Today in Mississippi February 2025 Local Pages by American MainStreet Publications

President Jimmy Carter’s co-op roots ran deep

Former President Jimmy Carter, who died Dec. 29 at the age of 100, was familiar with electric cooperatives from an early age.

He grew up on a 360-acre farm outside Plains, Georgia, that was electriﬁed by the local co-op, Sumter EMC in nearby Americus, when he was a teenager. His father, Earl, helped organize it and later served as a board member.

Carter, even in his world-hopping post-presidential years, kept up with the co-op, which now serves more than 21,000 meters. Longtime CEO Ted McMillan, now retired, said back in 2015 that Carter would occasionally call him with a question about the electric service at a family property or to discuss a co-op policy.

During his improbable run for the White House in 1976, Carter spoke at an NRECA annual meeting in Anaheim, California. He recognized the association’s political clout and knew it could help deliver the rural votes he needed to get elected.

When his schedule precluded speaking at an NRECA gathering once in o ce, he welcomed General Manager Bob Partridge and a cameraman to the White House to shoot a video of him delivering a message that could be shown at the event.

In June 1978, he greeted the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour participants on the south lawn of the White House. After telling

them about the hardships of growing up on an unelectriﬁed farm, he said this:

“I think the best day in my life, the one that I remember most vividly — with the possible exception of my wedding day — was the day they turned the lights on in our house. The bringing of the rural electric program to the farms of our nation made it possible for us to stretch our hearts and stretch our minds to encompass public involvement in a airs that would not have been possible without the rural electric program.”

The Carter farm is in the small community of Archer, about two and a half miles outside Plains. Earl and Lillian purchased the farm in 1927, the year Jimmy turned 3.

In 1937, Earl pitched in with Bishop William Dexter Johnson of the Archer A.M.E. church to sign up members to help get Sumter EMC o the ground. Johnson insisted that every residence, tenant-house, barn and even some chicken houses be wired.

Carter, in his 1975 campaign autobiography, “Why Not the Best,” remembered Johnson, who founded a vocational school for Black people, “as the most prestigious person in the community.”

NRECA

–

President Jimmy Carter speaks to Youth Tour delegates on the White House lawn in 1978. (Photo Courtesy: NRECA)

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

Understanding factors that impact your energy bills

February brings some of the coldest weather of the year, and as our home heating systems work harder and longer to keep us warm, we typically see higher energy bills.

There are a few key factors that a ect electricity prices, as well as a few ways you can make a meaningful impact on home energy savings.

When you receive your monthly bill from 4-County, you’re provided with a summary of how much electricity you used during the billing cycle. You can even see how electricity use may have spiked on days when you used more electricity, such as a particularly chilly day or when relatives were staying with you.

But you might be surprised to learn that beyond your monthly energy consumption, there are external factors that can impact the cost of electricity.

FUEL PRICES

4-County purchases electricity from its power generation partner, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), at a wholesale cost, then we deliver that power to our local communities. The cost of generating and transmitting electricity from our generation partner accounts for a significant portion of the cost to provide electric service to local homes and businesses––and the cost of fuels that are used to generate that electricity, such as natural gas and coal, fluctuate based on supply and demand. While these fluctuations can impact the cost of electricity, we work closely with TVA to plan ahead and help stabilize electricity prices for our members.

EXTREME WEATHER

While we can’t control the weather, we can review weather patterns and forecasts to prepare for times of extreme cold or heat, when we know the demand for electricity will increase. But when temperatures become extremely cold and the demand for electricity spikes, the price of electricity can also increase.

INFRASTRUCTURE AND EQUIPMENT

To cover the costs associated with providing electricity to your home or business, 4-County members pay a portion of this in their bills. This ensures the cost of equipment, materials, labor and daily operations are covered for all members in 4-County’s service territory. To ensure the reliable service you expect and deserve, we must maintain the local grid, including power lines, substations and other essential equipment.

Annual meeting returns to familiar venue

ENERGY POLICY AND REGULATIONS

Federal energy policies and regulations can have a profound impact on electricity costs. As energy generation shifts to the use of more renewable sources and stricter regulations for traditional, alwaysavailable fuel sources, such as natural gas and coal plants, costly upgrades and technologies must be constructed and deployed. These additional costs are ultimately passed to consumers.

U.S. power consumption is expected to double by 2050. Across the country, electric cooperatives are working with members of Congress to advocate for smart energy policies that reliably power our local communities.

YOU HAVE CONTROL

While many of these external factors that impact electricity costs are out of our control, we all have the power to manage our energy use at home. The most e ective way to lower use is thermostat management. Since heating and cooling account for a major portion of home energy use, adjusting the thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting can help you save energy and money. Remember to service your heating and cooling system annually and replace dirty ﬁlters as needed.

Try setting up an online account to see what your power use is daily, weekly, and monthly. Be sure to seal air leaks around windows, doors and other areas where gaps are possible. This will help your heating and cooling system work less and improve the overall comfort of your home.

4-County is your local energy partner, and we’re here to help. Visit www.4county.org to learn about our e ciency programs designed to help you save. As always, we will continue working diligently to provide you with reliable power at an a ordable cost.

by Brian Clark

CEO/General Manager

The 4-County Annual Meeting 2025, set for Thursday, June 5, will return to the East Mississippi Community College (EMCC) Golden Triangle Lyceum, 8731 S. Frontage Road in Mayhew. The meeting has been held at the Communiversity for the last few years.

4-County o cials say the EMCC Golden Triangle Lyceum will better accommodate a growing number of annual meeting participants.

Please make a note!

GIVING BACK OF 4-County Foundation reaches milestone

Measuring the value of something can be di cult.

The 4-County Foundation is an incredible community partner. Ten years is a monumental accomplishment.

The program recently exceeded the $2.3 million goal at the Foundation’s Nov. 14 meeting. Nearly 500 awards have been distributed to area organizations since the program’s inception in 2015.

“It’s hard to truly measure the impact the 4-County Foundation has had for organizations involved in our service area. Thanks to 4-County members, the Foundation board, the 4-County board and its employees, we’ve been able to enhance the quality of life for our members. The 4-County Foundation is an incredible community partner. Ten years is a monumental accomplishment. Over $2.3 million dollars given away is special,” said Brian Clark, 4-County CEO.

But those associated with the 4-County Electric Power Association Foundation are having no problem celebrating the program reaching 10 years this month of giving back to communities in the co-op’s service area.

The message is simple to 4-County o cials: the value of Foundation awards is $2.3 million plus, but the value of helping your neighbors is priceless.

Over $48,700 in awards were distributed at the Nov. 14 meeting, including: Dugan Memorial Home ($2,742 for AEDs); Equine Endurance ($2,300 towards the purchase of a therapy horse); Lowndes County District 3 Volunteer Fire Department ($10,000 for a drone and various attachments); Starkville Fire Department ($10,000 for a drone and various attachments); Starkville Kiwanis Club ($6,000 towards a food pantry); Trinity Place ($7,976 for AEDs); and West Point Fire Department ($9,690 for Jaws of Life).

4-County believes in helping the communities it serves. That’s why the cooperative launched the 4-County Foundation, a community service program. Since February 2015, participating 4-County members’ utility bills have been rounded up to the nearest dollar; a $125.78 bill, for example, becomes $126. Now, that’s an average of only 49 cents per member, per month. That may not seem like much. But when you multiply those contributions by the thousands of member participants, that’s a lot of pennies!

For more information on the 4-County Foundation, call 1-800-431-1544.

Thanks to 4-County members, the Foundation board, the 4-County board and its employees, we’ve been able to enhance the quality of life for our members.

Team

takes shot at getting 4-County grant

Putting a little loft on your shot can make a big di erence when shooting a basketball.

Brooklyn Sanders and her teammates on the West Lowndes High School Girls Basketball team are shooting a higher percentage and gaining more conﬁdence in their outside shots, thanks to a special grant from the 4-County Foundation.

The team recently received a $7,327 grant from the co-op to purchase a Dr. Dish machine, a data driven basketball shooting training device. “This has been very beneﬁcial,” Sanders said recently.

“It gives us the opportunity to work on technique while shooting.”

Team members say their shooting percentages have risen dramatically since they began training with the device. “We’re getting more conﬁdent, and we’re thrilled to have it,” Sanders added.

Point guard Alya Mosley stressed that you can never get too much practice. “It’s helpful with a variety of shots,” Mosley explained.

For more information on the 4-County Foundation, call 1-800-431-1544.

Driving electric just got easier

As automakers retool their factories to build electric vehicles (EVs), many more EVs will be on the roadways in the next decade.

4-County Electric Power Association is helping make sure that its service area is ready with charging infrastructure.

4-County recently announced that it has installed a fast charger at S and S Shell, 35 Rebecca St., in Mathiston, through a partnership with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and Seven States Power Corporation. The co-op joined representatives Dec. 2 at the site for an o cial opening and ribbon cutting ceremony.

This fast charger installation is part of the regional Fast Charge Network that will cover major travel corridors across TVA’s sevenstate service area and will complement the broader e orts of the National Electric Highway Coalition, which seeks to enable longdistance EV travel by placing fast chargers along interstates and major highways throughout the United States.

“We moved quickly to participate in the Fast Charge Network because we want to make it easy for people to choose EVs, so our community can enjoy the beneﬁts of electric transportation,” said 4-County CEO Brian Clark. “Our partnership with TVA and Seven States makes it possible to add fast chargers in our community by providing 80% of the project cost.”

TVA has brought together local power companies, state and local government partners, and others to pave the way for over 200,000 EVs on Tennessee Valley roads by 2028. The beneﬁts that these EVs bring to the Tennessee Valley region are signiﬁcant:

• Attracting high-quality jobs – $17.2 billion in EV and battery manufacturing have helped create over 14,000 EV-related jobs in the past 10 years

• Reinvesting $120 million in the local economy every year from electric refueling

• Saving drivers up to $1,000 in fuel and maintenance costs every year

“This charging location does more than charge cars — it connects the Mathiston area to the Fast Charge Network and plays an important role in putting our region on the leading edge of an emerging electric economy,” Clark said.

Right now, the new charger is the most powerful charger in the Tennessee Valley. The site has seen more than 60 charging sessions since its installation.

To learn more about the Fast Charge Network, calculate how much money an EV could save you, or locate EV charging stations on your travel route, check out energyright.com/ev/.

Joe Miller receives national award

4-County Safety, Training and Loss Prevention Coordinator Joe Miller was recently named the 2024 H.C. Potthast Award winner at the National Utility Training and Safety Education Association Conference (NUTSEA).

The award was given for the ﬁrst time in 1972 in memory of the late Herman C. Potthast, who exempliﬁed the qualities of dedication, leadership, cooperation, and service. NUTSEA members who live out the qualities demonstrated by Potthast are recognized with the prestigious national award. The conference was held in San Antonio, Texas.

In cooperation with the National Rural Electric Cooperatives Association, NUTSEA representatives assist in the administration and continued reﬁnements of the Rural Electriﬁcation Safety Achievement Program and Loss Control Internship.

CENTRAL ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION

A tradition of dependable, hometown service since 1937

CARTHAGE: 601-267-5671 | PHILADELPHIA: 601-656-2601 | RANKIN: 601-829-1201 | SEBASTOPOL: 601-625-7422

107 EAST MAIN STREET • CARTHAGE, MS 39051

Annual meeting

set for March 18

Central Electric Power Association will hold its 88th annual membership meeting on March 18, 2025, at the Carthage Coliseum on Hwy 16 East in Carthage.

As pursuant to Central Electric Power Association’s bylaws and to provide each Central Electric member an opportunity to vote in a director election, the o cial ballot and proxy will be mailed to all Central Electric members the week of Feb. 17, 2025.

Enclosed will be an information sheet with “how-to-vote” details along with a self-addressed, postage-paid envelope for members to return their ballot or proxy. Your o cial ballot must

be received via mail no later than March 18, 2025. The election results will be published in the Today in Mississippi magazine and the Association’s website.

In accordance with the laws of Mississippi and the bylaws of the association, members will elect four directors for threeyear terms: one director from Leake County, one director from Neshoba County, one director from Newton County, and one minority member at large.

Mark your calendars for March 18, and we’ll see you at the annual meeting!

QI heard ﬁreplaces can make your home colder. How do I keep my home comfortable while enjoying cozy ﬁres?

AWhen I was a little girl, I remember my dad telling me that some nights were too cold to have a ﬁre. That always seemed crazy to me, but like many other things he said, he was right.

by Miranda Boutelle

A heat pump heated our home. We had an open ﬁreplace that was more suited for ambiance than creating heat. When you have a ﬁre, warm air rises and draws the smoke out through the chimney. This also draws the warm air out of the house. This invisible force is called the stack e ect.

The impact is exacerbated in drafty homes. When the warm air escapes through the chimney, it is replaced by cool air leaking in through gaps and cracks in the home. The greater the di erence between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the greater the stack e ect, hence dad’s rule of no ﬁres on the coldest nights.

Wood fireplaces are not an e cient option to heat your home. Most of the heat goes out of the chimney. If you enjoy the comforting ambiance and curling up in front of the fireplace during the colder months, here are some tips to e ciently operate a fireplace in your home.

Because it is out of sight, it can be easy to forget to close the chimney damper. The damper should be open when you have a fire going or when any hot ashes are in the fireplace to ensure smoke and carbon monoxide don’t come into your home. Once the fire and all ashes are fully extinguished, close the damper. Leaving the damper open allows warm air to escape, wasting energy. It’s like leaving a window open when your heating system is turned on in the winter.

If your damper doesn’t close properly or your chimney doesn’t have one, purchase a product designed for the task. There are a variety of chimney plug sizes and styles available, including inﬂatable options designed to ﬁt snugly in place. While you are at the hardware store, pick up some caulking and weatherstripping to seal air leaks around windows, doors, and pipes along exterior walls.

