Challenge
When the power goes out, line workers and engineers must be able to reach broken lines and affected substations quickly. That means having utility vehicles gassed up and ready to go at a moment’s notice.
Managing the fueling systems across Jackson EMC’s expansive territory is a big job that, until recently, was handled by multiple people. While the co-op’s purchasing department still monitors and purchases fuel, the rest now falls to Billie Bennett, an engineer technician who has been with Jackson EMC for more than two decades.
When Bennett took over the role, fuel system maintenance schedules, equipment issues, and associated data for all four fueling stations were tracked in a variety of different systems. It all needed to be compiled manually in spreadsheets, then organized and printed into large binders for regulatory compliance audits.
These were onerous, inefficient tasks that reduced staff capacity and limited how quickly information could be shared—not ideal for a utility provider committed to reliable service and low costs for its members.
Solution
For years, Jackson EMC had been using United Pump’s equipment maintenance and inspection services. Though not yet totally sold on software solutions for fuel system management, Bennett was familiar with United Pump’s reliable and quick responsiveness and proactive approach to cost savings. Now facing a heavy administrative burden on top of her regular responsibilities, she was open to trying out their SiteWatch service as well.
With SiteWatch, the co-op’s fuel system data could be pulled automatically into a centralized platform and viewed in real-time by anyone working on fleet or fuel system management. It would track maintenance scheduling and equipment issue detection, and pull together all of the necessary reports for state compliance audits.
Results
Jackson EMC began using SiteWatch in August 2025, and Bennett says she couldn’t be happier. She appreciates the simple, user-friendly interface that any of her colleagues in fleet management can use.
She no longer has to manually track maintenance and inspection schedules or spend valuable time compiling regulatory compliance documentation.
When it comes time for one of the triennial EPD audits, United Pump is on-site with their laptops, managing the necessary reports and making sure the state has everything it needs. The best part?
“I don’t have to lug that 20-pound binder everywhere! That’s Heaven-sent,” says Bennett.
Future Outlook
Nearly a century ago, the founders of Jackson EMC recognized the life-changing impact electricity would have on the residents of rural northeast Georgia. Since then, electricity has become critical to our modern way of life. When the lights go out, local economies and quality of life are negatively impacted; productivity falters, travel becomes more dangerous, and life-saving hospital equipment can fail.
Maintaining the infrastructure to deliver power to our homes, farms, and businesses requires Jackson EMC’s dedicated employees to be ready to respond, 24/7, in fleet vehicles that are always road-ready. United Pump’s comprehensive inspection and SiteWatch solutions support this vital service by minimizing fuel system equipment failures and costly compliance issues due to inefficient administrative burdens.
With a partnership like this, where customers truly come first, the future is bright.
Over the span of five decades and three generations, United Pump has worked hand-in-hand with customers to deliver services and products that exceed expectations. Today, SiteWatch® proudly protects over 100 sites, a milestone that stands as a testament to our proven reliability and unwavering dedication to continued partnership. If you are a UST owner looking for a comprehensive compliance management program to ensure regulatory compliance, we are ready to partner with you. Contact us today to learn more or for a free quote!