Today in Mississippi January 2025 Local Pages by American MainStreet Publications

Elder Statesmen

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Teaching students about the power of co-ops

Mississippi’s electric co-ops make a point to educate students in community schools about their mission to provide safe, reliable, and a ordable power. Co-ops also like to visit schools to expose students to the di erent careers in the world of electric cooperatives.

Recently, Singing River Electric Director of Engineering Tom Davis talked all things electricity with a George County High School physics class.

Davis also discussed choosing a career and how Singing River Electric and Singing River Connect employees work together to

provide electric and ﬁber internet service for the betterment of their local communities.

The Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi and the state’s electric co-ops also sponsor The Cooperative Youth Leaders program. The program provides an opportunity for students across the state to learn, grow, and experience. The students learn about the cooperative business model, grow in their leadership qualities, and experience the democratic process at the state and federal levels by visiting the Mississippi and U.S. capital cities.

Extreme winter weather could cause energy shortfalls

Many U.S. regions are at elevated risk of electricity supply shortfalls in the event of extreme weather this winter, reﬂecting growing challenges for the power grid as substantial always-available generation is retired, the North American Electric Reliability Corp. said in a new report.

In its Winter Reliability Assessment, NERC said all assessed areas should have adequate resources for normal peak winter load. But much of the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast — as well as Texas — are at risk of energy shortfalls or natural gas pipeline capacity constraints if there is a prolonged cold snap.

pro-energy policy agenda with a focus on a ordability and reliability for American families and businesses. Smart energy policies that keep the lights on are more important than ever.”

Those risks stem partly from growing power demand and the loss of capacity from retired coalﬁred and older gas-ﬁred plants, according to the report.

Challenges tied to higher demand are compounded by “ﬂawed public policies” that are shutting down always-available power generation, NRECA CEO Jim Matheson said.

“This growing threat to reliable electricity jeopardizes the health of local communities and undermines the American economy,” Matheson said. “This report clearly highlights the need to swiftly implement a

Ongoing industry e orts to bolster winter reliability have made the grid better prepared for the coming months, according to NERC.

But demand is growing from new data centers and increased electrification of home heating and transportation. Meeting that demand has become “more challenging and complex as coal-fired and older natural gas-fired generators retire and are replaced by variable and energylimited resources,” NERC said.

Severe arctic storms have extended across much of North America in three of the past ﬁve winters.

NERC recommended ways that grid operators, generation owners and government authorities can prevent energy emergencies and minimize potential power shuto s. Those actions include preparing for high electricity demand and low wind conditions, winterizing generation units, and increasing operational coordination around generation fuels. – NRECA

“Improving the quality of life for all those we touch.”

Balancing supply and demand

Happy New Year! It seems like I just said that, but 365 days have come and gone, and we’re beginning a 2025 ﬁlled with hope and promise.

As we begin this year, let’s give thanks for the simple things in life: our ability to worship a gracious God, family and friends, a roof over our heads and food to eat. And we can be thankful for the ability to — with the simple ﬂip of a switch — light up our lives with all the possibilities that electricity can provide.

Electricity is essential for nearly every aspect of daily life — so essential that we rarely think about how it’s produced and delivered to our homes. You might be surprised to learn that behind the scenes, a network of experts is working daily (and even by the minute) to anticipate how much electricity you need before you even use it.

We’re all connected to the electric grid, so ensuring the right amount of electricity for all involves a complex process of forecasting energy demand, planning for capacity and securing enough supply to meet Americans’ needs.

Powerful sources

First, electricity must be generated at a power plant using either traditional sources, such as coal, natural gas or nuclear energy, or from renewable sources, such as solar, wind or hydropower.

At 4-County Electric Power Association, we work closely with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), our local wholesale power partner, to secure enough electricity for our communities, using a diverse mix of energy sources to generate the power we deliver to your home or business. We’ve seen a lot of growth in our area. We are always encouraging TVA to invest in more ﬁrm, reliable power to make sure we keep up with growing demand.

On a larger scale, across the country, electricity supply and demand are managed through a market that includes long-term planning agreements, where electricity is bought and sold just like other common goods and services.

Electricity supply changes throughout the day because demand ﬂuctuates based on consumers’ needs. For example, 4-County knows that we need to ensure more electricity in the mornings when you’re starting your day, and in the evenings when you’re cooking dinner, running appliances and watching television. Demand also increases when weather patterns change, such as extremely warm or cold temperatures.

Managing supply and demand across the grid

Across the country, other electric utilities are managing the same task of balancing supply and demand, which is why we have a larger network of key players in place to ensure enough power is delivered across the grid.

Managing the balancing act of electricity supply and demand is a complex job, which is why the energy sector has a network of utilities, power plant operators and energy tra c managers in place to direct the electricity we need and keep the electric grid balanced.

So, as we enter 2025, let’s be thankful for all the good things that light up our world! Happy New Year!

by Brian Clark

CEO/General Manager

Sign up for Bank Draft or E-Bill today

Get paid to make your life easier with two convenient 4-County Electric Power Association options. For example, the co-op will give you $25 to pay your bill by Automatic Bank Draft. Bank Draft is easy and saves you from having to mail in your payment or driving to a 4-County o ce each month. So do yourself — and your wallet — a favor and sign up for Bank Draft today. Members who sign up for Automatic Bank Draft will receive a $25 credit to their electric bill. To keep the credit, members must remain on the Automatic Bank Draft program for 12 consecutive months. Members who have previously been on the Bank Draft program within the past 12 months are not eligible to receive the $25 credit. And 4-County members can consider this option, too. Signing up for E-Bill is a convenient and e cient way of doing business.

How can signing up for E-Bill make your life better?

• It’s paperless. That means less clutter for you, and it won’t get lost or delayed in the mail.

• It’s convenient. You will get an e-mail notiﬁcation each month when your bill is ready. You can review your account at any time and easily print bills when needed.

• It’s good for everyone. The less bills 4-County has to print, the less cost to members. That helps keep rates low. Less paper also means less waste, and that is great for our environment.

Those 4-County members signing up for E-Bill will get a one-time $5 credit. For more information on the Bank Draft or E-Bill programs, call 4-County at 1-800-431-1544.

Meet your 2025 Mississippi Elected

cials

4-County Electric Power Association salutes Mississippi’s senators and representatives who represent our state in Washington, D.C., and at our state capitol in Jackson.

Sen. Hob Bryan

District 7: Itawamba, Lee, and Monroe counties

Address: P.O. Box 75

Amory, MS 38821

SENATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Rep. Andy Boyd

District 37: Clay, Lowndes, and Monroe counties

Address: P.O. Box 1018 Jackson, MS 39215

Sen. Angela Turner Ford District 16: Clay, Lowndes, Noxubee, and Oktibbeha counties

Address: P.O. Drawer 1500 West Point, MS 39773

Sen. Rod Hickman District 32: Kemper, Lauderdale, Noxubee, and Winston counties

Address: P.O. Box 1018 Jackson, MS 39215

Rep. Carl L. Mickens

District 42: Kemper, Lowndes, Noxubee, and Winston counties

Address: P.O. Box 427 Brooksville, MS 39739

Rep. Karl Gibbs

District 36: Chickasaw, Clay, Monroe, and Oktibbeha counties

Address:

543 George Walker Rd. West Point, MS 39773

Rep. Loyd B. (Rob) Roberson II District 43: Oktibbeha County

Address: 212 E. Main St. Starkville, MS 39759

Rep. Joey Hood

District 35: Choctaw, Oktibbeha, Webster, and Winston counties

Address: P.O. Box 759 Ackerman, MS 39735

Sen. Benjamin A. Suber District 8: Calhoun, Chickasaw, Lafayette, Pontotoc, and Yalobusha counties

Address: P.O. Box 8 Bruce, MS 38915

Sen. Bart Williams District 15: Choctaw, Montgomery, Oktibbeha, and Webster counties

Address: P.O. Box 1018 Jackson, MS 39215

Rep. Andy Stepp District 23

Andy Stepp passed away on Dec. 5, 2024. 4-County sends condolences to his family, friends, and constituents.

Rep. Kabir Karriem District 41: Lowndes County

Address: P.O. Box 1018 Jackson, MS 39215

Rep. Jonathan “Jon” Lancaster District 22: Chickasaw, Monroe, and Pontotoc counties

Address: 463 CR 85 Houston, MS 38851

Rep. Cheikh Taylor

District 38: Clay, Lowndes, and Oktibbeha counties

Address: 383 Steele Rd. Starkville, MS 39759

Sen. Charles A. (Chuck) Younger District 17: Lowndes, Monroe, and Oktibbeha counties

Address: P.O. Box 1018 Jackson, MS 39215

Rep. Dana Underwood McLean District 39: Lowndes and Monroe counties

Address: 332 Williamsburg Rd. Columbus, MS 39705

SCHEDULE OF DEADLINES

2025 ANNUAL MEETING ANNUAL MEETING DATE:

THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2025

• *150 days (Monday, January 6, 2025)

Earliest date for eligible Nomination by Petition signatures.

• 70 DAYS (Thursday, March 27)

Deadline for Board of Directors to appoint Nominating Committee (Elections & Credentials Committee typically appointed same time as Nominating). The Districts up for election this year are:

• District 1 – The territory served or to be served within the boundaries of Lowndes County, MS.

• District 5 – The territory served or to be served within the boundaries of Choctaw and Winston Counties, MS.

• Prior to 60 Days – Friday, April 4 (60 days = Sunday, April 6)

Nominating Committee meets, nominates Director election candidates

• 60 Days – Friday, April 4 (60 days = Sunday, April 6)

Deadline for nominations postings in all 4-County O ces

• 60 Days – (Friday, April 4)

(60 days= Sunday, April 6)

Deadline for Nominations by Petition. Must be delivered to the 4-County Corporate o ce by 12:00 noon

• 30 Days – (Tuesday, May 6)

Deadline for Mailing Ballot/Proxy to membership

• 15 Days – (Wednesday, May 21)

Deadline for notifying Credentials and Election Committee to serve and date of meeting.

• 6 Days – (Friday, May 30)

(144 hours) Deadline for receipt of ballots/proxies is 12:00 noon

Members who wish to qualify for board elections may submit a nomination by petition. Details can be found at www.4county.org or by calling 1-800-431-1544.

CENTRAL ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION

5 Years

Stone Ballard

Jamie Ingram

Juanita Williams

10 Years

Je rey Dennis

Bobby Johnson

Lance Jones

Chance Sistrunk

Trace Taylor

Andy Wilkinson

Thank

15 Years

Kristin Kelley

20 Years

Bob Adcock

Michael Brooks

Pete

Dexter Myrick

Shannon Rhodes

Mike Stubbs

30 Years

Beau Chandler

Danny Thornton

35 Years

Greg Barrett

Larry Chandler

Dale Scott

Kent Sistrunk

40 Years

Jerry Parker

MISSISSIPPI ELECTED OFFICIALS MEET YOUR 2025

Central Electric Power Association salutes Mississippi’s senators and representatives who represent our state in Washington, D.C., and at our state capitol in Jackson.

CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION

SENATORS REPRESENTATIVES

for a job well done to all our representatives and senators who represent constituents residing in our service area.

The Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi o ers an easy-to-use mobile app of Mississippi’s state and federal elected o cials. Look for “ECM Legislative Roster” in the Apple App Store. An Android version is also available through Google Play.

CINDY HYDE-SMITH

United States Senator

ROGER WICKER

United States Senator

TRENT KELLY First District

MICHAEL GUEST Third District

BENNIE G. THOMPSON Second District

MIKE EZELL Fourth District

SENATE

Sen. Bradford Blackmon

District 21:

Attala, Holmes, Leake, and Madison counties

Address: P.O. Box 105 Canton, MS 39046

Sen. Jenifer Branning

District 18: Leake, Neshoba, and Winston counties

Address: 235 W. Beacon St. Philadelphia, MS 39350

Sen. Josh Harkins

District 20: Rankin County

Address: P.O. Box 320374 Flowood, MS 39232

Sen. Tyler McCaughn

District 31: Lauderdale, Newton, Rankin, and Scott counties

Address: P.O. Box 28 Newton, MS 39345

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Rep. C. Scott Bounds

District 44: Leake and Neshoba counties

Address: 45 Carla Dr. Philadelphia, MS 39350

Rep. Keith Jackson

District 45: Kemper, Lauderdale, Neshoba, and Winston counties

Address: 95 Zachary Rd. Preston, MS 39354

Rep. Jason White

District 48: Attala, Carroll, Holmes, and Leake counties

Address: P.O. Box 246 West, MS 39192

Sen. Lydia Chassaniol

District 14:

Attala, Carroll, Grenada, Leﬂore, and Montgomery counties

Address: P.O. Box 211 Winona, MS 38967

Rep. Kenji Holloway

District 27: Attala, Leake, Madison, and Scott counties

Address: 143 Yellow Creek Dr. Carthage, MS 39051

Rep. Brent Powell

District 59: Rankin County

Address: P.O. Box 5454 Brandon, MS 39047

Rep. Celeste Hurst

District 75: Madison, Rankin, and Scott counties

Address: P.O. Box 475 Sandhill, MS 39161

Rep. Randal (Randy) Rushing

Rep. Lee Yancey

District 74: Rankin County

Address: P.O. Box 4215 Brandon, MS 39047

District 78: Leake, Newton, and Scott counties

Address: P.O. Box 424 Decatur, MS 39327

QA UNCOVER SAVINGS with a DIY energy audit

How do I perform an energy audit on my home?

by Miranda Boutelle

Here’s what you’ll need to ﬁnd opportunities to save energy and money: a ﬂashlight, dust mask, tape measure, and cooking thermometer. I recommend taking notes on your phone or a notepad.