Fireplaces with gas logs are required to be installed with a mechanism that always keeps the damper open. This safety feature allows gases from the pilot light to escape. Glass doors can reduce the impact of air leakage in the winter and summer months. Consider installing glass doors on open ﬁreplaces and keep them closed to minimize drafts.

Sealed combustion gas fireplaces are fully enclosed systems that draw the air needed for combustion from the outside. When properly installed, you get the benefit of the warmth of the fire without the worry of heat loss from drafts. If you have gas logs and enjoy the ease of a gas fireplace, consider upgrading to a sealed combustion unit.

Turning the pilot light o in the summer can reduce wasted gas. If you plan to turn the pilot light o , follow the instructions in the owner’s manual to avoid any potential safety issues.

Fireplaces with gas logs are required to be installed with a mechanism that always keeps the damper open. This safety feature allows gases from the pilot light to escape.

Woodstoves and pellet stoves are additional options that provide more heat than wood or gas ﬁreplaces. Federal tax credits are available for high-e ciency biomass stoves. A credit of 30% of the project cost — including the cost of installation up to a maximum of $2,000 — is available for products purchased and installed between Jan. 1, 2023, and Dec. 31, 2032. The unit must have a thermal e ciency rating of 75% or more.

If you have a woodstove, ﬁreplace, or any fuel-burning appliance in your home, be sure to install and maintain smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can be harmful or even deadly if not detected.

Use my dad’s sage advice and these tips to keep your home warm while gathering your loved ones around a glowing ﬁre during the winter season.

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

If your damper doesn’t close properly or your chimney doesn’t have one, buy a chimney plug to keep cold air from entering and warm air from escaping your home.

High e ciency wood stoves can lower your heating costs and are eligible for federal tax credits.

P.O. BOX 188 • LYON, MS 38645

Proctecting Love WHAT YOU

by Qua’Shara Monix

As the snow falls and temperatures drop, Valentine’s Day o ers a warm reminder to focus on connection and kindness. Beyond romantic relationships, it’s a chance to express gratitude to friends, family, and even coworkers. Though these issues may seem unrelated, they both emphasize the importance of preparedness, care, and kindness, whether for safety or relationships.

As February rolls in, it brings a unique mix of challenges and opportunities. With winter storms often reaching their peak, it’s a time to prioritize safety while also fostering resilience and teamwork as well as in the workplace. By preparing for inclement weather and strengthening workplace and personal relationships, teams can ensure productivity and morale remain high during this unpredictable season.

Winter storms are a hallmark of February, reminding us to prepare for unexpected events. Just as Valentine’s Day prompts us to show care for loved ones, winter preparedness is an act of love —for ourselves, our families, and our communities. These storms can disrupt routines, making it essential to have a solid plan in place. Let’s stay informed about weather updates and review emergency protocols. When you’re well-prepared, you reduce stress and create a safer environment for those around you.

Here are a few winter readiness tips:

1. Create an Emergency Kit: Stock up on essentials such as blankets, ﬂashlights, batteries, and non-perishable food.

2. Plan Ahead: Monitor weather forecasts and adjust your travel or work plans accordingly.

3. Stay Warm and Safe: Protect pipes from freezing, ensure your vehicle is winter-ready, and keep extra layers on hand.

4. Communication Plan: Establish clear lines of communication for weather-related updates, including delays or closures.

5. Remote Work Readiness: Ensure to have the tools and access needed to work from home in case travel becomes unsafe.

February may be the shortest month, but it provides plenty of opportunities to prepare, connect, and grow. February’s themes of winter preparedness and Valentine’s Day may seem distinct, but they share common ground in their focus on care. Being prepared for winter storms shows responsibility and love for your household, while Valentine’s Day encourages us to extend that care to others.

This February, let your readiness for winter reﬂect your thoughtfulness, and let Valentine’s Day inspire you to nurture your relationships. After all, whether it’s through safety or connection, the best way to weather the season is together.

QI heard ﬁreplaces can make your home colder. How do I keep my home comfortable while enjoying cozy ﬁres?

AWhen I was a little girl, I remember my dad telling me that some nights were too cold to have a ﬁre. That always seemed crazy to me, but like many other things he said, he was right.

by Miranda Boutelle

Turning the pilot light o in the summer can reduce wasted gas. If you plan to turn the pilot light o , follow the instructions in the owner’s manual to avoid any potential safety issues.

Fireplaces with gas logs are required to be installed with a mechanism that always keeps the damper open. This safety feature allows gases from the pilot light to escape.

Use my dad’s sage advice and these tips to keep your home warm while gathering your loved ones around a glowing ﬁre during the winter season.

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

If your damper doesn’t close properly or your chimney doesn’t have one, buy a chimney plug to keep cold air from entering and warm air from escaping your home.

High e ciency wood stoves can lower your heating costs and are eligible for federal tax credits.

Under anding factors

that impact yo ur en ergy bills

February brings some of the coldest weather of the year, and as our home heating systems work harder and longer to keep us warm, we typically see higher energy bills.

There are a few key factors that a ect electricity prices, as well as a few ways you can make a meaningful impact on home energy savings. When you receive your monthly bill from Coahoma Electric, you’re provided with a summary of how much electricity you used during the billing cycle. You can even see how electricity use may have spiked on days when you used more electricity, such as a particularly chilly day or when relatives were staying with you.

But you might be surprised to learn that beyond your monthly energy consumption, there are external factors that can impact the cost of electricity.

Fuel Prices

Coahoma Electric purchases electricity from our power generation partner, Cooperative Energy, at a wholesale cost, then we deliver that power to our local communities. The cost of generating and transmitting electricity from our generation partner accounts for a significant portion of the cost to provide electric service to local homes and businesses — and the cost of fuels that are used to generate that electricity, such as natural gas and coal, fluctuate based on supply and demand. While these fluctuations can impact the cost of electricity, we work closely with Cooperative Energy to plan ahead and help stabilize electricity prices for our members.

Extreme Weather

Infra ructure and Equipment

To cover the costs associated with providing electricity to your home or business, Coahoma Electric members pay a monthly charge. This ﬂat monthly fee ensures the cost of equipment, materials, labor, and daily operations are covered for all members in Coahoma Electric’s service territory. To ensure the reliable service you expect and deserve, we must maintain the local grid, including power lines, substations, and other essential equipment.

Energy Po cy and Regulations

Federal energy policies and regulations can have a profound impact on electricity costs. As energy generation shifts to the use of more renewable sources and stricter regulations for traditional, alwaysavailable fuel sources, such as natural gas and coal plants, costly upgrades, and technologies must be constructed and deployed. These additional costs are ultimately passed to consumers.

You Have Control

You can also reduce energy use by taking advantage of o -peak periods, when the demand for electricity is lower. Reserve energyintensive chores for o -peak times, such as early in the morning or later in the evening, to save energy. Be sure to seal air leaks around windows, doors, and other areas where gaps are possible. This will help your heating and cooling system work less and improve the overall comfort of your home.

Coahoma Electric is your local energy partner, and we’re here to help. As always, we will continue working diligently to provide you with reliable power at an a ordable cost.

Where our members have

Focused ON PEOPLE

Coast Electric is a local cooperative, operated by your friends and neighbors, and owned by you, our members. Co-ops have been around for generations and have a di erent business model than most. Besides being owned by the people we serve, we operate on a not-for-profit basis, which means we can focus on people, not profits. Because we aren’t profit-driven, you can trust the advice we give. We want to be your source for information about things like energy savings, energy e cient upgrades to your home, renewable energy like solar panels and more. Our web tools, advice, and services from our energy experts are always free of charge.

HONORING OUR RETIREES

If you are thinking of making upgrades, installing solar panels, building a new home, or even buying an EV, we hope you will reach out to us ﬁrst. We are always here to help and will give you advice to help you and your family save.

President and CEO by Ron Barnes

Congratulations to Lonnie Deschamp, Rebecca Hardaway, Steven Hoda, Tommy Koenenn and Cedric Ladner on their retirements from Coast Electric. We thank them for the many years of hard work and dedication. We wish these Coast Electric family members the best as they begin this new chapter of their lives.

GRANT APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE NOW OPERATION ROUND UP

Charitable organizations that serve Hancock, Harrison and Pearl River counties can apply for grants of up to $10,000 during the month of February through Coast Electric’s Operation Round Up program.

ABOUT OPERATION ROUND UP

Operation Round Up is supported by contributions from Coast Electric members who choose to round up their monthly bills and is administered with the help of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation. Since 2018, Operation Round Up grants have put more than $2 million into our community. With just their spare change, Coast Electric members have fed the hungry, given shelter to the needy, and funded programs for children, senior citizens, pets and more!

HOW TO APPLY

If you are interested in an Operation Round Up grant and would like to learn more about eligibility, qualifying programs and services, and how to apply, visit www.coastelectric.coop/my-community/operation-roundup/ for details.

If you have questions, please email roundup@coastelectric.coop.

Share Your Blessings provides energy assistance

Although rates are not increasing this winter, colder temperatures mean higher energy bills since heating units work harder to make up the di erence between frigid outside air and the thermostat settings in your home. We recommend that members learn more about our Time of Use rate, which can help reduce your use and help you save. To learn more about TOU, visit https://coastelectric.coop/my-home/time-of-use-rates/. If your heating costs this winter are too big of a burden to carry, you might be eligible for assistance through Coast Electric’s

Share Your Blessings fund.Through the cooperative’s Operation Round Up program, monthly bills of participating members are rounded up to the nearest dollar, and the amount collected is put into the Coast Electric Community Trust. Twenty-ﬁve percent of annual Operation Round Up collections are donated to Share Your Blessings.

The United Way of South Mississippi and Catholic Charities of South Mississippi administer Share Your Blessings funds to qualifying applicants. Members in need of energy assistance should contact Catholic Charities at 855-847-0555 to see if they qualify. Funds are distributed based on need and not religious a liation.

CONTEST

Coast Electric wants you to reduce your energy use and see savings on your energy costs. Each month, you can register to win a prize that will help you reduce the energy consumption in your home.

Visit coastelectric.coop/my-home/reduce-your-use-contest/ and ﬁll out our entry form. It only takes a few seconds, and you could win a prize that helps you save!

Congratulations to Gilbert Holland, the winner of our December Reduce Your Use prize!

by Miranda Boutelle

QI heard ﬁreplaces can make your home colder. How do I keep my home comfortable while enjoying cozy ﬁres?

AWhen I was a little girl, I remember my dad telling me that some nights were too cold to have a ﬁre. That always seemed crazy to me, but like many other things he said, he was right.

Turning the pilot light o in the summer can reduce wasted gas. If you plan to turn the pilot light o , follow the instructions in the owner’s manual to avoid any potential safety issues.

Use my dad’s sage advice and these tips to keep your home warm while gathering your loved ones around a glowing ﬁre during the winter season.

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

High e ciency wood stoves can lower your heating costs and are eligible for federal tax credits.

Under anding factors

that impact yo ur en ergy bills

January brought several days of frigid temperatures to south Mississippi. Any time temperatures drop this low, your heater will work overtime to keep your home at the temperature on your thermostat, even if you resisted the urge to turn up the heat. Bills for most members will be signiﬁcantly higher because of the increased energy use this winter.

Besides energy use, there are a few key factors that a ect electricity prices, as well as a few ways you can make a meaningful impact on home energy savings.

When you receive your monthly bill from Coast Electric, you’re provided with a summary of how much electricity you used during the billing cycle. You can even see how electricity use may have spiked on days when you used more electricity, such as a particularly chilly day or when relatives were staying with you.

But you might be surprised to learn that beyond your monthly energy consumption, there are external factors that can impact the cost of electricity.

Fuel Prices

Coast Electric purchases electricity from our power generation partner, Cooperative Energy, at a wholesale cost, then we deliver that power to our local communities. The cost of generating and transmitting electricity from our generation partner accounts for a significant portion of the cost to provide electric service to local homes and businesses — and the cost of fuels that are used to generate that electricity, such as natural gas and coal, fluctuate based on supply and demand. While these fluctuations can impact the cost of electricity, we work closely with Cooperative Energy to plan ahead and help stabilize electricity prices for our members.

Extreme Weather

Infra ructure and Equipment

To cover the costs associated with providing electricity to your home or business, Coast Electric members pay a monthly charge. This ﬂat monthly fee ensures the cost of equipment, materials, labor, and daily operations are covered for all members in Coast Electric’s service territory. To ensure the reliable service you expect and deserve, we must maintain the local grid, including power lines, substations, and other essential equipment.

Energy Po cy and Regulations

You Have Control

You can also reduce energy use by taking advantage of o -peak periods, when the demand for electricity is lower. Reserve energyintensive chores for o -peak times to save energy. With Coast Electric’s Time of Use (TOU) rate plan, members can pay a reduced rate for energy they use in o -peak hours. To learn more about TOU and if it’s right for you, visit https://coastelectric.coop/my-home/time-of-use-rates/.

Be sure to seal air leaks around windows, doors, and other areas where gaps are possible. This will help your heating and cooling system work less and improve the overall comfort of your home.

Coast Electric is your local energy partner, and we’re here to help. As always, we will continue working diligently to provide you with reliable power at an a ordable cost.

by Abby Berry

Ensuring your home is properly insulated can improve energy e ciency and make your home more comfortable. Insulation acts like a cozy coat that reduces heat loss during winter months and a protective layer that reduces heat gain during summer months.

Many older homes have less insulation than newer homes, but even newer homes can beneﬁt from additional insulation. While it’s not the least expensive e ciency improvement, adding insulation and air sealing your home can provide the biggest bang for your buck in energy savings and overall comfort.

