Jim Griffin’s journey at UEC began with a help wanted ad in the newspaper in 1999, marking the beginning of what would become a long and successful career with the cooperative. Defined by adaptability, innate skill and a well-earned understanding of the electric utility industry from the ground up, his work reflects a steady commitment to serving our membership.
Before coming to UEC, Jim spent four years as a Coca‑Cola delivery driver in Pendleton. The work demanded long days, discipline and a strong sense of responsibility, values that prepared him well for a career in the utility industry. When he arrived at UEC, he stepped into a groundman role, where he spent two years learning the fundamentals of line work and supporting crews in the field.
From there, Jim’s days were filled with running handlines, driving trucks and assisting wherever needed. His reliability and growing skill set eventually led him into the role of line equipment operator, a position he would hold for 18 years.
During that time, Jim operated nearly every piece of heavy equipment in the fleet, including boom trucks, cranes and specialized line equipment. His favorite piece was always the crane. Jim describes operating it as needing “fingers like a kitten,” emphasizing the precision and feel required to run it safely and smoothly.
Early in his career, equipment options were more limited, when compared to today. Large man lifts capable of reaching transmission towers were not yet available. Instead, linemen were raised in a man-basket mounted to the end of a crane, the only option at the time for reaching those heights. Windy conditions made communication especially challenging, with crews relying entirely on hand signals when voices could not be heard. In those moments, Jim understood the gravity of his role, knowing the safety of the crew depended on his focus and control.
Later, Jim spent about a year and a half working Rights-of-Way, operating a boring machine as a two-man operation. The work required independence, problem solving and flexibility. Over the years, Jim was asked to take on many different responsibilities, and he consistently found ways to make the work happen.
Today, Jim serves as a Journeyman Meterman, a role that draws on both his field background and his ability to adapt to new technology. Earlier in his career, Jim admits he never fully understood the billing and metering side of the utility. Now, it is where he spends much of his time. While his body does not feel the same physical strain it once had at the end of a workday, the job is far more mentally demanding and technical.
Jim works with two Emerge metering systems, one for HES and one for UEC, supporting the cooperative’s automated metering infrastructure. Using radio frequency technology, the system records kilowatt usage as it occurs. The system is largely self‑sufficient, eliminating the need for manual meter reads. Jim can view all three phases of a meter and monitor loss conditions, in near real- time, which allows him to detect tampering or theft. Often referred to as the cooperative’s “meter detective,” he identifies anomalies within the Emerge database and works across multiple departments to resolve issues.
His work also extends beyond technology. Jim takes pride in helping people, assisting members, supporting coworkers and teaching others how the metering systems work. His background in the field gives him a unique perspective, allowing him to see how everything connects, from poles and wires to meters and data.
More than 25 years into his career, Jim remains a trusted and knowledgeable presence at UEC. Whether operating equipment in the field or tracking meters behind the scenes, his work continues to support the cooperative and the members it serves every day.