Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative
JA N UA RY 2018
Jimmy Black, Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative District III, Group 2 trustee and vice president, left, pays the cooperative’s property taxes to Bay County Tax Collector Chuck Perdue. Read about the payments on page 4.
GCEC Presents Service Awards PAGE 6 Save Water and Keep Electric Rates Stable PAGE 26 n
Gulf Coast
Members acknowledge that $3.96, plus actual postage, is the cost to publish 12 issues a year of Florida Currents (USPS8300). Published by Ruralite Services Inc., 5605 NE Elam Young Pkwy., Hillsboro, OR 97124—a not-for-profit Oregon cooperative corporation—the magazine serves the communications needs of consumer-owned electric utilities in Florida. Preferred Periodicals postage paid at Hillsboro, OR 97123 and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send address corrections to 5605 NE Elam Young Pkwy., Hillsboro, OR 97124. HOW TO CONTACT FLORIDA CURRENTS
Have a problem receiving your edition of Florida Currents? Utility members should contact the local utility office listed on the back cover. Nonmembers should contact Ruralite Services, 5605 NE Elam Young Pkwy., Hillsboro, OR 97124; (503) 718-3717; email info@floridacurrents.com. Subscription services: Nonmember subscriptions $15 (U.S.) per year; $25 (foreign) per year. Prepayment required. Allow 4 to 8 weeks for first issue. Be sure to identify which local edition you want to receive. Order online at www.floridacurrents.com. Extra copies: $2 each, prepayment required. Supply is limited. Identify edition, month and year. Contact Ruralite Services. Reprint permission: Direct all requests to Ruralite Services. MANUSCRIPTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
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LET’S
POWER SAVINGS
Use less, save more. Keep your thermostat at 68º and keep more of your money this winter. We value your membership. We value you.
www.gcec.com (800) 568-3667
Inside
January 2018 Vol. 7, No. 3
A Step Back in Time 10 Silver Dunes remains a place where people are treated like family and feel a sense of coming home. Also In This Issue In the Kitchen 16 Great Picture Hunt 18 Travel Journal 20
Festival Roundup 22 Outdoor Pursuits 24 Parting Shot 30
Your utility pages: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 25, 26, 28, 29, 32
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GCEC Strengthens Economy Through Donations, Jobs and Tax Dollars Staying true to its cooperative mission, Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative promotes the general welfare of the communities its serves by acting as an economic stimulator. The cooperative provides quality jobs and makes charitable donations. Although it is a not-for-profit corporation under state law, GCEC still pays its fair share of taxes. These all benefit the economy and strengthen the community. GCEC recently paid property taxes to each of the six counties within its service territory. A total of $858,681.63 in property taxes was paid to Bay ($407,352.82), Calhoun ($86,714.65), Gulf ($246,810.67), Jackson ($1,057.46), Walton ($1,107.78) and Washington ($115,638.25) counties. “Cooperatives are committed to the communities they serve,” said GCEC CEO/General Manager John Bartley. “Giving back to our communities is an important part of our organization. We are proud to make a difference and to be a good corporate citizen.” n
Trustee Gary Cox, right, pays property taxes to Calhoun County Tax Collector Becky Smith.
Trustee Rupert Brown, left, pays property taxes to Christina Strader of the Gulf County Tax Collector’s office.
Trustee Betty Moore, left, pays property taxes to Washington County Tax Collector Ken Naker. 4
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Notify County Agency of Any Special Needs
Emergency Management Agencies Serving GCEC’s Six-County Service Area XX
Bay County Phone: (850) 784-4000 Fax: (850) 784-4010
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Calhoun County Phone: (850) 674-8075 Fax: (850) 674-4667
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Gulf County Phone: (850) 229-9110 Fax: (850) 229-9115
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Jackson County Phone: (850) 482-9678 Fax: (850) 482-9683
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Walton County Phone: (850) 892-8065 Fax: (850) 254-9638
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Washington County Phone: (850) 638-6203 Fax: (850) 638-6316
Registry is used for resource planning during emergencies According to Chapter 252.355 Florida Statutes, “In order to meet the special needs of persons who would need assistance during evacuations and sheltering because of physical, mental, cognitive impairment or sensory disabilities, the division, in coordination with each local emergency management agency in the state, shall maintain a registry of persons with special needs located within the jurisdiction of the local agency.” This registration helps the local emergency management agency identify those in need of assistance and plan for resource allocation to meet those needs. Persons with special needs may preauthorize emergency response personnel to enter their homes during searchand-rescue operations, if necessary, to
ensure their safety and welfare following disasters. This registration must be updated annually. Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative helps local emergency management agencies get the word out about this program. If you or someone you know has a special condition affecting eyesight, hearing, speech, walking, breathing or an emotional condition and would need assistance during evacuations and sheltering, please contact your local emergency management agency. The level of care given in specialneeds shelters goes above the basic firstaid care available to shelters open to the general population. All information provided is kept strictly confidential. n
GCEC Collects Donations for Children’s Home Society As is tradition during the holiday season, Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative employees and board members donated items for the Children’s Home Society. The 2017 drive focused on items for older children and teenagers. GCEC Vice President of Marketing and Communications Kristin Evans, left, presented the donations to Hannah Gallo of CHS. Items included nail polish and makeup sets, deodorant/shower packs, gift cards, blankets, hair dryers, art supplies, footballs, Nerf guns, games, Bluetooth speakers, earphones, fidget spinners, Barbies, curling irons, hair straighteners, makeup bags and water bottles.
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Cooperative Presents Service Awards Gulf Coast Electric’s Manuela Heyn, Andy Dick and Tony Morrell earn special recognition
Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative CEO/General Manager John Bartley, right, presents the 2017 Alfredia Owens Member Service Award to Manuela Heyn.
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Three Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative employees received special awards named in memory and in honor of former employees, and several employees and trustees were recognized for service anniversaries. Energy Services Representative Manuela Heyn was presented with the Alfredia Owens Member Service Award. Qualities management looked for included providing a high quality of service to members; getting along well with fellow employees; demonstrating empathy and compassion to members; demonstrating integrity and honesty; keeping members, the general public and employees safe; and serving as a role model to others through positive interactions. Manager of Operations Andy Dick was presented with the Tomica Lowery Memorial Award. Qualities management looked for included appreciation for fundamental human needs of fellow employees; clear communication with co-workers; and increasing organizational commitment demonstrated by employee satisfaction, enjoyment at work, and lowering negative efforts leading to lower absenteeism and stress. Staking Technician Tony Morrell was presented with the Tony “T-Bone” Turner Hustle Award. Qualities management looked for included a sustained work and productivity record; exceptional efficiency; superior performance and dedication; keeping members, the general public and employees safe; and serving as a role model to others through positive interactions. Service pins were awarded to Terry Myers, 35 years; Johnny Hutto, 25 years; Becky Kent, 20 years; Rupert Brown, Kristin Evans and Jeremy Miles, 15 years; Angie Morris, Shannon Newsome and Brennis Smith, 10 years; Frank Bailey, Peyton Gleaton, Francis Hinson, Jeremy Horton, Ralph Jamerson, Baylen Price and Matt Salvo, 5 years; and Sheila Alston, Theo Baxter, Rebecca Green and Mindy Maddox, 1 year. n
Employees recognized for service anniversaries included, front row, from left, Rupert Brown, Angie Morris, Mindy Maddox, Sheila Alston, Shannon Newsome and Rebecca Green. Back row, from left, Kristin Evans, Brennis Smith, Frank Bailey, Terry Myers, Baylen Price, Jeremy Horton, Theo Baxter, Ralph Jamerson, Jeremy Miles, Francis Hinson and Peyton Gleaton.
Bartley presents the 2017 Tomica Lowery Memorial Award to Andy Dick.
Bartley presents the 2017 Tony “T-Bone� Turner Hustle Award to Tony Morrell.
Employee Earns Promotion Congratulations to Chris Pippin, who was promoted to foreman of construction in the Southport office effective November 20. During his 13-plus years with the cooperative, Chris has advanced from first-class line technician to Lineman II and his current position. He has completed MOT training and the TVPPA Line Technician Apprenticeship Training program. Following Hurricane Katrina, Chris spent a week in Louisiana helping a cooperative restore power to its members. Due to his volunteer firefighter experience, he has assisted with power line safety training for first responders. n
Chris Pippin
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Big Mike’s Bean House? My friend, Covington County Circuit Judge Ben Bowden, recently sent me an article from The Atlantic written by James Hamblin titled, “If Everyone Ate Beans Instead of Beef.” He wanted to know if I thought it was satire. Since there are other studies and articles on the effects of diet on climate change, I am sure it is a serious article. The article focuses on “ecoanxiety”—a term coined in 2011 by the American Psychological Association to describe “the dread and helplessness emanating from the slow and seemingly irrevocable impacts of climate change and the worry about the future for oneself, children and later generations because of changes to the environment.” If there is a remedy for ecoanxiety, it is understanding what can be done to mitigate environmental degradation in a country whose economy and society is so greatly dependent upon carbon emissions. The article’s answer to ecoanxiety is found in a study by Helen Harwatt, a researcher trained in environmental nutrition who focuses on developing food systems that balance human health and sustainability. The study performed by Harwatt and scientists from Oregon State University, Bard College and Loma University calculated the effect of every American making a dietary change of substituting beans for beef. If they could and 8
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would make the change, the United States could come close to meeting the 2020 greenhouse emission goals pledged by President Obama in 2009. “I think there’s genuinely a lack of awareness about how much impact this sort of change could have,” Harwatt states. “A relatively small, single food substitution could be the most powerful change a person makes in terms of their lifetime environmental impact—more than downsizing one’s car, being vigilant about turning off light bulbs and certainly more than quitting showering.” The article notes that more than 33 percent of the land on earth fit for the growing of crops is used to grow feed for livestock and 26 percent of the earth is used to graze livestock. Up to 42 percent of America’s farmland would be freed up if beef were traded for beans. Livestock consume many more calories of feed than they yield in meat. The inefficient process of converting feed to beef means additional clearcutting of forests to feed cattle. The article points out the high levels of greenhouse flatulent gases emitted by livestock, but does not mention the increase in human release of greenhouse gases if the beans were consumed by humans. “It can just be a positive, empowering thing for consumers to see that they can make a significant impact by doing something as simple as eating beans instead of beef,” Harwatt states. “I think it’s
such an easy-to-grasp concept that it could be less challenging than a whole dietary shift. Rather, the beans-for-beef scenario is the dietary equivalent of effective altruism—focusing on where efforts will have the highest yield.” The article concludes that the benefits of a beansfor-beef substitution brings empowerment—or at least reprieve from ecoanxiety. There is apparently some satisfaction in knowing how far an individual can go to save the world just by eating beans. I think the article has much more to do with what comes out of the bull instead of what goes into the bull. Climate change may or may not be impacting the world. If it is, the impacts may or may not be caused by human activity. I don’t know and you don’t know, no matter your opinion of climate change. No one knows—even those scientists who claim they know. If climate change is a serious problem, it demands serious responses, not this comical “everyone can eat beans instead of beef and save the world” nonsense. Who commissions and pays for studies like this? Assuming the climate is changing because of human activities, serious efforts are undermined by approaches that people will not accept or pursue, such as eating beans instead of beef, using a lot less energy, giving up their SUVs, quitting showering, spending
Commentary By Gary Smith President and CEO
more of their disposable income on energy or committing billions of tax dollars a year on efforts that have no impact on climate outcomes. People cherish their lifestyles and freedoms. They will not give them up easily. More serious efforts should be directed toward how we live with the results of climate change—if it is occurring— instead of focusing on how to modify personal behavior or restrict personal freedoms to prevent it. Big Mike’s Steakhouse opened in Andalusia about a year ago. People still wait in line Friday and Saturday nights to enjoy their steaks. They like Big Mike’s steaks. How many people will have enough ecoanxiety to wait in line for a great meal at Big Mike’s Bean House? n
Gulf Coast
Trading Post For Rent
Miscellaneous
Horse barn with five stalls, paddock and about 4 acres of pasture in Wewahitchka, one block from the old courthouse. Lease by the stall, with discount for multiple horses. (740) 334-0341.
For Sale Electric Jazzer wheelchair. Used three months. $500. (850) 722-4625. Miniature donkeys. Jacks and Jennys, black, brown, gray and paints. All ages. $300 and up. Make great pets. Also standard donkeys. Betty, (850) 899-7424. Quarter horses. Ride well on trails, gentle, good for lessons. (850) 773-1957. Quality transport chair, 8 pounds, like new, $125. Bedside toilet, never used, $25. (850) 535-1319. Pressure cooker canners. Used once. Paid $100; will sell for $50. (850) 814-7188.
Greenhead turkey shoot every Friday at 6 p.m. through January 19. 5725 Highway 77. (850) 249-8765.
Real Estate FSBO. Two adjacent lots, about 2.5 acres on paved road, 10 miles north of Wewahitchka, 45 minutes from beaches. Borders the Chipola River and Cypress Creek. Cleared and ready to build. Quiet and peaceful; no neighbors. Deeded restrictions. Underground utilities, deep well and many fruit trees. $69,900. (850) 648-4214. ½-acre corner lot. (850) 639-2220. Three-bedroom, 21/2 -bath, 1,600-sq.-ft. home on a cul-de-sac in Lynn Haven. Great room with fireplace, eat-in kitchen, two-car garage and privacy-fenced backyard with private patio. $175,000 with owner financing available or leaseto-own option. (850) 271-0289.
Trading Post is a FREE service to members of Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative. GCEC reserves the right to edit or reject ads. PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY OR TYPE.
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Considering Solar Energy? Please call us first! We know some members are considering installing solar panels. Please be aware all solar applications must be pre-approved and inspected to ensure they meet certain engineering codes and criteria. If you are considering solar, please contact GCEC’s Mike Carlton at (850) 265-3631.
Check Out GCEC On Social Media “Like” our Facebook page by visiting www.facebook.com/GulfCoastElectric
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Mail your ad to: The Trading Post; Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative; P.O. Box 8370; Southport, FL 32409; return with your electric payment; or email ad information to tradingpost@gcec.com. ** Due to press deadlines, it may take 60 days from submission for your advertisement to appear.
“Follow” us on Instagram: @gulfcoastelectric “Watch” us on YouTube at www.youtube. com/gulfcoastelectriccooperative J A N UA R Y 2 0 1 8
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Save Water and Keep Electric Rates Stable H2O Plus allows members to use energy more wisely
Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative offers a painless way for members to help manage electricity supply and demand to help keep electric rates stable. With the H20 Plus program, members volunteer to have a switch installed on their water heater that can be remotely turned off and on for short periods during times of highest electricity use. “H20 Plus is a completely voluntary program where everybody wins,” says Gulf Coast Electric CEO/General Manager John Bartley. “Members can help keep their electric rates stable in a way they won’t even notice.” Here is what’s behind H20 Plus and why it works: Electricity is more expensive to produce during times of high demand, such as the hottest or coldest days of the year, when heaters or air conditioners work overtime. During those times, GCEC might have to pay a higher price for the wholesale electricity it distributes to members’ homes and businesses. In the long term, it might have to face the expense
HOW H2O PLUS WORKS
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We connect a small device to your water heater that allows us to cycle it on and off.
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When demand for electricity is extremely high (cold winter mornings and hot summer afternoons), we may turn off your water heater for a short time to reduce the amount of energy the co-op purchases.
When the peak is over, your water heater is turned back on.
BENEFITS OF LOAD CONTROL Because your water heater is a storage device, there should be no noticeable difference to you during a control event.
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We avoid buying higher-priced electricity during times of high demand.
Avoiding peaks helps minimize future rate increases.
Using less electricity during peaks helps delay the need for new power plants.
of building another power plant to ensure a reliable power supply. H20 Plus reduces total energy use during those peak-use times by allowing the cooperative to cycle off participating water heaters, which are one of the largest energy users in a home. Switching water heaters off for a short time can make a big difference in electricity use. Today’s water heaters keep the water inside hot for a long time. Typically, through the H20 Plus program, water heaters would be turned off for two to four hours, and only about four times a year. Hot water is still available even when the water heater is temporarily switched off. How does H20 Plus work? A member voluntarily contacts GCEC if they want to participate. The co-op installs a small switch on the water heater that the co-op can control remotely. “The H20 Plus program does not lower a member’s overall energy consumption, so individual energy bills aren’t affected,” Bartley says. “However, managing peak demand for electricity reduces the need to build additional power plants or make costly energy purchases. That means lower energy costs and more stable rates for all our members in the long run.” More than 800 members are enrolled in the H20 Plus program. With H20 Plus, there is strength in numbers. As participation increases, the program further succeeds in its goal to reduce peak demand. As of January 1, a new incentive is offered to members who opt to participate in H20 Plus. Program participants can qualify for a water heater rebate. Here is how it works: • Buy a water heater from any store. It must be electric. It cannot be tankless. It must have a minimum energy factor of 0.92. • Agree to participate in the H20 Plus program. • A licensed electrician will install the load control device at no cost to you. • Once the water heater is installed and proof of purchase for is provided, a rebate of $235 will be paid for water heaters less than 80 gallons and $375 for water heaters 80 gallons and more. n To learn more about H2O Plus or to enroll in the program, contact Manuela Heyn at 265-3631.
Gulf Coast
Plan for a Year’s Worth of Savings Small changes can add up if you resolve to make your home more energy efficient
Change furnace filters regularly. Top, lower your thermostat in winter to save on energy bills. 28
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Got cabin fever this winter? Spend time making your home more energy efficient and start saving for your summer vacation. You can trim your electric bill all year long by taking a few simple steps. Following are recommendations for year-round energy and money savings from Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative and Touchstone Energy Cooperatives. January: Lower your thermostat just a few degrees during winter and save as much as $85 a year. Programmable thermostats make it easy to save by offering pre-programmed settings to regulate a home’s temperature throughout the year. February: Adjust your water heater. Turning down the temperature gauge to below 120 F can heat up your savings. March: Stop air from escaping your home and money from escaping your wallet. Head down to your home’s basement and seal those leaky ducts. April: A little caulk can go a long way. Air leaks in your home add up. Caulking cracks and openings to the outside could save more than $200 a year. May: Make sure your refrigerator is on your spring cleaning to-do list. Throw out expired items, clean the refrigerator inside and out, and check the temperature gauge. For maximum operating efficiency, a refrigerator’s temperature should be between 37 and 40 F. June: When was the last time you changed a filter? Replacing furnace and air conditioner filters regularly can have a big impact on a home’s energy use. Dirty filters restrict air flow and reduce the overall efficiency of your cooling system, forcing it to work harder on hot summer days. July: Heading out of town on vacation? Unplug all of your electronic devices, such as computers, monitors, printers,
TVs and cable boxes, DVD players and microwaves. Electronics with digital displays and instant-on features consume energy even if not in use. August: Your home’s cooling costs can skyrocket—right along with the temperature outside—during summer. Keep your thermostat set between 78 and 80 F to save up to 8 percent monthly on cooling bills. September: Be a “fan-atic.” While they don’t replace an air conditioner or a heat pump, fans move the air so everyone feels more comfortable. On a milder day, a fan is a more energy-efficient choice than cranking up the air conditioning. Fans cool people, not rooms, so turn them off when you leave the room. October: Get ready for winter by insulating your attic. Adding nine or more inches of insulation could save $150 a year. November: As the weather cools down, pull up your window shades. Keeping blinds open during cold weather lets heat from sunlight in, reducing the need to turn up your home’s thermostat. December: Put a new Energy Star appliance at the top of your Christmas wish list. Upgrading appliances such as washing machines to Energy Star-rated models can save up to $140 per year. n
