Released on = March 1, 2007, 1:22 pm

Press Release Author = Marty Haught

Industry = Energy

Press Release Summary = Co-op Proves Productivity and Safety can coexist.

Press Release Body = CLEBURNE - United Cooperative Services employees today reached
an historic milestone—1.5 million work hours without a lost-time accident. While
this achievement is immensely significant for the 150-employee electric cooperative
utility, it is more noteworthy when considering the business it’s in—delivering
electric power to the co-op’s 70,000-plus member-owners.
\"This is the biggest achievement I’ve been associated with in my 30-plus years in
the electric utility industry,” said CEO/GM Ray Beavers. “I assure you this
accomplishment didn’t happen by chance. The United employees bought into a culture
that has safety as the organization’s number-one priority,” said Beavers.

Establishing an effective safety program, especially at an electric utility,
requires commitment from the entire organization, starting at the top. Upon becoming
CEO of United, Beavers challenged all of the employees to be the best at everything
they do, but specifically to put safety first when performing their job duties—no
matter what.
Keeping United’s infrastructure operating at an optimal reliability level often
requires employees to encounter some of the harshest conditions when restoring power
or simply performing day-to-day maintenance. Some of the challenges faced by
employees include tornadoes, ice storms, raging winds, and heavy downpours. Despite
these hurdles, United employees perform their jobs professionally and, more
importantly, safely.

“United is considered to be one of the most progressive, successful electric
cooperative utilities in the nation,” said Beavers. “Our members have told us
through our satisfaction surveys that our employees provide top-notch service.
That’s a tremendous honor. However, I’ve always told the employees that there is
nothing we, as United Cooperative Services employees, could ever hope to accomplish
at this cooperative that was worth crippling or killing an employee over,” he added.
“The success of our safety program is measured at the end of each day when every
single employee returns home safely.”

The byproducts of United’s safety culture can be seen in all areas of the co-op’s
business. When people are injured on the job, it costs an organization a tremendous
amount—financially, operationally and emotionally.
“Good, professional service is a dying attribute,” said Beavers. “By approaching
their duties safely, the employees of United Cooperative Services clearly
demonstrate the advantages of being an electric cooperative member-owner. The people
we serve get to see the results of our employees’ efforts every day through the
safe, reliable electric service we provide,” said Beavers.
While the 1.5 million hours without a lost-time accident serves as a symbol of
achievement, the approach to safety taken by United employees is the reason why it
occurred. That emphasis on safety will continue to serve as the hallmark of United
Cooperative Services.
About United Cooperative Services:
Established in 1938 and headquartered in Cleburne, Texas, United Cooperative
Services is an electric distribution cooperative serving approximately 70,000 meters
and more than 50,000 members. A member of Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives, United
plays a key role in the economic development of its communities and unlike a private
utility, the cooperative is a not-for-profit business owned by the members it
serves. Maintaining more than 9,125 miles of energized line, United serves all or
parts of Johnson, Erath, Hood, Bosque, Somervell, Palo Pinto, Coryell, Eastland,
Comanche, Stephens, Young, Hamilton, Tarrant and Ellis counties.
-oOo-


Web Site = http://www.united-cs.com

Contact Details = United Cooperative Services
3309 N. Main St.
Cleburne, TX 76033