The most common areas to insulate are attics, ceilings, crawlspaces or unconditioned basements, exterior and interior walls, ﬂoors, and ductwork located in unconditioned spaces.

The amount and e ectiveness rating of insulation required for each area varies by climate, but many websites like The Department of Energy or Home Depot provide easy-to-follow recommendations. Visit energy.gov/insulation to learn about recommended R-values for speciﬁc areas of the home based on climate zones.

It’s important to understand how insulation e ectiveness is measured. Insulation is rated in R-value, which measures the material’s resistance to conductive heat ﬂow. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating e ectiveness. The R-value you’ll need depends on factors like climate, type of heating and cooling system, and which area of the home you plan to insulate.

Insulation is o ered in a wide range of materials from bulky ﬁberglass rolls to cellulose materials made from recycled paper products. If you’re considering installing additional insulation, talk to an expert who can o er guidance on the right materials for your budget, climate, and comfort needs.

Investing in proper insulation for your home not only enhances comfort but also reduces energy consumption.

Abby Berry writes on consumer and cooperative a airs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

QI heard ﬁreplaces can make your home colder. How do I keep my home comfortable while enjoying cozy ﬁres?

AWhen I was a little girl, I remember my dad telling me that some nights were too cold to have a ﬁre. That always seemed crazy to me, but like many other things he said, he was right.

by Miranda Boutelle

Turning the pilot light o in the summer can reduce wasted gas. If you plan to turn the pilot light o , follow the instructions in the owner’s manual to avoid any potential safety issues.

Fireplaces with gas logs are required to be installed with a mechanism that always keeps the damper open. This safety feature allows gases from the pilot light to escape.

Use my dad’s sage advice and these tips to keep your home warm while gathering your loved ones around a glowing ﬁre during the winter season.

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

If your damper doesn’t close properly or your chimney doesn’t have one, buy a chimney plug to keep cold air from entering and warm air from escaping your home.

High e ciency wood stoves can lower your heating costs and are eligible for federal tax credits.

Under anding factors

that impact yo ur en ergy bills

February brings some of the coldest weather of the year, and as our home heating systems work harder and longer to keep us warm, we typically see higher energy bills.

There are a few key factors that a ect electricity prices, as well as a few ways you can make a meaningful impact on home energy savings. When you receive your monthly bill from Delta Electric, you’re provided with a summary of how much electricity you used during the billing cycle. You can even see how electricity use may have spiked on days when you used more electricity, such as a particularly chilly day or when relatives were staying with you.

But you might be surprised to learn that beyond your monthly energy consumption, there are external factors that can impact the cost of electricity.

Fuel Prices

Delta Electric purchases electricity from our power generation partner, Cooperative Energy, at a wholesale cost, then we deliver that power to our local communities. The cost of generating and transmitting electricity from our generation partner accounts for a significant portion of the cost to provide electric service to local homes and businesses — and the cost of fuels that are used to generate that electricity, such as natural gas and coal, fluctuate based on supply and demand. While these fluctuations can impact the cost of electricity, we work closely with Cooperative Energy to plan ahead and help stabilize electricity prices for our members.

Extreme Weather

Infra ructure and Equipment

To cover the costs associated with providing electricity to your home or business, Delta Electric members pay a monthly charge. This ﬂat monthly fee ensures the cost of equipment, materials, labor, and daily operations are covered for all members in Delta Electric’s service territory. To ensure the reliable service you expect and deserve, we must maintain the local grid, including power lines, substations, and other essential equipment.

Energy Po cy and Regulations

Federal energy policies and regulations can have a profound impact on electricity costs. As energy generation shifts to the use of more renewable sources and stricter regulations for traditional, alwaysavailable fuel sources, such as natural gas and coal plants, costly upgrades, and technologies must be constructed and deployed. These additional costs are ultimately passed to consumers.

You Have Control

Be sure to seal air leaks around windows, doors, and other areas where gaps are possible. This will help your heating and cooling system work less and improve the overall comfort of your home.

Delta Electric is your local energy partner, and we’re here to help. As always, we will continue working diligently to provide you with reliable power at an a ordable cost.

Understanding factors that impact your energy bills

February brings some of the coldest weather of the year, and as our home heating systems work harder and longer to keep us warm, we typically see higher energy bills. There are a few key factors that a ect electricity prices, as well as a few ways you can make a meaningful impact on home energy savings.

When you receive your monthly bill from Dixie Electric, you’re provided with a summary of how much electricity you used during the billing cycle. Additionally, if you have our SmartHub mobile application or an online account at dixieepa.com, you can see when your electricity use may have increased, such as on a particularly chilly day or when relatives were staying with you.

But you might be surprised to learn that beyond your monthly energy consumption, there are external factors that can impact the cost of electricity.

Fuel Prices

Dixie Electric purchases electricity from our power generation partner, Cooperative Energy, at a wholesale cost, and then we deliver that power to our local communities. The cost of generating and transmitting electricity from our generation partner accounts for a significant portion of the cost to provide electric service to local homes and businesses; in fact, approximately .70 of every dollar you pay to Dixie Electric goes directly to pay Cooperative Energy for the cost of electricity. The cost of fuels that are used to generate that electricity, such as natural gas and coal, fluctuates based on supply and demand. While these fluctuations can impact the cost of electricity, we work closely with Cooperative Energy to plan ahead and help stabilize electricity prices for our members.

Extreme Weather

Extreme cold temperatures can cause power bills to rise signiﬁcantly because your heating system has to work harder and run longer to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Additionally, older or less e cient heating systems may use more electricity, and homes with poor insulation can lose heat quickly, forcing the system to run even more. When temperatures drop drastically, even energy-e cient homes may experience increased energy use, as heating becomes one of the largest contributors to your overall electricity consumption.

Infrastructure and Equipment

As I previously mentioned, a large portion of your bill goes directly to pay for the cost of electricity. In addition, to cover the costs associated with providing electricity to your home or business, Dixie Electric members pay a monthly facilities charge. This ﬂat monthly fee ensures the cost of equipment, materials, labor and daily operations are covered for all members in Dixie Electric’s service territory. To ensure the reliable service you expect and deserve, we must maintain our infrastructure, including power lines, substations, and other essential equipment.

Energy Policy and Regulations

Federal energy policies and regulations can have a profound impact on electricity costs. As energy generation shifts to the use of more renewable sources and stricter regulations for traditional, always-available fuel sources, such as natural gas and coal plants, costly upgrades and technologies must be constructed and deployed. These additional costs are ultimately passed to consumers.

You Have Control

Many of these external factors mentioned that impact electricity costs are out of Dixie Electric and your control. However, we, as members, all have the power to manage our energy use at home. The most e ective way to lower use is thermostat management. Since heating and cooling account for a major portion of home energy use, adjusting the thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting can help you save energy and money. Remember to service your heating and cooling system annually and replace dirty ﬁlters as needed.

While your thermostat and heating system are major contributors to high winter bills, other appliances can also drive up energy costs. Water heaters, for example, work overtime in colder months as it takes more energy to heat colder incoming water. Clothes dryers may be used more frequently for heavy winter clothing and bedding, further increasing electricity use. Additionally, space heaters, while convenient for small areas, are often energy hogs if used continuously. All these appliances combined can signiﬁcantly impact your energy bill during the winter season.

At Dixie Electric, we understand that higher energy bills during the winter can be concerning, and we’re here to help our members make sense of them. Reliable energy does come at a cost, but we remain committed to keeping those costs as a ordable as possible while ensuring the dependable service you deserve. To support our members, we o er free tools like our online energy calculators to help you better understand your energy use and ﬁnd ways to save. We are always here to help you understand your bill and provide the resources you need to stay comfortable and conﬁdent in managing your energy costs.

by Randy Smith General Manager

Gail Wade retires A legacy of dedication and friendship:

after 27 years with Dixie Electric

by Caroline Sellers

After dedicating more than 27 years to Dixie Electric, Gail Wade leaves behind a legacy of hard work and friendship. Since joining the company in March 1997, Gail has held multiple roles—ranging from cashier to member service representative to payroll clerk—making a lasting impact on the cooperative's success.

“Gail has always been cheerful, friendly, and full of laughter,” said Dixie Electric General Manager Randy Smith. “I’m happy that she’s able to retire, but she’s going to be missed.”

Gail began her journey at Dixie as a cashier. Over the years, her adaptability and dedication saw her move into various positions. In February 2008, she transitioned to work order clerk, and by Decemeber 2011, she relocated to the Petal o ce as a member service representative. In April 2014, Gail returned to the Laurel o ce as a service order clerk before assuming her ﬁnal role as payroll clerk in November 2014.

“It has been a joy getting to know and work with Gail over the past 10 years,” said Accounting Supervisor Stephanie Smith. “She worked hard to transition our employees onto two new and di erent payroll systems. She has always worked closely with our employees to get them the help they needed and to be sure they were paid correctly. Personally, Gail would do anything for anyone, anytime. I’ve seen her be an inspiration here and with her church family and friends. I’ve seen her sacriﬁce much of her vacation each year to go and help someone in need. She always had the mindset not to hold on to anything but give to anyone in need because you can’t carry it with you. I’ve seen her do that time and time again. It’s a privilege to call her a friend! It’s wonderful to see her so happy. I hope retirement is as good to her as she has been to others.”

Reﬂecting on her time at Dixie, Gail shared how her role allowed her to connect deeply with her coworkers. “My role at Dixie helped me to know my coworkers better and build friendships I wouldn’t have had the privilege to experience elsewhere,” Gail said. “I’m grateful for the blessing God gave me to work here for so many years.”

Throughout her career, Gail demonstrated a knack for keeping things organized and e cient.

“My duties varied over the years,” she explained. “From taking payments and balancing daily reports to making deposits, processing service orders, and checking work orders. As payroll clerk, I ensured all documents were in order, especially for sick leave requests.”

Gail also navigated challenges, including signiﬁcant weather events that tested the cooperative’s resilience. One storm, in particular, left a lasting impression on her.

“Of course, Hurricane Katrina will always stand out,” Gail recalled. “During those ﬁrst nights, Patsy and I made sandwiches in the back hall for the crews. The real work began at dawn when we’d set up breakfast, deliver lunches, and prepare supper, often not getting home until midnight. It was exhausting, but the crews kept going, fueled by pure adrenaline.”

Looking ahead, Gail is excited about retirement. She plans to visit Key Largo, Florida, in the spring to spend time with her daughter, Bobbie Gail, and explore nearby Key West. Her return trip will include a scenic drive up the East Coast. When not traveling, she plans to enjoy estate sales with her buddy and fellow retiree, Patsy, immerse herself in books, and savor a more leisurely pace of life.

Dixie Electric is deeply grateful for Gail’s unwavering commitment and service over the past 27 years. Her dedication has made a lasting di erence, and we wish her the very best in her well-deserved retirement.

Patsy Thornton

Celebrating 28 years of dedication and a well-earned retirement

by Caroline Sellers

After nearly three decades of dedicated service, Patsy Thornton is stepping into a well-earned retirement from Dixie Electric.

“Patsy is the type of employee every supervisor would love to have,” said System Engineer and Broadband Operations Manager Jeremy McAndrew.

“She is a dedicated employee. Patsy is willing to learn new and di cult responsibilities, and she strives to do her best at everything asked of her. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with her for these eight years, and she will be sorely missed. I, along with the entire engineering department, wish her the best in this new chapter of her life.”

Patsy began her journey with Dixie on Feb. 26, 1996, as part of the billing department. Less than a year later, on Jan. 2, 1997, she transitioned to the role of work order clerk in the engineering department, where she has remained ever since. In December 2022, her title was updated to engineering aide 1 to reﬂect expanded responsibilities.

“In addition to processing work orders, I now assist with posting completed jobs to our maps to keep them up-to-date,” Patsy explained.

“With the addition of DE Fastlink, I also calculate the amount of wire ﬁber technicians need for each internet installation.”

Over the past 28 years, Patsy has witnessed transformative changes at Dixie. Tasks that were once handled manually are now streamlined with computer systems, making work faster and more e cient. She noted that the introduction of DE Fastlink has propelled the company forward. “Every time I think, ‘What else can we do?’ something else pops up!”

Reﬂecting on her career, Patsy shared three valuable lessons for future Dixie employees:

1. Be considerate of your coworkers.

2. Always prioritize your work.

3. If you see a task that needs doing, take the initiative — don’t ignore it just because it’s not in your job description.

Those values are reﬂected in the legacy she leaves behind.

“Patsy and I worked closely together for about 15 years,” said Dixie Electric General Manager Randy Smith. “She’s very detail-oriented and wants to be sure everything is correct, which are qualities you don’t ﬁnd every day. It didn’t matter what you asked her to do, it was going to be done right. After working with her for almost 29 years, it just won’t be the same without her.”

Patsy attributes much of her positive experience at Dixie to the supportive work environment. “When I started here, my home, daycare, and children’s school were all within a mile of Dixie Electric, which was a big factor in applying. Dixie Electric has been the best place I’ve ever worked, and my family and I feel blessed to have been part of this company for nearly 29 years.”

As she enters retirement, Patsy looks forward to a slower pace of life. “The ﬁrst thing I’ll need to do is adjust to not waking up at 5:00 a.m. every morning!” she joked. Patsy and her husband have travel plans but are prioritizing relaxation. “We’ve got a few trips lined up, and I’ll be there for my ﬁve grandchildren when needed. Other than that, I plan to do absolutely nothing!”

Dixie Electric is deeply grateful for Patsy’s years of dedication and service. We wish her all the best as she embarks on this exciting new chapter.

by Caroline Sellers

After 12 and a half years as Dixie Electric’s inaugural Information Technology manager, Jim Grantham is stepping into retirement. Hired in 2012 as the company’s ﬁrst IT employee, Jim has played a pivotal role in transforming Dixie Electric’s technological landscape.

