Grayson Collin News
Fathers day weekend and the weekend following, a group of storms of mass destruction came across both Grayson and Collin counties on back to back weekends destroying approximately 80 poles and leaving almost 40,000 members without power.
This group of storms brought heavy rotation, 100 mph of straight-line winds and thousands of lightning strikes. Thus leaving mutilated vegetation, broken poles, poles on fire, broken and downed power lines and countless pieces of debris across the Grayson-Collin Electric service area. The storm caused us to have to rebuild several sections of line – each taking several hours to repair and rebuild. We received mutual aid from two electric cooperatives in the area, seven linemen from United Electric Cooperative as well as four linemen from CoServ. We called in 5 contract linemen crews composed of five to six linemen each from both Techline and Linetec. We also had crews from Vaquero Underground Services who assist us daily. Apex Tree trimming service sent 15 tree trimming crews to help clear roads and lines of vegetations so the linemen could work behind them to restore power. The tree trimming crews were composed of three-to-six-man crews. Although we had prepared to our best abilities and have tree trimming crews who work daily throughout our service area – Mother Nature left the two counties mangled in destruction. Crews worked around the clock for nearly 65 hours working to restore power. As we look back on what CEO/General Manager David McGinnis is calling one of the worst storms in his career, we understand the frustration of being without service for many hours – but believe we serve some of the best members in the State and we will continue to provide the best possible service at the least possible cost. As always, we are here for you, 24 hours and 7 days a week – 365 days a year – we strive to serve you, our members – to our best ability.
Recent News
Grayson-Collin Safety and Loss Control Prepares for the Future
Grayson-Collin Safety and Loss Control Prepares for the Future
Nathan Tillett becomes a Certified Loss Control Professional
Madison, Wisconsin (August 2026): Grayson-Collin Safety and Loss Control, Nathan Tillett has completed an intensive program in electric utility safety and loss control. The certified Loss Control Program isa series of workshops offered by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association in conjunction with the National Utility Training & Safety Education Association. The program is designed to instruct participants in many areas related to electric utility industry safety.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, nearly 4 million injuries occur annually in the workplace. One of the goals of a Certified Loss Control Professional is to help ensure a safe work environment for utility workers and the public in general. Avoiding workplace accidents avoids down time and can ultimately lead to lower utility rates.
Nathan Tillett is one of only a few electric utility professionals in the country that will receive this certification this year. The program requires participants to complete a rigorous series of seminars and tests, a 30-hour OSHA course, and a detailed final course project.
Loss Control participants go through four week-long sessions that are designed to challenge and educate participants in new, innovative safety techniques. Participants must also maintain their certificate by attending courses every year to stay on top of changes in the industry.
Nathan Tillett has been with Grayson-Collin Cooperative for 22 years. Nathan began his career as a groundman, worked through 3rd, 2nd, and 1st class proficiencies. He worked as a foreman for several years before moving into the safety and training department, working as a safety coordinator and most recently became our Manager of Loss Control. We tip our hard hats to him and his dedication to serving our members and upholding a high standard of safety for our operations team.
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Possible survey in your upcoming Texas Co-op Power
We wanted to give you a heads up that you might be receiving a reader survey in the next few weeks. Some of our members may receive a questionnaire by mail and we just wanted to let you know it was legitimate in case our members had any questions. A crisp $1 bill is included with the survey and you may keep it even if you choose not to complete and return the survey—but we hope they will provide feedback as it’s extremely valuable to the Texas Co-op Power publishing team in Austin.
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