Want to Plant a Tree? Please Read This Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative has about 2,600 miles of distribution line. If vegetation comes into contact with power lines, it can interfere with your electric service and cause a dangerous situation. It is vital this vegetation be cleared from the power lines so the cooperative is able to provide reliable electric service and prevent a hazardous condition. When a person signs up to be a member of the cooperative, there is an agreement between the member and Gulf Coast Electric to allow right-ofway maintenance. This agreement gives GCEC the legal right to remove from the right-of-way anything that could interfere with the cooperative’s delivery of safe, reliable electric service for all members. If the cooperative’s right-of-way clearance is not maintained, tree limbs and other growth coming into contact with
Tree-Trimming Plans Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative will be clearing rights-of-way in Crystal Lake and Fountain during January. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to bring you safe, reliable service. n
power lines would greatly increase the number of power outages experienced by GCEC members. In our area, Arbor Day is observed on the third Friday in January. You may be thinking of planting a tree to commemorate the occasion. Before you do, we encourage you to consider the type of tree you are planting and its location in relation to overhead power lines. Here are some tree-planting tips:
• Taller trees such as maples, oaks, magnolias, pines or palms should be planted a minimum of 30 feet from overhead power lines. • Medium-sized trees such as dogwoods, Bradford pears or cedars should be planted at least 15 feet from overhead power lines. • Small wax myrtles, purple leaf plums or tree ligustrums can be planted at the front of your property or near the road. There is little danger of these trees growing into overhead power lines. The cooperative tries to work with each landowner to preserve landscaping when maintaining rights-of-way. GCEC management realizes most property owners regard trees as an asset. However, federal law states it is the cooperative’s responsibility to eliminate hazardous conditions. n J A N UA R Y 2 0 1 7
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Offices 722 West Highway 22 P. O. Box 220 Wewahitchka, FL 32465 (850) 639-2216 or (800) 333-9392 9434 Highway 77 P. O. Box 8370 Southport, FL 32409 (850) 265-3631 or (800) 568-3667 6243 East Highway 98 Panama City, FL 32404 Phone: (850) 481-1188 www.gcec.com
CEO/General Manager John Bartley
Trustees President Waylon Graham Vice President Jimmy Black Secretary Eddie Jones Treasurer Rupert Brown Doug Birmingham Robert Byrd Gary Cox Kinneth Daniels Betty Moore Trustees normally meet the third Tuesday of each month at 12:30 p.m. CST. The board meets at the Wewahitchka office in even-numbered months (February, April, June, August, October and December) and the Southport office in odd-numbered months (January, March, May, July, September and November). The mission of GCEC: Fulfilling the changing needs of our membership and communities by providing cost effective, reliable and safe utility services through a dedicated and responsive workforce. 32
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GCEC President’s Message
Let’s Power the Future
Electricity is so much a part of our lives, we take it for granted. You probably don’t give much thought to where your electricity comes from. You just flip a switch and the lights come on, or the TV powers up—and that’s the way it should be. Still, you may be curious about how your electricity is generated, or wonder why we choose one generating resource over another. To shed light on these matters, let’s take a look behind the outlet for a better understanding of the fuel sources we use to generate the electricity that powers your life. Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative is a member-owner of PowerSouth. GCEC buys all of its electricity wholesale from PowerSouth. Instead of relying on one fuel source, PowerSouth uses a diverse mix. Having multiple generating resources helps stabilize energy costs in case one fuel source experiences shortages or price increases. Markets for the fuels used to generate electricity fluctuate just like gasoline prices. Currently, PowerSouth’s energy resources include fossil fuels (natural gas and coal), hydroelectric power and energy purchases from other utilities. Fossil fuels. On average, about 96 percent of GCEC’s electricity is generated using coal and natural gas. These energy sources are the most reliable and affordable means of generating electricity for our members. Fossil fuels are the only generating resources available all the time in the necessary quantities to meet changing demand for electricity. Hydroelectricity. A hydroelectric plant uses water as its fuel source, usually from a dam on a river or reservoir. PowerSouth operates two hydroelectric power plants on the Conecuh River in Covington County, Alabama. Renewable energy. Although renewable energy resources can produce a portion of GCEC’s energy needs, they are limited in their ability to provide around-the-clock electric service at competitive costs. The resources for renewable energy are free, but the technology to use them for power generation is substantially more expensive than fossil-fuel generation. GCEC will continue to investigate how renewable energy sources such as solar can contribute to the energy mix in the future. GCEC is committed to providing you with safe, affordable, reliable electricity. That’s how we power lives, today and in the future. We value your membership. We value you.
Waylon Graham
Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative offices are closed Monday, January 1, in observance of New Year’s Day. From all of us at GCEC, have a safe and happy new year.