucket trucks, digger derricks, material trucks, pickup trucks and SUVs.

Lineworker Luke Gilbertson trains on the fault wizard, a tool used to help locate faults more easily and reduce outage time.
“Reaching two million miles driven without an incident is a remarkable accomplishment, especially given Minnesota’s challenging winter driving conditions,” Stearns Electric CEO Matt O’Shea said. “Safety, for both our employees and the public, is a top priority at the Co-op, and this milestone reflects our ongoing commitment to doing our jobs safely every day.”
Safety is woven throughout Stearns Electric’s operations. An employee-led Safety Committee meets monthly to discuss safety priorities, review safety concerns and recommend improvements to the overall safety program.

Co-op lineworkers Coltin Von Wahlde and Eric Meyer practice pole top and bucket rescues.
Employees also participate in ongoing safety training and education. Field employees complete hands-on safety training at least once a month, while all employees review safety topics during monthly department meetings.
In addition, Stearns Electric inspects its facilities, vehicles, substations and equipment regularly to ensure compliance with national, state and local safety codes and to reinforce OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) work practices.
Visit our safety webpage for more information on Stearns Electric’s commitment to safety.
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