Jim’s career at Dixie began with a monumental project that ultimately saved the company millions of dollars. “My ﬁrst project was to lead the replacement of all the old electro-mechanical meters with digital smart meters and the supporting substation-based equipment to enable remote meter readings over our existing electrical distribution lines,” Jim explained. “That e ort also included installing software to manage the meter reading process and integrating that data with our accounting system.”

Under Jim’s leadership, Dixie Electric evolved from being a technology “follower” to becoming a leader among its sister cooperatives. “I consider ‘modernization’ to have been my overarching mission here at Dixie,” Jim said.

“Jim is one of the most professional and articulate people I’ve ever been around,” said Dixie Electric General Manager Randy Smith. “He’s worked here for over 12 years as IT Manager and, with the help of his team, literally brought us out of the dark ages from a technology standpoint. Thanks to Jim and his team, we are a leader in technology among cooperatives.”

Jim Grantham retires

A legacy of innovation and leadership

As IT manager, Jim and his team were responsible for ensuring the seamless operation of all computer systems, software, and peripherals. “There has been a signiﬁcant shift towards information technology, so much so that virtually every aspect of Dixie Electric’s mission requires IT department support,” Jim noted. “There is no downtime in the IT department.”

Jim’s career in technology spans an impressive 38 years, during which he worked for more than a dozen companies, including military contractors, startups, and Microsoft. His vast experience brought invaluable expertise to Dixie Electric.

Looking ahead, Jim has ambitious plans for retirement. He is embracing a new role with “Honey-Do Incorporated,” a lifelong position lovingly assigned by his wife. Beyond that, he aims to restore his physical ﬁtness, organize his barn, make headway on the book he’s writing, and spend quality time with his grandchildren. Travel is also high on his agenda, including a major 2027 trip to Spain, where he and his wife will embark on a 500-mile pilgrimage across northern Spain, from the Pyrenees to Santiago. Additionally, he plans to visit New York City to share his shrimp and grits recipe with celebrity chef Bobby Flay.

Dixie Electric extends its deepest gratitude to Jim for his years of dedication and transformative work. We wish him all the best in this exciting new chapter of his life.

DeKalb 601-743-2641 • Louisville 662-773-5741 • Quitman 601-776-6271 • Meridian / After-Hours Outages 601-581-8600

MEMBER OWNED. LOCALLY OPERATED. THAT’S THE COOPERATIVE DIFFERENCE.

STRENGTHENED BY SUPPORT: A look back and forward

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR CEO

As I write to you this morning, I am enjoying a cup of co ee on the ﬁrst day of 2025. We have recovered from the severe weather that came just ahead of New Year’s Day. While I know this article will not reach your mailbox until early February, I wanted to take a moment to reﬂect on the challenges and opportunities of 2024 and to look forward to the excitement of 2025.

The year 2024 brought many challenges, as we experience each year. From tornadoes and windstorms to an abundance of dying trees, we worked tirelessly to maintain the level of service you’ve come to expect from us.

How do we manage these challenges? It’s simple — we have great employees committed to serving the members of East Mississippi Electric Power Association and the subscribers of East Mississippi Connect. I recently read a quote that resonated deeply: “If, when hiring, you must choose between character and skill, hire character and train skill.” EMEPA is fortunate to have employees who possess both character and skill. The dedication of our team during the recent storms is a testament to their commitment to you, our members and subscribers.

I am also excited about the ongoing success of East Mississippi Connect. We continue to see signiﬁcant growth in our broadband system. An initial survey conducted before the project launch in 2019 estimated that 12,500 EMEPA members would subscribe to the broadband service. Today, we proudly serve over 15,000

Board of Directors Nominations

According to Section 4.04(b) of the Bylaws of East Mississippi Electric Power Association, any 50 members acting together may nominate a qualiﬁed member to serve as director on the Board of Directors by petition. Any petition nominating a qualiﬁed member shall be submitted on a form designated and provided by the Association. Each member signing such petition shall place thereon the date of signing and the address, account number, and service location of the member.

subscribers. This growth reﬂects the vital role this service plays in strengthening our communities.

The team we assembled to make this happen works diligently to install new services and restore service interruptions for both our electric and ﬁber systems whenever they occur. Every day, we are fulﬁlling our vision of “building pathways for community success.” Electric service enhances lives beyond measure, while broadband service empowers students to pursue education, enables work-from-home opportunities, expands access to telemedicine, and opens doors we once only imagined.

As we step into 2025, what I am most thankful for is your support. Your encouraging words, such as “thank you for leaving your families to restore our power,” mean the world to us. Knowing that you believe we have your best interests at heart fuels our drive to persevere, even when the challenges seem insurmountable.

Will there be challenges and opportunities in 2025? Certainly. But with our dedicated team of employees and your trust in us, I am conﬁdent we will continue to succeed for years to come.

by Randy Carroll

Qualiﬁed nominations made by petition, if any, must be received at the principal o ce of the Association (2211 A Street, Meridian, MS 39301) on or before the second Wednesday in April. The Credentials Committee shall review and consider suggestions for nominees from members of the Association and shall review all nominations and petitions for compliance with Association Bylaws.

CEO — East Mississippi Electric Power Association

by Abby Berry

IN SAVINGS

The most common areas to insulate are attics, ceilings, crawlspaces or unconditioned basements, exterior and interior walls, ﬂoors, and ductwork located in unconditioned spaces.

Investing in proper insulation for your home not only enhances comfort but also reduces energy consumption.

Abby Berry writes on consumer and cooperative a airs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

Under anding factors

that impact yo ur en ergy bills

February brings some of the coldest weather of the year, and as our home heating systems work harder and longer to keep us warm, we typically see higher energy bills.

There are a few key factors that a ect electricity prices, as well as a few ways you can make a meaningful impact on home energy savings. When you receive your monthly bill from East Mississippi Electric Power Association (EMEPA), you’re provided with a summary of how much electricity you used during the billing cycle. You can even see how electricity use may have spiked on days when you used more electricity, such as a particularly chilly day or when relatives were staying with you.

But you might be surprised to learn that beyond your monthly energy consumption, there are external factors that can impact the cost of electricity.

Fuel Prices

EMEPA purchases electricity from our power generation partners, Tennessee Valley Authority and Mississippi Power, at a wholesale cost, then we deliver that power to our local communities. The cost of generating and transmitting electricity from our generation partner accounts for a significant portion of the cost to provide electric service to local homes and businesses — and the cost of fuels that are used to generate that electricity, such as natural gas and coal, fluctuate based on supply and demand. While these fluctuations can impact the cost of electricity, we work closely with our power generation partners to plan ahead and help stabilize electricity prices for our members.

Extreme Weather

Infra ructure and Equipment

To cover the costs associated with providing electricity to your home or business, EMEPA members pay a monthly charge. This ﬂat monthly fee ensures the cost of equipment, materials, labor, and daily operations are covered for all members in EMEPA’s service territory. To ensure the reliable service you expect and deserve, we must maintain the local grid, including power lines, substations, and other essential equipment.

Energy Po cy and Regulations

Federal energy policies and regulations can have a profound impact on electricity costs. As energy generation shifts to the use of more renewable sources and stricter regulations for traditional, alwaysavailable fuel sources, such as natural gas and coal plants, costly upgrades, and technologies must be constructed and deployed. These additional costs are ultimately passed to consumers.

You Have Control

East Mississippi Electric Power Association is your local energy partner, and we’re here to help. As always, we will continue working diligently to provide you with reliable power at an a ordable cost.

Leadership and coordination

A Spotlight on Excellence

MEET THE TEAM

• BRENT MABRY, director of system services: Brent’s leadership is critical to developing innovative strategies and maintaining our high standards.

• JAMEY FARMER, ﬁber operations manager: Jamey ensures seamless operations across all ﬁber services, leading the team with vision and dedication.

• LASHANDA JOHNSON, system services coordinator: Lashanda’s organizational skills keep our systems running smoothly and e ciently.

• KYLIE RIGDON, ﬁber system services coordinator: Kylie works diligently to ensure every system is optimized for top-tier performance.

• DERICK SULLIVAN, technical services coordinator: Derick’s technical acumen addresses complex challenges with innovative solutions.

Our ﬁber services team has greatly impacted me, and I’m grateful for the work they do for our community. Watching how well they work together, conquer challenges that arise and maintain a seemingly unshakable friendship with each other inspires me.

— Julie Boles, Director of Marketing and Communications

Our commitment to delivering unparalleled high-speed internet service is made possible by the dedicated and talented individuals who comprise our Fiber Services Team. Their expertise, teamwork and passion ensure that subscribers enjoy fast, reliable and secure connectivity, empowering communities and enriching lives.

Our entire ﬁber team is always willing to pitch in and help no matter what job they do. It’s been so nice to have a team that works together and is willing to do whatever it takes to help each other.

Whether it’s installing new connections, troubleshooting issues or maintaining the vast ﬁber infrastructure, this team approaches every task with professionalism and heart. Visit eastmsconnect.com to sign up for the outstanding service this incredible team provides.

Technicians and specialists

— Kylie Rigdon, Fiber System Services Coordinator

• ETHAN ARCHIE, TREY BELK, MATTHEW BROOKS AND CADE COOKSEY, ﬁber technicians

• KRIS LOTT, ﬁber service specialist: Kris ensures every customer interaction reﬂects our commitment to excellence.

• BRANDON HARKINS, ﬁber design technician: Brandon’s contributions bridge the gap between electric and ﬁber services, enhancing overall reliability.

• ZANTARIOUS WILLIAMS, ﬁber technician II: Zantarious’ experience elevates our service with precision and care.

I: These talented technicians handle the critical groundwork, installations and customer support, ensuring seamless service delivery.

• EMMANUEL HAYES, ﬁber technician III and SCOTT PEAVY, ﬁber foreman: Emmanuel and Scott bring unmatched expertise to complex installations and problem-solving.

PLANS UNDERWAY

Magnolia Electric Power is making plans for the 2025 Annual Meeting set for Thursday, March 27, 2025, at the electric cooperative’s home o ce located at 3027 Highway 98 West, Summit.

Cannot attend?

As a member, if you know you cannot attend the Annual Meeting in person, we ask that you send in your proxy.

The proxies were dropped in the mail on Jan. 29, 2025, and should arrive in mailboxes in early February.

“I ask that our members look for the proxies and be a part of our election process by sending in your proxies if you cannot attend the meeting,” said General Manager Darrell Smith. “It is very important that our members take part in our election process.”

For sending in your proxy, you are automatically put into a drawing for a $500 credit on your electric bill, and you will receive a 2026 MEP calendar in the mail in September 2025.

by Darrell

General Manager

Smith

MEP 2025 Annual Meeting

by Abby Berry

IN SAVINGS

The most common areas to insulate are attics, ceilings, crawlspaces or unconditioned basements, exterior and interior walls, ﬂoors, and ductwork located in unconditioned spaces.

Investing in proper insulation for your home not only enhances comfort but also reduces energy consumption.

Abby Berry writes on consumer and cooperative a airs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

Magnolia Electric Power employees, retirees, and Board members gathered for a lunch this year to celebrate our MEP employees’ Service Awards.

FOR YOUR SERVICE

Those receiving awards for their years of service included:

40 years Gail Anderson and Pat Ard

30 Years Kent Breland, Wayne Peters, Torun Robinson, Dusty Rollinson, Kelvin Steptoe, and Jason Wilson

25 Years Kendall Holmes, Michael Lawrence, and Dorneail Magee

20 Years Scott Smith

15 Years Charles Isaac and Karen Anglin

10 Years Perry Clark and Bridget Smith

5 Years Luther Bridges, Kailey Forrest, Luis Dominguez-Maeda, Corey Fletcher, Louis Hudson, and Dianne Martin.

Representing 40 years are (from left) Darrell Smith and Gail Anderson. Not pictured: Pat Ard.

Representing 25 years are (from left) Darrell Smith, Dorneail Magee, Kendall Holmes, and Michael Lawrence.

Representing 10 years are (from left) Darrell Smith, Perry Clark, and Bridget Smith.

Representing 5 years are (from left) Darrell Smith, Dianne Martin, Louis Hudson, Kailey Forrest, Luther Bridges, and Luis Dominguez-Maeda. Not pictured is Corey Fletcher.

Representing 20 years are (from left) Darrell Smith and Scott Smith. Not pictured are 15-year Service Awards recipients Charles Isaac and Karen Anglin.

Representing 30 years are (from left) Darrell Smith, Dusty Rollinson, Wayne Peters, Torun Robinson, Kelvin Steptoe, Jason Wilson, and Kent Breland.

Under anding factors

that impact yo ur en ergy bills

February brings some of the coldest weather of the year, and as our home heating systems work harder and longer to keep us warm, we typically see higher energy bills.

There are a few key factors that a ect electricity prices, as well as a few ways you can make a meaningful impact on home energy savings. When you receive your monthly bill from Magnolia Electric, you’re provided with a summary of how much electricity you used during the billing cycle. You can even see how electricity use may have spiked on days when you used more electricity, such as a particularly chilly day or when relatives were staying with you.

But you might be surprised to learn that beyond your monthly energy consumption, there are external factors that can impact the cost of electricity.

Fuel Prices

Magnolia Electric purchases electricity from our power generation partner, Cooperative Energy, at a wholesale cost, then we deliver that power to our local communities. The cost of generating and transmitting electricity from our generation partner accounts for a significant portion of the cost to provide electric service to local homes and businesses — and the cost of fuels that are used to generate that electricity, such as natural gas and coal, fluctuate based on supply and demand. While these fluctuations can impact the cost of electricity, we work closely with Cooperative Energy to plan ahead and help stabilize electricity prices for our members.