First, check the heating and cooling equipment. Determine the age and e ciency of the equipment by looking up the model number on the nameplate. The average lifespan of HVAC equipment is 10 to 30 years, depending on the type of equipment and how well it’s maintained. If your equipment is older, it may be time to budget for an upgrade. Check the ﬁlter and replace it if needed.

Then, check the envelope of your home, which separates the heated or cooled areas from the exterior, for drafts and air leakage. Feel around windows and trim for any drafts. Pay special attention to spots where di erent building materials come together. Check under sinks for gaps around pipes. Seal with weatherstripping, caulk, or expanding foam as needed.

Make sure to replace incandescent or compact ﬂuorescent bulbs with LEDs. LEDs use signiﬁcantly less energy and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.

Check for leaking faucets and make sure aerators and showerheads are high-e ciency models in good condition. The gallons-per-minute (GPM) ratings should be etched onto them. To reduce wasted energy from using more hot water than needed, aerators should be 0.5 to 1.5 GPM, and showerheads should be no more than 2 GPM.

Next, look in the attic, while wearing a dust mask, to make sure it’s insulated. You may be able to see enough from the access area using a cellphone with the ﬂash on to take pictures. Use the tape measure to check the depth of the insulation. It should be a minimum of 12 inches deep. This can vary depending on the type of insulation used and your geography.

Insulation can become compacted over time. It should be evenly distributed throughout the attic. Loose fill or blown-in insulation should be flu y and evenly dispersed. Rolled batt insulation should fit tightly together without gaps.

Also, exterior walls should be insulated. If your home is older than the 1960s, the walls are probably not insulated. Homes from the 1960s or 1970s likely need more insulation. Sometimes you can see wall insulation by removing an outlet cover or switch plate and using a ﬂashlight to look for insulation inside the wall cavity. Turn o the power at the electrical panel to avoid the risk of electric shock. Wall insulation

A home energy audit may sound daunting, but it can be as easy as creating a checklist of improvements based on what you see around your home.

can be blown in from the inside or the outside of the home. This is a job for a professional.

If you have a basement or crawlspace, head there next. Unfinished basements should have insulation on the rim joists, at minimum. This is the area between the top of the foundation and the underside of the home’s firststory floor. Use closed-cell spray foam or a combination of rigid foam and spray foam to insulate rim joists. Crawl spaces should have insulation on the underside of the floor between the floor joists. Insulation should be properly supported in contact with the floor with no air gaps. Water pipes and ductwork should also be insulated.

Lastly, check the temperature of your water by running it for three minutes at the faucet closest to your water heater. Then ﬁll a cup and measure with a cooking thermometer. Hot water should be between 120 and 140 degrees. You can reduce the temperature on your water heater to reduce energy waste and prevent scalding.

When inspecting your heating and cooling equipment, check the ﬁlter and replace it. A dirty furnace ﬁlter can cause your system to work harder than necessary, decreasing e ciency and shortening the system’s life.

Once your home energy audit is ﬁnished, review your ﬁndings and start prioritizing home energy e ciency projects. For step-by-step instructions, visit www.energy.gov/save.

Miranda Boutelle is the chief operating o cer at E ciency Services Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energy e ciency company.

P.O. BOX 188 • LYON, MS 38645

EMBRACE

by Qua’Shara Monix

As we step into 2025, the dawn of a new year invites us to reﬂect, reset, and embrace a mindset of gratitude and growth. Each January carries a special energy. It’s a vibe that urges us to look forward with hope while appreciating the lessons of the past. This year, let’s focus on the idea that there are no mistakes in life, only lessons, and use this perspective to navigate the year with greater grace and resilience.

Gratitude is more than a ﬂeeting feeling, it’s a transformative practice. Research has shown that regularly expressing gratitude can improve mental health, deepen relationships, and foster a sense of contentment. As you welcome 2025, take a moment to acknowledge the good in your life — whether it’s the support of loved ones, personal achievements, or the small joys of everyday moments.

Life’s journey is rarely a straight path. Detours, setbacks, and unexpected outcomes are inevitable. It’s easy to view these moments as failures, but reframing them as lessons can transform how we experience challenges.

Starting a new year often comes with high expectations and ambitious resolutions. While striving for growth is admirable, remember that progress is rarely perfect. Celebrate small wins and be gentle with yourself if you stumble. Embracing imperfection doesn’t mean lowering your standards; it means acknowledging that growth takes time and that setbacks are part of the process.

As 2025 unfolds, remember that each moment o ers an opportunity to learn, grow, and appreciate the richness of life. Challenges will come, but with gratitude and the belief that life’s “mistakes” are valuable lessons, you’ll be better equipped to face them with conﬁdence.

This year, let’s embrace the beauty of imperfection, celebrate the lessons in every experience, and carry gratitude as our guiding light. Here’s to a transformative and fulﬁlling 2025!

662-624-8321 • FAX 662-624-8327 • www.coahomaepa.com • cepa@coahomaepa.com

As 2025 unfolds, remember that each moment o ers an opportunity to learn, grow, and appreciate the richness of life.

STATE LEGISLATORS MEET YOUR

SENATE

Sen. Reginald Jackson

District 11: Coahoma, Desoto, Quitman, Tate, and Tunica counties

Address: P.O. Box 258 Marks, MS 38646

Sen. David Jordan

District 24: Leﬂore, Panola, and Tallahatchie counties

Address: P.O. Box 1018 Jackson, MS 39215

Sen. Michael McLendon

District 1: Desoto County

Address: P.O. Box 1018 Jackson, MS 39215

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Sen. Derrick T. Simmons

District 12: Bolivar, Coahoma, and Washington counties

Address: P.O. Box 1854 Greenville, MS 38702

Sen. Sarita Simmons

District 13: Bolivar, Sunﬂower, and Tallahatchie counties

Address: P.O. Box 1813 Cleveland, MS 38732

Rep. Cedric Burnett

District 9: Coahoma, Desoto, Quitman, Tate, and Tunica counties

Address: P.O. Box 961 Tunica, MS 38676

Rep. Orlando W. Paden

District 26: Bolivar, Coahoma, and Sunﬂower counties

Address: P.O. Box 1626 Clarksdale, MS 38614

Rep. Robert Sanders

District 29: Bolivar and Sunﬂower counties

Address: P.O. Box 4088 Cleveland, MS 38732

Rep. Dan Eubanks

District 25: DeSoto County

Address: P.O. Box 184 Walls, MS 38680

Rep. Tracey Rosebud

District 30: Grenada, Sunﬂower, and Tallahatchie counties

Address: P.O. Box 236 Tutwiler, MS 38963

Statement of Nondiscrimination

NOW AVAILABLE

It’s

easy to know your elected o cials.

CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION

IMPORTANT NOTICE

to our agricultural account holders

Coahoma Electric Power Association needs to receive a Utility Exemption

A davit from all agricultural account holders. The A davit ensures that all accounts that are agricultural in nature are being taxed at the appropriate rate. The Mississippi Department of Revenue requires an A davit to be ﬁled and maintained at the electric cooperative to verify compliance. The forms can be found in the web page of the Revenue Department at dor.ms.gov or at the Association’s o ce at 340 Hopson Street, Lyon, MS. Should anyone have a question, all calls can be directed to our Customer Service Representatives at 662-624-8321.

A free, interactive legislative app for Mississippi will be closed on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in observance of

CINDY HYDE-SMITH

MICHAEL GUEST Third District

BENNIE G. THOMPSON Second District

MIKE EZELL Fourth District

TRENT KELLY First District

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY AND DEMAND A Balancing Act:

Behind the scenes, a network of people and facilities work together to ensure you have electricity when you flip the switch.

Electricity is generated at a power plant, then sent across the grid to homes, schools and businesses.

The amount of electricity generated and how much is sent to where it’s needed are typically coordinated and monitored by regional grid operators that essentially act as energy traffic managers.

As electricity demand varies throughout the day, grid operators, power plant operators and electric utilities work to forecast, plan and purchase enough electricity for everyone.

Ensuring communities have the exact amount of electricity they need is a challenging task, but behind the scenes, a network of industry experts make it happen every day.

Factors that Impact Electricity Supply and Demand

• Demand Surges

• Extreme Temperatures

• Infrastructure Costs and Availability

• Supply Chain Challenges

• Fuel Costs

• Federal and State Regulations

Happy 2025! We wish all of our members peace, happiness and prosperity in the year to come. While a new year will bring new adventures, some aspects of our lives become routine. We get ready for work, pick up a cup of co ee on the way to the o ce and go to a restaurant to get lunch. Once the work day is over, we stream an episode or two of our favorite shows before bed.

I have been thinking about the cost of our daily routines and the value they provide compared to the money we spend. A morning latte costs about $6; a fast-food combo with a burger, fries and a drink will set you back $10, and a streaming subscription is about $16 each month. All these daily expenses total around $85 a week, or about $340 monthly. And what is the real value? Even if you start packing your own lunch, that co ee will still cost you about $120 a month. This got me thinking — are these routines the best value for our money?

The average daily cost of electricity is about $4.57. You could power your entire home every day for the price of a medium latte. I could brew my own co ee, cook my own meals, binge a series and run on a treadmill for less than the cost of that drink. Now to me, that’s real value.

Electricity provides beneﬁts that we often take for granted. It goes well beyond short-term satisfaction by allowing us to charge devices and have cold food and hot water, all in a comfortable indoor climate. Besides the privilege it a ords, electricity has also remained relatively cost-stable even amidst rising inﬂation.

We do not anticipate rate increases in 2025, but as a memberowned cooperative, we will continue to do everything we can to ensure electricity remains a great value for our members.

The cost of electricity can ﬂuctuate due to supply and demand, infrastructure investment, maintenance and operational expenses. Weather patterns also contribute, a ecting both demand and generation capabilities, with extreme conditions leading to heightened energy use or disruptions. Government policies shape electricity costs as well. Your electric co-op considers all these aspects when adjusting rates, and because we’re a cooperative, we consider the impact of those costs on our members as well.

As our community continues to rely on electricity for nearly everything in our homes, schools, hospitals and businesses, we need it to be reliable and a ordable. You can be assured, Coast Electric always puts you top of mind and works each day to ensure electricity remains the best value for your money in 2025 and for the years to come.

President and CEO by Ron Barnes

Coast Electric wants you to reduce your energy use and see savings on your monthly energy costs. Each month, you will have an opportunity to register to win a prize that will help you reduce energy consumption in your home. Visit www.coastelectric.coop and ﬁll out our entry form. It only takes a few seconds, and you could win a prize that helps you save!

MEET YOUR 2025 MISSISSIPPI ELECTED OFFICIALS

Coast Electric salutes Mississippi senators, representatives and other elected officials who represent our state in Washington, D.C., and at our state capitol in Jackson.

TATE REEVES Governor DELBERT HOSEMANN

congressional delegation

U.S. SENATORS

NOW AVAILABLE

It’s easy to know your elected o cials.

SENATE

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Sen. Angela Burks Hill District 40: Pearl River and Stone counties

Sen. Philman Ladner District 46: Hancock and Harrison counties

Sen. Joseph M. “Mike” Seymour District 47: Harrison, Jackson, and Stone counties

Sen. Michael Thompson District 48: Hancock and Harrison counties

Sen. Scott DeLano District 50: Harrison County

Sen. Joel R. Carter Jr. District 49: Harrison County

Rep. Timmy Ladner

District 93: Hancock, Pearl River, and Stone counties

Rep. Jim Estrada District 33: Harrison County

Rep. Jay McKnight District 95: Hancock and Harrison counties

Rep. Jansen Owen District 106: Lamar and Pearl River counties

Rep. Stacey Hobgood-Wilkes

Rep. Zachary Grady District 115: Harrison County

Rep. Casey Eure District 116: Harrison County

Rep. Kevin W. Felsher District 117: Harrison County

Rep. Greg Haney District 118: Harrison County

Rep. Je rey Hulum III District 119: Harrison County

Rep. Richard Bennett District 120: Harrison County

Rep. Carolyn Crawford District 121: Harrison County

Rep. Brent Anderson District 122: Hancock County

EMPLOYEE MILESTONES

20 YEARS

CONNIE CHAUVIN

VICKIE CUEVAS

FRANK DALEY

DANIEL MARTIN

BILL MCKNIGHT

We honor the employees who are celebrating milestones with your electric cooperative. Their years of service and dedication to our members are part of what makes your co-op special.

25 YEARS

STEVEN COOKSEY

DARRELL HENDERSON

SEAN MITCHEM

BRADEN SHAW

30 YEARS

STEVEN BROUSSARD

MORGAN BUTLER

ADA DODSON

DAVID ERVIN

BRIAN FITHIAN

TRACEY HARVEY

GUS IRIAS

STEVEN LAFONTAINE

KEITH MCKNIGHT

Coast Electric Sta Changes

Coast Electric congratulates the following employees in their new roles.

Justin Estes • INTERIM CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Justin Estes is serving your cooperative as the interim Chief Financial O cer (CFO) and will become the CFO upon the retirement of longtime CFO John Holston in 2025. Justin joins Coast Electric after more than six years at Singing River Electric, a sister cooperative. Justin has an associate degree in arts from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of South Alabama and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi. Justin is a licensed Certiﬁed Public Accountant (CPA) and is a member of the Mississippi Society of CPAs and the National Society of Accountants for Cooperatives. Justin spends his spare time broadcasting high school sporting events and cohosting Talkin’ Sports, a radio program for WRBE in Lucedale. Justin is married to Vanessa Estes.

Scott Verdegan • VICE PRESIDENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Scott Verdegan is taking on the role of Vice President of Information Technology (IT) after serving Coast Electric members as the Director of IT since 2016. He has been part of our IT team since 2008. Scott graduated from the University of Mississippi in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics, and from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. His daily duties at Coast Electric include implementing, securing, maintaining and troubleshooting Coast Electric’s networks and other information services equipment and software. In addition, he also assists with hardware and software issues and questions. Scott’s top priority at Coast Electric is information systems security. In his free time, Scott enjoys spending time with his wife, Brandi, and their daughters, Carleigh and Evelyn, as well as exploring new hobbies.

Tommy Foster • ACCOUNTING DEPARTMENT MANAGER

Tommy Foster has been promoted to the position of Accounting Department Manager after more than 16 years with Coast Electric’s accounting team. Tommy has a bachelor’s degree in accounting, a bachelor’s degree in ﬁnance and master’s in business administration. Tommy is active in the community, serving in various board positions for the Bay Waveland Rotary Club and as part of the Pass Christian School District’s strategic planning committee. Tommy is also a deacon at Power House of Deliverance Church. Tommy and his wife, Arrian, have two daughters, Nadia and Emersyn.

of reliable electricity

As our country’s economy continues to grow, so too does the demand for reliable electricity. Data centers, new manufacturing facilities, and our daily lives are requiring more and more electricity. In fact, U.S. power consumption is expected to rise to record highs this year and next, and the demand for electricity in the U.S. is expected to at least double by 2050.

Meanwhile, our supply of electricity is already decreasing as always-available power plants are being prematurely shut down. The North American Electric Reliability Corporation has warned that 19 states could see rolling blackouts during times of high electrical usage over the next ﬁve years. We all know what happens when supply can’t meet demand — prices go up, and the lights go o .

As we prepare for this rising demand, Delta Electric is planning ahead to ensure local families and businesses have access to an a ordable, reliable supply of electricity.

Meeting the challenge

To meet these challenges, Delta Electric is utilizing a balanced mix of always-available energy sources as a safeguard to maintain a reliable energy supply. We’re also investing in innovative technologies to bolster grid resilience and enhance data management to improve operational e ciency, expedite outage response times and minimize service disruptions.

As electricity demand in the U.S. continues to rise, upgrading and building new infrastructure will be critical. That’s why Delta is collaborating with other electric co-ops by pooling resources and expertise on projects that advance technology, security, infrastructure, and innovative energy sources to meet the increasing needs of our communities.

As a co-op, this collaborative approach is a core strength of Delta and enables us to deliver a ordable energy to local families and businesses. Our priority is ensuring energy solutions that are tailored to the unique needs of our community to help it thrive now and in the future.

Delta Electric was built by the community it serves, providing essential services that drive growth and pave the way for an energy future that prioritizes reliable electricity at a cost local families and businesses can a ord.

by Harold Pittman

General Manager

Data centers, new manufacturing facilities and our daily lives are requiring more and more electricity. U.S. power consumption is expected to rise to record highs this year and next, and the demand for electricity in the U.S. is expected to at least double by 2050.

MEET YOUR STATE LEGISLATORS

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Rep. Otis Anthony

District 31: P.O. Box 962 Indianola, MS 38751

Rep. John W. Hines Sr.

District 50: P.O. Box 114 Greenville, MS 38703

Rep. Karl Oliver

District 46: P.O. Box 95 Winona, MS 38967

Rep. Robert Sanders

District 29: P.O. Box 4088 Cleveland, MS 38732

Rep. Willie Bailey

District 49: P.O. Box 189 Greenville, MS 38702

Rep. M. Kevin Horan

District 34: 1500 Gateway Grenada, MS 38901

Rep. Solomon Osborne

District 32: P.O. Box 8175 Greenwood, MS 38935

Rep. Jason White

District 48: P.O. Box 246 West, MS 39192

Rep. Bryant W. Clark

District 47: 271 Clark Road Pickens, MS 39146

Rep. Timaka James-Jones

District 51: 210 Central St. Belzoni, MS 39038

Rep. Tracey T. Rosebud

District 30: P.O. Box 236 Tutwiler, MS 38963

NOW AVAILABLE

It’s easy to know your elected o cials.

SENATORS

Sen. Bradford Blackmon

District 21: P.O. Box 105 Canton, MS 39046

Sen. Derrick T. Simmons

District 12: P.O. Box 1854 Greenville, MS 38072

Sen. Joseph Thomas

District 22: 820 Prentiss Avenue, Yazoo City, MS 39194

Sen. Lydia Chassaniol

District 14: P.O. Box 211 Winona, MS 38967

Sen. Sarita M. Simmons

District 13: P.O. Box 1813 Cleveland, MS 38732

Sen. Bart Williams

District 15: P.O. Box 1018, Jackson, MS 39215

Sen. David L. Jordan

District 24: P.O. Box 1018, Jackson, MS 39215

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY AND DEMAND A Balancing Act:

Behind the scenes, a network of people and facilities work together to ensure you have electricity when you flip the switch.

Electricity is generated at a power plant, then sent across the grid to homes, schools and businesses.

The amount of electricity generated and how much is sent to where it’s needed are typically coordinated and monitored by regional grid operators that essentially act as energy traffic managers.

As electricity demand varies throughout the day, grid operators, power plant operators and electric utilities work to forecast, plan and purchase enough electricity for everyone.

Ensuring communities have the exact amount of electricity they need is a challenging task, but behind the scenes, a network of industry experts make it happen every day.

Factors that Impact Electricity Supply and Demand

• Demand Surges

• Extreme Temperatures

• Infrastructure Costs and Availability

• Supply Chain Challenges

• Fuel Costs

• Federal and State Regulations

As we step into a new year, we often hear the phrase, “out with the old, in with the new.” While a new year brings fresh opportunities and challenges, for us at Dixie Electric, there’s another saying that feels just as ﬁtting: “out with the old, in with the… same.”

What does that mean? At its heart, it means that while we’re always evolving to meet the latest needs of our members, we remain rooted in the values and principles that have guided us from the start. Our mission to provide safe, reliable, and a ordable service, while enhancing the quality of life in our communities, stays the same year after year. It’s this steadfast commitment that ensures we keep delivering on our promise to you, no matter what changes lie ahead.

This year, we anticipate a range of new challenges, but we’ll approach each one with the same commitment to quality service and member-focused solutions. In every decision we make, we remain a member-driven cooperative, prioritizing the interests of the people and communities we serve. Our values are more than

words on a page—they’re the backbone of everything we do, from enhancing service reliability to supporting local programs that make a di erence close to home.

As we look forward to 2025, know that while times may change, Dixie Electric stands by its mission and purpose. We may adapt and adjust to better serve you, but at our core, we’re the same cooperative committed to serving you with excellence and integrity. Here’s to a new year with the same dedication, commitment, and community spirit you’ve come to expect.

by Randy Smith General Manager

ELECTED OFFICIALS MEET YOUR 2025 MISSISSIPPI

Dixie Electric Power Association salutes Mississippi’s elected officials who represent our state in Washington, D.C., and at our state capitol in Jackson.

for a job well done to all our representatives and senators who represent constituents residing in our service area.

Governor DELBERT HOSEMANN Lieutenant Governor

COngrESSIOnAL DELEgATIOn

U.S. SENATORS

CINDY HYDE-SMITH 702

Washington, D.C. 20510

ROGER WICKER

D.C. 20510

U.S. REPRESENTATIVES

TATE REEVES

NOW AVAILABLE

A free, interactive legislative app for Mississippi

It’s easy to know your elected o cials.

SENATE

Sen. Juan Barnett

District 34: Forrest, Jasper, and Jones counties

Address:

P.O. Box 407 Heidelberg, MS 39439

Sen. Dennis DeBar, Jr.

District 43: George, Greene, and Wayne counties Address: P.O. Box 1090 Leakesville, MS 39451

Sen. Joey Fillingane District 41: Covington, Marion, Lamar, and Walthall counties

Address:

P.O. Box 1018 Jackson, MS 39215

Rep. Shane Barnett

District 86: Greene, Perry, and Wayne counties

Address:

P.O. Box 621 Waynesboro, MS 39367

Rep. Charles Blackwell District 88: Jones County Address: 50 Blackwell Loop Ellisville, MS 39430

Sen. Chris Johnson District 45: Forrest and Perry counties

Address:

P.O. Box 18247 Hattiesburg, MS 39404

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Rep. Donnie Scoggin

District 89: Jones County Address: 1203 Pine St. Ellisville, MS 39437

Rep. Omeria Scott

District 80: Clarke, Jasper, and Jones counties Address: 615 East 19th St. Laurel, MS 39440

Rep. Elliott Burch District 105: George, Greene, and Perry counties

Address:

P.O. Box 1215 Lucedale, MS 39452

Rep. Troy Smith District 84: Clarke, Jasper, and Newton counties

Address:

320 Smith Ridge Lane Enterprise, MS 39330

Rep. Larry Byrd District 104: Forrest County Address: 17 Byrd Rd. Petal, MS 39465

Rep. Percy Watson District 103: Forrest County

Address: P.O. Box 1767 Hattiesburg, MS 39401

Sen. Robin Robinson

District 42: Forrest, Greene, Jones, and Wayne counties

Address:

P.O. Box 1963 Laurel, MS 39441

Rep. Noah Sanford District 90: Covington, Forrest, Je erson Davis, Jones, and Simpson counties

Address:

P.O. Box 1900 Collins, MS 39428

Je Tate District 33: Clarke and Lauderdale counties

Address: 169 Springhill Rd. Meridian, MS 39301

Sen.

our Annual Board Election Voting

by Amanda Mills

This year, Dixie Electric made a meaningful impact through our annual board elections, with a $1-per-vote pledge that directly beneﬁts local food pantries. Thanks to the remarkable participation of members, we were able to present $2,600 checks to three local food pantries: the Christian Food Mission in Laurel, Samaritan’s Closet and Pantry in Waynesboro, and the Petal Children’s Task Force. These contributions are a testament to what we can accomplish together when our members actively engage in the cooperative process.

Each year, Dixie Electric encourages members to take part in the voting process, supporting cooperative principles and fostering a greater connection between our members and the communities we serve. This year, our $1-per-vote pledge allowed members’ voices to go beyond the boardroom and make an immediate impact on local organizations. For every vote cast, a dollar was set aside to combat food insecurity across our communities.

In late November, Board members Sears Ward, Robert Smith, and Dale McKee had the honor of delivering these checks to each organization. The contributions were more than ﬁnancial support; they were a recognition of the vital role these food pantries play in providing for families in need. The three food pantries received the donation in time to fund their programs as they serve individuals and families through the holiday season.

We are immensely grateful to each member who cast their vote in our annual board elections. Your participation enabled this donation, and together, we’re showing the power of community support in action. By standing together and voting, our members continue to make a di erence, building a brighter future for our cooperative and our communities.

A NEW YEAR’S MISSION:

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR CEO

At the start of a new year, we often hear resolutions aimed at bringing change — changes in behavior, health, and attitudes. These resolutions are driven by a desire to make life better.

At East Mississippi Electric Power Association (EMEPA) and East Mississippi Connect, our mission every day is to make life better for our members and subscribers. Achieving that mission requires us to stay ahead of the challenges facing the electric industry.

The Energy Information Administration projects electricity demand will rise by 3.2% in 2025, fueled by factors like new data centers, artiﬁcial intelligence, industrial growth, and increased use of electric home heating. At the same time, older power plants are being retired, reducing the reserves available during critical peak times.

Historically, generation wholesalers such as the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and Mississippi Power Company have relied on neighboring utilities to manage severe peak loads. When a generation facility unexpectedly goes o ine or extreme weather strikes, they turn to their neighbors to purchase backup power.

To put this in perspective, let me share a memory from my childhood. My grandfather owned a hay mower, while one of his neighbors had a hay rake and another had a hay baler. Together, they worked across each other’s ﬁelds, pooling their resources to store hay for the winter. This arrangement worked well — until a piece of equipment broke down or a narrow weather window made it challenging to get all the hay into the barn.

Today, we face similar challenges. Data indicates 19 states are at high risk of rolling blackouts. Only once in our history have we had to implement rolling blackouts at the request of a wholesale power

Balancing reliability and a ordability

supplier, and that was on Christmas Eve 2022. Since then, load levels on our supplier’s system have twice approached maximum capacity. Each time, they managed to rely on neighboring utilities for support.

However, as electricity demand grows, those neighboring utilities increasingly lack surplus generation to share. Similar to my grandfather’s hay situation, owning all the equipment yourself is costly, and individual utilities building generation capacity for every extreme event is prohibitively expensive.

At EMEPA, we are collaborating closely with our wholesale power suppliers. Both TVA and Mississippi Power are working to expand the generation and transmission infrastructure needed to meet future demand. Our ongoing goal is to maintain a balance between reliability and a ordability.

This same attention to preparedness is applied to EMEPA’s distribution system by our dedicated employees. By evaluating capacity needs and addressing potential shortfalls, we ensure we are well-positioned to meet the needs of our members.

Our resolution for this new year is simple yet steadfast: to remain the community partner you rely on to deliver services that empower lives. That’s who we’ve always been — and who we’ll continue to be.

by Randy Carroll

CEO — East Mississippi Electric Power Association

will be closed on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in observance of

LUTHER KING, JR. DAY A dispatcher will be on duty.

Meet your 2025 Mississippi Elected O cials

East Mississippi Electric Power Association salutes Mississippi’s senators and representatives who represent our state in Washington, D.C., and at our state capitol in Jackson.

for a job well done to all our

SENATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Sen. Jenifer Branning

District 18: Leake, Neshoba, and Winston counties

Address: P.O. Box 1018, Jackson, MS 39215

Sen. Tyler McCaughn District 31: Lauderdale, Newton, Rankin, and Scott counties

Address: P.O. Box 28 Newton, MS 39345

Sen. Rod Hickman District 32: Kemper, Lauderdale, Noxubee, and Winston counties

Address: P.O. Box 1018, Jackson, MS 39215

Sen. Je Tate District 33: Clarke and Lauderdale counties

Address: 169 Springhill Rd. Meridian, MS 39301

Rep. Billy Adam Calvert District 83: Kemper, Lauderdale, and Newton counties

Address: P.O. Box 5774 Meridian, MS 39320

Rep. Carl L. Mickens District 42: Kemper, Lowndes, Noxubee, and Winston counties

Address: P.O. Box 427 Brooksville, MS 39739

Rep. Joey Hood District 35: Choctaw, Oktibbeha, Webster, and Winston counties

Address: P.O. Box 759 Ackerman, MS 39735

Rep. Omeria Scott District 80: Clarke, Jasper, and Jones counties

Address: 615 E. 19th St. Laurel, MS 39440

Rep. Steve Horne District 81: Clarke, Lauderdale, and Newton counties

Address: 5904 Causeyville Rd. Meridian, MS 39301

Rep. Troy Smith District 84: Clarke, Jasper, and Newton counties

Address: 320 Smith Ridge Ln., Enterprise, MS 39330

NOW AVAILABLE

A free, interactive legislative app for Mississippi

Keith Jackson District 45: Kemper, Lauderdale, Neshoba, and Winston counties

Address: 95 Zachery Road Preston, MS 39354

Charles L. Young, Jr. District 82: Lauderdale County

Address: P.O. Box 5393 Meridian, MS 39302

Rep.

Bringing Broadband to Every Home in the EMEPA Service Area and Beyond!

Since East Mississippi Connect’s launch in September 2020, our mission has been simple: to bridge the digital divide and bring reliable, high-speed internet to every resident in the East Mississippi Electric Power Association, or EMEPA, service area. Today, as we step into 2025, we’re proud to announce that we have reached a major milestone—every household and business within EMEPA’s territory now has access to the broadband speeds they deserve.

Over the last four years, our team has tirelessly worked to lay the foundation of a strong, resilient broadband network, transforming the daily lives of more than 16,000 subscribers. The road here wasn’t easy. Building a network that reaches rural, often isolated communities took dedication and perseverance. Through weather, logistical hurdles and the sheer complexity of covering a vast area, we’ve remained committed to ensuring that every home and business can be part of a connected Mississippi.

Reaching Over 16,000 Subscribers

services are now within reach for our community. Our broadband infrastructure has created a foundation for growth and new opportunities, especially for those who had previously felt disconnected. Today, with over 16,000 subscribers, we are not only fulﬁlling the immediate need for internet connectivity, but also paving the way for a more vibrant, tech-enabled future for East Mississippi.

The Fastest Speeds in 2025

Our Commitment to Community

From the beginning, we’ve believed that this project is about more than internet access. It’s about community investment. Our subscribers beneﬁt from a local team that knows the area and cares about our people. We’re here to make a di erence, whether by providing support during critical weather events or by contributing to local programs. Every time we install a line, we’re investing in the area’s future, ensuring that East Mississippi isn’t left behind in the digital age.

Ready to Join?

Starting with our ﬁrst installation, we knew the impact of highspeed internet would extend far beyond streaming and faster downloads. As more of our neighbors subscribed, the beneﬁts to the community became clearer. Students have access to better resources and virtual classrooms, professionals can work remotely without disruptions and telehealth

Our network provides speeds that can keep up with even the most demanding digital lifestyles. With Gig-speed ﬁber, our subscribers enjoy seamless streaming, gaming, videoconferencing and more. For new subscribers, there’s never been a better time to experience the East MS Connect di erence. Signing up for our service means joining thousands of local residents who no longer have to settle for slow connections or limited access.

With ﬁber service now available across the EMEPA service area, the time is right to connect. Sign up today and become part of East MS Connect’s journey to create a more connected, empowered Mississippi. As we move forward, we promise to keep working hard to bring you the fastest, most reliable internet service, along with the community support you can always count on.

Magnolia Electric returns over $2.7 MILLION CAPITAL CREDITS to members

The Magnolia Electric Power Board of Directors has announced that the cooperative has recently retired $2,747,764.16 in capital credits to its members.

Patronage checks were put in the mail in early December; therefore, MEP’s eligible members should have received their patronage capital checks by now.

“Capital credits represent the amount remaining after all operating, maintenance, and general expenses are deducted from the total amount members paid on their electric bill during the ﬁscal year,” said Magnolia Electric General Manager Darrell Smith. “It is the member’s investment in the association’s physical plant including poles, substations, and other equipment.

“Capital credits are allocated to members each year based on power use, and the amount of your capital credit check is a percentage of these allocations,” he said. “We are proud to be able to return these capital credits to our members.”

Capital credits are one of the things that separate a not-for-proﬁt electric cooperative, like Magnolia Electric Power, from investor-owned electric utilities, Smith said.

There is a list at MEPCoop.com of older capital credits that MEP has been unable to return due to incorrect member addresses. MEP should have an updated list on the website in January 2025. Please be sure to check the website to see if you or a family member’s name is on the list.

Since 1960, MEP has refunded a total of $65,710,422.10 in capital credits to its members.

If you have not received your patronage check or ﬁnd your name/a family name on the website list, please contact the o ce at 601-684-4011.

Magnolia Electric Power was established in 1938. The cooperative employs 108 full-time employees, maintains over 5,025 miles of power lines, and serves more than 33,300 meters.

elected oFFicials

Magnolia Electric Power salutes Mississippi’s senators and representatives who represent our state in Washington, D.C., and at our state capitol in Jackson.

for a job well done to all our representatives and senators who represent constituents residing in our service area.

Governor

congressional delegation

U.S. SENATORS

CINDY HYDE-SMITH

D.C. 20510

ROGER WICKER 425

U.S. REPRESENTATIVES

D.C. 20515

TATE REEVES Governor

DELBERT HOSEMANN Lieutenant

MICHAEL

SENATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Sen. Jason Barrett

District 39: Amite, Franklin, Lawrence, Lincoln, and Pike counties

Address: P.O. Box 729 Brookhaven, MS 39602

Sen. Andy Berry

District 35: Copiah, Je erson Davis, Lawrence, and Simpson counties

Address:

P.O. Box 1018 Jackson, MS 39215

Sen. Gary Brumﬁeld

District 38: Adams, Amite, Pike, Walthall, and Wilkinson counties

Address:

P.O. Box 184 Magnolia, MS 39652

Sen. Albert Butler Sr.

District 37: Adams, Claiborne, Copiah, Franklin, Hinds, and Je erson counties

Address: P.O. Box 614

Port Gibson, MS 39150

Sen. Joey Fillingane

District 41: Covington, Lamar, Marion, and Walthall counties

Address:

P.O. Box 1018 Jackson, MS 39215

Rep. Angela Cockerham

District 96: Adams, Amite, Pike, and Wilkinson counties

Address: P.O. Box 613 Magnolia, MS 39652

Rep. Je ery Harness

District 85: Claiborne, Franklin, Je erson, and Warren counties

Address: P.O. Box 758 Fayette, MS 39069

Rep. Sam C. Mims V

District 97: Adams, Amite, Franklin, and Pike counties

Address: P.O. Box 1018 Jackson, MS 39215

Rep. Daryl L. Porter Jr.

District 98: Pike and Walthall counties

Address: P.O. Box 772 Summit, MS 39666

Rep. Becky Currie

District 92: Copiah, Lawrence, and Lincoln counties

Address: 407 Oliver Dr. Brookhaven, MS 39601

Rep. Vince Mangold

District 53: Franklin, Lawrence, Lincoln, and Pike counties

Address: P.O. Box 1018 Jackson, MS 39215

Rep. Bill Pigott

District 99: Lamar, Lawrence, Marion, and Walthall counties

Address: 92 Pigott Easterling Rd. Tylertown, MS 39667

Magnolia Electric Power business o ce will be closed on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, for

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY

In observance of MLK Day, MEP has joined with Cooperative Energy and will be participating in their Cooperative Day of Service. Employees of MEP will be holding a food drive through Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, as part of the observance. The food collected will help to restock local food pantries. If any MEP member would like to make a donation, please drop your food item o at the o ce.

2025 Magnolia Electric Power Annual Meeting

Preliminary Notice of Annual Meeting of Members

For the purposes of electing directors, hearing and passing upon reports covering the previous ﬁscal year, and transacting such other business, the Annual Meeting of the members of Magnolia Electric Power shall be held in March each year, at such place in one of the counties of Mississippi within which the Association serves. At each Annual Meeting of the members, approximately one-third (1/3) of the total number of directors shall be elected by ballot, by and from the members, to serve for a term of three (3) years as provided by law. By-Laws Governing the Association:

Article IV, Section 4.04. (a) Committee on Nominations. It shall be the duty of the Board to appoint, no less than sixty (60) calendar days nor more than one hundred and twenty (120) calendar days before the date of the meeting of the members at which directors are to be elected, a committee on nominations from each district from which a director is to be elected, consisting of not less than 3 nor more than 5 members who shall be selected from di erent sections of the district so as to insure equitable geographic representation. No existing Association employee, agents, o cers, directors or known candidates for director, and close relatives (as hereinafter deﬁned) or members of the same household of existing association employees, agents, o cers, directors or know candidates for director may serve on such committees. The committees shall receive and consider any written suggestion as to nominees submitted by members of the Association. The committee shall prepare and post at the principal o ce of the Association at least ﬁfty (50) calendar days before the meeting a list of nominations for board members.

(b) Nominations by Petition. Any ﬁfty (50) members acting together may make other nominations by petition and the Secretary shall post at least seventy-ﬁve (75) calendar days before the meeting such nominations at the same place where the list of nominations by the committees are posted. Any petition for nomination shall be submitted on a form designated and provided by the Association. Each member signing such petition shall place thereon the date of signing, address, and account number of the member. The Secretary shall mail with the notice of the meeting or separately a statement of the number of board members to be elected and the names of candidates nominated by the committees and the names of candidates nominated by petition, if any.

Article IV, Section 4.03. Director Qualiﬁcations (Summarized)

1. Active member in good standing of the Association.

2. Bona ﬁde resident of the district from which they are to be elected or must be a permanent and year-round resident within or in close proximity to an area served by the Association that no more than one (1) such person may serve on the Board of Directors at the same time as set out in Section 4.03(e).

Dear Member,

3. Must not be employed by or ﬁnancially interested in a competing enterprise.

4. Must not have been ﬁnally convicted of a felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude.

5. Must not be a relative to the third degree by blood or marriage as deﬁned in Section 4.08 of an employee, incumbent director, or the director being replaced.

6. No person shall take or hold o ce as a director who is the incumbent of or a candidate for any elective public o ce.

7. When a membership is held jointly by a married couple, either one, but not both, may be elected a director.

8. No person shall be eligible to become or remain a director of, or to hold any other position in trust in the Association who does not have the legal capacity to enter into a binding contract.

Article III, Section 3.05. Voting. Each member who is not in a status of suspension as provided for in Section 2.01, shall be entitled to only one vote upon each matter submitted to a vote at any meeting of the members at which a quorum is present. A member may vote in person or by proxy. At a meeting of the members where directors are to be elected, all members present in person or by proxy may cast one vote for each director to be elected; each member may vote their own vote plus those proxies executed in their favor, pursuant to Section 3.07 of these bylaws. Voting by members other than members who are natural persons shall be allowed upon the presentation to the Association, prior to or upon registration at each member, of satisfactory evidence entitling the person presenting same to vote. At all meetings of the members all questions shall be decided by a majority of the members voting thereon, except as otherwise provided by law or by the Association’s Certiﬁcate of Incorporation or these bylaws. Members may not cumulate their votes.

Article III, Section 3.06. Proxies. At all meetings of the members, a member may vote by proxy executed in writing by the member, subject to the provisions hereinafter set forth, provided, however, any member holding and intending to vote a proxy must ﬁle the executed proxy at the Association’s headquarters, not less than ﬁve (5) business days prior to the meeting. The proxy must have entered thereon the account number of the member appointed to vote the proxy. If one person shall receive electric service through two (2) or more meters at di erent premises, he or she shall be entitled to not more than one (1) vote at any meeting of the members. No proxy shall be voted at any meeting of the members unless it shall designate the particular meeting at which it is to be voted, and no proxy shall be voted at any meeting other than the one so designated

This is a preliminary notice of the Annual Meeting of Magnolia Electric Power to be held March 27, 2025, at the Auditorium at Magnolia Electric Power headquarters, which is located at 3027 Highway 98 West, Summit, in Pike County, Mississippi.

At that meeting, directors from Districts Three, Six and Eight are to be elected to three-year terms.

