Engineering & Operations
Meet Ariel, the mojo behind our mission
Ariel’s grandfather remembers when he didn’t have electricity, which inspired Ariel to work for a cooperative with a mission to provide affordable, reliable electricity. That, and she enjoys math and science. She joined Associated as an intern in operations about six years ago, moving into transmission planning two years ago to learn another side of the business. “There are a lot of connection points between operations and transmission planning, … it’s a really good way to see how it’s connected, which helps me coordinate better with the G&Ts and other departments. We coordinate relays, data, modeling … It’s a good learning opportunity.”
The Engineering and Operations Division meets the electricity needs of our member-owners through planning, dispatching, purchasing, selling and transmitting electricity throughout the member network of high-voltage transmission lines.
The division spans the development and implementation of transmission-related projects, generation resource planning, systems operations, fuel procurement and transportation, regulatory compliance, wind and load forecasting and coordination of electric transmission with Associated's six owner generation and transmission cooperatives.
AECI invests in next generation of engineers
Associated has been a longtime supporter of the cooperative engineering program, helping Missouri State University and Missouri S&T establish the program in southwest Missouri to provide engineering degrees. That support continues, and Associated made a $20,000 donation in fall 2019, with continued gifts for three years, to support a new cooperative program in mechanical engineering established by Missouri S&T and Missouri State University.
“AECI is a long-time supporter of our cooperative engineering program, beginning with the electrical engineering degree established 11 years ago,” says Dr. Doug Carroll, director of the cooperative engineering program. “By providing guest speakers, intern and co-op education opportunities, and financial support, this committed industry partner continues to invest in the next generation of engineers. AECI’s latest gift supporting the launch of our new mechanical engineering program expands that legacy of giving back.”
In photo above: At left, four Associated Electric Cooperative staff who are alumni of the cooperative engineering program present check to Douglas Carroll, Ph.D., director, cooperative engineering program, Missouri State University, and Keith Nisbett, Ph.D., acting chair, mechanical and aerospace engineering, Missouri S&T, far right.
Read universities' news release.
