For more than two decades, Highline Construction crews have worked alongside Meeker Energy to build, maintain and strengthen the electric system members rely on every day.
The relationship began around 2000, according to Highline founder Rick Fredin. Over the years, Highline worked closely with former Meeker employees including Kevin Louis and Tim Gilbertson, building relationships that have continued as both organizations have grown.
Highline Construction was founded in Paynesville in 1997 with five employees and six pieces of equipment. What began as a home-based overhead distribution contractor has grown into a family-owned company with more than 80 employees serving utility projects throughout the Midwest. Its capabilities now include overhead and underground distribution, transmission, substations, telecommunications, renewable energy and emergency restoration.
For Meeker Energy, Highline primarily completes new construction and rebuilds of overhead power lines. Its crews also assist with substation projects, maintenance and trouble calls. Members may see Highline employees setting poles, installing line or rebuilding sections of the distribution system throughout Meeker Energy’s service territory.
That support allows Meeker Energy to complete larger projects while continuing to respond to members’ day-to-day needs.
“Highline crews can help Meeker crews finish a long new power line project, which frees up Meeker crews to help members with maintenance and other needs on the electrical system,” Fredin said.
One especially memorable project involved helping move a large shed from Danube to Dassel. The move traveled through a significant portion of Meeker Energy’s territory and required coordination to safely address power lines along the route. Projects like this show how much planning can happen before crews begin work.
Fredin said members may not realize how much time and effort go into designing, scheduling and preparing each project. Once work begins, weather, terrain, existing infrastructure and other unexpected variables can affect the timeline.
“It takes time to build it with the utmost safety and quality of work,” he said.
Communication is central to every project. Meeker Energy identifies the work, establishes the schedule, and works with Highline to develop a timeline for completion. Both organizations maintain high expectations for safety, workmanship and communication in the field.
“Meeker Energy employees and leadership have always treated everyone with respect and held us to high standards while working with them,” Fredin said. “I think performing high-quality work and respecting each other is what makes the partnership successful.”
That familiarity is especially valuable during outages. When storm damage or widespread trouble calls overwhelm Meeker Energy’s available crews, operations staff can contact Highline for additional help. Many Highline employees assigned to Meeker Energy live within an hour of the service territory, with several less than 30 minutes away. Their knowledge of the system and surrounding communities helps them respond quickly and work efficiently beside Meeker Energy crews.
Even during an outage, however, speed never comes before safety. “Getting the power back on is very important but taking care of each other and the equipment so we all get home safely is goal number one and always will be,” Fredin said.
That commitment extends beyond the jobsite. Highline also organizes the Highline Half Marathon, a Labor Day weekend fundraiser supporting Fallen Linemen (an organization that assists families affected by serious injuries or fatalities in the electric utility industry). Meeker Energy employees have supported the event by helping at an aid station and transition area and running in the event.
Fredin said Highline’s connection to Meeker Energy also runs through its people. Over the years, several Highline employees have gone on to work for the Cooperative.
“Our Highline family tree has grown throughout the utility industry, and Meeker Energy has been a very big part of us growing with them,” he said. As the electric system evolves, Highline plans to keep growing alongside Meeker Energy, supporting new projects, responding when needed and maintaining the standards that have shaped the partnership for more than 25 years.