Charge Up With Power Player

Matt Breeding

Manager of Operating Services

What is your role at Choptank? 
I am responsible for the overall coordination of the nine contractor companies that support Choptank in performing both electrical and broadband fiber work. The contracting crews are providing the work needed for the upgrading of electrical lines, as well as preparing the grid for broadband fiber. We are changing out about 80 poles per week and expect to change approximately 2,500 poles over the next year. We are currently installing around 15 miles of fiber each week.  This is a massive project, and my job is to make sure we are hitting our project targets.   

What are your current challenges? 
The materials we need are in short supply, and items that we could once get in a timely manner, now have long lead times, if we are able to get them at all. We hold weekly meetings to ensure we have enough material to keep all the projects moving along with no detrimental surprises.  
 
How long have you been with Choptank?  
I started working at the Co-op in 2014 in the System Control division, and then I became a lineman. I worked through several storms, and I know the value of having contractors in place to help with the restoration of power. I’ve been in my current position, managing contractor services, for the last year.  This role has really ramped up as we bring on more contracted crews to deliver broadband to members as quickly as possible.   
 
What is the most rewarding part of your job?  
The members — they are very excited about fiber and broadband.  I’m glad to play a part in delivering this monumental service to the community.  
 
When you are not at work, what do you like to do?  
My wife and two little boys keep me busy. We enjoy going out on the boat, fishing and crabbing. I like to hunt in the fall and always enjoy a good barbecue.