Extreme Weather

Infra ructure and Equipment

To cover the costs associated with providing electricity to your home or business, Magnolia Electric members pay a monthly charge. This ﬂat monthly fee ensures the cost of equipment, materials, labor, and daily operations are covered for all members in Magnolia Electric’s service territory. To ensure the reliable service you expect and deserve, we must maintain the local grid, including power lines, substations, and other essential equipment.

Energy Po cy and Regulations

Federal energy policies and regulations can have a profound impact on electricity costs. As energy generation shifts to the use of more renewable sources and stricter regulations for traditional, alwaysavailable fuel sources, such as natural gas and coal plants, costly upgrades, and technologies must be constructed and deployed. These additional costs are ultimately passed to consumers.

You Have Control

Magnolia Electric is your local energy partner, and we’re here to help. As always, we will continue working diligently to provide you with reliable power at an a ordable cost.

AMORY – P.O. BOX 300 - 50408 GREENBRIAR ROAD – 662-256-2962 • CALEDONIA – 746 MAIN STREET – 662-356-4100

by Abby Berry

The most common areas to insulate are attics, ceilings, crawlspaces or unconditioned basements, exterior and interior walls, ﬂoors, and ductwork located in unconditioned spaces.

Investing in proper insulation for your home not only enhances comfort but also reduces energy consumption.

Abby Berry writes on consumer and cooperative a airs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

QI heard ﬁreplaces can make your home colder. How do I keep my home comfortable while enjoying cozy ﬁres?

AWhen I was a little girl, I remember my dad telling me that some nights were too cold to have a ﬁre. That always seemed crazy to me, but like many other things he said, he was right.

by Miranda Boutelle

Turning the pilot light o in the summer can reduce wasted gas. If you plan to turn the pilot light o , follow the instructions in the owner’s manual to avoid any potential safety issues.

Fireplaces with gas logs are required to be installed with a mechanism that always keeps the damper open. This safety feature allows gases from the pilot light to escape.

Use my dad’s sage advice and these tips to keep your home warm while gathering your loved ones around a glowing ﬁre during the winter season.

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

If your damper doesn’t close properly or your chimney doesn’t have one, buy a chimney plug to keep cold air from entering and warm air from escaping your home.

High e ciency wood stoves can lower your heating costs and are eligible for federal tax credits.

Under anding factors

that impact yo ur en ergy bills

February brings some of the coldest weather of the year, and as our home heating systems work harder and longer to keep us warm, we typically see higher energy bills.

There are a few key factors that a ect electricity prices, as well as a few ways you can make a meaningful impact on home energy savings. When you receive your monthly bill from Monroe County Electric, you’re provided with a summary of how much electricity you used during the billing cycle. You can even see how electricity use may have spiked on days when you used more electricity, such as a particularly chilly day or when relatives were staying with you.

But you might be surprised to learn that beyond your monthly energy consumption, there are external factors that can impact the cost of electricity.

Fuel Prices

Monroe County Electric purchases electricity from our power generation partner, Tennessee Valley Authority, at a wholesale cost, then we deliver that power to our local communities. The cost of generating and transmitting electricity from our generation partner accounts for a significant portion of the cost to provide electric service to local homes and businesses — and the cost of fuels that are used to generate that electricity, such as natural gas and coal, fluctuate based on supply and demand. While these fluctuations can impact the cost of electricity, we work closely with Tennessee Valley Authority to plan ahead and help stabilize electricity prices for our members.

Extreme Weather

Infra

ructure and Equipment

To cover the costs associated with providing electricity to your home or business, Monroe County Electric members pay a monthly charge. This ﬂat monthly fee ensures the cost of equipment, materials, labor, and daily operations are covered for all members in Monroe County Electric’s service territory. To ensure the reliable service you expect and deserve, we must maintain the local grid, including power lines, substations, and other essential equipment.

Energy Po cy and Regulations

Federal energy policies and regulations can have a profound impact on electricity costs. As energy generation shifts to the use of more renewable sources and stricter regulations for traditional, alwaysavailable fuel sources, such as natural gas and coal plants, costly upgrades, and technologies must be constructed and deployed. These additional costs are ultimately passed to consumers.

You Have Control

Monroe County Electric is your local energy partner, and we’re here to help. As always, we will continue working diligently to provide you with reliable power at an a ordable cost.

By now many of you know that the only thing I like about January is pretty much nothing. February isn’t much better. In the past ﬁve years, these months have brought tornadoes, ice, snow, and an assortment of polar vortexes. The upside is that the reliability experienced in the midst of these events justiﬁes Northcentral’s maintenance program.

Last year Northcentral spent close to $7.5 million to maintain its electric plant valued at $130 million. That’s roughly 2.2% of plant value or 5% of total revenue. No doubt it’s a signiﬁcant amount of funds, but we strongly believe in the integrity and performance of our system, and from the feedback we hear, the community does as well.

Reliability and a ordability are issues that we see throughout our nation. As a new presidential administration takes its place, Northcentral will continue to work through our national and regional trade associations to assure that electric cooperatives and the needs of our communities are addressed. Reliability and a ordability are the drivers of our message as our regions experience greater electriﬁcation.

For everything there is a season

Stay safe.

by Kevin Doddridge General Manager/CEO

February always brings hope. Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and baseball will be soon underway. The snow and ice are starting to give way to the da odils pushing their way upwards. Mardi Gras, even in our community, is a great time as the Olive Branch Olive Twigs have their third annual Mardi Gras parade. Perhaps this time of year isn’t bad after all. We’re told in Ecclesiastes, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” You can always ﬁnd good if you’ll just take the time to look.

MEET NORTHCENTRAL’S

2025

YOUTH LEADERS

These 10 high school juniors have been selected by Northcentral Electric Cooperative to participate in the 2025 NRECA Cooperative Youth Leaders program.

The Cooperative Youth Leaders program, initiated in 1986 by the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi, is a prestigious opportunity for students to delve into the world of electric cooperatives. By exploring the history and impact of cooperatives on communities, these young leaders will gain valuable insights into the crucial role played by electric cooperatives.

In February, the students will dive in with a three-day workshop in Jackson, featuring leadership and communication exercises, a visit to the Capitol, and breakfast with their state senators and representatives. This experience promotes networking, conﬁdence building, and provides them with lifelong relationships and experiences.

This summer, the program will take these students to Washington, D.C., for a week-long tour, o ering the opportunity to explore our nation’s capital and engage with Mississippi’s U.S. senators and representatives. The experience includes visits to the Smithsonian museums, national landmarks, a major league baseball game, and a leadership conference with students from across the country, all sponsored by America’s electric cooperatives.

For consideration into the program, applicants contributed an essay on the impact of electric cooperatives since their inception in 1936. Essay ﬁnalists were then interviewed with representatives from the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi.

We congratulate these students as they embark on this exciting journey with conﬁdence that they will represent their schools, families, and Northcentral proudly.

Northpoint Christian School

Byhalia High School

JONICHA BENSON

Olive Branch High School

ELIZABETH FLOWERS

ELIZA CAVENDER Marshall Academy

EMMA LUCY HARDMAN

LEE MCNEIL Lewisburg High School

CALEB RUCKER

DeSoto Central High School

TRINITY MOORE Center Hill High School

XAVIER SANCHEZ

DeSoto Career Technical Center

DeSoto Central High School

SILAS PENNINGTON Homeschool

ELIJAH WILLIAMS Northpoint Christian School

Under anding factors

that impact yo ur en ergy bills

February brings some of the coldest weather of the year, and as our home heating systems work harder and longer to keep us warm, we typically see higher energy bills.

There are a few key factors that a ect electricity prices, as well as a few ways you can make a meaningful impact on home energy savings.

When you receive your monthly bill from Northcentral Electric, you’re provided with a summary of how much electricity you used during the billing cycle. You can even see how electricity use may have spiked on colder days with our daily temperature overlay.

But you might be surprised to learn that beyond your monthly energy consumption, there are external factors that can impact the cost of electricity.

Fuel Prices

Northcentral Electric purchases electricity from our power generation partner, Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), at a wholesale cost, then we deliver that power to our local communities. The cost of generating and transmitting electricity from TVA accounts for a significant portion of the cost to provide electric service to local homes and businesses — and the cost of fuels that are used to generate that electricity, such as natural gas and coal, fluctuate based on supply and demand. While these fluctuations can impact the cost of electricity, we work closely with TVA to plan ahead and help stabilize electricity prices for our members.

Extreme Weather

Infra ructure and Equipment

To cover the costs associated with providing electricity to your home or business, Northcentral Electric members pay a monthly customer charge. This ﬂat monthly fee ensures the cost of equipment, materials, labor, and daily operations are covered for all members in Northcentral Electric’s service territory. To ensure the reliable service you expect and deserve, we must maintain the local grid, including power lines, substations, and other essential equipment.

Energy Po cy and Regulations

costly upgrades, and technologies must be constructed and deployed. These additional costs are ultimately passed to consumers.

You Have Control

While many of these external factors that impact electricity costs are out of our control, we all have the power to manage our energy use at home. The most e ective way to lower winter use is thermostat management. Since heating and cooling account for a major portion of home energy use, adjusting the thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting can help you save energy and money. Remember to service your heating and cooling system annually and replace dirty ﬁlters as needed. You can also reduce energy use by sealing air leaks around windows, doors, and other areas where gaps are possible. This will help your heating and cooling system work less and improve the overall comfort of your home.

Northcentral Electric is your local energy partner, and we’re here to help. As always, we will continue working diligently to provide you with reliable power at an a ordable cost.

TITLE SPONSOR

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

Member owned. Locally operated. That’s the cooperative difference. • Visit us online at www.PRVEPA.com. PAY BILLS or REPORT OUTAGES: 855-2PRVEPA (855-277-8372)

your of

The power

Love membership

February celebrates love, and here at Pearl River Valley Electric, we’re reminded how much we appreciate our members — and why being a part of our cooperative family is truly something special. As a member of an electric cooperative, you’re not a customer; you’re a member, and an essential part of everything we do. Let’s take a moment to celebrate the unique beneﬁts of being part of this incredible community.

Empowering future generations

One of the ways we show gratitude for our members is by investing in their future through programs like Round Up for Education Scholarships and the Cooperative Youth Leaders Program. Thanks to our generous members who round up their bills, we’ve awarded over $1.7 million in scholarships to deserving students. These funds help young people in our community achieve their dreams, making college and vocational training more accessible.

Through the Cooperative Youth Leaders program, we also provide high school students with opportunities to develop essential skills, network with peers across the state, and learn about leadership and community service. Watching these bright young minds thrive reminds us why we’re so committed to our mission of supporting the next generation.

Giving back to the community

At Pearl River Valley Electric, we believe in building stronger communities. In the last year we have gathered supplies for area schools to ensure that local students have the tools they need to succeed in the classroom. Additionally, through our Sharing Success grants, we proudly support local non-proﬁts such as food pantries and volunteer ﬁre departments.

This focus on community is what sets us apart. We’re not just here to keep the lights on; we’re here to make life better for everyone we serve.

Returning value to you

Unlike other forms of business, we don’t operate to make proﬁts for shareholders. Instead, we return excess revenue to our members in the form of capital credits. Each year in August, our members receive a share of the cooperative’s margins, a tangible reminder that your membership has real value.

The cooperative di erence

As a member of Pearl River Valley Electric, you’re part of something bigger — a cooperative. This means you have a voice in the way we operate and a stake in our success. So, this Valentine’s season, as you reﬂect on what you love, remember the unique and lasting beneﬁts of being a member of your electric cooperative. From scholarships to community support Pearl River Valley Electric is here to brighten your day — and your future.

Thank you for being part of our cooperative family. Here’s to many more years of powering our community together!

by Matthew Ware

CEO/General Manager

Comfort advantage

An energy e ciency tool for you

In today’s world, where energy conservation is more critical than ever, Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association is committed to empowering its members with tools and services designed to promote energy e ciency. By making conscious choices to reduce energy consumption, members can save money and improve the e ciency of their homes and businesses. Pearl River Valley Electric o ers a range of online resources, programs, and services to help members better understand their energy use and make informed decisions about their power consumption. From interactive online calculators to rebates for heat pumps, these tools are tailored to simplify the journey toward smarter energy management.

COMFORT ADVANTAGE PROGRAM

Our Comfort Advantage new home program sets standards for energy e cient home construction and helps members save money on their monthly bills and increases their home’s resale value. Comfort Advantage has been around for over 20 years, and its energy e ciency standards are based on years of experience. Occasionally, as products become more energy e cient the standards for the program are evaluated and adjusted to meet new federal criteria.

• Basic Comfort Advantage homes with a 14.3 SEER2 or a 15 SEER heat pump qualify for up to 150 feet of free underground service.

• Comfort Advantage Plus new homes with a 15.2 SEER2 or a 16 SEER heat pump qualify for up to 150 feet of free underground service and a rebate of $500.

• Geothermal heat pump installations qualify for an additional $500 rebate.

For existing homes, upgrading from older central electric heating/cooling systems or older ine cient heat pumps (10 Seer or less) to a 14.3 SEER2 or 15 SEER or higher heat pump qualiﬁes for a $400 rebate.

HERE ARE THE COMPLETE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE COMFORT ADVANTAGE PROGRAM:

COMFORT ADVANTAGE HOME (BASIC)

REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION

1. Heating and Cooling • Heat pump(s) rated at 14.3 SEER2 or 15 SEER or higher or a qualiﬁed geothermal heat pump(s). Flex duct work will be limited to runs of 8 feet or less. Ducts must be sealed with mastic and wrapped with R-6 or higher insulation.

