As of January 7, 2022, all I&M employees completed working an entire year without a DART (Days Away, Restricted or Transferred) event.

Electrical linework is a dangerous job in even the best of conditions, and I&M's crews, support and office staff completed 365 days of safe work despite multiple local storms and mutual assistance efforts in hazardous conditions.

Beyond the normal risks associated with providing power, crews responded after multiple severe storms moved through our service territory over the past year, bringing floods, high winds, snow and ice and lightning. More than half a dozen storm events hit I&M last year in total.

Crews also responded to requests for help across the country, notably spending two-weeks or more on separate requests for aid after severe weather left tens of thousands without power in hazardous conditions.

• In February, I&M assisted our sister operating companies Appalachian Power and Kentucky Power for weeks after ice storms moved through the area. Roads were icy, worksites were inaccessible via truck, and many jobs required hiking up hills and mountains, climbing poles and lifting crossarms and transformers with ropes and pulleys.
• In September, I&M assisted utilities in Louisiana after Hurricane Ida devastated the area with damaging winds and floods. Crews arrived after the storm moved through to find flooded roads, muddy and swampy conditions, washed out bridges and more, greatly hampering restoration efforts and adding a plethora of additional work hazards. 

Despite the severe weather locally and historic storms around the country, all of I&M focused on the one thing we prioritize above all others: safety. Field crews, support and office staff focused on keeping themselves and their coworkers free from harm, which led to this rare achievement of 365 days of work without a DART event across the entire company  - a feat that hasn't been accomplished for many years.

"Words can’t express how tremendous this milestone is, not only for the I&M family, but for each of our families we go home to each and every day. All of you should be proud and share in this success. This achievement couldn’t have been possible without your hard work and dedication," said Steve Baker, Indiana Michigan Power President and Chief Operating Officer. "Every I&M employee, especially our field employees, are responsible for this milestone. Working together as a team, each of you did your part to complete your daily job duties safely – even during a year with many safety and health challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic."