Today in Mississippi February 2019 Local Pages by American MainStreet Publications

News for members of Electric Cooperatives in Mississippi

Healthy living

Periodical postage (ISSN 1052 2433)

pages 4-5

Traveling the Blues Trail

Collards gain 2019 Medallion award

Get heart healthy with DASH plan

10 I Today in Mississippi

February 2019

Central Electric

A tradition of dependable, hometown service since 1937

Power Association

Annual Meeting of the Membership

Annual Meeting on Tuesday, March 19 Central Electric Power Association will hold its Annual Meeting of the Membership on March 19 at the Carthage Coliseum, Highway 16 East in Carthage. In accordance with the laws of the State of Mississippi and the bylaws of the Association, four directors will be elected for three year terms. Members will elect one director from Leake County, one director from Neshoba County, one director from Newton County, and one minority member at large. Committee on Nominations: A summary of Section 4.04, Committee on Nominations, of the association bylaws states: It shall be the duty of the Board to appoint not less than thirty (30) days nor more than sixty (60) days before the date of a meeting of the Members at which the Board members are to be elected, a Committee of Nominations consisting of three (3) members who shall be selected from the given areas from which the Board members are to be elected as to ensure equitable representation. No existing Cooperative employees, agents, officers, directors or known candidates for director, and close relatives (as hereinafter defined) or members of the same household of existing Cooperative employees,

agents, officers, directors of known candidates for director may serve on such committees. The committee shall receive and consider any suggestion as to nominees submitted by members of the Cooperative. The committee, keeping in mind the principle of equitable representation, shall prepare and post at the principle office of the Cooperative at least twenty (20) days before the meeting a list of nominations for Board members. The secretary shall be responsible for mailing with the notice of the meeting or separately, but at least ten (10) days before the date of the meeting, a statement of the number of Board members to be elected from and represent and the name and address of the candidates nominated by the Committee of Nominations. Any fifty (50) or more members acting together may make other nominations by petition and the secretary shall post such nominations at the same place where the list of nominations made by the committee is posted. Nominations by petition shall be treated as nominations from the floor. Any petition of nomination shall be submitted on a form designated and provided by the Cooperative. Each member signing such petition shall place thereon the

Registration begins at 9:00 a.m.

CARTHAGE COLISEUM date of signing, address, account number and service location of the member. Nominations made by the petition if any, shall be received no later than 9 a.m. on the Thursday before the date of the annual meeting. The chairman shall call for additional nominations from the floor. No member may nominate more than one candidate. A report from the Committee of Nominations, along with proxies, ballots and other annual meeting information will appear in the March issue of Today in Mississippi. As a member-owner of Central Electric Power Association, you have a right to participate in the annual meeting to hear the latest cooperative news and to elect the board of directors. Mark your calendar for March 19 and plan to attend Central Electric's annual meeting at the Carthage Coliseum on Highway 16 in Carthage.

Service Awards 40

Jackie Lee Whittington

Jim Caldwell Johnny Chancellor Fatie Horn

David Boyd

Wanniese Whitehead

Danny Burnett Donnie Shepard Mike Shepard

Kevin Greene

Phillip Crosby Suzanne Johnson Allyson Kirkwood Darrin Pickett Randall Pugh

Jeff Holder

YEARS

15 YEARS

YEARS

Kent Chamblee Tim Stewart Hanna Watson

February 2019

Today in Mississippi

Carthage 601-267-5671 • Philadelphia 601-656-2601 Rankin 601-829-1201 • Sebastopol 601-625-7422

Invest a Little SAVE A LOT! Saving energy at home can be simple and free: Turn off the lights and TV when you’re not using them; lower the thermostat at night. But for a bigger impact on your electric bill, make a little bit more of an effort and invest a few bucks in energy-saving equipment. Here’s what to buy: LEDs. Next time a light bulb burns out, replace it with an LED. They last for years and use their energy to produce light, not heat. LED bulbs can screw right into the lamps and fixtures you have. But when it’s time to replace those, consider buying LED fixtures for even greater savings. Good-quality power strips. Plug your electronic equipment into them. Before you go to bed at night, unplug those strips. If energy-intensive appliances like computers, printers and video game consoles are left plugged in after you turn them off, they still use energy—constantly. The only way to stop wasting that energy is to unplug. New windows. If your old ones are single-pane versions, you might as well leave them open all winter. They’re no match for the cold air, which can seep through them. And they don’t do a good job of keeping your heated air inside. If that’s too much for now, at least plug the leaks around your windows and doors with weatherstripping or caulk. Window shades. Uncovered windows are great for views, but terrible for your energy bill. Your heating bill will be lower in the winter and your air conditioning costs will drop in the summer if you use blinds, curtains or awnings on windows. Uncover them on sunny winter days to let the natural warmth come into your home, but close them up after dark when the temperature dips. Programmable thermostat. Everyone forgets to lower the heat once in a while. A programmable thermostat will do that for you. Program yours to lower at bedtime, and then automatically warm the house up just before everyone wakes up. It can lower the heat again once everyone leaves for school and work in the morning and crank it back up before the family gets home in the afternoon. The services of qualified technicians. Keeping your heating and cooling system clean and well-maintained will help it run more smoothly and efficiently. Likewise, keeping vents clear—including the one for your clothes dryer—will keep your family safer and your appliances running as they should.

Quick Tips to Avoid High Winter Bills Looking to lower your bills this winter? Use the 10 tips below to conserve energy.

Seal air leaks and insulate well to prevent heat from escaping and cold air from entering your home.

Reduce waste heat by installing a programmable thermostat.

3 4 5 6 7

Turn off lights when not in use.

Lower your water heater temperature. The Dept. of Energy recommends using the warm setting (120 degrees) during fall and winter months. Unplug electronics like kitchen appliances and TVs when you’re away. Open blinds and curtains during the day to allow sunlight in to warm your home.

Close blinds and curtains at night to keep cold, drafty air out.

Use power strips for multiple appliances, and turn off the main switch when you’re away from home.

Wash clothes in cold water, and use cold-water detergent whenever possible.

Replace incandescent light bulbs with LEDs, which use at least 75 percent less energy. Source: U.S. Dept. of Energy

TIP of the

Month

Turn off kitchen, bath and other exhaust fans within 20 minutes after you’re done cooking or bathing. When replacing exhaust fans, consider installing high-efficiency, low-noise models. Source: energy.gov

10 Today in Mississippi

February 2019

Small Heaters can lead to GGER Bills

During winter, for many of us, comfort at home means heat. While a good central heating system is designed to meet whole house needs, sometimes consumers turn to space heaters for additional warmth. Some people use one to boost temperatures for a single room where the available heat is inadequate, but their widespread use, over extended periods, can boost winter heating bills. “In some cases, small space heaters can be less expensive to use if you only want to heat one room or supplement inadequate heating in one room,” according to analysts at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). “However, a space heater is not necessarily an economical source of long-term warmth. It is not an alternative to a whole-home heating system.”

Right Type for the Job According to DOE, two types of space heaters are generally available for the residential market. Most can deliver between 10,000 Btu and 40,000 Btu of heat per hour and commonly run on electricity, propane, natural gas or kerosene. Wood and pellet stoves are also increasingly available for many applications. Convective heating circulates air within an enclosed space, while radiant heating transfers warming energy directly to objects or people near its source. If central heating is unavailable or inadequate, a convective heating unit can distribute heat relatively evenly throughout an enclosed space. For garages,

workshops, workout rooms or laundry areas, used for a few hours a day or each week, a convective heater could be a good fit. Many convective electric heaters contain some type of sealed heat transfer liquid. They allow heat generated by the devices to store energy as heat, so they cycle less while providing consistent performance. Radiant electric heaters typically include infrared heating elements. Nearby surfaces—including people— absorb the heat. Air in immediate proximity to the unit’s enclosure or cabinetry also aids in the transfer of conductive warmth.

Safe Not Sorry Space heaters get seasonal use, but they are responsible for 25,000 residential fires a year, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, which pegs the annual mortality rate at 300 a year. Burn injuries associated with surface contacts with room heaters send about 6,000 people to emergency rooms every year, and most of those incidents don’t result in fires. Because the devices are designed to give off heat, they should always be set in locations clear of all flammable materials and out of reach of small children, pets or anyone with impaired mobility. In recent years, many space heaters have been designed with tip-over safety features, which automatically shut off the power source in the event that the unit tilts beyond its upright position. Because space heaters are designed

specifically to produce heat, they should be plugged directly into a wall whenever possible. If an extension cord is used, it should be heavy duty, and made of 14-gauge wire or larger. Given a choice between high, medium and low, or an adjustable thermostat, choose the latter. A unit that heats your space to the desired temperature will cycle less, saving you energy, and never overheat the room. And buy the right size heater for the right size space––too small and the warming results could be disappointing; too large or powerful and you’ll be uncomfortable. Any time you open doors or windows to vent away warm air, you are wasting energy you’ve already consumed to produce heat.

Getting More for Less “Space heaters are not the ideal solution for heating homes,” said Brian Sloboda, a senior program manager for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. “For every unit of electricity that is consumed by these devices, they produce one unit of heat.” While adding several space heaters to supplement your central heating system is also likely to drive up your energy costs, selective use can help you save money. According to analysts at the Environmental Protection Agency, the key is using space heaters in smaller rooms that are occupied infrequently, in

Many consumers turn to space heaters during winter months, which can boost winter heating bills.

conjunction with lower thermostat settings on your central system. Lowering thermostat settings from 70 to 65 degrees and using a thermostatcontrolled space heater to heat 10 percent of a home’s conditioned floor space will save a heat pump user $67 a year. But the EPA cautions that space heaters are most efficient when used in small spaces for limited periods and can actually waste energy if consumers try to heat too much area with the devices. There are currently no space heaters among the EPA’s list of ENERGY STAR®-rated products. Agency officials said they have evaluated several models but have no plans to include such products in the labeling program in the near future. Still, high-end space heaters are heavily marketed during the autumn and winter months. “Most of these units are very similar in design, but the cabinetry or packaging is a major selling point,” said Sloboda. “Consumers should consider the wide range of heaters available and their own taste in features and design before buying one.” Slobada said, “Other alternatives, like sealing air leaks, adding insulation or tuning up your heating system so it operates more efficiently are just a few of the options that won’t increase your overall energy use.”

February 2019

Today in Mississippi

A Mississippi Electric Cooperative

Hilda Havens retires Since 1973, Hilda Havens has dedicated her life to serving the membership at Coahoma Electric Power Association. In high school, Havens was a member of the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) program. Through the organization she was placed at Coahoma Electric as an intern. A relationship was formed and Havens was hired by the cooperative immediately following her high school graduation. Havens served as a billing clerk and recently retired from Coahoma Electric on December 19. Keith Hurt, general manager of Coahoma Electric said, “We would like to thank Hilda for her years of dedicated service to our cooperative. It is very rare that we have an employee that dedicates their entire working career to the service of our membership. We are very grateful for the 46 years that Hilda gave to Coahoma Electric.”

Notice to Members

Coahoma Electric Power Association’s

Annual Meeting of Members

Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, at 10 a.m. at Coahoma Electric’s Training Center, Lyon, Miss.

Quick Tips to Avoid High Winter Bills Looking to lower your bills this winter? Use the 10 tips below to conserve energy.

Seal air leaks and insulate well to prevent heat from escaping and cold air from entering your home.

Reduce waste heat by installing a programmable thermostat.

3 4 5 6 7

Turn off lights when not in use.

Close blinds and curtains at night to keep cold, drafty air out.

Use power strips for multiple appliances, and turn off the main switch when you’re away from home.

Wash clothes in cold water, and use cold-water detergent whenever possible.