District Three is “all that portion of the certiﬁcated area of the Cooperative which lies north of the south boundary line of Lincoln and Franklin Counties and west of the Illinois Central Railroad Company main line right-of-way and south and west of a line which begins at the intersections of the west line of said Illinois Central Company main line right-of-way and the north boundary of Section 13, Township 6 North, Range 7 East, Lincoln County, Mississippi, and runs thence west to the northwest corner of Section 18, said township and range, thence north to U.S. Highway 84 and south of said U.S. Highway 84, being partly in Franklin County and partly in Lincoln County, Mississippi.

or any adjournment of such meeting. No proxy shall be voted by anyone except a member. No more than ten (10) proxies may be assigned to other members. No restriction shall apply to the number of proxies assigned to the Board of Directors who shall vote the proxies assigned to them according to the will of the majority of the members of the Board of Directors. The presence of a member at a meeting of the members shall revoke a proxy theretofore executed by that member, and such member shall be entitled to vote at such meeting in the same manner and with the same e ect as if the proxy had not been executed. In case of a joint membership, a proxy may be executed by either spouse. The timely presence of either spouse at a meeting of the members shall revoke a proxy theretofore executed by (either of) them and such joint member or members shall be entitled to vote at such meeting in the same manner and with the same e ect as if a proxy had not been executed. A standard proxy form shall be used which identiﬁes the member by name and account number, in order to assure authenticity and facilitate the tabulation of votes. If the proxy form of a member is lost, stolen, or destroyed, the Association shall furnish the member with a replacement proxy form upon request, provided that the member executes a revocation of the lost, stolen or destroyed form, to be witnessed by an employee of the Association. Blank proxy forms will not be distributed in bulk to any member. Only the proxy form issued by the Association shall be valid.

Article III, Section 3.07. Representative Voting. Legal entity organizations and nonlegal entity organizations which are members of the Association may be represented at any meeting of the members and may vote only as follows: (a) any director, o cer or general manager may represent and cast the one vote of a corporation; (b) a trustee, steward, deacon, clerk, or pastor may represent and cast the one vote of a church; (c) a school trustee, principal or superintendent may represent and cast the one vote of a school; (d) or any other association or organization not a legal entity may be represented by and have its one vote cast by any person who is a trustee, or manager or part owner, or any o cer of such association or organization.

Respectfully,

Scott Smith, Secretary

A complete set of bylaws is available at the association’s headquarters upon request.

You will receive o cial notice of the 2025 Annual Meeting in the mail at a later date.

District Six includes “all that portion of the certiﬁcated area of the Cooperative which lies within Pike County and is located north of the boundary line dividing Township 2 North and Township 3 North, all being in Pike County, Mississippi.”

District Eight is described as “all that portion of the certiﬁcated area of the Cooperative which lies within Walthall and Marion Counties, Mississippi, and is located north of the U.S. Highway 98, all being in Walthall and Marion Counties, Mississippi.

In connection with the election of directors scheduled for the meeting, the following members were appointed by the Association’s board, pursuant to Association bylaws, as members of the Nominating Committee:

District Three

Todd Bowlin

Jack Case

Troy K. Lofton

W.I Westbrook

District Six

A.J. Freeman

Larry Hughes

Wendell Johnston

Theresa Lomax

District Eight

Vernon Alford

Milton Dunaway

Larry Holland

Jocile Martin

Regina Nation

of reliable electricity

As we prepare for this rising demand, Monroe County Electric is planning ahead to ensure local families and businesses have access to an a ordable, reliable supply of electricity.

Meeting the challenge

To meet these challenges, Monroe County Electric is utilizing a balanced mix of always-available energy sources as a safeguard to maintain a reliable energy supply. We’re also investing in innovative technologies to bolster grid resilience and enhance data management to improve operational e ciency, expedite outage response times and minimize service disruptions.

As electricity demand in the U.S. continues to rise, upgrading and building new infrastructure will be critical. That’s why Monroe County Electric is collaborating with other electric co-ops by pooling resources and expertise on projects that advance technology, security, infrastructure, and innovative energy sources to meet the increasing needs of our communities.

As a co-op, this collaborative approach is a core strength of Monroe County Electric and enables us to deliver a ordable energy to local families and businesses. Our priority is ensuring energy solutions that are tailored to the unique needs of our community to help it thrive now and in the future.

Monroe County Electric was built by the community it serves, providing essential services that drive growth and pave the way for an energy future that prioritizes reliable electricity at a cost local families and businesses can a ord.

elected oFFicials MEET YOUR 2025 MISSISSIPPI

Monroe County Electric Power Association salutes Mississippi’s senators and representatives who represent our state in Washington, D.C., and at our state capitol in Jackson.

for a job well done to all our representatives and senators who represent constituents residing in our service area.

REEVES Governor DELBERT HOSEMANN Lieutenant Governor

congressional delegation

U.S. SENATORS

CINDY HYDE-SMITH

702 Hart Senate Office Building

Washington, D.C. 20510

ROGER WICKER

425 Russell Senate Office Building

Washington, D.C. 20510

U.S. REPRESENTATIVES

MICHAEL GUEST Third District

450 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515

TRENT KELLY First District 2243 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515

TATE

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SENATE

Rep. Donnie Bell

District 21

Itawamba and Monroe counties

Address

836 Tucker Rd. Fulton, MS 38843

Rep. Kabir Karriem

District 41

Lowndes County

Address

Rep. Andy Boyd

District 37

Clay, Lowndes, and Monroe counties

Rep. Karl Gibbs

District 36

Chickasaw, Clay, Monroe, and Oktibbeha counties

Sen. Hob Bryan

District 7

Itawamba, Lee, and Monroe counties

Address

P.O. Box 1018 Jackson, MS 39215

Rep. Jonathan (Jon) Lancaster

District 22

P.O. Box 1018 Jackson, MS 39215

Chickasaw, Monroe, and Pontotoc counties

Rep. Rickey Thompson

District 16

Chickasaw, Lee, and Monroe counties

Address

191 County Road 301 Shannon, MS 38868

Address

5543 George Walker Rd. West Point, MS 39773

Address 463 CR 85 Houston, MS 38851

Rep. Dana Underwood McLean

District 39

Lowndes and Monroe counties

Address

332 Williamsburg Rd. Columbus, MS 39705

Address

P.O. Box 75 Amory, MS 38821

Sen. Charles A. (Chuck) Younger

District 17

Lowndes, Monroe, and Oktibbeha counties

Address

P.O. Box 1018 Jackson, MS 39215 A free, interactive legislative app for Mississippi

The Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi offers an easy-to-use mobile app of Mississippi’s state and federal elected officials. Look for “ECM Legislative Roster” in the Apple App Store. An Android version is also available through Google Play.

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY AND DEMAND A Balancing Act:

Behind the scenes, a network of people and facilities work together to ensure you have electricity when you flip the switch.

Electricity is generated at a power plant, then sent across the grid to homes, schools and businesses.

The amount of electricity generated and how much is sent to where it’s needed are typically coordinated and monitored by regional grid operators that essentially act as energy traffic managers.

As electricity demand varies throughout the day, grid operators, power plant operators and electric utilities work to forecast, plan and purchase enough electricity for everyone.

Ensuring communities have the exact amount of electricity they need is a challenging task, but behind the scenes, a network of industry experts make it happen every day.

Factors that Impact Electricity Supply and Demand

• Demand Surges

• Extreme Temperatures

• Infrastructure Costs and Availability

• Supply Chain Challenges

• Fuel Costs

• Federal and State Regulations

North East Mississippi ELECTRIC

POWER ASSOCIATION

For more information about Today in Mississippi, contact Sarah Brooke Bishop or Marlin Williams at 662-234-6331.

NORTH EAST POWER CONTINUES TO COMMUNITY serve the

At North East Mississippi Electric Power Association, we’re guided by the Seven Cooperative Principles, including our commitment to Concern for Community. We’re dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. Here’s a look at some of the ways we supported our local communities over the past year:

• NEMEPA partnered with the Tennessee Valley Authority to donate $5,000 Community Cares Fund checks to The Pantry, CASA of North Mississippi, United Way of Northeast Mississippi, and PACT.

• A’Layah Bean, Anna Cooper, Jadon Dishmon, Latham Henderson, Mary Madison Kelley, Drew Knight, Jake Leary, and George Monroe spent a week in Washington, D.C., as part of our Cooperative Youth Leaders Program.

• Teachers from Lafayette, Oxford, Pontotoc, and West Union schools received nearly $5,000 awarded through the NEMEPA, NE SPARC Bright Ideas grant program. Bright Ideas enrich the education of hundreds of children in north Mississippi.

• Four graduating high school seniors were awarded scholarships funded by Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Foundation.

• NE SPARC hosted the ﬁrst SPARC Session to inform members and subscribers about how to better use their ﬁber internet.

• North East Power and NE SPARC continued to partner with community events, like the Double Decker Arts Festival, CASA Superhero 5k, Holly Jolly Holidays, Taste of Oxford, Party on the Green, Community Trunk or Treat, and others.

• North East Power employees donated more than 100 hours volunteering in our local communities for organizations such as Lovepacks, CASA of North Mississippi, the Cattleman’s Association, Salvation Army, local schools, and churches.

• NEMEPA, NE SPARC shared the passion we have for our jobs with over one thousand students at the Oxford-Lafayette Career Fair.

• NEMEPA visited three local elementary schools to share about our jobs and provide safety demonstrations.

North East Power values being part of the local communities we serve. We look forward to doing even more for our area in 2025.

North East Mississippi Electric Power Association hosted the third annual Cooperative University on Oct. 28. High school juniors from four local high schools attended the event to learn about cooperatives and the electric power industry. They also were able to expand their leadership skills.

During the morning session, students heard from Keith Hayward, North East Power’s CEO/general manager, and learned about their local cooperative and the seven cooperative principles. They also explored leadership with Marlin Williams, North East Power’s manager of member services, and participated in a fun team-building exercise to implement their skills.

From there, students learned about the Tennessee Valley Authority and how power is generated, transmitted, and distributed to members of NEMEPA. Students built replica transmission systems and participated in hands-on demonstrations to reinforce what they were taught.

Finally, the students gained an appreciation for our linemen by learning what happens when there is a power outage and why safety is a top priority to us from Aaron Burns, North East Power’s safety coordinator. Students also got to try some of the skills our linemen and ﬁber techs use every day.

From this group, judges selected students to represent North East Power for the Cooperative Youth Leaders program. Those selected will attend a leadership workshop in Jackson in February and a tour of Washington, D.C. in June.

NORTH EAST POWER HOSTS Cooperative University FOR HIGH SCHOOL LEADERS

Meet your 2025 Mississippi Elected O cials

North East Mississippi Electric Power Association salutes Mississippi’s senators and representatives who represent our members at the state capitol in Jackson.

SENATE

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

A free, interactive legislative app for Mississippi

The Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi o ers an easy-to-use mobile app of Mississippi’s state and federal elected o cials.

Look for “ECM Legislative Roster” in the Apple App Store. An Android version is also available through Google Play.

for a job well done to all our representatives and senators who represent constituents residing in our service area.

Sen. Kathy L. Chism District 3: Benton, Marshall, Pontotoc, Prentiss, and Union counties

Sen. Benjamin Suber District 8: Calhoun, Chickasaw, Lafayette, Pontotoc, and Yalobusha counties

Rep. John Faulkner District 5: Benton, Lafayette, and Marshall counties

Rep. Sam J. Creekmore IV District 14: Union County

Rep. Andy Stepp District 23

Andy Stepp passed away Dec. 5, 2024. North East sends condolences to his family, friends, and constituents.

Rep. Josh Hawkins District 10: Lafayette and Panola counties

Rep. Clay Deweese District 12: Lafayette County

Rep. Steve Massengill District 13: Benton, Lafayette, Marshall, Pontotoc, and Union counties

Sen. Nicole Akins Boyd District 9: Lafayette and Panola counties

Sen. Neil Whaley District 10: Lafayette, Marshall, Tate, and Union counties

Rep. Kevin Horan District 34: Carroll, Grenada, Lafayette, and Yalobusha counties

Challenge Accepted

Per usual, I chose to not watch the old year leave and usher in the new. Faith did me well, and 2025 is here. The keyword in this new year will be the same as in 2024: Reliability, Reliability, followed by more Reliability.

The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) recently released its 2025 Winter Reliability Assessment. The news wasn’t promising. Much of North America will be at an elevated risk of energy shortfalls. Cold temperatures a ect natural gas systems, a key fuel to generate electricity. Continued recovery work from fall hurricanes in the Southeast can strain the grid and lead to emergencies. Energy demand is being pushed by increased heating, transportation needs, and new data centers. Meanwhile, generation resources are being retired and are replaced by less desirable alternatives.

This is a nationwide concern, and remedies are already in the judicial system. I’m optimistic that unreasonable Environmental Protection Agency mandates will be “stayed;” however I’m not sure when. Meanwhile, demand for our product continues to increase. Northcentral will stay engaged with TVA and our national trade organization, NRECA, to determine possible solutions. Whether that is conservation, consumer-owned, or Northcentral-owned generation, the continued electriﬁcation of our country is exciting, and we must meet the demand.

Northcentral continues to see demand for our high-speed ﬁber internet service through Northcentral Connect. As we plan the ﬁnal stages of our buildout, we see ourselves serving over 5,000 consumers. It’s a ordable, fast, and brought to you by “folks you know.”

I’ve noticed that when di cult tasks present themselves, that’s when electric cooperatives step up. At Northcentral that’s our intent. We look forward to moving forward and addressing these challenges. As J.P. Morgan said, “The ﬁrst step towards getting somewhere is to decide you’re not going to stay where you are.”

Happy New Year.

Happy Birthday, Elvis.

Stay safe.

by Kevin Doddridge General Manager/CEO

elected oFFicials MEET YOUR 2025 MISSISSIPPI

Northcentral Electric salutes Mississippi’s senators and representatives who represent our state in Washington, D.C., and at our state capitol in Jackson.

NOW AVAILABLE

A free, interactive legislative app for Mississippi

It’s easy to know your elected officials.

SENATE

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Rep. Kimberly Remak District 7: DeSoto County

Rep. Rodney Hall District 20: DeSoto County

Rep. Jeff Hale District 24: DeSoto County

Rep. John T. (Trey) Lamar III District 8: Lafayette and Tate counties

Rep. Justin Keen District 6: DeSoto County

Rep. John Faulkner District 5: Benton, Lafayette, and Marshall counties

Rep. Bill Kinkade District 52: DeSoto and Marshall counties

Sen. David Parker District 2: DeSoto County

Sen. Kevin Blackwell District 19: DeSoto County

Sen. Michael W. McLendon District 1: DeSoto County

Sen. Nicole Akins Boyd District 9: Lafayette and Panola counties

Sen. Neil Whaley District 10: Lafayette, Marshall, Tate, and Union counties

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY AND DEMAND A Balancing Act:

Behind the scenes, a network of people and facilities work together to ensure you have electricity when you flip the switch.

Electricity is generated at a power plant, then sent across the grid to homes, schools and businesses.

The amount of electricity generated and how much is sent to where it’s needed are typically coordinated and monitored by regional grid operators that essentially act as energy traffic managers.

As electricity demand varies throughout the day, grid operators, power plant operators and electric utilities work to forecast, plan and purchase enough electricity for everyone.

Ensuring communities have the exact amount of electricity they need is a challenging task, but behind the scenes, a network of industry experts make it happen every day.

Factors that Impact Electricity Supply and Demand

• Demand Surges

• Extreme Temperatures

• Infrastructure Costs and Availability

• Supply Chain Challenges

• Fuel Costs

• Federal and State Regulations

Employees recognized for service anniversaries

5 YEARS

Shaun Gray

Austin Parrish

Lisa Ramshur

10 YEARS

Gail D. Boggs

Nicholas M. Harrell

15 YEARS

Mika W. Nolen

20 YEARS

Alicia T. Bass

Daniel Bernier

Walter Carpenter

Steven Hunt

Josh Sims

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK AND X

Pearl River Valley Electric is on social media.

Keep up to date with PRVEPA news and receive information on outages.

Simply search for @MyPRVEPA on Facebook and X to follow us.

PAY BILLS or REPORT OUTAGES: 855-2PRVEPA (855-277-8372)

COLUMBIA: 601-736-2666 | HATTIESBURG: 601-264-2458 | PURVIS: 601-794-8051 | WIGGINS: 601-928-7277

Member owned. Locally operated. That’s the cooperative difference. • Visit us online at www.PRVEPA.com.

Thirty Pearl River Valley Electric employees reached years-of-service milestones in 2024. At an employee gathering in November, the honorees were recognized for their e orts, dedication, and service to the Association and its members.

25 YEARS

Denton Henry Bushman, III

Andre Green

Robert “Squirrel” Morris

Tom Silver

Will S. Simmons

Chad Viniard

Lane Vowell

Matthew Ware

30 YEARS

Charles Bass

Randy Duncan

Steve “Hotdog” Hall

Pat Linton

Tim Riggs

Jonathan Roseberry

Michael Frizell Sims

35 YEARS

Ed Green

Donald E. “Bone” Martin

Dana M. Monk

45 YEARS

Keith Armstrong

Pearl River Valley ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION will be closed on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in observance of MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY. A dispatcher will be on duty.

Shaun Gray and Austin Parrish

Andre Green, Robert Morris, Lane Vowell, Tom Silver, Will Simmons, Chad Viniard, and Denny Bushman

Donald Martin, Dana Monk, and Ed Green Keith Armstrong

Chad Bass, Randy Duncan, Pat Linton, Jonathan Roseberry, Tim Riggs, Michael Sims, and Steve Hall

Nicholas Harrell and Gail Boggs

Mika Nolen Daniel Bernier, Alicia Bass, and Josh Sims

MISSISSIPPI ELECTED OFFICIALS MEET YOUR 2025

The Mississippi Legislature convenes in January for the 2025 session.

Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association salutes Mississippi’s senators and representatives who represent our members in Washington, D.C. and at our state capitol in Jackson.

CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION

SENATORS

States Senator ROGER WICKER United States Senator

REPRESENTATIVES

SENATE

District 39: Amite, Franklin, Pike, Lawrence, and Lincoln counties

Address: P.O. Box 729 Brookhaven, MS 39602

Sen. Joey Fillingane

District 41: Covington, Lamar, Marion, and Walthall counties

Address: P.O. Box 1018 Jackson, MS 39215

44: Lamar County

Address: P.O. Box 1018

District 35: Copiah, Je erson Davis, Lawrence, and Simpson counties

Address: P.O. Box 1018 Jackson, MS 39215

Sen. Angela Burks Hill

District 40: Pearl River and Stone counties

Address: P.O. Box 1018 Jackson, MS 39215

District 47: Harrison, Jackson, and

Address: P.O. Box 1018 Jackson, MS 39215

43:

Address: P.O. Box 1090 Leakesville, MS 39451

Sen. Chris Johnson

District 45: Forrest and Perry counties

Address: P.O. Box 18247 Hattiesburg, MS 39404

Sen. Dennis DeBar, Jr.

District

George, Greene, and Wayne counties

Sen. Jason Barrett

Sen. Andy Berry

Sen. John A. Polk

District

Jackson, MS 39215

Sen. Joseph M. “Mike” Seymour

Stone counties

CINDY HYDE-SMITH United

TRENT KELLY First District

MICHAEL GUEST Third District

BENNIE G. THOMPSON Second District

MIKE EZELL Fourth District

AVAILABLE

A free, interactive legislative app for Mississippi

It’s easy to know your elected o cials.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Rep. Elliot Burch

District 105: George, Greene, and Perry counties

Address: P.O. Box 1215 Lucedale, MS 39452

Rep. Larry Byrd

District 104: Forrest County

Address: 17 Byrd Rd. Petal, MS 39465

Rep. Ronald Steve Lott

District 107: George and Stone counties

Address: 125 Ashton Dr. Lucedale, MS 39452 Rep. Vince Mangold

District 53: Franklin, Lawrence, Lincoln, and Pike counties

Address: P.O. Box 1018 Jackson, MS 39215

Bob Evans

District 91: Covington, Je erson Davis, Lawrence, and Simpson counties

Address: P.O. Box 636 Monticello, MS 39654

Rep. Kenneth “Kent” McCarty

District 101: Lamar County

Address: 13 Leaf Ln. Hattiesburg, MS 39402

Jansen Owen

District 106: Lamar and Pearl River counties

Address: P.O. Box 249 Poplarville, MS 39470

Rep. Bill Pigott

District 99: Lamar, Lawrence, Marion, and Walthall counties

Address: 92 Pigott Easterling Rd. Tylertown, MS 39667

Rep. Noah Sanford

District 90: Covington, Forrest, Je erson Davis, Jones, and Simpson counties

Address: P.O. Box 1900 Collins, MS 39428

Je rey Guice

District 114: Jackson County

Address: 1208 Iola Rd. Ocean Springs, MS 39564

Rep. Missy Warren McGee

District 102: Forrest and Lamar counties

Address: P.O. Box 19089 Hattiesburg, MS 39404

Rep. Joseph “Bubba” Tubb

District 87: Forrest and Lamar counties

Address: 6597 Highway 98 Suite B Hattiesburg, MS 39042

Timmy Ladner

District 93: Hancock, Pearl River, and Stone counties

Address: P.O. Box 1018 Jackson, MS 39215

Rep. Ken Morgan

District 100: Lamar and Marion counties

Address: 1640 Hwy. 587 Morgantown, MS 39483

Percy W. Watson

District 103: Forrest County

Address: P.O. Box 1767 Hattiesburg, MS 39401

Rep.

Round Up for Education scholarship winners

This year, 185 students who live in PRVEPA’s 12-county service area received Round Up for Education Scholarship awards for the fall 2024 semester. Of those receiving scholarships, Pearl River Community College had 110 students, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College had 31, and Jones College had 26. PRVEPA honored those students at the PRCC, MGCCC, and Jones College campuses.

Round Up for Education Scholarships also went to an additional 18 students attending six other state community colleges. Each student received $800.

Thank you to all the members who are supporting the Round Up program and helping to improve the quality of life for everyone living in the communities we serve. After 12 years, 2,354 students have received over $1.7 million in scholarships. Since the programs start, nearly $2.5 million has been collected and deposited in an account overseen by the Pine Belt Foundation. The 2025 Round Up for Education Scholarship application is now available online at www.prvepa.com.

Completed applications must be postmarked or emailed by Aug. 8.

Scholarship recipients must be a PRVEPA member, spouse, or child of a member participating in the Round Up program.

Recipients must be full time (12 hours or more per semester) freshmen students enrolled in academic or career-technical programs.

Scholarship funds will be credited to each student’s college account — no checks will be issued to individuals.

Scholarships should be awarded by the end of September. Students must be enrolled in good standing at the time funds are released to the colleges.

BRUCE 662-983-2727 • Fax: 662-983-1335

PONTOTOC 662-489-3211 • Fax: 662-489-5156

P.O. Drawer 718 • 12 South Main Street, Pontotoc, MS 38863

P.O. Box 415 • 129 South Newberger Street, Bruce, MS 38915

Start 2025 with Energy Savings

by Jennifer Johnson

If you find yourself looking to make saving energy (and money!) a priority in 2025, we’ve got some tips to help you out!

· Purchase a water heater jacket or blanket – it can reduce stand-by heat loss by up to 45%, and it’s an inexpensive project.

· Put your slow cooker to use for easy meals that use less energy. Slow cookers are one of the most energy-e cient appliances. (And see our recipes in this issue for some great slow cooker recipes to get you started!)

· Wash with cold water using a cold-water detergent and try to wash full loads if possible.

· Use LED bulbs in your home. They use about 75% less electricity than incandescent bulbs, and they have a longer lifespan. That means fewer trips to the store to purchase more bulbs!

· Reverse your ceiling fan’s direction if possible. This distributes warm air evenly in the winter. And while you’re at it, make sure those blades are clean. They can lower the fan’s airﬂow and use more power if they have dust and grime on them.

· Use curtains or blinds on your windows in your home. You can manage the sunlight and heat coming into your home through them by the time of year.

· If you have a ﬁreplace, remember to close the damper when you are not burning a ﬁre. Otherwise, your chimney will pull the warm air out of your house. This can cause your HVAC system to work harder and cost you money.

· Caulking unsealed air leaks is an easy way to save energy. Every little bit helps!

Then

Now vs.

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) started its journey in rural electriﬁcation by setting its ﬁrst pole to serve rural areas in Pontotoc County. A holiday was declared in Pontotoc, and hundreds took part in the pole-raising ceremony. Today, PEPA maintains more than 1,700 miles of lines and serves more than 20,000 customers.

January 22, 1934 January 2025

ELECTED OFFICIALS MEET YOUR 2025 MISSISSIPPI

Pontotoc Electric Power Association salutes Mississippi’s senators and representatives who represent our state in Washington, D.C. and at our state capitol in Jackson. TATE

CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION

A free, interactive legislative app for Mississippi

SENATE

Sen. Nicole Akins Boyd

District 9: Lafayette and Panola counties

Address:

P.O. Box 1018 Jackson, MS 39215

Sen. Kathy L. Chism

District 3: Benton, Marshall, Pontotoc, Prentiss, and Union counties

Address: 1506 Moss Hill Drive New Albany, MS 38652

Sen. Benjamin A. Suber

District 8: Calhoun, Chickasaw, Lafayette, Pontotoc, and Yalobusha counties

Address:

P.O. Box 8 Bruce, MS 38915

Sen. Neil Whaley

District 10: Lafayette, Marshall, Tate, and Union counties

Address: P.O. Box 1018 Jackson, MS 39215

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Rep. Sam Creekmore

District 14: Union County

Address: 1315 South Central Avenue New Albany, MS 38652

Rep. Steve Massengill

District 13: Benton, Lafayette, Marshall, Pontotoc, and Union counties

Address: 1322 Hwy. 5 Hickory Flat, MS 38633

Rep. Jerry Turner

District 18: Lee and Prentiss counties

Address: 1290 Carrollville Ave. Baldwyn, MS 38826

Sen. Chad McMahan

District 6: Itawamba and Lee counties

Address:

P.O. Box 1018 Jackson, MS 39215

Rep. Jonathan “Jon” Lancaster

District 22: Chickasaw, Monroe, and Pontotoc counties

Address: 463 CR 85 Houston, MS 38851

Rep. Andy Stepp

District 23

Andy Stepp passed away on Dec. 5, 2024. Pontotoc Electric sends condolences to his family, friends, and constituents.

Rep. Beth Luther Waldo

District 15: Pontotoc County

Address:

4004 Highway 9 South Pontotoc, MS 38863

Enjoy these great recipes from your friends at pepa!