2. Water Heating • Electric tank water heater(s) with a .90 energy factor or higher. Include heat traps and insulate pipes. Outdoor gas tankless water heaters also qualify. Electric instantaneous water heaters do not qualify.

3. Wall insulation • Install insulation R-value of 13 or greater.

4. Attic insulation • Install insulation R-value of 38 or greater. (Exception: R-20 foam-encapsulated, semi-conditioned attic.)

5. Floor insulation • Install insulation R-value of 19 or greater in ﬂoors over unconditioned areas or crawlspaces.

6. Windows • Double pane windows with a U-value of .60 or less and a solar heat gain coe cient (SHGC) of .60 or less.

7. Air Sealing • Air sealing must be applied to all penetrations through exterior walls and to holes into attics or crawlspaces. Apply sill insulation between the slab and bottom plate. Properly install housewrap or building paper to cover exterior sheathing in wood framed homes. Inside the home, apply appropriate caulk or gaskets to electrical boxes, and seal around plumbing penetrations.

by Abby Berry

COMFORT ADVANTAGE PLUS-NEW HOME

(ADDITIONAL UPGRADES FOR GREATER EFFICIENCY)

1. Heating and Cooling Equipment • heat pump(s) rated at 15.2 SEER2 or 16 SEER or higher; or a qualiﬁed geothermal heat pump. Upgrade to a programmable thermostat.

2. Windows • double pane windows with a U-value of .40 or less, and a SHGC rating of .35 or less.

ENERGY AUDITS AND ONLINE TOOLS

An energy audit provides a total view of your home’s e ciency and can help provide greater understanding of how your home uses energy. On our website, www.prvepa.com, we provide a variety of online tools that can help you understand how to best adjust your energy use or do simple things around the house to improve energy e ciency. In our website’s help center, under the “Save Energy” tab, you can ﬁnd a variety of calculators that estimate your energy use for various appliances including televisions, dishwashers and ovens. In addition, the home energy calculator can customize a home energy audit for you by answering some simple questions.

As always, if you need further guidance concerning your homes energy e ciency you can call us at 601-736-2666.

IN SAVINGS

The most common areas to insulate are attics, ceilings, crawlspaces or unconditioned basements, exterior and interior walls, ﬂoors, and ductwork located in unconditioned spaces.

The amount and e ectiveness rating of insulation required for each area varies by climate, but many websites like The Department of Energy or Home Depot provide easy-to-follow recommendations. Visit energy. gov/insulation to learn about recommended R-values for speciﬁc areas of the home based on climate zones.

Investing in proper insulation for your home not only enhances comfort but also reduces energy consumption.

Abby Berry writes on consumer and cooperative a airs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

Pearl River Valley Electric crews help sister cooperatives

Recently, Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association helped restore power to its sister cooperatives Southwest Electric and Magnolia Electric. In late December, strong thunderstorms and tornadoes hit the state causing widespread outages. After restoring power in our own service area, four line crews went to assist Southwest and Magnolia. Crews were gone for nearly a week. Thank you to all the linemen who went to help our fellow cooperatives. The cooperative principle, “cooperation between cooperatives” displays the strong ties that cooperatives have when helping each other. Below are some pictures taken by PRVEPA linemen, Nate Sta ord, Derrick Bell, and crew foreman, Tommy Baughman.

Jahew Harrelson

earns degree

PEPA Journeyman Lineman Jahew Harrelson recently earned his Associate of Applied Science degree in Utility Line Worker Technology from Northwest Community College. He also received a career certiﬁcate for Utility Line Worker Technology and a technical certiﬁcate for Utility Line Worker Technology. A celebration was held in the Bruce warehouse to honor Jahew for his hard work.

National Engineers Week

PEPA General Manager Frankie Moorman (left) with PEPA Journeyman Lineman Jahew Harrelson and his wife, Carrington.

by Jennifer Johnson

Kemp’s for life found in the great zest food, spices outdoors &

When Ecru resident Burt Kemp says he can trace his ancestry pretty far back, he’s not kidding. In fact, Kemp said, he has seven relatives who came over on the Mayﬂower, and his father’s family eventually helped found the city of New Orleans.

Kemp was born in Gulfport, Mississippi, where his father was a geologist for an oil company. They moved to the West Bank and later to the East Bank of Orleans Parish. Kemp enjoyed his childhood, learning to cook jambalaya as a young boy of about 13.

His first foray into cooking began with taking part in jambalaya-eating contests. “I almost won a couple of times!” he said. He’s been perfecting his recipe for 56 years. His first cooking pot was a five-gallon variety that he still has to this day.

He graduated to a larger pot to feed extended family, noting that everyone in New Orleans is considered family — aunt, uncle, or cousin — so those gatherings involved very large groups of people.

He worked some jobs as he reached adulthood, eventually going into outside sales for Zep Chemical. It was during that time that he met wife Beverly, who ﬁrst spotted Kemp dressed in suit and tie, cleaning out his horse stalls at a public barn in Slidell. Kemp said, “She couldn’t get over that.”

Eventually the two got together, and they tried to ﬁnd a place to live that would have ample room for their horses. One day they found a place they loved that wasn’t for sale. That didn’t stop them from meeting with the homeowner to see if he would consider parting with the place. The owner said yes, and the Kemps were on their way to having a place they and their animals could enjoy.

But trouble was on the horizon. “Three weeks later, (Hurricane) Katrina hit. I had to chainsaw my way in. The only damage to the house was that

the sunken den was full of water. We had a mile and a half of fence down and lost more than 100 trees.”

That wasn’t all he lost — Kemp’s building he had planned to cater out of was destroyed, and that was not an easy loss for someone who did as many as four crawﬁsh boils a day for customers. They ended up running a generator to prepare food and cater for six months.

Kemp’s path to catering came from his outside sales work. “When we would sell chemicals to a company, we would come back and cook food for them as a thank you. Eventually, folks started asking us to cater for them at other events. It got to the point where, even though I had 20 years with Zep, I decided it was time to try this catering thing full time.”

Kemp has fond memories of his growing business in Louisiana. “We did a big job for Shell Oil in Bangor, Maine. We had 10,000 pounds of crawﬁsh in a 90-gallon jambalaya pot.” Another time, Kemp said, they fed a shipyard of 2,700 people in 45 minutes. He said that event included six lines, so everyone could get their food, enjoy it, and head back to the job. They were successful, he said.

Kemp explains the need for special wooden spoons used in making roux. Guidry the Alligator makes an appearance on all products Kemp sells. He said the name is from the Cajun side of his family.

Right after Katrina, Kemp said he was cleaning up hurricane damage on his property and decided to rest under a tree. He fell asleep there for two hours. He went to see his doctor, who immediately had two nurses walk him across the street to the emergency room. Unbeknownst to him, Kemp had a heart attack — the kind known as a “widow maker” — and survived it. He had stents placed and was sent home.

He said things went well for about ﬁve years, and then he started to have trouble breathing. That led to more stents. At the time, he had a wedding to cater in fewer than two days. “I told my doctor there was no way I was calling that bride to tell her I couldn’t do it. So, we compromised, and I sat in a chair and supervised what was going on to make sure everything went o without any problems.”

The next time he went to be checked, the doctor determined Kemp had had a slight stroke. He was put on cholesterol medication and found out he was diabetic.

He’s had Covid-19 ﬁve times. Health conditions led him to shut down the catering business, but he still enjoyed cooking for family and friends. After moving to north Mississippi in 2021 (evacuating after Hurricane Ida), Kemp commuted between his ailing mother in Bay St. Louis and wife Beverly in Ecru.

He had started a print shop in Louisiana before he left there, and he was told it would be less stressful than catering.

Then, he decided he would do something that would involve his love of cooking and helping others: He started selling his seasonings.

Kemp had always made his own seasonings for his dishes, and folks seemed to quite enjoy them. He gave them away for those who asked, but then he thought about getting into that line of work on a larger scale.

He works out of a shed in his backyard. He spends his time there creating, mixing, pouring up, and packaging his spices and sauces using his “Guidry the Alligator” mascot for labeling. He’s currently selling them at McCoy’s Grocery in Ecru, and he is working to expand into other stores.

Since coming to North Mississippi, Kemp has found a church home at Ingomar Baptist Church, where he feeds their congregation on Wednesday nights, including their shut ins. In addition, he feeds the Chase House in Pontotoc a couple of times each month and takes meals to the Church Street Personal Care Home in Ecru.

Growing up with an Episcopalian background, Kemp was recently baptized into the Baptist faith. An avid outdoorsman, he told his pastor he wanted to be baptized in the Gulf of Mexico since he had spent most of his life enjoying the water there. Though they weren’t able to make that happen, about 50 members of his church family traveled to see his baptism at Pickwick Lake. It was quite the celebration, including a ﬁsh fry prepared by none other than Kemp himself.

For more information, call 985-960-2897.

Charcuterie board Kemp put together for a recent event.

Rows of the many seasonings Kemp creates line a shelf in his work area.

A small shed in his backyard houses Kemp’s workspace where he creates a variety of spices and sauces.

Enjoy making and serving these treats for the ones you love! for your

Banana Pudding

Kathy Stark, PEPA Retiree

INGREDIENTS

1 ½ cups sugar

3 egg yolks

2 cups water (or milk)

½ cup ﬂour

2 cups milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

Mix thoroughly and cook until thick. Pour over layer of bananas and layer of vanilla wafers and repeat.

This recipe belonged to my grandmother, Ma Walker.

Tea Cakes

Bobby (PEPA retiree) and Ramona Wells

INGREDIENTS

½ cup butter

1 cup sugar

1 egg

2 ½ cups ﬂour

1 teaspoon vanilla

1-2 teaspoons water

Mix all ingredients. Drop by spoonful onto greased cookie sheet. Bake at 325 degrees until lightly brown. May be rolled out and cut into shapes.

Peanut Butter Cookies

Sue Cook, PEPA Retiree

INGREDIENTS

1 cup Eagle brand milk

2 cups biscuit mix

¾ cup peanut butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

Honey Bun Cake

Don

BATTER

1 package yellow cake mix

¾ cup vegetable oil

4 eggs

1 1⁄3 cup milk

1 cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

ICING

2 cups powdered sugar

4 tablespoons milk

2 tablespoons vanilla

(PEPA retiree) and Sandy Patterson

For the batter: Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, oil, eggs, and milk. Stir by hand approximately 50 strokes, or until large lumps are gone. Pour half of batter into an ungreased 9" x 13" glass baking dish. Combine brown sugar and cinnamon, and sprinkle over batter in the cake pan. Spoon the other half of the batter into the cake pan, covering the brown sugar and cinnamon. Twirl the cake with a butter knife or icing knife until it looks like a honey bun. Bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Frost cake while it is still hot. Serve warm.

For the icing: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

Mix Eagle brand milk and peanut butter on low speed, add 2 cups biscuit mix and vanilla and mix well. Roll into 1 inch balls. Place on ungreased cookie sheet about 2 inches apart. Flatten with a fork and sugar. Bake 6 to 8 minutes. Do not overbake.

This is Eloise Davis’s recipe.

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR CEO

Power cost adjustment decrease for SRE members

Beginning in January 2025, Singing River Electric bill statements reﬂected a power cost adjustment decrease of 1.0 mills or 0.1 cent/kilowatt-hour. This reduced member bills by $1.00 for every 1,000 kWh of energy used. The reason for the adjustment is due in large part to natural gas prices continuing to be slightly lower than expected.

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 mix of fuel sources including natural gas, coal, nuclear, hydroelectric, wind, and solar. This allows Cooperative Energy to keep the cost of power as low as possible.

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. Wholesale power costs are a pass-through expense, and we are happy to pass along the savings.

Notice of Singing River Electric Director Qualiﬁcation Period

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

Cold weather heating tips

South Mississippi is feeling the cold, even freezing temperatures at times. Taking steps to help your home heating system run more e ciently can reduce energy use and lower your winter bills. Check to see if any air vents around your home are blocked by furniture, curtains, or other items. Obstructed vents force your heating system to work harder than necessary and can increase pressure in the ductwork, causing cracks and leaks to form. If necessary, consider purchasing a vent extender, which can be placed over a vent to redirect air ﬂow from underneath furniture or other obstructions.

When operating a heat pump, it is critical to remember to adjust the thermostat only 2 degrees at a time. Adjusting more than two degrees will cause your heating elements (strips) to cycle on. Heating strips are much more expensive to run versus a heat pump.

The recommended temperature for heating is 68 degrees. When temperatures drop below 38 degrees, lowering the thermostat as low as possible will help lessen the run time of your heating unit. However, when temperatures dip into freezing, even if your unit is set to 68, the heat is still going to run depending on how well your house is insulated. A heat pump will automatically kick on the heat strips when temperatures reach below 35 degrees.

EFFECTIVE WAYS To Lower Home Energy Use

Outside factors, such as fuel and equipment costs and extreme weather, can impact electricity prices. But you have the power to control home energy consumption by taking proactive steps to reduce energy use.

Thermostat Management

The thermostat is one of the best places to lower your energy use because heating and cooling account for a signiﬁcant portion of home energy consumption. During winter months, adjust your thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting to reduce energy use. The Department of Energy recommends 68 degrees or lower.

Seal Your Home

According to ENERGY STAR®, about 20% of heated or cooled air that moves through a home is lost due to lack of proper insulation and air leaks. Ensure your home has su cient insulation levels, and seal air leaks around windows and doors with caulk and weatherstripping. This is a simple, e ective way to lower energy use and improve indoor comfort.

Maintain Equipment

The health of your heating and cooling system is essential for comfort and can greatly impact energy bills. Maintain your system by regularly replacing dirty ﬁlters and scheduling annual inspections for maintenance and necessary repairs.