Replace incandescent light bulbs with LEDs, which use at least 75 percent less energy. Source: U.S. Dept. of Energy

TIP of the

Month

10 Today in Mississippi

February 2019

Communicators: April Lollar and Merilee Sands For Today in Mississippi information, call 877-7MY-CEPA (877-769-2372) www.coastepa.com

Where our members have the power

CEO’s message

What does the rural broadband enabling act mean for you? Last month, Mississippi’s senators and representatives convened in Jackson for the 2019 legislative session. One of the most-talked-about bills on the agenda this session proposed that Mississippi electric cooperatives be able to provide high-speed Internet access to rural Mississippians. The bill passed by an overwhelming majority in the House and Senate. As of press time, the bill was waiting for the governor's signature, which would allow electric Ron Barnes cooperatives to offer President and CEO broadband services. We have heard a lot of questions from members – will we offer broadband and, if so, when? How much will it cost? How will Coast Electric be affected? There are many questions right now and we are still working on some of those answers. Here is what we know at this point. Coast Electric supports the need for reliable broadband internet service for all Mississippians. We believe it is vital to economic, education and social interests in our state. Does that mean Coast Electric will offer broad-

TIP of the Month

band internet service? There’s no quick answer to that question at this point. As a cooperative, owned by you, the people we serve, we must carefully consider how the decisions we make will affect you. For more than 82 years, we have served your homes and businesses and want to make sure that any decisions we make are in your best interest. Right now, we are conducting studies to determine if there is a need for more broadband choices in southern Mississippi and to understand what a project like this would cost. The bill states that revenue from energy sales cannot subsidize broadband ventures and that no Coast Electric member will be required to purchase broadband services. This means that if we decide to offer broadband services, Coast Electric members who choose not to utilize the service will not be affected. As we conduct these feasibility studies, we will look at things like cost, structure and consider partnerships. We will also listen to you. Your feedback is of great importance and it will be crucial as we decide how to move forward. We will be sure to keep you updated on these efforts as they develop. We appreciate your continued support and are here to answer any questions or concerns.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

10a PAGE

Power cost decrease

reflected on power bills Retirees and

Service Awards

10b-c Operation PAGE

Round Up

10d PAGE

PAGE

Coast Electric participates in MLK Day of service

Member appreciation day 10 energy saving tips Small heaters lead to big bills

February 2019

Today in Mississippi

10a

Power cost decrease reflected on bills Coast Electric is a cooperative, which makes us a not-for-profit company. We are a distribution cooperative, which means it is our job to deliver electric service from our substations down the lines to your homes and businesses. Coast Electric is part of Cooperative Energy, a generation and transmission cooperative that generates power and delivers it to our substations. When the cost of generating power increases for

Cooperative Energy, bills increase for our members. That also means that when power costs decrease, bills for our members decrease as well. Cooperative Energy announced earlier this winter that they were passing along a power cost decrease to their member cooperatives like Coast Electric, so we get to pass along that decrease in cost to you. Of course, colder winter weather causes increased

energy use since heating systems are working hard to keep your home comfortable. That typically means you will have higher bills than you do in milder weather conditions. Even with increased use in your home, the power cost decrease will help keep your winter power bills a little lower. Check out tips for managing your energy use this winter on page 10d.

CELEBRATING SERVICE 2018 RETIREES AND SERVICE AWARDS

20 years of service Jeremy L. Bond Melinda F. Brownlee Rhonda B. Clower Melissa A. Davis Jacqueline M. Harris Aaron N. Hill Bruce G. Marie, Jr. Robert W. McCauley, Jr. Kenneth H. Mitchell Billy J. Rush Craig Saucier Michael H. Upton

25 years of service

30 years of service

Allen P. Landry James M. Terrell

Kathy D. Dickerson Steven P. Hoda

Louis D. Lee, Jr. Marilyn J. Sefton

35 years of service 40 years of service Glenda L. Cole Debra I. McCardle Louis J. Oliver, Jr.

Thank You for your years of service to our members

Bill Scretching 44 years

Glenda Cole 40 years

Louis Oliver 40 years

Glenn Westbrook 39 years

Terry Watson 39 years

Andrew Ruhr 34 years

Keith Ladner 33 years

Ronnie Spence 32 years

Kathy Dickerson 25 years

Kay Cohen 17 years

This winter, Coast Electric celebrated 10 employees who made the decision to retire after years of hard work and dedication to Coast Electric and our members. We commend these employees for their commitment to Coast Electricâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission and wish them well in their retirement.

10b

Operation Round Up

Today in Mississippi

February 2019

grant applications now available

This fall, we began telling you about a change to our Round Up program. In December, we enacted those changes and, because of your generosity, they've already had a huge impact. From Dec. 1-31, 2018, $37,936 was collected and put into Coast Electric’s community trust. To give you a comparison, in 2018, we raised a total of $70,000 over an 11-month period. In just one month, we’ve raised more than half of that total. We are off to an amazing start and it’s all because of you! Now, it’s time for charitable organizations to realize the benefit of your giving spirit. Beginning, Feb. 1, Coast Electric will begin accepting applications from organizations that are working to improve quality of life in our local communities. Nonprofit organizations can apply for grants of up to $10,000 to benefit south Mississippi residents. Applications will be available through the end of February. If your organization misses the deadline, don’t fear. There will be opportunities to apply for grants quarterly. (Although, organizations may only receive one grant per calendar year.) We would love for you to spread the word about this amazing opportunity. If you or someone you know works for or knows of a deserving nonprofit organization, encourage them to visit www.coastepa.com/my-community to fill out an application.

What is Operation Round Up?

Operation Round Up collects voluntary donations from Coast Electric members to benefit organizations in the cooperative's service area – Hancock, Harrison

and Pearl River counties. The monthly bills of participating Coast Electric members will automatically be rounded up each month to the nearest dollar and the amount collected will be donated to local nonprofit organizations. For example, if your bill is $145.50, it will be rounded up to $146.00 and 50 cents will be deposited in the Coast Electric Community Trust, administered by the Gulf Coast Community Foundation. The average contribution per member will be approximately 50 cents per month, less than two cents a day. With the current participation rate of 93 percent of Coast Electric members participating, we can put an average of $450,000 annually into the communities where we live, work and play.

feel this program is to your benefit, we have made opting out simple. Contact a Coast Electric member service representative at 877-7MY-CEPA (877-769-2372) or complete the opt-out form on www.coastepa.com/my-community/operationroundup. Members who opt out can always decide to contribute again later. New members will be automatically enrolled but will have the opportunity to decline participation.

Why should I participate? Working together, the cooperative way, we are always making a difference. Now, you have the potential to make a greater impact in your community for an average contribution of 50 cents each month. While it may not seem like your spare change can do much, when combined with the efforts of your fellow Coast Electric members, your pennies and dimes will fund projects that will improve the quality of life in our communities.

What if I don’t want to participate?

We hope that you see the benefits of Operation Round Up for our communities and will want the program to have as much positive impact as possible. However, if you do not

Operation Round Up

By the numbers Data collected from Dec. 1 - 31, 2018.

Percentage of participating accounts – 93% Funds raised - $37,937 Goes to the Coast Electric Community Trust that will award grants of up to $10,000 to charitable organizations that help our local communities.

Goes to Share Your Blessings for energy assistance.

Goes to an endowment for future charitable projects.

MLK Day of Service Coast Electric employees participate in

Coast Electric employees participated in community cleanups Monday, Jan. 21, as part of the national

MLK Day of Service. Cooperative employees cleaned up roadways in Hancock and Pearl River counties and spent time in Harrison County working on the grounds of Lynn Meadows Discovery Center. Besides the community cleanups, Coast Electric offices collected diapers for the United Way of South Mississippi’s annual MLK Diaper Drive in January. “Part of Coast Electric’s mission is to improve the quality of life in the communities we serve,” said Coast Electric Vice President of Member Services and Public Relations Melissa Russo. “Our employees are dedicated to that mission and to making our home a better place for our friends and neighbors.” Other electric cooperatives throughout the state volunteered in their communities as part of a cooperative day of service coordinated by Cooperative Energy, Coast Electric’s generation and transmission cooperative. Eighty-eight Coast Electric employees volunteered on the day of service to help fulfill the cooperative principle of showing concern for the communities we serve.

February 2019

Today in Mississippi

10c

10d

Today in Mississippi

February 2019

CoBank and No Barriers helping our

10 1

Coast Electric is a customer of CoBank, a company that sponsors a program for rural veterans. Coast Electric members are eligible to apply for the program. To honor these veterans, CoBank partners with No Barriers USA, an organization that offers an expedition experience for veterans with disabilities both visible and invisible, like PTSD. This program gives veterans the chance to challenge themselves physically and mentally with activities such as rafting, rock climbing and hiking. The expedition helps participating veterans build a support network for themselves that can last a lifetime. Any Coast Electric member interested in applying for this all-expenses-paid expedition can email communications@coastepa.com for more information.

February 14

Member Appreciation Day

9 We love our members! Join us this Valentine’s Day for Member Appreciation Day. Each Coast Electric office will have giveaways and refreshments while supplies last.

We hope you will join us!

Quick tips to manage your energy use this winter Use the 10 tips below to conserve energy.

Seal air leaks and insulate well to prevent heat from escaping and cold air from entering your home.

Reduce waste heat by installing a smart thermostat.

Turn off lights when not in use.

Lower your water heater temperature. The Department of Energy recommends using the warm setting (120 degrees) during fall and winter months. Use a water heater blanket and pipe insulation.

Unplug electronics like kitchen appliances and TVs when you’re away.

Open blinds and curtains on energy-efficient widows during the day to allow sunlight in to warm your home.

Close blinds and curtains at night to keep cold, drafty air out.

Use power strips for multiple appliances, and turn off the main switch when you’re away from home.

Wash clothes in cold water, and use coldwater detergent whenever possible.

Replace incandescent light bulbs with LEDs, which use at least 75 percent less energy.

Source: U.S. Dept. of Energy

February 2019

Today in Mississippi

Small Heaters can lead to GGERBills

During winter, for many of us, comfort at home means heat. While a good central heating system is designed to meet whole house needs, sometimes consumers turn to space heaters for additional warmth. Some people use one to boost temperatures for a single room where the available heat is inadequate, but their widespread use, over extended periods, can boost winter heating bills. “In some cases, small space heaters can be less expensive to use if you only want to heat one room or supplement inadequate heating in one room,” according to analysts at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). “However, a space heater is not necessarily an economical source of longterm warmth. It is not an alternative to a whole-home heating system.”

Right

Type for the Job

According to DOE, two types of space heaters are generally available for the residential market. Most can deliver between 10,000 Btu and 40,000 Btu of heat per hour and commonly run on electricity, propane, natural gas or kerosene. Wood and pellet stoves are also increasingly available for many applications. Convective heating circulates air within an enclosed space, while radiant heating transfers warming energy directly to objects or people near its source. If central heating is unavailable or inadequate, a convective heating unit can distribute heat relatively evenly throughout an enclosed space. For garages, workshops, workout rooms or laundry areas, used for a few hours a

day or each week, a convective heater could be a good fit. Many convective electric heaters contain some type of sealed heat transfer liquid. They allow heat generated by the devices to store energy as heat, so they cycle less while providing consistent performance. Radiant electric heaters typically include infrared heating elements. Nearby surfaces—including people— absorb the heat. Air in immediate proximity to the unit’s enclosure or cabinetry also aids in the transfer of conductive warmth.

Safe

Not Sorry

Space heaters get seasonal use, but they are responsible for 25,000 residential fires a year, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, which pegs the annual mortality rate at 300 a year. Burn injuries associated with surface contacts with room heaters send about 6,000 people to emergency rooms every year, and most of those incidents don’t result in fires. Because the devices are designed to give off heat, they should always be set in locations clear of all flammable materials and out of reach of small children, pets or anyone with impaired mobility. In recent years, many space heaters have been designed with tip-over safety features, which automatically shut off the power source in the event that the unit tilts beyond its upright position. Because space heaters are designed specifically to produce heat, they should be plugged directly into a wall whenever possible. If an extension cord is used, it should be heavy duty, and made of 14-gauge wire or larger. Given a choice between high, medi-

um and low, or an adjustable thermostat, choose the latter. A unit that heats your space to the desired temperature will cycle less, saving you energy, and never overheat the room. And buy the right size heater for the right size space––too small and the warming results could be disappointing; too large or powerful and you’ll be uncomfortable. Any time you open doors or windows to vent away warm air, you are wasting energy you’ve already consumed to produce heat.

Getting

More for Less

“Space heaters are not the ideal solution for heating homes,” said Brian Sloboda, a senior program manager for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. “For every unit of electricity that is consumed by these devices, they produce one unit of heat.” While adding several space heaters to supplement your central heating system is also likely to drive up your energy costs, selective use can help you save money. According to analysts at the Environmental Protection Agency, the key is using space heaters in smaller rooms that are occupied infrequently, in conjunction with lower thermostat settings on your central system. Lowering thermostat settings from 70 to 65 degrees and using a thermostat-controlled space heater to heat 10 percent of a home’s conditioned floor space will save a heat pump user $67 a year. But the EPA cautions that space

Many consumers turn to space heaters during winter months, which can boost winter heating bills.

heaters are most efficient when used in small spaces for limited periods and can actually waste energy if consumers try to heat too much area with the devices. There are currently no space heaters among the EPA’s list of ENERGY STAR®-rated products. Agency officials said they have evaluated several models but have no plans to include such products in the labeling program in the near future. Still, high-end space heaters are heavily marketed during the autumn and winter months. “Most of these units are very similar in design, but the cabinetry or packaging is a major selling point,” said Sloboda. “Consumers should consider the wide range of heaters available and their own taste in features and design before buying one.” Slobada said, “Other alternatives, like sealing air leaks, adding insulation or tuning up your heating system so it operates more efficiently are just a few of the options that won’t increase your overall energy use.”

Today in Mississippi

February 2019

Delta Electric’s new IVR phone number is 662-743-4425. GET ACCOUNT INFO MAKE A PAYMENT REPORT AN OUTAGE MAKE AN ARRANGEMENT

Small Heaters can lead to GGER Bills

specifically to produce heat, they should be plugged directly into a wall whenever possible. If an extension cord is used, it should be heavy duty, and made of 14gauge wire or larger. Given a choice between high, medium and low, or an adjustable thermostat, choose the latter. A unit that heats your space to the desired temperature will cycle less, saving you energy, and never overheat the room. And buy the right size heater for the right size space––too small and the warming results could be disappointing; too large or powerful and you’ll be uncomfortable. Any time you open doors or windows to vent away warm air, you are wasting energy you’ve already consumed to produce heat.

Many consumers turn to space heaters during winter months, which can boost winter heating bills.

February 2019

Today in Mississippi

USE IT ANY TIME

24/7 A Mississippi Electric Cooperative

Quick Tips to Avoid High Winter Bills Looking to lower your bills this winter? Use the 10 tips below to conserve energy.

Seal air leaks and insulate well to prevent heat from escaping and cold air from entering your home.

Reduce waste heat by installing a programmable thermostat.

3 4 5 6 7

Turn off lights when not in use.

Close blinds and curtains at night to keep cold, drafty air out.

Use power strips for multiple appliances, and turn off the main switch when you’re away from home.

Wash clothes in cold water, and use cold-water detergent whenever possible.

Replace incandescent light bulbs with LEDs, which use at least 75 percent less energy. Source: U.S. Dept. of Energy

TIP of the

Month

10 Today in Mississippi February 2019

YOU’RE MORE THAN A CUSTOMER Dixie Electric is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

Supporting the community and making it a better place for everyone

Author Anthony J. D’Angelo observed that, “Without a sense of caring, there can be no sense of community.” To a large degree, this reflects Dixie Electric’s philosophy toward our consumermembers and the territory we serve. As a cooperative, we have a different “bottom line.” Randy Smith While our priority is always to General Manager provide reliable and safe energy, there is another equally important part of this equation. Your well-being and that of the larger community that we serve are of paramount concern. To us, you are not just a customer; you are a mem-

ber of our co-op and without you, we would not exist. Since our inception, we have sought feedback and engagement from you and that of the larger community to guide our long-term decisions. This is why we hold annual meetings and other events, such as Energy Fairs in the summer months. We host events like this to engage with you and obtain your feedback. We strive to find ways to help you use energy more efficiently. We’re always looking to explore more options that will help you manage your energy use such as Comfort Advantage new home construction program or our Prepay program for billing. In short, we are always seeking to keep pace with the changing energy environment, evolving technology and shifting expectations. Dixie Electric’s members help guide important coop decisions that improve and enrich the community.

We value the perspective of our board members, who are members of the co-op and community – just like you. As a local business, we have a stake in the community. That’s why we support local charitable organizations such as local food banks, and the local United Way agencies. We are actively involved with the local Chamber of Commerce organizations and economic development groups because promoting local businesses and bringing jobs to our community is vital for the quality of life for all of us. When we support these efforts, we are supporting the community and making it a better place for everyone. While the times may have changed, our mission and outlook have not. We view our role as a catalyst for good. Working together, we can accomplish great things for our community now and in the future.

Dixie Electric’s Charity Golf Tournament

benefitting the American Cancer Society will be held Thursday, March 28, 2019

dixieepa.com

Laurel Country Club For more information, call Pollyanna Magee 601-425-2535 • FAX: 601-399-5255 • email:pollymagee@dixieepa.com

February 2019 Today in Mississippi

CO-OP CONNECTIONS BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT The Pink Anchor - Laurel

New Hope Auto Sales

- Ellisville

New Hope Auto Sales provides the ultimate automobile buying experience. They are a used car dealership with quality preowned and affordable vehicles. They have extensive relationships in the dealer community, allowing them to purchase a wide variety of lease returns and new car trades at exceptional values.

In Sawmill Square Mall you will find a favorite shopping spot. Pink Anchor is a women’s boutique with a friendly staff and a woonderful selection. They offer clothing, shoes, jewelry and accessories for any occasion. Receive 10 percent off one regular-priced item the next time you visit.

MAINTAINING RELIABLE SERVICE

Stop by and show your Co-op Connections card to receive $5 off an oil change.

Right-of-way clearing projects underway

Dixie Electric Power Association clears trees, limbs and underbrush from the area around and below the power lines, called the right-of-way. Right-of-way clearing decreases the number of outages and reduces the risk of someone coming in contact with the power lines. Here are the substations and surrounding communities that are either currently being cleared or will be cleared soon: • Indian Springs substation – Sunrise and Petal • Old Augusta substation – New Augusta and Leaf River Sawmill area

Clearing the right-of-way protects individuals from the hazards of electricity and makes power restoration quicker and safer for both Dixie Electric’s members and personnel.

Today in Mississippi

February 2019

East Mississippi Electric Power Association Louisville Meridian 662.773.5741 601.581.8600

Quitman 601.776.6271

DeKalb 601.743.2641

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR CEO

Rural broadband legislation brings challenges In my January article, I discussed the possibility of legislation being introduced allowing Mississippi’s electric cooperatives to provide broadband service if we determined it was operationally and financially feasible. On Tuesday, Jan. 15, our State House of Representatives passed HB366 allowing cooperatives to form subsidiary businesses to explore providing broadband to our members. The legislation passed 115 in favor to 3 opposed. And on Wednesday, Jan. 23, the Bill CEO Randy Carroll passed unanimously in the Senate. The legal and financial challenges associated with broadband are a different story. Now that we have permission from the legislature, we ask for patience from our members. Many questions must be answered before we can make decisions about a path forward. These questions include the proper corporate structure to use, tax implications and financial feasibility. East Mississippi Electric Power Association must now ramp up our study efforts of broadband and continue to reach out to possible partners that can play a role in the delivery of broadband service. I must admit, with the passage of this legislation, a lot of the same anxiety I feel when a big storm hits, is what I am feeling now. When large portions of our system are impacted, we are faced with the tremendous task of restoring the power. Of course, everyone that has lost power wants it restored to his or her home or business first. Sadly, we can’t get everyone back on at once. First, we must clear the transmission system and restore power to the substations. We then work the three-phase lines followed by the single-phase lines and finally the services to the homes and businesses. It must be in this orderly progression, or everyone

remains without power longer. Yes, those closest to the energy source see their service restored first, but in turn provide the needed link to continue throughout the remainder of the system so that all have power again. I fully expect broadband to follow this same progression of the source to a needed link. It will take time and substantial capital to construct a system capable of supplying broadband to all in our communities. We at EMEPA, continue to believe greater broadband availability in our service areas will benefit our members substantially, including improvements in quality of life, economic development, education opportunities, health-care benefits and economic growth. We hear frequently from our members their need for broadband access. Many have tried to purchase access from other utilities and have been told it is not financially feasible to build the infrastructure required to gain access to broadband in their area. This is much like the arguments used in the 1930s when people requested electricity, and from the profit-oriented business perspective, it is a true statement given the return on investment required by these companies. So where does that leave EMEPA and our members? We ask for your patience as we continue to study the economic feasibility of providing broadband to our members. There remains substantial work to be done. It is without a doubt an expensive proposition.

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A backbone fiber solution on the EMEPA system could cost as much as $145 Million in addition to the added cost of service and equipment to each home. It is extremely critical that we perform this analysis correctly. We must address and resolve multiple legal and economic issues in a careful, fully-informed and comprehensive way, and in a way that gets quality, reasonably-priced broadband to as many Mississippians as possible without negatively affecting the distribution system we have worked so hard to build over these 80 years. Occasionally, I still run into people that tell me stories of how their grandparents waited for electric service to come to their homes. Some waited months and some waited years for cooperative employees to tirelessly work to build the electric distribution system that would someday enhance their quality of life. It won’t surprise me for this to be true with a broadband system as well, but if the first pole had not been set and the first wires strung, rural America would still be dark. It is time to make every attempt possible to bring educational, healthcare and economic growth opportunities to the communities served by EMEPA.

SHOOT for a

February 2019 I Today in Mississippi

EMEPA preps for 6th Annual

East Mississippi Electric Power Association is gearing up for its 6th Annual Shoot For A Cure scheduled for Thursday, March 28 at Binachi Shooting Sports in Lauderdale County. Last year, EMEPA employees and supporters raised over $20,000 for the American Cancer Society through this premier fundraising event. EMEPA’s Relay For Life team has been recognized as the top fundraising team at Relay For Life of Lauderdale County for three years in a row with hopes to raise even more in 2019.

In addition to raising needed funds for the American Cancer Society, this year, a portion of money raised will also go to directly benefit cancer patients in our local communities through the Anderson Cancer Center’s Cancer Patient Benevolence Fund. “Though we fully support the American Cancer Society in their efforts to raise money to fund research to find a cure for cancer, we also want to show our support to the friends and neighbors in our community battling this terrible disease,” said EMEPA Chief

Executive Officer Randy Carroll. “By donating a portion of the funds raised to both Relay For Life and the Cancer Patient Benevolence Fund, we are able to support both.” In addition to the Shoot For A Cure event, EMEPA will be raffling a Remington 870 Express Tactical 12gauge shotgun donated by Rock House Gun and Pawn and a Ruger LC9s 9mm handgun donated by Thomas Gun and Pawn. Tickets are $1 and can be purchased at any EMEPA office.

For more information on Shoot For A Cure or to register a team or sponsor, contact Margaret Brewer at 601-5818602 or mbrewer@emepa.com.

Invest a Little

your electronic equipment into them. Before you go to bed at night, unplug those strips. If energy-intensive appliances like computers, printers and video game consoles are left plugged in after you turn them off, they still use energy—constantly. The only way to stop wasting that energy is to unplug. New windows. If your old ones are single-pane versions, you might as well leave them open all winter. They’re no match for the cold air, which can seep through them. And they don’t do a good job of keeping your heated air inside. If that’s too much for now, at least plug the leaks around your windows and doors with weatherstripping

or caulk. Window shades. Uncovered windows are great for views, but terrible for your energy bill. Your heating bill will be lower in the winter and your air conditioning costs will drop in the summer if you use blinds, curtains or awnings on windows. Uncover them on sunny winter days to let the natural warmth come into your home, but close them up after dark when the temperature dips. Programmable thermostat. Everyone forgets to lower the heat once in a while. A programmable thermostat will do that for you. Program yours to

lower at bedtime, and then automatically warm the house up just before everyone wakes up. It can lower the heat again once everyone leaves for school and work in the morning and crank it back up before the family gets home in the afternoon. The services of qualified technicians. Keeping your heating and cooling system clean and well-maintained will help it run more smoothly and efficiently. Likewise, keeping vents clear— including the one for your clothes dryer—will keep your family safer and your appliances running as they should.

Today in Mississippi

February 2019

www.4county.org • 1-800-431-1544

Board of Directors John E. “Jay” Gilliland Jr., President • Mike Banks, Secretary/Treasurer • Ernest H. “Bud” Tumlinson

Johnny Johnson, Vice President Bill Bell • Kenneth Seitz • Marty Crowder

HERE’S AN IDEA

YOUR COOPERATIVE

This spring, think summer

By Brian Clark, CEO/General Manager

You’re More Than a Customer Author Anthony J. D’Angelo observed that, “Without a sense of caring, there can be no sense of community.” To a large degree, this reflects 4-County Electric Power Association’s philosophy toward our consumer-members and the broader service territory that we serve. As a cooperative, we have a different “bottom line.” While our priority is always to provide reliable and safe energy, there is another equally important part of this equation. Your well-being and that of the larger community that we serve are of paramount concern. To us, you are not just a customer; you are a member of our co-op and without you, we would not exist. In 1939, 4-County was founded to fulfill a vital need in our community that would not have otherwise been met. Concerned local leaders came together to build this co-op and bring electricity where there was none. At that time, members of the community understood we were different because they likely knew someone who helped to create 4-County. For most people, our founding and its circumstances have been long forgotten. Over time, folks in the community may have come to think of us as simply another energy provider. But we are not. We are a co-op that is constantly evolving to meet the needs of the communities we serve, and we are able to do this because of members like you. Since our inception, we have sought feedback and engagement from you and that of the larger community to guide our long-term decisions. This is why we hold annual meetings and other events, such as member advisory committee meetings

throughout the year. We host events like this to engage with you and obtain your feedback. We strive to find new ways to help you use energy more efficiently. We’re always looking to explore more options that will help you manage your energy use such as a Brian Clark wealth of energy efficiency programs and flexible payment options (try www.4county.org). In short, we are always seeking to keep pace with the changing energy environment, evolving technology and shifting consumer expectations. 4-County members help guide important co-op decisions that improve and enrich the community. We value the perspective of our board members, who are members of the co-op and community – just like you. As a local business, we have a stake in the community. That’s why we support local organizations such as emergency response teams through programs like The 4-County Foundation. When you support these efforts, you are supporting the community and making it a better place for everyone. While 80 years have come and gone, our mission and outlook have not. We view our role as a catalyst for good. Working together, we can accomplish great things for our community now and in the future.

At press time, temperatures are cold! But warmer temperatures are just around the corner. Spring is a great time to think about how warm it could get this summer. A rise in temperature can also mean a rise in energy bills as well. Give your air conditioner a fighting chance at keeping your home cool in the months ahead, without using more electricity than necessary.

Here are some tips to keep energy bills low this summer: • Trade your traditional incandescent light bulbs for compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs). The new generation of CFLs uses far less energy. • Call a service technician to give your air-conditioning system – and any window units – a thorough once-over before the weather gets hot. • Change air conditioner filters monthly from now until October. Try these hot ideas to cool off your summer months!

Ceiling fans can cool off energy costs Ceiling fans can be a great way to increase the energy savings in your home while providing a comfortable living environment. A decorative alternative to typical light fixtures, ceiling fans can cut summer energy use. Ceiling fans do not lower the temperature in a room. The cooling effect occurs when air from the ceiling fan blows across a person’s skin. “When you leave the room, switch the fan and its lights off. You’ll save energy and money,” said Ronnie Vernon, 4-County marketing specialist.

Co-op Connections Card saves Since the Co-op Connections Card was unveiled in September 2011, 4-County members have saved over $705,665 on prescription drugs through December. Look here each month to see the savings total!

February 2019

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Cold weather impacts energy use, bill Typically, February produces some of the most extreme cold weather temperatures of the year for 4-County members. Weather affects electric use, and extreme temperatures like those expected this month can really increase power use and drive energy costs up. “Heating and cooling account for up to half the cost of the average Mississippi household’s electric bill. So when the weather is especially cold or hot, your bill will go up,” said Jon Turner, 4-County manager of marketing and public relations. “The fact that February usually starts out cold and temperatures continue to remain that way through the month means a lot of folks will see higher bills next month,” Turner added. “Heating and cooling Eneraccount for up to half the cost gy use of the average Mississippi and costs household’s electric bill. So when the follow weather is especially cold or hot, your bill a typiwill go up.” cal curve Jon Turner during 4-County manager of marketing the course and public relations. of the year according to Turner. “Most 4County members see higher bills in the summer and winter, when temperatures tend to go up or down and stay there for days or weeks at a time. In the spring and fall, the temperatures tend to be more moderate and bills tend to be lower, and it usually all averages out” Turner said. “The cost of electricity doesn’t change in the cold weather, but people tend to use more of it, so it costs them more. We really just want to remind our members about this and help them mitigate their power use if we can,” Turner added. 4-County understands that higher bills can be

tough on members and has several programs for members that can help them find ways to lower their energy use and their costs. Those include online tools that can help calculate how much it costs to run heating and air and appliances, and information on energy efficiency, from simple low cost fixes to things like adding insulation or installing a newer, more efficient heat pump. Members can also sign up for text or email alerts that can show them how much power they use a day and how much it costs or will let them know if they use a certain amount of power. “4-County members can also track their daily energy

use online, which is another great tool for understanding energy use. It can really help people see what they use every day, and how much weather and other factors play a part in daily electric use,” Turner said. He also stressed that payment options such as Prepay and levelized billing can also help. “We strive to give members tools and resources to help them keep a handle on their energy use,” Turner explained. Members can find out more about all these programs and more at the Association’s website at www.4county.org, 4-County’s Facebook page, or by calling 1-800-431-1544.

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Today in Mississippi

February 2019

Joe’s J e auto Place shop is in the

By Brad Barr

Newly-retired 4-County Electric Power Association CEO Joe Cade has worn a lot of hats and enjoyed a number of executive titles throughout his cooperative career. Much has changed in this new chapter of life but the long list of titles has not. Husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather

and respected cooperative industry expert are all monikers he embraces. But while working in his tidy auto shop in Lowndes County, he may answer to the titles of Knuckle Buster or Wrench Spinner – common nicknames for those who enjoy working on cars. Call him whatever you want to, Cade says, but just make sure to call him when there’s a classic car needing restoration.

“We had a shop at the school. Mr. Walden was my auto shop instructor. My interest was sparked.” - Joe Cade

Joe Cade stands by “The Silver Bullet,” a restored 1966 Mustang that is a near-replica of an award-winning car he had years ago.

February 2019

Today in Mississippi

Cade has won a number of awards through the years for his participation in car shows. Cade enjoys the classic car restoration process, working on the ins and outs of the vehicles.

“There’s something special about it,” Cade said recently, tinkering around with a vintage Ford Mustang (his car of choice). “I just love it.” He first realized his love for working on cars as a high school student in Noxapater. “We had a shop at the school. Mr. Walden was my auto shop instructor,” Cade remembered. “My interest was sparked.” Later in life, he and his wife Phyllis (55 years of marriage) began drag racing. Much of the time, they trekked down to Hattiesburg. “We’d hit the Hub City Dragstrip with a 1969 big block Mercury Cougar. It was a personal challenge. You think your car is good, and so does the person beside you. It was a lot of fun,” he said. Cade’s first car was a 1956 Ford that he restored with his own hands. He continues that trend today by restoring cars and competing them in shows. One of his projects, a 1966 Ford Mustang restoration, was featured in a national car magazine. “People would ask us to stay at home,”

he said, because that car won most of the competitions. It was nicknamed “The Silver Bullet.” And while he doesn’t have that particular car anymore, he recently restored a Mustang to look just like it. “The Silver Bullet is back,” Cade said. The classic car enthusiast often gets cars that were junked and turn them into something beautiful. Cade orders the parts, puts them in their proper place and works on the interior. “I would get my boys to help me,” Cade said of his three sons. “Miss Phyllis,” as Cade likes to call his bride, enjoys watching him. “If the sun’s out, he’s out there,” she said of the workshop, better known as Joe’s Place. For years, Joe’s Place was in Winston County. “We grew up farming, tending a 10-acre garden. We pretty much raised our family with the garden,” he said. Cade attended Meridian Community College and Mississippi State University, studying business. He earned numerous distinctions and honors

while serving 4-County and other cooperatives. His career originally began at 4-County in 1983. He served many roles at the Columbus-based cooperative, his last being assistant general manager. After serving other cooperatives in Alabama and Georgia, Cade returned to 4-County as general manager/CEO in 2010. He retired in 2018. And now, there’s still always work to be done. His hobby may have changed a little over the years, but one thing has not changed. “The work still has to be done. When I first started, I may not have had the best collection of tools to work with, but we got it done,” he said. Today, he has collected an array of well-built older auto tools that correspond with the parts needed for older car restorations. The process continues to be an educational experience for the cooperative veteran and classic car aficionado. “I may have seen a little here and there through the years,” he said, “but I learn something new every day.”

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Today in Mississippi

February 2019

Watts Happening This listing of area events is compiled from information provided by area chambers of commerce and visitors bureaus. The events listed are subject to change. Please call to confirm dates, times and additional details.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4 Library – Book Sale; Starkville Public Library, 326 University Drive; Noon to 5:50 p.m.; details, (662) 323-2766. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5 The Heiress; Starkville Community Theatre, 108 E. Main St.; 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.; continues Wednesday, Feb. 6; details, (662) 323-6855. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8 All Arts Organization Meeting; Starkville Area Arts Council, 101 S. Lafayette St., Suite 18; Noon to 12:50 p.m.; details, (662) 324-3080. Jembe Den; Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St. in Columbus; 7:30 p.m.; details, (662) 328-2787.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14 Library: Book & Authors Reading; Starkville Public Library, 326 University Drive; 11:30 a.m. to 12:50 p.m.; details, (662) 323-2766. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19 Lyceum Series: Russian National Ballet presents Cinderella; Bettersworth Auditorium at Lee Hall on the campus of Mississippi State University in Starkville; 7 to 8 p.m.; details, (662) 325-3228. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22 U40 Exhibit; Starkville Area Arts Council, 101 S. Lafayette St., Suite 18; 7 to 9 p.m.; details, (662) 324-3080. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23 Columbus Arts Council 35th Annual Gala; Trotter Convention Center, 123 Fifth St. N. in Columbus; 5:30 p.m.; details, (662) 328-2787.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12 Artstor and Images – a comprehensive image database; Giles Electronic Classroom, first floor of Mitchell Memorial Library, 395 Hardy Road on the campus of THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28 Mississippi State University in Starkville; Magnolia Film Festival; Hollywood Premier Cinema, 101 Hollywood Boulevard in 10 to 11 a.m.; details, (662) 325-2204. Starkville; continues through Saturday, March 2; details, (662) 617-3239.

4-County teams up with Toys for Tots Christmas was a little brighter for some area families thanks to the efforts of 4-County Electric Power Association employees and members. For the 10th straight year, co-op employees and members dug deep and offered their time and money to do some Christmas shopping for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program. About 250 gifts were collected. Toys for Tots personnel picked the gifts up and distributed them where needed in the 4-County service area. “A wonderful way to celebrate the Christmas season,” Brad Barr, 4-County communications coordinator said of the program. “Anytime we can help our members, and children in particular, it’s a good situation for all of us. We’re already looking forward to next year.”

Congratulations, February 2019

Today in Mississippi

James Hall Thanks for the memories!

A Charlie of all Trades Veteran 4-County Electric Power Association employee Charlie Veazey would stop you if you tried to call him a Jack of all Trades. Most people would tell you that he’s too humble to claim that title. But, those same people would be quick to tell you that he is definitely a Charlie of all Trades –a major cog in keeping the cooperative’s wheels running smoothly. “I was raised to appreciate all types of work. And it’s something I’ve always done,” Charlie explained. Charlie, a Lowndes County native, joined 4-County in 1993. Prior to that, he worked at Discount Home Center in Columbus, in a customer service capacity. Today, he has a hand in a variety of 4-County Charlie Veazey capacities. A warehouseman in title, he also assists with cooperative meeting preparations, grounds work and maintenance work. You name it, Charlie’s done it. “I wouldn’t have it any other way. I don’t do the same thing every day, and that’s kind of neat,” he said. “It’s hard to measure just how much Charlie means to the cooperative,” said 4-County CEO Brian Clark. “He’s good at so many things and is a joy to work with. We all appreciate Charlie, and he is an important piece of the puzzle here at 4-County.” Charlie and his wife, Renee (who

works in the accounting department of Mississippi University for Women), live in the New Hope community. They have three daughters: Tatum, 23, Sara, 21, and Alaina, 18. Away from work, Charlie enjoys spending time with his family and being a member at East End Baptist Church. “We enjoy the fellowship with other Christians,” he said. And when he can, Charlie assists the elderly members of the church. “I lend a hand with chores around their homes and with other activities. My mother always enjoyed helping others. I guess I got that from her,” he added. Charlie, who is quick to admit he’s never met a stranger, doesn’t stay still very long. On the side, he mows yards. And, for fun, he enjoys carpentry work, and home repair. Gardening takes up some of his time as he grows tomatoes, peppers and okra. “I enjoy working in the soil and watching things grow,” Charlie said. Like most 4-County employees, Charlie feels the cooperative is a home away from home. “It’s a good dependable job. I’m fortunate that I get to work and interact with everyone,” he stressed. “We have a good place to work.”

35 Years of Service

James Hall began his 4-County career as a Laborer. He also served as a Groundman and an Apprentice Lineman. He advanced through the ranks, and became a Journeyman Lineman in 1989. James retired in late 2018.

“4-County has been a home away from home. It’s allowed me to take care of my family and be part of a brotherhood like no other.” - James

Today in Mississippi

February 2019

Magnolia Electric power holds annual Awards Banquet

General Manager Darrell Smith presented Service Awards during the recent Magnolia Electric Power Awards Banquet. Those receiving awards this year included: (front, from left) James Jackson, 30 years; Odell McKenzie and Anthony Hughes, both 20 years; Marlon Taylor, 15 years; (second row, from left) General Manager Darrell Smith; Liz Spears, Jason Mallette, Daniel Evans, Dwayne Bankston, all ten years; and Wendell Williams, five years. Not pictured: Aaron Achord, 15 years.

Invest a little, save a lot! Saving energy at home can be simple and free: Turn off the lights and TV when you’re not using them; lower the thermostat at night. But for a bigger impact on your electric bill, make a little bit more of an effort and invest a few bucks in energy-saving equipment. Here’s what to buy: LEDs. Next time a light bulb burns out, replace it with an LED. They last for years and use their energy to produce light, not heat. LED bulbs can screw right into the lamps and fixtures you have. But when it’s time to replace those, consider buying LED fixtures for even greater savings. Good-qualify power strips. Plug your electronic equipment into them. Before you go to bed at night, unplug those strips. If energy-intensive appliances like computers, printers and video game consoles are left

of the

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plugged in after you turn them off, they still use energy—constantly. The only way to stop wasting that energy is to unplug. New windows. If your old ones are single-pane versions, you might as well leave them open all winter. They’re no match for the cold air, which can seep through them. And they don’t do a good job of keeping your heated air inside. If that’s too much for now, at least plug the leaks around your windows and doors with weatherstripping or caulk. Window shades. Uncovered windows are great for views, but terrible for your energy bill. Your heating bill will be lower in the winter and your air conditioning costs will drop in the summer if you use blinds, curtains or awnings on windows. Uncover them on sunny winter days to let the natural warmth come into

your home, but close them up after dark when the temperature dips. Programmable thermostat. Everyone forgets to lower the heat once in a while. A programmable thermostat will do that for you. Program yours to lower at bedtime, and then automatically warm the house up just before everyone wakes up. It can lower the heat again once everyone leaves for school and work in the morning and crank it back up before the family gets home in the afternoon. The services of qualified technicians. Keeping your heating and cooling system clean and well-maintained will help it run more smoothly and efficiently. Likewise, keeping vents clear—including the one for your clothes dryer—will keep your family safer and your appliances running as they should.

Account Management February 2019

Today in Mississippi

Outage Reportin g a

Made easier!

SmartHub lets you manage all aspects of your Magnolia Electric Power account.

t your fin

SmartHub allows you to view your daily use and manage your account right from your mobile device. With SmartHub, you have the tools you need to manage your accounts with mobile and Web apps fully integrated with Magnolia Electric Power. SmartHub delivers account information, mobile payments and more in a secure environment. With the extreme cold temperatures we’ve been experiencing, Smart Hub is a convenient way to manage your daily power use. These graphs show an actual member’s use for January.

MANAGE WEBSITE VERSION My Account Visit www.mepcoop.com Click on MANAGE my Account. This will direct you to our SmartHub site.

MOBILE APP VERSION A mobile version of SmartHub is available in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Search for “smarthub” to install.

With SmartHub you can: View billing history • Check your use • View a bill comparsion Pay your bill • Set up automatic notifications • Outage reporting

gertips!

Today in Mississippi

February 2019

MONROE COUNTY ELECTRI Providing affordable, reliable electricity to our members since 1936.

Small Heaters can lead to GGER Bills

Many consumers turn to space heaters during winter months, which can boost winter heating bills.

February 2019

Today in Mississippi

C POWER ASSOCIATION A Mississippi Electric Cooperative

Quick Tips to Avoid High Winter Bills Looking to lower your bills this winter? Use the 10 tips below to conserve energy.

Seal air leaks and insulate well to prevent heat from escaping and cold air from entering your home.

Reduce waste heat by installing a programmable thermostat.

3 4 5 6 7

Turn off lights when not in use.

Close blinds and curtains at night to keep cold, drafty air out.

Use power strips for multiple appliances, and turn off the main switch when you’re away from home.

Wash clothes in cold water, and use cold-water detergent whenever possible.

Replace incandescent light bulbs with LEDs, which use at least 75 percent less energy. Source: U.S. Dept. of Energy

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Today in Mississippi

February 2019

For more information on Today in Mississippi, contact Michael Bellipanni at 662-895-2151.

A message from the CEO It is very likely that by the time Each of our neighboring states your receive your February issue of have passed laws that allow electric Today in Mississippi, the Rural cooperatives to be instrumental in Broadband Enabling Act of 2019 these services. Over 100 cooperatives will have passed both the Mississippi throughout the United States have House and Senate and will be headchosen this avenue to improve the ed to our Governor to be signed communities they serve through the into law. Now the work will begin. deployment of high speed internet. So, what exactly will Electric co-ops like this new law do? Northcentral, are It has been docuuniquely positioned mented, and many to address this task. have experienced, the Not only will this lack of high speed legislation allow internet access in many Northcentral to form parts of our state. Over a high speed internet 685,000 Mississippians affiliate, but we also do not have access to will have the ability an internet connection to partner with other capable of 25 mbps operators to provide download speed. Our broadband services. locally-owned electric Our member is proKevin Doddridge cooperatives recognize the tected in that this venGeneral Manager/CEO need for Mississippians to ture will not diminish be connected to our present-day the reliability of the electric delivery economy and society. This law will system, and they are not required to allow Mississippi’s electric co-ops to purchase our internet service. Of form telecommunication affiliates significant importance is the fact that could be positioned to provide that in this law, electric co-ops do this service. not seek any state or federal fundYou may wonder how an electric ing. cooperative can provide this service Now that we have received perwhere a normal telcom provider mission, what we ask for next is cannot. Many electric cooperatives patience. Our electric distribution have been constructing fiberoptic system has been over 65 years in the networks for their electrical distribu- making. The construction of a fiber tion system. The networks are to be system will take more than just sevused for substation connnectivity, eral years. We co-ops must conduct automated systems and increased detailed studies to assure that we are reliability. These co-op formed telprotecting our rate paying member, com affiliates can work with the while trying to determine if we can electric co-op to assist in providing meet a critical need. With each causervice. Our “not-for-profit” nature tious step, however, we will play our allows us to put revenues back into role in assuring that Mississippi the fiber system to expand it even shrinks the digital divide that has more. held us back for so long.

CHECK IT OUT!

Our new

website!

The new northcentralepa.com has a more user-friendly approach that allows members to find the information they’re looking for fast. You can still make payments on your account, monitor usage, and get up-to-date information; it’s just easier now. Members can find out more information on their Board of Directors and what districts they serve. You can also connect to the new Northcentral Nfused podcast, available on iTunes and Podbean. It’s also easy to find us on social media with links to our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube pages. For the new approach to our website, Northcentral turned to Angelfish. Angelfish is a local media consultant that specializes in helping companies create more dynamic, user-friendly websites. If a member needs to fill out a new application, it’s there on our site. If they need to analyze how to lower their bill, we have helpful links to our Home Energy Advisor and energy efficiency programs. Finally, if they need to know where and how they can pay their bill, there’s maps and information right on our homepage. It’s never been easier to be a Northcentral member!

February 2019

Invest a Little

SAVE A LOT! Saving energy at home can be simple and free: Turn off the lights and TV when you’re not using them; lower the thermostat at night. But for a bigger impact on your electric bill, make a little bit more of an effort and invest a few bucks in energy-saving equipment. Here’s what to buy: LEDs. Next time a light bulb burns out, replace it with an LED. They last for years and use their energy to produce light, not heat. LED bulbs can screw right into the lamps and fixtures you have. But when it’s time to replace those, consider buying LED fixtures for even greater savings. Good-qualify power strips. Plug your electronic equipment into them. Before you go to bed at night, unplug those strips. If energy-intensive appliances like computers, printers and video game consoles are left plugged in after you turn them off, they still use energy—constantly. The only way to stop wasting that energy is to unplug. New windows. If your old ones are single-pane versions, you might as well leave them open all winter. They’re no match for the cold air, which can seep through them. And they don’t do a good job of keeping your heated air inside. If that’s too much for now, at least plug the leaks around your windows and doors with weatherstripping or caulk. Window shades. Uncovered windows are great for views, but terrible for your energy bill. Your heating bill will be lower in the winter and your air conditioning costs will drop in the summer if you use blinds, curtains or awnings on windows. Uncover them on sunny winter days to let the natural warmth come into your home, but close them up after dark when the temperature dips. Programmable thermostat. Everyone forgets to lower the heat once in a while. A programmable thermostat will do that for you. Program yours to lower at bedtime, and then automatically warm the house up just before everyone wakes up. It can lower the heat again once everyone leaves for school and work in the morning and crank it back up before the family gets home in the afternoon. The services of qualified technicians. Keeping your heating and cooling system clean and well-maintained will help it run more smoothly and efficiently. Likewise, keeping vents clear—including the one for your clothes dryer—will keep your family safer and your appliances running as they should.

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Today in Mississippi

Looking to lower your bills this winter? Use the 10 tips below to conserve energy.

Seal air leaks and insulate well to prevent heat from escaping and cold air from entering your home.

Reduce waste heat by installing a programmable thermostat.

4 5 6 7

Turn off lights when not in use.

Close blinds and curtains at night to keep cold, drafty air out.

Use power strips for multiple appliances, and turn off the main switch when you’re away from home.

Wash clothes in cold water, and use cold-water detergent whenever possible.

Quick Tips to Avoid High Winter Bills

Replace incandescent light bulbs with LEDs, which use at least 75 percent less energy. Source: U.S. Dept. of Energy

Attention Youth Tour alumni! Let’s catch up! If you have walked miles in D.C. in the summer heat with “Daddy Ron,” if you have eaten in every food court in our nation’s capital, if you had the trip of a lifetime exploring landmarks and meeting our country’s leaders with dozens of your friends, then you must be one of Northcentral Electric’s former Youth Leadership students. We want to hear from you. We are attempting to build a database of Youth Tour Alumni. If you are a former Youth Tour student, email mbellipanni@northcentral.com so we can learn more about your life since the tour and share your story with alumni and potential Youth Tour candidates.

10 Today in Mississippi

February 2019

Member owned. Locally operated. That’s the cooperative difference.

PRVEPA Contact Information: Columbia: 601-736-2666 Hattiesburg: 601-264-2458

Purvis: 601-794-8051 Wiggins: 601-928-7277

To pay bills or report outages:

Member owned. Locally operated. That’s the cooperative difference.

855-2PRVEPA (855-277-8372) Visit us on line at www.PRVEPA.com

A message from your general manager

Our most valuable asset:

Employees It’s another new year, and I wanted to take a moment to focus on our employees. Whenever I talk about the people who serve our members, it is with much pride and admiration, especially in the aftermath of storm restoration or other crises. Pearl River Valley Electric is one of 24 other electric cooperatives in Mississippi; a few are larger than we are but most are Randy Wallace smaller in terms of the size of our 12-county General Manager service area and the number of accounts (over 50,000) served along our 6,000+ miles of lines. In spite of the growth we’ve seen, especially in the last 10-15 years, we have pretty much stayed at around 130 employees. The majority of those employees work to design, build, maintain and operate our lines and other electric facilities. Of course, we also have people who oversee finance, materials, information technology, vehicles and consumer services. We recently celebrated the service anniversary milestones of many employees, which is one of my favorite occasions of the year. (See story at right.) More than one third of our employees have been with PRVEPA for more than 20 years, and many have worked with us for more than 30 years. All of our employees are professional, dedicated and intent on doing their best every day to meet your expectations. That is the hallmark of a member-owned, locally-operated, not-forprofit cooperative business like ours. Sometimes those unique characteristics of our business model are overlooked or underappreciated, but being a cooperative has proved to be the best way to deliver affordable electricity to our members, help grow the communities we serve, and add to the quality of life for everyone living in our service area. It is also common for our employees to respond effectively to crisis situations. Our crews restore service to our members whenever the need arises, and they’re equally as good lending a hand to other electric cooperatives when called on. After Hurricane Michael devastated parts of Florida in October, our linemen spent several weeks helping to restore service to co-op members there. I am very proud of all of the men and women at PRVEPA and the work they do every day to serve our members. I hope you’re as proud of their efforts as I am.

Employees recognized for service anniversaries Twenty-one Pearl River Valley Electric employees reached years-of-service milestones in 2018. At an employee gathering in December, the honorees were recognized for their efforts, dedication and service to the Association and its members.

40 Years Dwyn Burge

30 Years Tommy Bond Tony Baughman Rusty Rawls Debra S. Smith

25 Years Tommy Baughman Anthony L. Harris Roger Dale Stringer

(left to right) Tony Baughman, Dwyn Burge, Tommy Baughman, Anthony Harris, Tommy Bond

20 Years Wes Cooley George Cutrer Johnny Finnan Kevin “Shorty” Herring Chris Till Keith Yawn

15 Years Nathan Brown Josh Geiger

(left to right) Chris Till, George Cutrer, Kevin Herring, Keith Yawn

10 Years Gavin Daughdrill Brandon Ramshur Jon Mark Rayborn Kristie Robertson

5 Years Tammy L. Langston (left to right) Brandon Ramshur, Tammy Langston, Gavin Daughdrill

February 2019 Today in Mississippi

mean higher electric bills Once again, south Mississippi is seeing more stretches of cold weather this winter—with abnormally chilly temperatures. When temperatures get down below freezing and stay there for several days, all forms of electric home heating must work overtime, leading to much higher electric usage. As a result, the amount of members’ recent monthly bills will be higher than those that reflect more normal weather patterns. “Over the past two months, we have had to deal with several instances of unusually cold days,” said Kurt Brautigam, manager of member services. “When we help members understand how much electricity they’re using to keep their homes warm, it becomes apparent that the highest electric use occurs on those coldest days.” Any increase in your monthly bill is ultimately a direct result of higher electric consumption. For the

average home, heating in the winter and cooling during the summer are the largest drivers of electric use, by far. When you receive your bill, remember how many long, cold stretches we faced in January. “Some homes are using 10 kilowatt-hours or more per hour when the temperatures are near or below freezing, because that’s when auxiliary heat strips cut on in heat pump systems,” said Scott Arinder, member services representative. “That equates to a dollar an hour, or more. Multiply that by 24 hours per day for several days at a time—staying comfortable inside means your bill will be higher.” “We’re happy to talk with any member about their bill and offer tips for possibly reducing usage,” Brautigam noted. “But normal winter weather will put stress on just about any home’s heating system, causing it to run much more than usual.”

South Hattiesburg substation damaged by copper thieves Service to 2,500 Pearl River Valley Electric members was interrupted early on the morning of January 9, due to copper thieves who damaged the Association’s South Hattiesburg substation. Reports of a fire at the location were received at 6:40 a.m. Investigation revealed that thieves had stolen portions of the copper wiring that help ground the substation, ultimately knocking it off line and cutting service to member-consumers in southern Forrest County, including the Dixie area. Crews worked to make repairs and restored service at 8:40 a.m. “Copper theft is a serious problem nationwide, and we have recently seen more instances in south Mississippi,” said Kurt Brautigam, manager of member services. “These are criminal acts that obviously cause service issues for our members and incur additional cost to the Association, but they also create a significant safety issue for our employees and the public.” Law enforcement officials who responded to

the theft noted that there had been recent reports of similar activities in the area at several other substation locations owned by different electric providers. The next night, thieves caused damage to PRVEPA’s Lumberton substation. By the end of the week, two suspects had been arrested in connection with the case. “We appreciate the timely efforts of the Sheriff’s Departments in Forrest and Lamar counties,” said Brautigam. “We intend to prosecute anyone who commits these crimes to the full extent of the law. “We would also ask all of our members to be aware of any suspicious activity around our facilities, such as persistent traffic that might indicate unusual interest in a remotely located area. Please feel free to call us with any information or concerns.” Heat from a fire that began after the theft of grounding wire at the South Hattiesburg substation was intense enough to melt the concrete base of this regulator.

Here are some ways to save energy when the temperature drops. • Lower your thermostat to 68 degrees (or lower): If you decrease the temperature by just one degree, you can save on heating costs. Consider a programmable thermostat that you can set to lower the temperature when away from home and increase before you come back. • Adjust blinds and curtains: Keep them open to let in sunlight during the day, and closed at night to keep heat inside and protect from drafts. • Keep doors and windows closed as much as possible: That includes overhead doors on attached garages. Also close the fireplace damper and seal the opening when not in use. Visit www.PRVEPA.com for more ways to save, as well as easy-to-use home energy calculators.

Today in Mississippi

February 2019

“Pioneers In America’s Rural Electrification”

Moorman’s

Path to Assistant GM Filled with Hard Work

By Jennifer Johnson Pontotoc Electric’s Frankie Moorman is no stranger to hard work. In fact, it’s been a part of his life since he was a young boy. “My grandparents John and Martha Miller had a full-service Texaco station for 52 years. I was raised up there. I pumped gas, washed cars, and did a lot of other things as I got older and could handle more responsibility. When I turned 16, I went to work for the Mississippi State University Experiment Station as a farm hand. I also started picking up the welding trade.” Moorman got a degree in tool and die and had plans to open his own machine shop. Those plans changed after he was approached by then Pontotoc Electric General Foreman Johnny Seale about coming to work for the utility. “I started out running the digger/derrick truck and working as a groundman. I did that for about nine months and then started climbing poles some. At first I was a little nervous, but I tried it and never looked back.” Moorman worked his way up to journeyman, the top level of lineman in the company. He said he enjoyed his work and its opportunities to do and learn more. “I knew there would be room to grow in becoming a lineman. I’m always up to a challenge. I wanted to see just what I could do. I

always want to do something that will make me think.” Another challenge presented itself when Moorman was promoted to assistant foreman in 2015. He worked in that role for about three years. Moorman said it was an opportunity to look at the business from a different side. “It was a learning experience seeing how management has to lead and Frankie Moorman, Assistant GM, Pontotoc Electric the things they have to do.” He was He said he tried to continue building one to be tasked on the foundation his predecessor had on a level with provided. “Don Patterson taught me a playing coordilot, and I’m thankful for his leaderfield nating ship.” and the In January 2019, Moorman was know apprennamed assistant general manager at what is tice linePontotoc Electric. He said he’s excited expected to step into this position. “I am honman to move ored and privileged to have this opportraining up from tunity. My father and my grandfather program, level to always told me I had to work hard for and along with level. I feel Frankie Moorman what I wanted. I want to continue to now-retired very strongly use the lessons they taught me to help Safety and about teaching them. our community.” Environmental Director I want to make sure Moorman said he’s continuing to Walter Chittom, the company made they’re ready to step up. I think keep a balance in his life. He carves great strides in teaching up-and-comwhat’s so satisfying about the lineman out time for family, including wife training program is that it’s a team ing linemen the skills and requirements Angie, daughter Bailey, and son effort, and it’s great to think that needed to perform their jobs and keep Garrett. Finding and fixing up antique you’ve had a hand in molding this themselves and others safe. John Deere tractors with Garrett and person’s career.” Moorman said training new linemen his dad Keith provide some down time Another opportunity came in is something he takes great pride in. for the man who’s not afraid to work August 2018 when Moorman moved “I was one of the people who strongly hard and chase his dreams. into the position of general foreman. wanted that program. It allows every-

“I knew there would be room to grow in becoming a lineman. I’m always up to a challenge. I wanted to see just what I could do. I always want to do something that will make me think.”

February 2019

Invest a Little SAVE A LOT! Saving energy at home can be simple and free: Turn off the lights and TV when you’re not using them; lower the thermostat at night. But for a bigger impact on your electric bill, make a little bit more of an effort and invest a few bucks in energy-saving equipment. Here’s what to buy: LEDs. Next time a light bulb burns out, replace it with an LED. They last for years and use their energy to produce light, not heat. LED bulbs can screw right into the lamps and fixtures you have. But when it’s time to replace those, consider buying LED fixtures for even greater savings. Good-quality power strips. Plug your electronic equipment into them. Before you go to bed at night, unplug those strips. If energy-intensive appliances like computers, printers, and video game consoles are left plugged in after you turn them off, they still use energy—constantly. The only way to stop wasting that energy is to unplug. New windows. If your old ones are single-pane versions, you might as well leave them open all winter. They’re no match for the cold air, which can seep through them. And they don’t do a good job of keeping your heated air inside. If that’s too much for now, at least plug the leaks around your windows and doors with weatherstripping or caulk. Window shades. Uncovered windows are great for views, but terrible for your energy bill. Your heating bill will be lower in the winter and your air conditioning costs will drop in the summer if you use blinds, curtains or awnings on windows. Uncover them on sunny winter days to let the natural warmth come into your home, but close them up after dark when the temperature dips. Programmable thermostat. Everyone forgets to lower the heat once in a while. A programmable thermostat will do that for you. Program yours to lower at bedtime, and then automatically warm the house up just before everyone wakes up. It can lower the heat again once everyone leaves for school and work in the morning and crank it back up before the family gets home in the afternoon. The services of qualified technicians. Keeping your heating and cooling system clean and well-maintained will help it run more smoothly and efficiently. Likewise, keeping vents clear—including the one for your clothes dryer— will keep your family safer and your appliances running as they should.

Today in Mississippi

Watts Cooking? Sausage and Rice Casserole Collections Manager Mary Williamson 1 lb. mild pork sausage 1 cup white slow cooking rice, uncooked 1 can cream of chicken soup 1 2 cup of milk 1 medium onion, chopped 1 can Rotel tomatoes 1 soup can water 1 lb. Velveeta Brown sausage and chopped onion and drain. Put dry rice in bottom of casserole dish and spread sausage mixture on top. Combine soup, water, tomatoes, and milk and pour over rice and sausage mixture. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes. Add Velveeta and return to oven until bubbly and melted.

Chocolate Punch Bowl Cake Manager of Technical Services Curtis Gregory 1 box milk chocolate cake mix 3 boxes chocolate pudding Chocolate syrup (as desired) 1 tub Cool Whip 1 cup chocolate chips Bake cake according to directions. Mix pudding according to directions. Break cake apart. Distribute into punch bowl. Add a layer of pudding. Next a layer of cool whip. Top with chocolate chips. Repeat layers. Top with chocolate syrup if desired.

Turn off kitchen, bath and other exhaust fans within 20 minutes after you’re done cooking or bathing. When replacing exhaust fans, consider installing high-efficiency, low-noise models.

TIP of the

Month

Source: energy.gov

10 Today in Mississippi February 2019 Pay Bill Report Outages

Brian Hughey, General Manager & CEO Lorri Freeman, APR, Manager of Public Relations Amanda Parker, Public Relations Specialist For more information, call 601-947-4211, 228-497-1313 or visit our website at singingriver.com. SRE is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

Check Energy Use

Round Up Bill

View Outage Map

CEO’s Message

Power cost reduction and $1.2M credit passed through to members Beginning in January 2019, Singing River Electric billing statements reflected a power cost adjustment decrease of 0.1 cent/kilowatt-hour (kWh) due in large part to natural gas prices continuing to be slightly lower than expected. This reduced all member bills by $1.00 for every 1,000 kWh of energy used. The power cost adjustment is driven by the cost of generating and purchasing electricity. Cooperative Energy, our wholesale power provider, generates and purchases electricity using a diversified Brian Hughey mix of fuel sources including natu- General Manager & CEO Singing River Electric ral gas, coal, nuclear, hydroelectric and solar. This allows Cooperative Energy to keep the cost of power as low as possible. In addition, if you were a member during the months of November or December 2018, you will be receiving a one-

time bill credit based on your electricity use during this twomonth period. The bill credit will be applied to February bills. This $1.2 million member credit was recently returned from Cooperative Energy, as a result of margins occurring during this time frame. Cooperative Energy worked with their power reliability coordinator, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), to provide the required energy for its members and performed successfully in the market. The result was higher than expected margins that have now been returned to Singing River Electric and are being passed directly to our membership. For example, if a member used 2,000 kWh over the two-month period, the February bill credit would be $11.50. Similarly, if a member used 5,000 kWh over the two-month period, the February bill credit would be $28.75. Singing River Electric’s goal is to meet our members’ energy needs while providing electric service at the lowest possible cost and enhancing the lives of the members and communities we serve. We strive to meet and exceed these goals daily.

Upcoming Right-of-Way Clearing Projects Singing River Electric Cooperative clears trees, limbs and underbrush from the area around and below the power lines, called the right-of- way. Right-of-way clearing helps decrease the number of outages and reduces the risk of someone coming in contact with the power lines. Here are the substations and surrounding areas that are either currently being cleared, or clearing will begin soon:

• State Line Substation Highway 42, Highway 57, KnobTown/ MLK Road, and surrounding areas.

• Kittrell Substation Highway 42, Smithtown Chicora Road, Woolard Bend Road, and surrounding areas.

• Gautier Substation Highway 90, Graveline Road, Ladnier Road, and surrounding areas.

• Helena Substation Highway 613, Saracennia Road, Wildwood Road, and surrounding areas.

Clearing means safer and more reliable electric service for you.

Energy Tips

Nick DeAngelo, Manager of Emergency Services deangelo@singingriver.com

Well pump winter care During times of freezing temperatures, if your well pump is not used daily, it is recommended to drain the pump to avoid damage. If you are not able to drain the pump, it is recommended to place a 100-watt incandescent bulb near the pump and connected lines to avoid damage. It is not recommended to use a space heater for protecting well pump and pipes during freezing temperatures due to the exorbitant cost of doing so, as well as the fire hazard it presents. A small space heater can range from 600-1500 watts of electricity to operate. Some have thermostats but because they are placed outside, they will rarely turn off. The result would be significantly more energy used and a higher power bill.

Notice of Singing River Electric Director Qualification Period Candidates seeking election to the board for directors for Singing River Electric Cooperative must visit Singing River Electric’s Lucedale office (11187 Old 63 South) and obtain a Director Candidate Packet. The forms and petitions in the packet must be completed and returned by close of business on the last business day in February (Thursday, February 28).

February 2019 Today in Mississippi 11

SRE linemen participate in

Cooperative Days of Service Singing River Electric joined other Mississippi electric co-ops including Cooperative Energy, Dixie Electric, Coast Electric, and Yazoo Valley Electric to participate in Cooperative Days of Service, to be held annually in conjunction with Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday and holiday. King stated, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?” Singing River Electric linemen answered the call for service by reading to local, future leaders. Linemen visited Central Elementary in Lucedale, Gautier Elementary and Sand Hill Attendance Center, where they donated books and read to kindergarten classrooms. “Giving back to the communities where our member-consumers live is one of the founding Above: SRE Journeyman Lineman Rodney Gibson participated in the Cooperative cooperative principles. It’s who we are and a big Days of Service by donating books and reading to all kindergarten classes at Central Elementary School in Lucedale. Go Tigers. part of our 80-year history,” said Singing River Electric General Manager and CEO Brian Hughey. “Joining together for Cooperative Days of Service allowed us the opportunity to participate in community service across the state.” Ms. Jessica Coleman, principal of Gautier Elementary, stated, “I’m so glad y’all are here. We love to have people come and read to our Right: Serviceman Brent Brewer students.” donated books and read to the kindergarteners at Sand Hill “It felt Attendance Center as an act of good to do service in honor of Martin something for Luther King, Jr. He is pictured the kids,” said with one of the students and his SRE daughter, Addie Brewer. Construction Foreman II Brian Goldman. “Hopefully they learned a bit about what linemen do.” Journeyman Lineman Rodney Gibson added, “I enjoyed reading Above: Singing River Electric Construction Foreman II to the students and answering their questions about my job.” Brian Goldman reads to kindergarten classrooms at For more information about Cooperative Days of Service, visit Gautier Elementary as part of the Cooperative Days of singingriver.com or visit any of Singing River Electric’s social media Service. channels including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Broadband legislation in Mississippi On Tuesday, Jan. 15, the State House of Representatives passed HB366, the "Mississippi Broadband Enabling Act,” allowing cooperatives the opportunity to provide high-speed internet access to members. The Senate passed the legislation on Jan. 23. At the time of press, the bill was waiting to be signed in to law by the governor.

Singing River Electric recognizes there is a need for true high-speed internet access for all Mississippians. SRE would prefer the service to be offered by local communication companies; however, SRE supports changing the state law to allow electric cooperatives the opportunity to provide broadband. SRE is currently studying the situation

to determine broadband availability in the service area and whether it is in the best interest of the entire membership to offer the additional service. SRE’s board of directors will take the time to carefully consider this issue and its best solution. SRE’s first responsibility as an electric cooperative is to continue to provide quality electric service to the membership.

Statement of nondiscrimination In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_ filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

1 mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;

2 fax: (202) 690-7442; or 3 email: program.intake@usda.gov. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

10 Today in Mississippi February 2019

An update on broadband services

Last month, the Mississippi Legislature convened in Jackson for the 2019 session. One of the most-talkedabout bills on the agenda proposed that Mississippi electric cooperatives be able to provide high-speed internet access to rural Mississippians. The bill passed by an overwhelming majority in the House and unanimously through the Senate. As of press time, the Mississippi “Broadband Enabling Act” was waiting for the governor’s signature. There have been a lot of questions from members – will we offer broadband and, if so, when? How much will it cost? How will Southern Pine Electric be affected? There are many questions right Jason S. Siegfried now and we are still working on President/CEO some of those answers. Here is what we know at this point. Southern Pine supports access to reliable broadband internet service for all Mississippians. We believe it is vital to the economic, educational and social interests in our state. Southern Pine is working diligently with economic feasibility studies to develop a strategy for helping our members get access to high speed internet. This is a major undertaking, and we need to be sure that our electric members are not adversely impacted by this effort. The bill states that revenue from energy sales cannot subsidize broadband ventures and that no Southern Pine Electric member will be required to purchase broadband services. This means that if we offer broadband services, Southern Pine Electric members who choose not to utilize the service will not be affected. As we pursue these efforts, we will analyze the cost, structure and consider partnerships. We will also listen to you. Your feedback is of great importance and it will be crucial as we decide how to move forward. We will be sure to keep you updated on these efforts as they develop. We appreciate your continued support and patience and are here to answer any questions or concerns.