Did you know January is slow-cooker month? Try these great recipes to save yourself some time in the kitchen. You could save some energy costs too!

apple-dijon pork roast

INGREDIENTS

1 boneless pork loin roast (about 2-3 pounds)

1 can (14.5 ounces) chicken broth

1 cup unsweetened apple juice

½ cup Dijon mustard

6 tablespoons cornstarch

6 tablespoons cold water

Coarsely ground black pepper, optional

Place roast in a 5-qt. slow cooker. In a small bowl, combine the broth, apple juice, and mustard and pour over roast. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or until tender. Remove roast and keep warm. For gravy, strain cooking juices and skim fat. Pour juices into small saucepan. Combine cornstarch and water until smooth and gradually stir into juices. Bring to boil and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes. Serve with pork. If desired, top with ground pepper.

slow-cooker buffalo chicken dip

INGREDIENTS

2 packages cream cheese, softened

½ cup ranch salad dressing

½ cup sour cream

5 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese

2 cups shredded cooked chicken

INGREDIENTS

1 32-ounce bag of cube potato hashbrowns

1 32-ounce chicken broth

1 package dry ranch seasoning

1 can cream of chicken soup, do not dilute

1 8-ounce package of cream cheese, cubed

Place ﬁrst four ingredients into slow cooker. Cook for 4-6 hours. Add cubed cream cheese and cook for about 30 more minutes. Serve with bacon pieces, sour cream, shredded cheese, and green onions.

½ cup Bu alo wing sauce

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 green onion, sliced

Tortilla chips and assorted fresh veggies

In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, dressing, sour cream, and blue cheese. Transfer to a slow cooker. Layer with chicken, wing sauce, and 1 cup cheddar cheese. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours or until heated through. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheese and green onions. Serve with tortilla chips and veggies.

pineappple-cherry dump cake

INGREDIENTS

¾ cup butter, divided

2⁄3 cup packed brown sugar

1 16-ounce jar maraschino cherries, drained

½ chopped pecans, toasted

1 can (20 ounce) unsweetened pineapple tidbits, undrained 1 package yellow cake mix

In a microwave, melt ½ cup butter. Stir in brown sugar. Spread evenly onto bottom of greased 5-qt. slow cooker. Sprinkle with cherries and pecans. Top with pineapple. Sprinkle evenly with dry cake mix. Melt remaining butter and drizzle over top.

Cook on high for 2 hours or until fruit mixture is bubbly. To avoid scorching, rotate slow-cooker insert a half turn midway through cooking, lifting carefully with oven mitts. Turn o slow cooker. Let cake stand uncovered for 30 minutes before serving. A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs great with this!

will be closed on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in

A Pontotoc Electric dispatcher is on duty 24-hours a day, seven days a week. To report a power outage a er hours or during the holiday, please call 662-489-6711 for Pontotoc and 662-983-2727 for Bruce.

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR CEO

Energy savings in winter

With January typically being one of the coldest months of the year, we all need to think about our winter power bills. Believe it or not, it is possible to keep your energy use in check and maintain your power bill in cold weather. Being aware of what contributes to higher electric bills helps us take action to reduce the winter impact. Cold weather can cause higher electric bills because it takes more energy to heat a home than to cool one – especially in extended and extreme cold. Heating your home in winter makes up around 50% of your electric bill. Paying attention to your heating habits makes a tremendous di erence.

Setting your thermostat to 68 degrees or as low as comfortably possible is a good ﬁrst step. Keep in mind that whatever your thermostat is set to, your heating system’s job is to maintain that temperature. If the outside temperature is 20 degrees and your thermostat is set to 68, your heating system will run considerably more to make up the 48-degree di erence and keep your home warm.

When increasing the temperature in your home, it is recommended to do it one-to-two degrees at a time. Doing this lets the heating unit catch up without causing auxiliary heat to turn on. Programmable thermostats are a great tool used by many members to automatically adjust the temperature, even when no one is home. Replace your air ﬁlter regularly to improve your heating system’s performance.

Other actions to help reduce energy use include applying weatherstripping around doors, caulking around windows, and making sure your attic ductwork and insulation are in good condition. Opening curtains during the day to allow sunlight in and wearing layers of clothing are free things that can help and keep you from moving the thermostat temperature up.

Singing River Electric is your partner for energy savings and o ers energy tips, energy calculators, and other member resources on our website at singingriver. com/ways-to-save. To ﬁnd out where you can save, take a few minutes to go through the site and see what actions you can take now to help next month’s electricity bill.

by Brian Hughey

Notice of Singing River Electric Director Qualiﬁcation Period

Candidates seeking election to Singing River Electric Cooperative’s board of directors must visit Singing River Electric’s Lucedale office located at 11187 Old 63 South to obtain a director qualification packet. Completed forms and petitions must be returned to the Lucedale office by 5 p.m. on the last business day of February (Friday, February 28, 2025).

Energy calculators

As we enter the new year, use our online energy calculators to better understand how energy is being consumed in your home and work toward a more energy-e cient home.

Our Residential Energy Advisor lets you conduct a Virtual Energy Assessment of your home. This calculator evaluates your home and provides several ways to reduce your electric bill. The results break down each aspect of your home and provide a monetary amount of savings that could be captured by following the recommendations provided.

The appliance calculator shows how much your appliances are costing you, while the lighting calculator shows savings available for lighting improvements.

The Energy Basics section is great resource to learn some basics about electricity and to better understand just about any aspect of your home’s electricity use. The residential energy library o ers information about bill information, energy audits, heating and cooling, and more.

To access all the energy calculators, visit singingriver.com/ways-to-save.

Pathways 2 Possibilities

At the Pathways2Possibilities (P2P) Career Expo held November 20-21 in Biloxi, more than 7,000 8th graders from area schools explored career interests and learned about many career ﬁelds.

In the Energy Pathway, Singing River Electric employees helped students with true hands-on experiences like climbing a power pole and framing a pole – all while wearing rubber lineman gloves. The students also asked and answered mock questions at the member service representative booth and learned about ﬁber internet splicing from our Singing River Connect ﬁber technicians.

COOPERATIVE PRINCIPLE NO. 4 EDUCATION, TRAINING AND INFORMATION

The power of working together

Singing River Electric and 10 other Mississippi electric cooperatives get their power from Cooperative Energy, a cooperative that generates electricity and then delivers that electricity to our substations. Because these 12 cooperatives are joined together as one mutual source of power, your service is more reliable and more a ordable than it would be if each system operated alone.

In much the same way, Cooperative Energy is part of MISO, an even larger network of power companies across the U.S. and Canada. Working together, these companies produce electricity for everyone from Mississippi to Manitoba at the lowest possible cost and make sure electricity is readily available.

Meet your 2025 Mississippi Elected O cials

The Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi o ers a free, easy-to-use mobile app, which provides information on Mississippi’s state and federal elected o cials. Look for “ECM Legislative Roster” in the Apple App Store. An Android version is also available through Google Play.

Sen. Jeremy

Sen. Brice Wiggins District

Sen. Scott Delano

Sen. Dennis DeBar, Jr.

Sen. Robin Robinson

Rep. Manly Barton

Rep. Henry B. “Hank” Zuber III

Rep. Jimmy Fondren District 111: Jackson County

Concern for Community: The Cooperative Di erence

At Southern Pine Electric, we believe in the power of community. It’s not just a word to us—it’s a core part of who we are. One of the seven cooperative principles, Concern for Community, guides us every day as we work to make a positive impact on the lives of our members and the places we serve.

Our commitment to community is year-round, but each January, we come together in a special way for the Cooperative Day of Service. This day is a chance for us to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who once said, “Everybody can be great because everybody can serve.” King’s words remind us that greatness is found in serving others, no matter how big or small the action may seem.

During the Cooperative Day of Service, our employees roll up their sleeves to help local schools, food banks, and non-proﬁts. It’s one way we give back, and we’re proud to play a small part in making our communities better. But the truth is, the work doesn’t stop there—and it’s not just about us. It’s about all of you, our members, who make your communities stronger every day.

Thank you for everything you do to support your neighbors, whether it’s lending a hand, sharing a kind word, or volunteering your time. And for those who aren’t sure where to start, I encourage you to ﬁnd one small way to make a di erence. Pick up trash at a local park, donate canned goods, or simply check in on an elderly neighbor. Every act of service matters, and together, we can create a ripple e ect of kindness and care.

At Southern Pine, we are proud to stand alongside you in strengthening our communities. Let’s continue working together to make them brighter, stronger, and more united than ever.

by Chris K. Rhodes

President/CEO Southern Pine Electric

Southern Pine Electric salutes Mississippi’s senators and representatives who represent our state in Washington, D.C. and at our state capitol in Jackson.

CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION

SENATORS

CINDY HYDE-SMITH

United States Senator

ROGER WICKER

United States Senator

REPRESENTATIVES

TRENT KELLY Congressional First District

MICHAEL GUEST Congressional Third District

Congressional Second District

Congressional Fourth District

SIGN

UP FOR MYPOWER TODAY

SENATE

We use Facebook, X and Instagram to post information on how to become more energy efficient, safety tips and to inform members about special events throughout the year. During weather-related events, these sites provide storm preparation details and outage information.

However, social media is not the most efficient means to report an outage, as itis not monitored 24-7.

MyPower is an online tool that allows members to check energy use, view previous bills and set a monthly electricity-use budget. The site also provides an easy-to-use method for reporting an outage and allows you to email questions or comments to Southern Pine. To sign up for MyPower, visit southernpine.coop and click on the MyPower icon in the center of the home page.

BENNIE G. THOMPSON

MIKE EZELL

Sen. Dean Kirby District 30: Rankin County

Sen. Jason Barrett District 39: Amite, Franklin, Lawrence, Pike, and Lincoln counties

Sen. Andy Berry District 35: Copiah, Jefferson Davis, Lawrence, and Simpson counties

Sen. Juan Barnett District 34: Forrest, Jasper, and Jones counties

Sen. Joey Fillingane District 41: Covington, Lamar, Marion, and Walthall counties

Sen. Chris Johnson District 45: Forrest and Perry counties

Sen. Tyler McCaughn District 31: Lauderdale, Newton, Rankin, and Scott counties

Sen. Albert Butler District 37: Adams, Franklin, Claiborne, Copiah, Hinds, and Jefferson counties

Sen. Brian Rhodes District 36: Rankin and Smith counties

Sen. Josh Harkins District 20: Rankin County

NOW AVAILABLE

A free, interactive legislative app for Mississippi

The Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi o ers an easy-to-use mobile app of Mississippi’s state and federal elected officials. Look for “ECM Legislative Roster” in the Apple App Store. An Android version is also available through Google Play.

It’s easy to know your elected officials.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

for a job well done to all our representatives and senators who represent constituents residing in our service area!

Rep. Omeria Scott District 80: Clarke, Jasper, and Jones counties

Rep. Steve Horne District 81: Clarke, Lauderdale, and Newton counties

Rep. Becky Currie District 92: Copiah, Lawrence, and Lincoln counties

Rep. Billy Adam Calvert District 83: Kemper, Lauderdale, and Newton counties

Rep. Troy Smith District 84: Clarke, Jasper, and Newton counties

Rep. Gene Newman District 61: Rankin County

Rep. Gregory Holloway Sr. District 76: Copiah and Hinds counties

Rep. Price Wallace District 77: Rankin and Simpson counties

Rep. Lance Varner District 62: Copiah, Rankin, and Simpson counties

Rep. Zakiya Summers District 68: Hinds and Rankin counties

Rep. Kenji Holloway District 27: Attala, Leake, Madison, and Scott counties

Rep. Noah Sanford District 90: Covington, Forrest, Jefferson Davis, Jones, and Simpson counties

Rep. Celeste Hurst District 75: Madison, Rankin, and Scott counties

Rep. Bob Evans District 91: Covington, Jefferson Davis, Lawrence, and Simpson counties

Rep. Fred Shanks District 60: Rankin County

Rep. Randy Rushing District 78: Leake, Newton, and Scott counties

Rep. Mark Tullos District 79: Jasper, Rankin, Scott, and Smith counties

Rep. Percy Watson District 103: Forrest County

Rep. Lee Yancey District 74: Rankin County

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

Southern Pine Electric welcomed hundreds of members to its Annual Membership Meeting on Nov. 14, 2024, celebrating 86 years of powering our communities. President and CEO Chris Rhodes shared an update on the cooperative’s accomplishments over the past year, highlighting the ongoing commitment to balancing reliability and a ordability.

Doors opened at 10 a.m., inviting members to enjoy a delicious brunch, connect with Southern Pine employees, and explore various booths, including Member Spotlight exhibits. Covington County Hospital o ered free health screenings, while Lowe’s hosted a special weatherization tent outside, providing tips on how to winterize homes and save money.

The business meeting began at 11 a.m., during which four dedicated directors were re-elected to serve another term: David Tadlock of Scott County, Billy “Mickey” Berry of Simpson County, Je ery Sims of Forrest County, and Haskins Montgomery of Jasper County.

The event wasn’t just about business—it was a time of connection and celebration. Members and employees enjoyed visiting with one another, and several lucky members won free electricity for their homes. The highlight of the day — one fortunate member drove home in a retired Southern Pine ﬂeet truck!

Southern Pine’s Annual Membership Meeting showcased the spirit of cooperation and community that has deﬁned the cooperative for over eight decades.

Student Winners

ART CONTEST

Southern Pine held a student art contest in October, and we are excited to announce the winners of the Student Art Contest! Students competed in three categories: 7th-8th grade, 9th-10th grade, and 11th-12th grade.

