Nobles Cooperative Electric Podcast: Conversation with Kathy Johnson
SUMMARY OF CONVERSATION
Tracey Haberman:
Welcome to another episode of the Nobles Cooperative Electric Podcast. This year, we’re celebrating a remarkable milestone: 90 years of serving the members of Nobles Cooperative Electric. As part of our ninetieth anniversary celebration, we’re sharing the stories of the people who helped us shape our cooperative. Today’s guest has experienced more than half of our cooperative’s history firsthand.
Kathy Johnson, you spent forty-eight years serving our members as a member service representative. During that time, you’ve witnessed incredible changes, from handwritten ledgers and typewriters to computers, SmartHub, smart meters, and instant outage information. While the technology has evolved, one thing has remained the same: our commitment to serving our members. Let’s go back to the beginning of your career, Kathy.
Every workplace has changed over time, but very few people have had the opportunity to witness nearly five decades of that change. Paint us a picture of what Nobles Cooperative Electric looked like when you first walked through those doors.
Kathy Johnson:
I mostly enjoyed being with the membership and doing our best to help members overcome their questions and concerns about their day-to-day usage.
Tracey Haberman:
Have member questions changed over the years at all, would you say? Have you noticed any difference?
Kathy Johnson:
Not particularly. Early on, a lot of their concerns were about ensuring their appliances were efficient and helping them to not use as many kilowatt hours during the month. I was kind of surprised by some questions, as a city girl, my milk showed up at my doorstep. One of my favorite memories was when a member called about an outage and, as we were on the phone, they suddenly said, “Oh look, here it comes now,” as they saw the power returning.
Tracey Haberman:
Beyond technology, the cooperative itself has grown and evolved. New facilities, services, regulations, and member expectations have all shaped the organization as we know it today. What changes stand out the most to you?
Kathy Johnson:
What stands out the most are all the technology changes from when I started to now. There have been numerous changes in technology, billing, and how we assist members with their questions. Despite the changes, what has remained consistent is that all employees, management, and directors recognize that members are owners and we are there to help them with their utility needs.
Tracey Haberman:
You’ve worked with many employees, general managers, and board directors. What’s remained consistent through all those years?
Kathy Johnson:
The consistency has been in recognizing that members are owners, and we are here to help them with their day-to-day essentials.
Tracey Haberman:
Let’s talk about some of the technology you’ve experienced. Members can now pay their bills electronically. In the past, how different was the payment process?
Kathy Johnson:
It has changed quite a bit. We used to send out twelve purple billing envelopes annually for members to send in their postcard billing with their payment and meter reading. Payments had to be processed in location number order to match the ledgers. It took a lot of energy and effort.
Tracey Haberman:
When computers arrived, was there excitement or nervousness?
Kathy Johnson:
There was a bit of both. We had a large server that was very sensitive to heat and cold, requiring careful temperature control. We’ve come a long way with technology advancements.
Tracey Haberman:
What are some of the biggest storms or outages you remember?
Kathy Johnson:
The most memorable was an ice storm that caused significant damage to lines and poles. We brought in extra crews, fed them, did their laundry, and ensured they were safe and rested.
Tracey Haberman:
Is there one event or day that you’ll never forget?
Kathy Johnson:
Probably that storm-related outage. We were thrilled everyone had power for Thanksgiving, but it all went down the next day after sending the extra crews home.
Tracey Haberman:
Before we wrap up, let’s do some rapid-fire questions. Typewriter or computer?
Kathy Johnson:
Computer.
Tracey Haberman:
Carbon paper or email?
Kathy Johnson:
Email.
Tracey Haberman:
Paper ledgers or SmartHub?
Kathy Johnson:
Actually, paper ledgers.
Tracey Haberman:
Manual meter readings or smart meters?
Kathy Johnson:
Smart meters.
Tracey Haberman:
Coffee or Diet Coke?
Kathy Johnson:
Diet Coke.
Tracey Haberman:
What office tradition will you miss the most?
Kathy Johnson:
The holiday meals and get-togethers, like our Thanksgiving dinner with a microwave-cooked turkey.
Tracey Haberman:
When you decide to leave the cooperative, what will you miss the most?
Kathy Johnson:
I’ll miss the people I’ve worked with and those special members who helped during outages.
Tracey Haberman:
What won’t you miss?
Kathy Johnson:
Processing meter readings. Some readings weren’t accurate, and I’d call to find out kids or spouses read them, or they used binoculars!
Tracey Haberman:
Kathy, thank you for taking this walk down memory lane with us. As we celebrate 90 years, it’s important to remember our history isn’t just about technology—it’s about people. You’ve been one of those people. On behalf of our members, employees, and board of directors, thank you for your dedication and commitment to our cooperative family. Congratulations on an amazing career so far.
(Phone rings)
Sorry about that, I forgot I had that in my pocket.
Thank you for tuning in to our special anniversary episode. Stay connected with us for more stories that celebrate the people and history of Nobles Cooperative Electric.