Small Heaters can lead to BIGGER Bills During winter, for many of us, comfort at home means heat. While a good central heating system is designed to meet whole house needs, sometimes consumers turn to space heaters for additional warmth. Some people use one to boost temperatures for a single room where the available heat is inadequate, but their widespread use, over extended periods, can boost winter heating bills. “In some cases, small space heaters can be less expensive to use if you only want to heat one room or supplement inadequate heating in one room,” according to analysts at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). “However, a space heater is not necessarily an economical source of long-term warmth. It is not an alternative to a whole-home heating system.”

distribute heat relatively evenly throughout an enclosed space. For garages, workshops, workout rooms or laundry areas, used for a few hours a day or each week, a convective heater could be a good fit. Many convective electric heaters contain some type of sealed heat transfer liquid. They allow heat generated by the devices to store energy as heat, so they cycle less while providing consistent performance. Radiant electric heaters typically include infrared heating elements. Nearby surfaces—including people—absorb the heat. Air in immediate proximity to the unit’s enclosure or cabinetry also aids in the transfer of conductive warmth.

beyond its upright position. Because space heaters are designed specifically to produce he be plugged directly into a possible. If an extension c should be heavy duty, and 14-gauge wire or larger. Given a choice betwee and low, or an adjustable choose the latter. A unit t space to the desired temp less, saving you energy, an the room. And buy the right size right size space––too sma warming results could be too large or powerful and uncomfortable. Any time or windows to vent away are wasting energy you’ve consumed to produce hea

Getting More

“Space heaters are not for heating homes,” said B senior program manager f Rural Electric Cooperativ “For every unit of electric consumed by these device one unit of heat.” While adding several supplement your central h also likely to drive up you selective use can help you According to analysts a

eat, they should a wall whenever cord is used, it d made of

en high, medium e thermostat, that heats your perature will cycle nd never overheat

heater for the all and the disappointing; d you’ll be e you open doors warm air, you e already at.

e for Less

the ideal solution Brian Sloboda, a for the National ve Association. city that is es, they produce

space heaters to heating system is ur energy costs, u save money. at the

February 2019 Today in Mississippi

10 Many consumers turn to space heaters during winter months, which can boost winter heating bills.

Environmental Protection Agency, the key is using space heaters in smaller rooms that are occupied infrequently, in conjunction with lower thermostat settings on your central system. Lowering thermostat settings from 70 to 65 degrees and using a thermostat-controlled space heater to heat 10 percent of a home’s conditioned floor space will save a heat pump user $67 a year. But the EPA cautions that space heaters are most efficient when used in small spaces for limited periods and can actually waste energy if consumers try to heat too much area with the devices. There are currently no space heaters among the EPA’s list of ENERGY STAR®rated products. Agency officials said they have evaluated several models but have no plans to include such products in the labeling program in the near future. Still, high-end space heaters are heavily marketed during the autumn and winter months. “Most of these units are very similar in design, but the cabinetry or packaging is a major selling point,” said Sloboda. “Consumers should consider the wide range of heaters available and their own taste in features and design before buying one.” Slobada said, “Other alternatives, like sealing air leaks, adding insulation or tuning up your heating system so it operates more efficiently are just a few of the options that won’t increase your overall energy use.”

Looking to lower your bills this winter? Use the 10 tips below to conserve energy.

Seal air leaks and insulate well to prevent heat from escaping and cold air from entering your home.

Reduce waste heat by installing a programmable thermostat.

4 5 6 7

Turn off lights when not in use.

Close blinds and curtains at night to keep cold, drafty air out.

Use power strips for multiple appliances, and turn off the main switch when you’re away from home.

Wash clothes in cold water, and use cold-water detergent whenever possible.

Quick Tips to Avoid High Winter Bills

Replace incandescent light bulbs with LEDs, which use at least 75 percent less energy. Source: U.S. Dept. of Energy

TIP of the

Month

Today in Mississippi I February 2019

P.O. Box 5 • 18671 Highway 61 • Lorman, MS 39096 601-437-3611 or toll-free 1-800-287-8564 • Fax: 601-437-8736

Adams • Amite • Claiborne • Copiah • Franklin Hinds • Jefferson • Lincoln • Wilkinson Southwest Electric is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

www.southwestelectric.coop

Southwest Electric

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SWElectricCoop

The advantage is saving money and your comfort Southwest Electric offers Comfort Advantage, a guide to energy efficiency investments in your home. You can enjoy home comfort and save dollars, too.

Comfort Advantage homes include energy-efficient features that work together as a system to ensure quality living. The Comfort Advantage program is designed for new home construction and retrofitting an exist-

ing HVAC system. Certain rebates are available for qualifying Members. Rebates up to $500 are available on new home construction. To qualify, call prior to construction to evaluate your house plan, review program requirements and schedule on-site inspections. Rebates are also available for existing homes. If you are considering upgrading your HVAC system from an all-electric or gas unit to an energy-efficient heat

pump, Members will qualify for a $400 rebate with $150 for each additional heat pump installed. For more information about the Comfort Advantage program, contact our Member Services Department. Call: 1-800-287-8564 Email: info@swepa.coop Website: southwestelectric.coop

Recommendations For An Energy Efficient Home Heating and Cooling:

Windows and Doors:

Air Leaks:

• Electric air-to-air heat pump or ground source heat pump, properly sized • Adequate cooling efficiency ratings and heating efficiency ratings • Indoor and outdoor units should be listed as a matching system by ARI (Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute)

• Glass area is not to exceed 20 percent of the floor area • Double pane windows and foam core or solid wood doors leading to unconditioned space or outside

• Wiring and plumbing access on exterior walls, floors and attics • Exterior windows and doors • Fireplace damper

Water Heater:

Duct System:

Insulation:

• Heat traps and heat recovery device • Heat pump or geothermal water heater

Attic Ventilation:

• Properly designed, installed and insulated duct system • Mastic sealed joints • Limited use of flex duct • Duct insulation R-6 or higher

• Attic ceiling R-30 or higher • Walls R-13 between studs plus insulated sheathing • Floors over unconditioned space R-19 or greater

• Adequate combination of continuous ridge and soffit ventilation

February 2019

Today in Mississippi

Employees earn service awards Every December, Southwest Electric has a meeting where we recognize our employees and their years of service to our cooperative’s Members. In December 2018, 11 employees were recognized and received awards noting their years of service.

30 YEARS

James Fairchild

Jr Keller

25 YEARS

David Strittman

Jason Delaney

20 YEARS

Tena Anderson

10 YEARS

Tim Collins

Amanda Cranfield

Employee

Riley Carson

Spotlight

Lynda O’Quinn, Cashier Lynda O’Quinn has been an employee at Southwest Electric for 23 years. As a cashier, she receives Members’ payments in the Lorman office and helps explain their bills. She and her husband, Luther, have been married for 26 years. They have two sons and two grandchildren.

Steve Jackson, Construction Crew Foreman Steve Jackson began his career at Southwest Electric almost 27 years ago in the Right-of-Way Department trimming trees from the power lines. He has worked in the Engineering Department with regulators, breakers and meters and in the Construction Department as a lineman. In 2013, he was promoted to a crew foreman. Steve and his wife, Coretta, live in Fayette and have been married for 25 years. He is the proud father of a 12-year old son.

Tina Strittman

5 YEARS

Frank May

Keep your thermometer set at 68 degrees in the colder months. Just two degrees can make a difference in your electric bill.

15 YEARS

Benito Foster

Today in Mississippi

February 2019

TWIN COUNTY ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION

Small Heaters can lead to GGER Bills

workshops, workout rooms or laundry areas, used for a few hours a day or each week, a convective heater could be a good fit. Many convective electric heaters contain some type of sealed heat transfer liquid. They allow heat generated by the devices to store energy as heat, so they cycle less while providing consistent performance. Radiant electric heaters typically include infrared heating elements. Nearby surfaces—including people—absorb the heat. Air in immediate proximity to the unit’s enclosure or cabinetry also aids in the transfer of conductive warmth.

be plugged directly into a wall whenever possible. If an extension cord is used, it should be heavy duty, and made of 14-gauge wire or larger. Given a choice between high, medium and low, or an adjustable thermostat, choose the latter. A unit that heats your space to the desired temperature will cycle less, saving you energy, and never overheat the room. And buy the right size heater for the right size space––too small and the warming results could be disappointing; too large or powerful and you’ll be uncomfortable. Any time you open doors or windows to vent away warm air, you are wasting energy you’ve already consumed to produce heat.

Many consumers turn to space heaters during winter months, which can boost winter heating bills.

your central system. Lowering thermostat settings from 70 to 65 degrees and using a thermostatcontrolled space heater to heat 10 percent of a home’s conditioned floor space will save a heat pump user $67 a year. But the EPA cautions that space heaters are most efficient when used in small spaces for limited periods and can actually waste energy if consumers try to heat too much area with the devices. There are currently no space heaters among the EPA’s list of ENERGY STAR®-rated products. Agency officials said they have evaluated several models but have no plans to include such products in the labeling program in the near future. Still, high-end space heaters are heavily marketed during the autumn and winter months. “Most of these units are very similar in design, but the cabinetry or packaging is a major selling point,” said Sloboda. “Consumers should consider the wide range of heaters available and their own taste in features and design before buying one.” Slobada said, “Other alternatives, like sealing air leaks, adding insulation or tuning up your heating system so it operates more efficiently are just a few of the options that won’t increase your overall energy use.”

February 2019

Today in Mississippi

For after-hours outages, call

866-897-7250

A Mississippi Electric Cooperative

Quick Tips to Avoid High Winter Bills Looking to lower your bills this winter? Use the 10 tips below to conserve energy.

Seal air leaks and insulate well to prevent heat from escaping and cold air from entering your home.

Reduce waste heat by installing a programmable thermostat.

3 4 5 6 7

Turn off lights when not in use.

Close blinds and curtains at night to keep cold, drafty air out.

Use power strips for multiple appliances, and turn off the main switch when you’re away from home.

Wash clothes in cold water, and use cold-water detergent whenever possible.

Replace incandescent light bulbs with LEDs, which use at least 75 percent less energy. Source: U.S. Dept. of Energy

TIP of the

Month

Today in Mississippi

February 2019

Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association Manager of Member Services: Dennis McFee For Today in Mississippi information, call 662-746-4251, or email dmcfee@yazoovalley.com

Small Heaters can lead to GGER Bills

Many consumers turn to space heaters during winter months, which can boost winter heating bills.

February 2019 I Today in Mississippi

A Mississippi Electric Cooperative

Here’s what to buy: LEDs. Next time a light bulb burns out, replace it with an LED. They last for years and use their energy to produce light, not heat. LED bulbs can screw right into the lamps and fixtures you have. But when it’s time to replace those, consider buying LED fixtures for even greater savings. Good-quality power strips. Plug your electronic equipment into them. Before you go to bed at night, unplug those strips. If energy-intensive appliances like computers, printers and video game consoles are left plugged in after you turn them off, they still use energy—constantly. The only way to stop wasting that energy is to unplug. New windows. If your old ones are single-pane versions, you might as well leave them open all winter. They’re no match for the cold air, which can

Save time and money by signing up for our paperless E-Billing today. I Pay at our main office location 2255 Gordon Ave., Yazoo City

I Pay at a U.S. payment kiosk • Super Junior 1035 Oakridge Rd, Vicksburg • Kangaroo Crossing 4850 Hwy 17, Pickens I Pay at Thurmond’s Hardware 120 Lexington Cir., Lexington I Enroll in AutoPay I Pay by phone I Download the Yazoo Valley app I Online at www.yazoovalley.com

662-746-4251

seep through them. And they don’t do a good job of keeping your heated air inside. If that’s too much for now, at least plug the leaks around your windows and doors with weatherstripping or caulk. Window shades. Uncovered windows are great for views, but terrible for your energy bill. Your heating bill will be lower in the winter and your air conditioning costs will drop in the summer if you use blinds, curtains or awnings on windows. Uncover them on sunny winter days to let the natural warmth come into your home, but close them up after dark when the temperature dips. Programmable thermostat. Everyone forgets to lower the heat once in a while. A programmable thermostat will do that for you. Program yours to lower at bedtime, and then automatically warm the house up just before everyone wakes up. It can lower the heat again once everyone leaves for school and work in the morning and crank it back up before the family gets home in the afternoon. The services of qualified technicians. Keeping your heating and cooling system clean and well-maintained will help it run more smoothly and efficiently. Likewise, keeping vents clear—including the one for your clothes dryer—will keep your family safer and your appliances running as they should.

Paying your Yazoo Valley Electric bill is now easier than ever!