Keeping the Umatilla Electric Cooperative (UEC) fleet in peak condition is a vital part of ensuring reliable service for our members. From routine maintenance to managing the impacts of supply chain issues and rising costs, UEC’s Fleet Specialist, Mike Sallee (pictured), sheds light on the strategies that help keep our vehicles road-ready while navigating industry challenges.
The Role of Preventative Maintenance
“Preventative maintenance is 1 of the biggest expenses we face, but it’s essential,” explains Sallee. “Our vehicles are serviced at regular intervals based on miles or hours of operation. While this approach requires significant resources, it extends the life of our fleet and minimizes unscheduled downtime, which is critical for our line crews to respond quickly to outages.”
By prioritizing preventative maintenance, UEC ensures that its fleet is always ready to meet the demands of serving a growing community. This proactive strategy helps maintain efficiency and reliability, even in the face of increased usage.
Supply Chain & Rising Costs
Although supply chain constraints have begun to ease, the cost of parts remains high. “Most of our vehicle parts, filters, and fluids are now readily available from local vendors,” Sallee notes. “However, their prices have stayed at the elevated levels we saw during the shortages.”
Labor costs also contribute significantly to fleet expenses, particularly for preventative maintenance. To mitigate these rising costs, UEC has adjusted the schedule of its contracted mechanic, grouping multiple repair orders into single visits to optimize efficiency.
Aging Vehicles & Increased Usage
UEC’s proactive approach to vehicle replacement has been challenged by supply chain delays, with some vehicles remaining in service beyond their expected lifespan. “We recently received vehicles that had been on order for over 2 years,” says Sallee. “While our fleet’s overall health looks great now, keeping older vehicles roadworthy required more maintenance during those delays.”
As UEC grows alongside its membership, the demand for its fleet has also surged. “Some vehicles are logging nearly 5,000 miles a month,” Sallee points out. “Increased use means more services, tires, fuel, and other expenses.” Planning replacements 3 to 5 years in advance helps UEC anticipate and manage these challenges.
Managing Rising Expenses
In addition to optimizing mechanic schedules, UEC has joined a cooperative buying program to secure national discounts on fleet maintenance and purchases. “This allows us to support local vendors while benefiting from the cost savings negotiated through the program,” Sallee explains.
By leveraging these partnerships and streamlining processes, UEC is finding ways to reduce expenses without compromising the quality of its fleet.
Beyond Maintenance
Fleet expenses extend beyond maintenance, with significant costs tied to fuel, tires, licensing, and insurance. The most substantial non-maintenance expense, however, is the purchase of specialized equipment for line crews.
“New equipment often costs 2 to 3 times more than the vehicles it replaces,” Sallee says. Despite these rising costs, UEC remains committed to investing in the tools and resources necessary to support its team and deliver exceptional service.
Charging Forward
As Umatilla Electric Cooperative continues to grow, the challenges of maintaining an expanding fleet are met with innovative solutions and a steadfast focus on efficiency.
“Every decision we make is about ensuring we can serve our members reliably and effectively,” Sallee emphasizes. “Despite the challenges, we are charging forward for our members, building a fleet that’s as resilient as the communities we serve.”