Jen Cox is an Operations Coordinator and has worked for KEC for almost eight years.

What made you interested in working for KEC? How did you train for work in this field?

Throughout my career my focus has been customer service including working as a bank teller and managing a trucking company. Most recently I worked for the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office in the civil division performing various administrative tasks. I’ve always admired KEC and the exceptional service it provides to the members and community, and I jumped at the chance to apply for an opening as a member services representative. After being offered the position, and accepting it, I worked for five years in the member services department assisting with the new service/construction process. Then about two years ago I moved into the operations department as an operations coordinator.

What does a day look like for you as an operations coordinator?

No two days are alike for me in my role as an operations coordinator, where I’m responsible for supporting the day-to-day coordination and communication needs within the operations department. This work includes everything from dispatching crews during a power outage to processing new electric service orders to scheduling temporary disconnect requests and more. I love that I have the opportunity to wear many hats and work with employees from across the cooperative and our members.

Tell us about your role during power outages.

During power outages I serve primarily as support to the operations superintendents and crews. I’m responsible for monitoring the outage management system and assist in dispatching crews. Advancements in technology have improved these processes and reduced outage durations. I also take phone calls from members and emergency responders about electrical hazards.

I understand how frustrating power outages can be for our members and we appreciate your patience as our employees work as quickly and safely as possible to restore power. Our goal is to keep our community safe and send all of our employees home safe each night.

What is the biggest challenge in your job?

The growth in our area continues to be both a challenge and an opportunity. As more people move to our area and build homes, the need for new infrastructure and electric service increases. In my role I assist with the new construction process and monitor those projects as they move throughout our organization—from the time a new member applies for electric service to when our crews install the equipment to when a new home is energized.

What is the best part of your job?

I’m blessed to work at KEC. I love my coworkers and the crews—they have become my family. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for any of them.