Spread Out Your Energy Use

Plan energy-intensive chores and tasks, such as running the dishwasher and washing clothing, to happen at di erent times, so your home’s demand for electricity is lower. By scheduling these activities throughout the day and night, you can lower your demand and control this part of your bill.

Get Connected. Stay Local.

Singing River Electric’s Forts Lake, Helena, Helena Industrial, Escatawpa South, and Wade substation areas now have access to Singing River Connect’s fast, reliable ﬁber internet service! Whether you are a Speed Fanatic, an Entertainment Enthusiast, or an Everyday Scroller, Singing River Connect has the perfect package to ﬁt your home and business internet needs. All packages include:

• Unlimited data

• 24/7 tech support

• Free installation – a $200 value

• Local customer service

• Free installation AND equipment (modem/router) singingriverconnect.com/signup

• Equally fast upload and download speeds

Step 1: Make-ready engineering Examine. Design.

This step is complete!

Step 2: Make-ready construction

Connecting the dots.

Planning the most eﬃcient approach to ﬁber deployment.

Bayou Cassotte, Kreole, and Monaco Lake substation areas

Step 3: Fiber Construction

Building a network from the ground up.

Singing River Mall, Gautier, Fountainbleu, Hamill Farm, Ocean Springs, Gulf Park Estates, Sunplex, Fort Bayou, Martin Bluﬀ, and Hickory Hills substation areas

Step 4: Splicing The last outdoor step. Almost there…

Martin and Tucker Road substation areas

Step 5: Service drop & drop splicing

Forts Lake, Helena, Helena Industrial, Escatawpa South, Wade, Cumbest Bluﬀ, Benndale, Rocky Creek, Vancleave, Joe Batt, and all previously opened areas

speed of light, right to your home. Step 6: Installation

Forts Lake, Helena, Helena Industrial, Escatawpa South, Wade, Cumbest Bluﬀ, Benndale, Rocky Creek, Vancleave, Joe Batt, and all previously opened areas

St.

Helping Magnolia Electric Power after severe weather

After restoring power for Singing River Electric members during a weekend of thunderstorms, a 13-man team of Singing River Electric employees traveled to Magnolia Electric Power on December 30 to help do the same for their members.

Magnolia Electric, headquartered in Summit, Miss., reported around 11,000 without power and 59 broken poles in their southwest

Mississippi service area after severe weather. Singing River Electric’s linemen worked in Franklin County along the damage path of a tornado to set new poles and hang power lines. They returned home on January 2.

Thank you to these linemen for their willingness to help others as they live out the 6th Cooperative Principle — Cooperation Among Cooperatives.

Upcoming right-of-way projects

Singing River Electric 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 power lines.

Here are the substations and surrounding areas that are either currently being cleared or where clearing will begin soon:

• Bayou Casotte Substation – Detroit Avenue, Lanier Avenue, Highway 90, Martin Road, and surrounding areas.

• Monaco Lake Substation – Old Mobile Highway, Industrial Road, Highway 90, and surrounding areas.

• Aleco Substation – Highway 57, Wire Road, Highway 15, Old Biloxi Road, and surrounding areas.

• Dickerson Sawmill Substation – Old Highway 63, Highway 63, Brushy Creek Road, and surrounding areas.

• Agricola Substation – Highway 613, Barton Agricola Road, Highway 612, and surrounding areas.

Inaugural Grant Application Period for Members Helping Members Now Open

This February, Southern Pine is kicking o the inaugural application period for the Members Helping Members program. Launched in October 2024, this initiative allows Southern Pine members to round up their electric bills each month, contributing to grants that support organizations making a di erence in our communities.

We encourage local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, fi rst responders, and educators to apply for a grant. These funds can help provide food for those in need, support educational programs for children, assist seniors and families, equip first responders with vital tools, and so much more.

Applying is easy. Just visit southernpine.coop/MHM and click on the “apply” button. You’ll be redirected to the Pinebelt Foundation site to complete the online application by Feb. 28, 2025.

The Pinebelt Foundation manages the Members Helping Members funds and will verify the details of each application before they’re reviewed by Southern Pine’s Advisory Committee. This committee, made up of one representative from each of the 11 counties we serve, will carefully evaluate submissions and recommend grant recipients. Awards will be announced in May.

Members Helping Members is a powerful way for Southern Pine members to invest in their communities. With just a few cents a month, you can help transform lives—supporting friends and neighbors when they need it most.

Grant applications are accepted twice a year, with the second application period running from Aug. 1–31, 2025. The second round of grants will be awarded in November.

If you know of an organization that could beneﬁt from this program, please share this information with them. Together, we can create meaningful change in the places we call home.

For more details about Members Helping Members or the application process, visit southernpine.coop/MHM or read more below.

by Chris K. Rhodes

President/CEO Southern Pine Electric

Members Helping Members Grant Applications Now Accepted

The Members Helping Members (MHM) grant application process is open from Feb. 1–28, 2025.

The grants are administered by the Pinebelt Foundation and application guidelines are:

• Grant awards will be announced in May 2025. (A second round of grant applications will open August 2025, and the awards will be made November 2025.)

• Any organization in Southern Pine Electric’s 11-county service area, being Copiah, Covington, Forrest, Jasper, Je erson Davis, Lawrence, Newton, Rankin, Scott, Simpson, and Smith, can apply for funding.

• Nonproﬁts, community-based or volunteer organizations, educational, civic organizations, ﬁrst responders, law enforcement organizations, and shelters that generally qualify as exempt under 501 (c)(3) may apply.

and August and only accessible online at

• Applications will be available during the months of February and August and only accessible online at southernpine.coop/ MH M with a link to the Pinebelt Foundation for the application. Applications will NOT be accepted via mail, FedEx, USPS or at any Southern Pine Electric Cooperative location or at any Pinebelt Foundation location.

Member organizations that seek funding from the Southern Pine Electric Trust Fund, Members Helping Members, must complete a thorough grant application through the Pinebelt Foundation, our charitable partner, who will manage the collection, vetting, and recommendations of all applications based on the criteria of the Member Helping Members grant guidelines. Southern Pine’s Member Advisory Committee will review all eligible grant applications and the Pinebelt Foundation recommendations to ensure funds will be used for the greater good in the communities we serve. Awards may range up to $10,000 per organization per year. The decision of the Member Advisory Committee, representing each county within the service territory, shall be ﬁnal.

For more information and guidelines, visit southernpine.coop/MHM.

Southern Pine Recognizes Employees For YEARS OF SERVICE

Teresa Quinn, Richie Matson, Brandi McNeil, and Lisa Clark

Mandy Stanley, Denise Cleveland, and Kristen Thorne

Kristal Davis, Patricia Berry, Chris Hollingsworth, and Stacey Powers

Brandon Henderson, Nathan Hudson, Randy Jackson, Wanda Allen, Keith King, Guy Gateley, Stephanie Sharp, Mark Wallace, Kevin Bass, Melissa Craft, and Chris Jones

Carl Styron and Mark Phipps (not pictured)

John Leslie Eason

Walter D. Jones

Keith Phillips

Bobby L. Thompson

SAFETY AWARD TEAM PLAYER OF THE YEAR

The Team Player of the Year Award recognizes an individual who exempliﬁes the true spirit of teamwork. This award celebrates a person who consistently puts the needs of the team above their own, fosters collaboration, and inspires others with their positive attitude and dedication. Their willingness to support colleagues, embrace challenges, and contribute to shared goals makes them an invaluable part of the organization’s success. This individual demonstrates what it means to work together to achieve excellence.

Mike Kennedy

Taylorsville District Manager

Carl Styron Keith Phillips

Walter Jones

Southern Pine Hosts Cooperative University, Names 2025 Youth Leaders

Southern Pine Electric recently welcomed 54 high school juniors from 30 schools across its 11-county service area to participate in its annual Cooperative University. These students, nominated by their school counselors for their outstanding leadership potential, gathered to explore the role of electric cooperatives, learn about electrical safety, and engage in dynamic leadership-building activities.

As part of the program, students also had the unique opportunity to meet with local legislators, posing thoughtful questions about the issues that matter most to their communities. At the conclusion of the event, 12 students were invited to return for interviews, competing for the

coveted positions of Southern Pine’s 2025 Youth Leaders.

“Beyond delivering safe, reliable, and affordable electricity, one of our greatest responsibilities is investing in the next generation of leaders,” said Chris Rhodes, president and CEO of Southern Pine Electric.

“Seeing the talent, drive, and vision of these students gives me tremendous confidence in the future of our communities.”

A panel of volunteer judges consisting of employees from our sister cooperatives selected six exceptional students as Southern Pine’s 2025 Youth Leaders:

These outstanding young leaders will represent Southern Pine Electric in the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi’s (ECM) Cooperative Youth Leaders program. Their journey begins when they join over 80 other youth leaders from cooperatives across Mississippi at the Cooperative Leaders Workshop in Jackson this spring and culminates in the summer with Cooperative Youth Leaders Tour of Washington, D.C.

Southwest Electric is proud to join hundreds of other cooperatives around the country in o ering our own energy assistance program. Our Members Paying It Forward program enables Members to roundup their bills and help support other Members over the age of 50 needing assistance to pay their electric utility bills. Our employees and Directors are also Paying It Forward by donating to the program. Since 2017, $30,740.30 from this program has helped numerous qualifying Members between the ages of 52 to 85. To round up your bills and start Paying It Forward, please visit our website, email or call us.

Email: memberspayingitforward@swepa.coop

DEPARTMENT Spotlight

Staking Technicians,

Austin McCormick, Doug Tanksley, Todd Hughes and Elliott Stebbins

Staking technicians are also known as staking engineers. They play a crucial role in designing and planning the construction of electrical distribution lines. Their primary responsibilities include, designing distribution facilities, conducting ﬁeld surveys, interacting with cooperative Members, preparing construction documents and ensuring compliance and safety. These professionals are essential in maintaining and expanding the electrical infrastructure that serves cooperative Members in southwest Mississippi, ensuring reliable and safe delivery of electricity.

WINTER storms by the numbers

The severe storms that swept through southwest Mississippi on Dec. 28, 2024, caused signiﬁcant disruptions, including widespread power outages a ecting Southwest Electric Members. The National Weather Service conﬁrmed nine tornadoes touched down in our service area. At the peak of the outages, 19,990 meters were reported without power. Southwest Electric crews worked diligently to restore service with the help from neighboring cooperatives and contractors. The storms not only disrupted power but also caused structural damage and led to at least two fatalities in Mississippi. The community continues to recover from the impact of these storms, with local authorities and utility companies working to restore normalcy and provide support to those a ected.

We appreciate our Members’ support, patience and understanding as we work through these natural events and restore power.

Free personalized energy analysis JUST FOR YOU

Where are your energy dollars going?

Have you tried our FREE Residential Energy Advisor tool? Simply answer 10 questions and provide details about, for instance, the size of your house and the type of insulation. The tool will provide you with an annual electric cost breakdown showing how much of your energy dollars are spent on heating, cooling, cooking and more. It’s free and only takes a few minutes to complete.

Available to Southwest Electric Members:

Residential Energy Advisor

Conduct a Virtual Energy Assessment of your home. It takes just a few minutes to proﬁle your home and get savings recommendations.

Energy Basics

Would you like to learn some basics about electricity and energy use? Use our resources to learn more about electricity.

Appliance Calculator

Try comparing the operating cost of a microwave or small countertop cooker to a conventional oven. You might just be surprised.

TV Calculator

How many televisions do you have? Many homes have more than one. Compare operating costs of di erent sizes and types of televisions.

Lighting Calculator

What would happen if you replaced all of your incandescent light bulbs in your house with LEDs? You might be surprised at how much money you could save monthly.

COMMUNITY FOCUS

by Steven Ward

Giving back to Natchez at the Double C Ranch

David Carter and his family, owners of The Double C Ranch in Natchez, have trained horses from all over the country for 18 years.

Because the Carters wanted to give back to their community, the family has been involved in several civic and youth events over that time in an e ort to give others a unique outdoors experience.

“Every summer we o er a few weeks of Double C Ranch Camp for local kids. Mostly local kids spend the week learning to ride horses with the responsibility of feeding, grooming, and cleaning manure. Kids also have craft time, and recreation time, but here they learn to lasso, shoot archery, and even how to pop a bull whip,” Carter told Today in Mississippi.

But the summer camp is just one o ering the Carter family extends to the community.

The family has raised money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by hosting trail rides at the ranch.

“In 2023, a good friend, Maria Vaughn, asked about doing a trail ride to beneﬁt St Jude. We knew some local youth and families that had been to St. Jude’s and agreed to host it at the ranch. We had an amazing turnout. Guests from four states showed up to ride,” Carter said.

Carter said several local businesses contribute and adjoining landowners agreed to provide access for a long ride, followed by a big meal, silent auction, then a live concert. Thousands of dollars were raised, and the event was a success.

The Carter family also puts on leadership exercises at the ranch for children and other groups.

“One of the most popular events for corporate groups is our ‘Leadership through Horsemanship.’ Here participants are paired with a fully trained horse for the day. They must learn the proper and actual steps to training a horse and the methods we use with young horses,” Carter said.

The exercise is broken down into four steps that are applied both to horses and humans — build trust, build respect, build conﬁdence, and build collaboration.

By the end of the workshops, using these basic principles, the participants take their horse through an advanced obstacle course with ease.

Kids also have an opportunity to experience leadership training at the ranch.

“We are proud to have hosted sports teams, church groups, and some community groups for both leadership and team building days. We have a nice location under our majestic oaks overlooking our ponds where we do lots of group activities and personal development activities,” Carter said.

The Carters also own and operate Great River Outdoors to o er outdoor opportunities to guests visiting the Natchez area.