Congratulations to our talented winners: Massey Sims (7th-8th grade), Dakota Evans (9th-10th grade), and Alexis Evans (11th-12th grade). Each received a $50 gift card in recognition of their creativity.

A special congratulations goes to Addison Barry, a junior at Simpson Academy, who was awarded the grand prize—a $250 Visa gift card—for her remarkable piece titled Lighting Up the World. Addison’s artwork will be proudly displayed at our Taylorsville District o ce for the next year, and all entries were showcased at our Annual Meeting on Nov. 14.

Be sure to check out these amazing works!

ADDISON BARRY — Grand Prize Winner

EMPLOYEES EARN SERVICE AWARDS

Every December, Southwest Electric recognizes our employees and their years of service to our cooperative’s Members. In December 2024, 11 employees were recognized and received awards noting their years of service.

elected oFFicials MEET YOUR 2025 MISSISSIPPI

Southwest Electric salutes Mississippi’s senators and representatives who represent our state in Washington, D.C. and at our state capitol in Jackson.

TATE REEVES Governor DELBERT HOSEMANN Lieutenant Governor

for a job well done to all our representatives and senators who represent constituents residing in our service area.

congressional delegation

U.S. SENATORS

CINDY HYDE-SMITH

702 Hart Senate O ce Building

Washington, D.C. 20510

ROGER WICKER

425 Russell Senate O ce Building Washington, D.C. 20510

U.S. REPRESENTATIVES

BENNIE THOMPSON Second District 2466 Rayburn House O ce Building

Washington, D.C. 20515

MICHAEL GUEST

Third District

450 Cannon House O ce Building

Washington, D.C. 20515

NOW AVAILABLE

A free, interactive legislative app for Mississippi

SENATE

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Rep. Becky Currie District 92: Copiah, Lawrence, and Lincoln counties

Rep. Vince Mangold District 53: Franklin, Lawrence, Lincoln, and Pike counties

Rep. Robert L. Johnson, III District 94: Adams, Franklin, and Je erson counties

Rep. Sam C. Mims, V District 97: Adams, Amite, Franklin, and Pike counties

Rep. Angela Cockerham District 96: Adams, Amite, Pike, and Wilkinson counties

Rep. Stephanie Foster District 63: Hinds County

Rep. Gregory L. Holloway, Sr. District 76: Copiah and Hinds counties

Rep. Je ery Harness District 85: Claiborne, Franklin, Je erson, and Warren counties

Sen. Gary Brumﬁeld District 38: Adams, Amite, Pike, Walthall, and Wilkinson counties

Sen. Albert Butler, Sr. District 37: Adams, Claiborne, Copiah, Franklin, Hinds, and Je erson counties

Sen. Jason Barrett District 39: Amite, Franklin, Lawrence, Lincoln, and Pike counties

Did you know you can use the sun to help heat your house?

During the day, open up those curtains and blinds to let the warmth from the sunshine stream in. This can reduce the workload on your heating system. But at night, make sure to close things back up. Closing the blinds and curtains keeps the cozy warmth inside.

Seal those pesky air leaks around doors, windows and other utility openings with caulk or weatherstripping. This helps keep the warm air in and the cold air out. Don't forget hard-to-reach spots like behind cabinets and around chimneys and light ﬁxtures. A few simple DIY ﬁxes can make a big di erence in comfort and energy savings.

S PACE HE ATER cost & safety

Have you wondered how much a space heater costs to run a month?

$4 per day

$120 per month 30 days

Imagine running several space heaters at the same time and consider how much they can contribute to your monthly bill. Try running them as little as possible and remember to follow the manufacturer’s safety precautions, as they can be very hazardous if used improperly.

Follow these safety tips when using space heaters:

• Keep ﬂammable items away from the heater

• Establish a 3-foot perimeter to prevent injuries to children and pets

• Turn it o when you leave the room and when you go to bed

• Monitor to ensure that it does not overheat

of reliable electricity

As we prepare for this rising demand, Twin County Electric is planning ahead to ensure local families and businesses have access to an a ordable, reliable supply of electricity.

Meeting the challenge

To meet these challenges, Twin County Electric is utilizing a balanced mix of always-available energy sources as a safeguard to maintain a reliable energy supply. We’re also investing in innovative technologies to bolster grid resilience and enhance data management to improve operational e ciency, expedite outage response times and minimize service disruptions.

As electricity demand in the U.S. continues to rise, upgrading and building new infrastructure will be critical. That’s why Twin County is collaborating with other electric co-ops by pooling resources and expertise on projects that advance technology, security, infrastructure, and innovative energy sources to meet the increasing needs of our communities.

As a co-op, this collaborative approach is a core strength of Twin County and enables us to deliver a ordable energy to local families and businesses. Our priority is ensuring energy solutions that are tailored to the unique needs of our community to help it thrive now and in the future.

Twin County Electric was built by the community it serves, providing essential services that drive growth and pave the way for an energy future that prioritizes reliable electricity at a cost local families and businesses can a ord.

Manager by Leslie Holloway

MISSISSIPPI elected oFFicials MEET YOUR 2025

Twin County Electric Power Association salutes Mississippi’s senators and representatives who represent our state in Washington, D.C., and at our state capitol in Jackson.

congressional delegation

U.S. SENATORS

TATE REEVES Governor DELBERT HOSEMANN Lieutenant Governor

ROGER

BENNIE

NOW AVAILABLE

It’s

easy to know your elected o cials.

SENATE

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Sen. Derrick T. Simmons District 12: Bolivar, Coahoma, and Washington counties

Rep. Timaka James-Jones District 51: Holmes, Humphreys, Leflore, Sharkey, and Yazoo counties

Rep. John W. Hines Sr. District 50: Bolivar, Issaquena, and Washington counties

Rep. Kevin Ford District 54: Issaquena, Warren, and Yazoo counties

Rep. Willie L. Bailey District 49: Washington County

Sen. Joseph Thomas District 22: Humphreys, Madison, Sharkey, and Yazoo counties

Sen. W. Briggs Hopson III District 23: Issaquena, Madison, Warren, and Yazoo counties

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY AND DEMAND A Balancing Act:

Behind the scenes, a network of people and facilities work together to ensure you have electricity when you flip the switch.

Electricity is generated at a power plant, then sent across the grid to homes, schools and businesses.

The amount of electricity generated and how much is sent to where it’s needed are typically coordinated and monitored by regional grid operators that essentially act as energy traffic managers.

As electricity demand varies throughout the day, grid operators, power plant operators and electric utilities work to forecast, plan and purchase enough electricity for everyone.

Ensuring communities have the exact amount of electricity they need is a challenging task, but behind the scenes, a network of industry experts make it happen every day.

Factors that Impact Electricity Supply and Demand

• Demand Surges

• Extreme Temperatures

• Infrastructure Costs and Availability

• Supply Chain Challenges

• Fuel Costs

• Federal and State Regulations

Yazoo Legislative Breakfast

Yazoo County, Yazoo City elected o cials, and other local leaders welcome state lawmakers representing the region for a Legislative Breakfast to discuss priorities for the community. Local elected o cials were joined by business and civic leaders to discuss their priorities and share information with state lawmakers. Ron McMaster with McMaster and Associates presented details about the proposed $16 million Lake George Bridge Replacement Project, and city and county o cials shared their ideas to improve the community. Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association expressed support for potential growth in the county and will be prepared to provide reliable power when needed.

Pictured from left are (front) District 4 Supervisor Joseph Thomas Jr., Yazoo City Mayor David Starling Jr., Eden Mayor Lekisha Hogan, District 4 Supervisor David Peyton, District 2 Supervisor David Berry, (second row) Graham Helton, Susan Cartwright Guion, District 1 Supervisor Lee Moore, State Rep. Timaka James-Jones, (third row) State Rep. Kevin Ford, State Sen. Joseph Thomas Sr., Ward 4 Alderwoman Elizabeth Thomas, State Rep. Bryant Clark, (back) Ron McMaster, Sam Martin, Jonathan Henry, Ron Barton, and Dr. Ken Barron

Yazoo City Mayor David Starling Jr. talks about the need for funding to clean up dilapidated properties in the city and increased support for local law enforcement.

Joseph Thomas Jr, president of the Yazoo County Board of Supervisors, talks about priorities for Yazoo County.

Ron McMaster with McMaster and Associates shares details about the Lake George Bridge Replacement Project.

District 1 Supervisor Lee Moore, Ward 4 Alderwoman Elizabeth Thomas and Jason Patterson with Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association

elected oFFicials MEET YOUR 2025 MISSISSIPPI

Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association salutes Mississippi’s senators and representatives who represent our state in Washington, D.C., and at our state capitol in Jackson.

for a job well done to all our representatives and senators who represent constituents residing in our service area.

Governor

DELBERT HOSEMANN Lieutenant Governor

congressional delegation

U.S. SENATORS

CINDY HYDE-SMITH

702 Hart Senate O ce Building Washington, D.C. 20510

ROGER WICKER

425 Russell Senate O ce Building Washington, D.C. 20510

U.S. REPRESENTATIVES

MICHAEL GUEST Third District 450 Cannon House

BENNIE THOMPSON Second District 2466 Rayburn House O ce Building

D.C. 20515

TATE REEVES

NOW AVAILABLE

A free, interactive legislative app for

Mississippi

It’s easy to know your elected o cials.

SENATE

Sen. W. Briggs Hopson III District 23: Issaquena, Madison, Warren, and Yazoo counties

P.O. Box 105

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Rep. Lawrence Blackmon

District 57: Madison and Yazoo counties Address:

P.O. Box 1018 Jackson, MS 39215

Rep. Kevin Ford

District 54: Issaquenna, Warren, and Yazoo counties

MS 39183

Rep. Bryant W. Clark District 47: Attala, Holmes, and Yazoo counties

Clark Rd. Pickens, MS 39146

Rep. Timaka James-Jones District 51: Holmes, Humphreys, Leﬂore, Sharkey, and Yazoo counties

Rep. Oscar Denton

55: Warren County

Sen. Bradford Blackmon

District 21: Attala, Holmes, Leake, and Madison counties

Sen. Joseph Thomas District 22: Humphreys, Madison, Sharkey, and Yazoo counties

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY AND DEMAND A Balancing Act:

Behind the scenes, a network of people and facilities work together to ensure you have electricity when you flip the switch.

Electricity is generated at a power plant, then sent across the grid to homes, schools and businesses.

The amount of electricity generated and how much is sent to where it’s needed are typically coordinated and monitored by regional grid operators that essentially act as energy traffic managers.

As electricity demand varies throughout the day, grid operators, power plant operators and electric utilities work to forecast, plan and purchase enough electricity for everyone.

Ensuring communities have the exact amount of electricity they need is a challenging task, but behind the scenes, a network of industry experts make it happen every day.

Factors that Impact Electricity Supply and Demand

• Demand Surges

• Extreme Temperatures

• Infrastructure Costs and Availability

• Supply Chain Challenges

• Fuel Costs

• Federal and State Regulations

Dedication and a willingness to serve

We did it. We made it to a new year.

We also made it through a presidential election.

So, it’s a time for new beginnings.

One of those beginnings is the opportunity for our elected state leaders to do the business of the people.

Our January 2025 issue of the magazine is our annual legislative issue.

Readers can ﬁnd the senators and representatives who represent our members in Jackson on the local pages of our publication.

The inclusion of the legislative pages is a public service we take seriously each year.

For our cover story this month, we decided to visit with two of our longest serving Mississippi lawmakers.

State Sen. Dean Kirby (R-Pearl) and State Rep. Percy Watson (D-Hattiesburg) have been serving their constituents for decades.

That kind of public service takes dedication, commitment, and a robust desire to aid Mississippi’s residents.

Watson has been a state representative for 45 years while Kirby will mark 34 years on the job this year.

Not only do these two legislative veterans call each other friend, they have a special

relationship with the state’s electric cooperatives.

Watson has constituents that are members of Pearl River Valley Electric and Dixie Electric. Kirby counts members of Southern Pine Electric as constituents. Kirby also serves as a board member for Southern Pine.

Kirby and Watson serve as sincere examples of the best in state leadership — an assertion proven by their continued re-elections over the years.

We hope the new legislative session that kicks o this month is one of hard work, compromise, and aligned visions designed to move Mississippi forward.

Happy New Year from the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi.

We hope you enjoy this issue.

by Michael Callahan

Executive Vice President/CEO

Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi

Send us a photo of a favorite homemade dessert. The photos must be high-resolution JPG ﬁles of at least 1 MB in size. Please send the photo as an attachment to an email to news@ecm.coop.

Each entry must be accompanied by photographer or sender’s name, address, and co-op.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Feb. 28. Select photos will appear in the April 2025 issue.

American music is a truly global phenomenon, but its roots trace back to one place—Mississippi. Over 100 years ago, in the Mississippi Delta, the blues ignited a music revolution that would give rise to rock ‘n’ roll, gospel, country, and R&B while inﬂuencing genres from jazz to hip hop. And the story continues today. In Mississippi, you can explore the lives and legacies of icons like B.B. King, Elvis Presley, and Muddy Waters at music museums and on the Blues and Country Music Trails, or catch today’s rising stars at juke joints, music clubs, and theaters across the state. Learn more at VisitMississippi.org/Music.

Listen to the “Birthplace of America’s Music” playlist on Spotify.

The Crossroads | Clarksdale, Mississippi