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Upgrading Northern Lights’ Radio Communication System

Lineman Nick Durrant uses the radio to call NLI dispatch with lineman Dusten Honglso. Photo by Kristin Burge

Northern Lights’ work sites can be bustling places, and line work is often spread over a linear work site. This requires communication on the ground between line crews at multiple locations and with NLI’s dispatch. Outages and switching between substations also require a great deal of communication and coordination among field personnel and dispatch.

Switching is necessary if work needs to be performed at a substation or section of line. Switching allows crews to transfer the electric load to another substation or section of line.

Crews use a radio system to maintain near-constant contact with NLI’s dispatch and each other. This is an important system for the safety and efficiency of our crews working throughout NLI’s service territory. Updates are broadcast to multiple people, ensuring everyone stays informed. This is also crucial in emergencies and when switching since many areas of NLI’s service territory lack cellphone service.

Switching between substations requires a precise set of steps to be followed in a particular order by multiple crews. With outages, there may be crews working to repair the same power line, but not close enough to communicate in person.

The co-op uses a low-band very high frequency 2-way radio system with analog technology and six mountain-top communication sites. This system was originally designed and installed in the 1960s. Although parts have been upgraded over the years, the technology and equipment have become outdated and are not serving our growing cooperative needs. Additionally, it has been challenging to find replacement parts.

The system has served NLI well over the past 60 years. However, the time has come to replace it with new technology.

NLI’s board of directors approved a two-year radio replacement project. NLI technology staff and a critical communications contractor are developing this project to complete implementation in late 2025.

The new system will provide better coverage, be easier to use, and be more sustainable and maintainable for years to come.

Kristin MettkeNorthern Lights Engineering & Operations Manager Kristin Mettke is an electrical engineer and has worked in the electric utility industry most of her career.