David Carter said he loves working with the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

“We have enjoyed hosting many of their programs from 4-H kids on educational ﬁeld trips about livestock, forestry, and outdoor resources. We have also hosted ﬁshing rodeos, cook outs, and even horseback rides for older guests of the extension service,” Carter said.

The ranch events are special to David, his wife Paige, and their three children, Coleman, Harper, and Mary Collins.

“We love to see the joy in the eyes of our local kids after holding a chicken for the ﬁrst time or riding a horse. For many people, time on the ranch is just a step back to the life they lived as a child and for lots more, walking around the ponds, hand feeding cattle, and the smell of a horse barn is a life many dream of that we can provide, if only for a short period of time,” David Carter said.

For more information on the Double C Ranch, call 225-202-4387 or visit their website at greatriveroutdoors.com/about-us. Please contact Jeremy Smith at 601-437-1359 or jsmith@swepa.coop

- 662-827-2262 | Belzoni - 662-247-1909 | Greenville - 662-334-9543 | Rolling Fork - 662-873-4233 |

Thank you for your service

Sta and members congratulate Twin County Electric Association employees who have reached important milestones.

“We thank you for your dedicated service to our members.”

Leslie Holloway, General Manager

Community Events

FEB. 1

MISSISSIPPI RIVER MARATHON

The Mississippi River Marathon o ers the only marathon in the Mississippi Delta and a variety of opportunities that no other race in the world can o er. The goal is ﬁrst, for people across the nation, especially in the Delta communities, to get excited about healthy lifestyles by supporting and participating in our running events. Second, this marathon was created to help all children receive an excellent education by donating funds raised to the Washington County and Southeast Arkansas Community Foundations.

FEB. 22

JUNIOR AUXILIARY ANNUAL CHARITY BALL

The Junior Auxiliary of Greenville will host its Annual Charity Ball on Feb. 22. The auxiliary was founded on the principles of helping children and making a di erence in their lives. The group also provides women the opportunity to serve and be a vital part of their communities.

FEB. 26-28

COOPERATIVE YOUTH LEADERS WORKSHOP

Two students, sponsored by and representing Twin County Electric, will travel to Jackson to learn the value of the cooperative business model, speciﬁcally the impact that electric cooperatives have on their lives and communities. To also grow in their leadership qualities through team-building exercises as well as expanding their communication skills, conﬁdence, and courage in decision making. Students will also experience the democratic process at state and federal levels by visiting our state capitol.

County Electric sta participated in the Belzoni and Louise Christmas Parades in December.

QI heard ﬁreplaces can make your home colder. How do I keep my home comfortable while enjoying cozy ﬁres?

AWhen I was a little girl, I remember my dad telling me that some nights were too cold to have a ﬁre. That always seemed crazy to me, but like many other things he said, he was right.

by Miranda Boutelle

Turning the pilot light o in the summer can reduce wasted gas. If you plan to turn the pilot light o , follow the instructions in the owner’s manual to avoid any potential safety issues.

Fireplaces with gas logs are required to be installed with a mechanism that always keeps the damper open. This safety feature allows gases from the pilot light to escape.

Use my dad’s sage advice and these tips to keep your home warm while gathering your loved ones around a glowing ﬁre during the winter season.

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

If your damper doesn’t close properly or your chimney doesn’t have one, buy a chimney plug to keep cold air from entering and warm air from escaping your home.

High e ciency wood stoves can lower your heating costs and are eligible for federal tax credits.

Under anding factors

that impact yo ur en ergy bills

February brings some of the coldest weather of the year, and as our home heating systems work harder and longer to keep us warm, we typically see higher energy bills.

There are a few key factors that a ect electricity prices, as well as a few ways you can make a meaningful impact on home energy savings. When you receive your monthly bill from Twin County Electric, you’re provided with a summary of how much electricity you used during the billing cycle. You can even see how electricity use may have spiked on days when you used more electricity, such as a particularly chilly day or when relatives were staying with you.

But you might be surprised to learn that beyond your monthly energy consumption, there are external factors that can impact the cost of electricity.

Fuel Prices

Twin County Electric purchases electricity from our power generation partner, Cooperative Energy, at a wholesale cost, then we deliver that power to our local communities. The cost of generating and transmitting electricity from our generation partner accounts for a significant portion of the cost to provide electric service to local homes and businesses — and the cost of fuels that are used to generate that electricity, such as natural gas and coal, fluctuate based on supply and demand. While these fluctuations can impact the cost of electricity, we work closely with Cooperative Energy to plan ahead and help stabilize electricity prices for our members.

Extreme Weather

Infra ructure and Equipment

To cover the costs associated with providing electricity to your home or business, Twin County Electric members pay a monthly charge. This ﬂat monthly fee ensures the cost of equipment, materials, labor, and daily operations are covered for all members in Twin County Electric’s service territory. To ensure the reliable service you expect and deserve, we must maintain the local grid, including power lines, substations, and other essential equipment.

Energy Po cy and Regulations

Federal energy policies and regulations can have a profound impact on electricity costs. As energy generation shifts to the use of more renewable sources and stricter regulations for traditional, alwaysavailable fuel sources, such as natural gas and coal plants, costly upgrades, and technologies must be constructed and deployed. These additional costs are ultimately passed to consumers.

You Have Control

Twin County Electric is your local energy partner, and we’re here to help. As always, we will continue working diligently to provide you with reliable power at an a ordable cost.

Yazoo County Wildlife Association Yazoo County Wildlife Association

to host annual banquet Feb. 22

Yazoo County’s annual Wildlife Banquet is a time for celebrating a successful hunting season, enjoying good food, and swapping stories.

It’s an event where no child leaves without a door prize, and everyone gets excited about seeing the antlers from some of the most impressive deer taken during the year.

But what the banquet is best known for is giving back to young people who need it most.

The Yazoo County Wildlife Association has donated $93,881 to the Catch A Dream Foundation and $65,200 to Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital over the years. The group has also hosted benefits for individuals in the community facing medical issues, helped support flood and tornado relief, fed first responders, and sponsored a youth fishing rodeo. Those are significant contributions from a small organization in a rural community, but organizers say giving back is what our community does best.

Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association’s employees have a long history of supporting the Wildlife Association’s e orts. Pat Peeples and Eric Woods both serve as directors.

Peeples has helped lead the association since it was created in 1984. Peeples has seen the association grow from just hosting the Big Buck Contest to making major charitable contributions. Peeples said the membership dues that individuals pay each year fund the prizes given in the buck and turkey contests. The money for charity comes through the live auction, silent auction, and ra es.

“It wouldn’t be possible without many generous donations,” Peeples said. “We have skilled people who build things to donate, people who buy things to donate, and businesses that donate items.”

Peeples encouraged individuals and businesses to consider donating to the auction. Anyone interested can contact Ti any Benson at 662-571-9026.

Visitors to the banquet can also purchase annual memberships.

“A lot of people don’t realize that you don’t have to live in Yazoo County to be a member,” Peeples said. “We encourage people to join, and we are always looking for people — particularly younger people — who would like to get involved and help lead the association.”

This year’s banquet is set for Feb. 22 at the Benton Academy gym. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. with a taster’s bu et hosted by Milner’s Deer Processing beginning at 4 p.m. A prime rib dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. while the Big Buck and Turkey contest awards are presented and the live auction is held.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for children ages 8 and under, and free for ages 2 and under.

The Yazoo County Wildlife Banquet The Yazoo County Wildlife Banquet

Feb. 22 at the Benton Academy Gym

TICKETS: $20 for adults • $9 for ages 8 and under • Free for ages 2 and under

To donate items for the auction, please call 662-571-9026.

Pat Peeples helps serve meals to ﬁrst responders with the Yazoo County Wildlife Association.

Jake Louis Paul had the top overall gross score to win the $550 prize in the big buck contest at last year’s banquet.

after 20 years Robinson retires of service

Rick Robinson is an encourager.

For over 20 years he’s been greeting his co-workers at Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association with a smile and a positive attitude. He’s always quick with a handshake or a ﬁst bump, and he starts most Monday mornings o with an early morning prayer in the crew room.

So it seemed appropriate that he ended his retirement celebration with a prayer in January.

“I’ve always believed that God wanted me to be at Yazoo Valley, and I give Him all the glory for anything we’ve accomplished,” Robinson said.

Robinson said his career at Yazoo Valley has been rewarding, and he has always considered his co-workers to be like family.

General Manager Michael Neely said that Yazoo Valley has been blessed to have Robinson for so many years.

“Rick has always been committed to doing the right thing, being safe and making sure everyone around him does things the right way,” Neely said. “I can’t think of anything more important in our business than that.”

The main thing that makes this place special is the people who work here. I have always gotten along great with everyone here.

“The thing that has been great about working at Yazoo Valley is that I actually enjoyed coming to work every day,” he said. “The main thing that makes this place special is the people who work here. I have always gotten along great with everyone here.”

Neely said that Robinson was not only a hard worker, but he was also willing to share his experience as a veteran lineman with younger employees and help them learn.

“He really accepted that role of helping other people learn,”

Neely said. “He was working and also teaching as well. I don’t know if he realizes how valuable that has been to Yazoo Valley.”

Robinson said that one of his plans for retirement is to convert a house into a rental property he can list on Airbnb.

Mostly he plans to enjoy his time with his wife Elaine and his family.

“I’m not the only one retiring,” Robinson said. “Every morning she has gotten up and cooked me breakfast before I left for work.”

Robinson operating the controls on a digger truck to set a pole.

Robinson working from a bucket in 2021.

Robinson wearing a pink hard hat during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

General Manager Michael Neely thanks Rick Robinson for his service during a retirement celebration held in January.

Robinson participates in a pole top rescue training exercise in 2012.

Je erson promoted to Network Administrator

Today’s technology is evolving so quickly that it can be di cult to keep up.

Yazoo Valley’s Edward Je erson is up to the challenge.

Je erson, who was recently promoted to Network Administrator, embraces the daily demands that come with working in information technology. From keeping Yazoo Valley up to date with the latest technology to helping ensure that the cooperative is protected from external threats, Je erson says the variety of work keeps his job interesting.

“There’s always more work to do,” Je erson said. “You are always learning something because everything changes constantly. I’m always reading articles, calling people, or looking up information because I do not want to get left behind.”

Michael Neely, general manager of YVEPA, said that Je erson’s recent promotion reﬂects his continued growth and dedication to Yazoo Valley’s IT operations.

“In his new role, Edward will take on a more active and expanded responsibility for overseeing all network, computer, and system functions within our organization,” Neely said. “He will be directly responsible for ensuring the performance, reliability, and security of our network infrastructure, while also addressing issues related to both hardware and software. We are conﬁdent that his skills, knowledge, and commitment will continue to positively impact our IT operations.”

Je erson was also recently recognized by his peers by being selected for the Transformer Award that was presented at the 2024 Service Awards Banquet. The award recognizes an employee who brings innovation to Yazoo Valley.

Je erson joined Yazoo Valley seven years ago after working in IT for the Yazoo City Public School District.

Ben Rush, manager of information technology and metering systems at YVEPA, recognized Je erson as a young person with potential and asked him to consider a career at the cooperative.

“It was a great opportunity for me because I was looking for a career in IT here in the Yazoo community,” Je erson said.

He is a graduate of Yazoo County High School and Holmes Community College. He and his wife Barbara have been married for 10 years. They have three children, Noah, Micah, and Ella.

Je erson said he appreciates the investments Yazoo Valley has made in his professional growth, and he feels like he has come a long way from where he was when he started.

And after seven years, he still looks forward to coming to work every day.

“I like to be able to help solve problems, and I like to be able to help people accomplish their goals,” Je erson said. “That’s what I like most about this job.”

Edward Je erson speaks to high school students about the work he does at Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association during the Cooperative University.

General Manager Michael Neely presents the Transformer Award to Edward Je erson.

Je erson was selected for the award by his peers for bringing innovation to Yazoo Valley.

Our state, our culture

Mississippi’s rich cultural heritage is something to behold.

I can’t give you exact ﬁgures, but the number of writers, musicians, actors, artists and chefs that hail from our home state is grand by any measure.

Is it something in the air, water, or soil here?

I don’t know the answer, but the Mississippi roots of those in creative and artistic ﬁelds have spread far and wide in our country.

Let’s take American music for example.

The Mississippi Delta is widely known as the birthplace of the blues. B.B. King, Muddy Waters, and Robert Johnson are just three blues icons out of more than a dozen from Mississippi who birthed the blues as an art form.

Ike Turner, from Clarksdale, is credited with co-writing and recording the ﬁrst rock and roll song, “Rocket 88,” in 1951 with his band, The Kings of Rhythm.

“The King of Rock and Roll,” Elvis Presley, was born in Tupelo, the hometown where he bought his ﬁrst guitar and fell in love with gospel music in the community’s churches. Jimmie Rodgers, a native of Meridian and known for his distinctive yodeling, is widely considered “The Father of Country Music.” And that’s just American music!

Speaking of Meridian, we spent some time for this month’s issue at the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience — The MAX for short — because it’s the only place in our state that celebrates all our creative and artistic superstars.

If you’ve never been, you will want to visit after reading our cover story.

Although The MAX is a clear salute to the legacies of the state’s best and brightest, their mission is solidly forward thinking.

Penny Kemp, The MAX’s president and CEO, told us through the facility’s interactive exhibits, workshops, and live performances, the goal is to engage young people in lifelong learning and creativity.

With The MAX, Meridian has solidiﬁed its reputation as one of the state’s most happening entertainment hubs. A destination for a day or weekend visit seems almost essential.

We hope you enjoy this issue.

by Michael Callahan

Executive Vice President/CEO

Download a free, interactive legislative app for Mississippi

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

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