Today in Mississippi June 2023 Local Pages

Funding rules issued for $9.7 billion co-op energy program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) workable guidance for electric co-ops seeking to access $9.7 billion in energy innovation funding was released in mid May.

“This is an exciting and transformative opportunity for co-ops and their local communities, particularly as we look toward a future that depends on electricity to power more of the economy,” National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) CEO Jim Matheson said. “USDA has smartly structured this program in a way that will help electric co-ops leverage new tools to reduce costs and keep energy a ordable while meeting the future energy needs of their rural communities. I’m grateful to USDA for listening to us throughout this process and for settling on rules that ensure the program is flexible and accessible to all electric cooperatives.”

NRECA worked to help shape the program, which was passed by Congress through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). It is designed specifically for electric cooperatives interested in purchasing or building new clean energy systems and will be administered by USDA’s Rural Utilities Service.

A wide range of eligible projects — including renewable energy, storage, nuclear, and generation and transmission e ciency improvements — allows each cooperative to determine its path based on its unique circumstances. Co-ops will be eligible to receive a grant for as much as 25% of their project cost, with a maximum amount of loans and grants limited to $970 million for any one entity.

NRECA

Applications sought for state Industrial Energy E ciency Grants

The Mississippi Development Authority is accepting grant applications for the 2023 Mississippi Industrial Energy E ciency Program, which is made possible through approximately $500,000 in State Energy Program funds from the U.S. Department of Energy.

MIEEP assists industrial manufacturers with making energy-eciency upgrades to their facilities, which reduces energy consumption and operating costs. Eligible energy retrofits include lighting, water heating and energy systems control, as well as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning projects, among others. Grant awards are o ered up to 50 percent of total project costs, with the award not to exceed $50,000. The minimum grant award is $15,000.

“Supporting energy-savings systems helps Mississippi companies and communities unlock the potential for tremendous cost savings. MIEEP is a prime opportunity for companies to reduce energy usage and spur a more prosperous Mississippi,” said MDA Deputy Executive Director Laura Hipp.

To date, projects implemented through MIEEP have resulted in improved working conditions for approximately 3,000 employees across a wide variety of manufacturers in Mississippi, ranging from catfish processing to HVAC component production. Those projects include lighting upgrades, compressed air system replacements and building envelope improvements that cover over 2.95 million square feet of manufacturing space.

The deadline to apply for MIEEP funding is July 14 at 5 p.m.

Grant helps Benndale students engage in learning through podcasts

Students at Benndale Elementary in Lucedale have a new and exciting way to learn — podcasts.

Thanks to a $1,000 Neighbors Helping Neighbors Community Grant from Singing River Electric, 5th and 6th grade students can create podcasts while strengthening their research, writing, speaking, and collaboration skills.

“Many of our students are not exposed to much outside of the community in which they live, so it’s important that I, as their teacher, expose them to as much as I can while they are with me,” explains Jennifer Finley, Benndale Elementary ELA teacher.

Finley is putting the laptop, microphones, headphones, recording equipment, and editing software purchased with the grant funds to good use. The equipment will be used for a weekly classroom news broadcast, book reviews, and interviews. Listening is a key part of language comprehension, and podcasts will enhance the ELA (English, Language, and Arts) class experience.

“Podcasts will also allow students to learn new skills like producing, recording, and publishing,” adds Finley.

For more information on Singing River Electric’s Neighbors Helping Neighbors Community Grant program, visit www.singingriver.com/my-community.

Benndale Elementary ELA teacher Jennifer Finley, Principal Sean Riley, and students in Finley’s 6th grade class.

Preparing to serve you better ARE YOU READY FOR

Providing reliable power to you is and will always be top priority at 4-County Electric Power Association.

As the energy industry continues to transition and more segments of the economy are becoming electrified, such as vehicles, machinery and even lawn equipment, additional pressures are being placed on our nation’s electric grid.

With summer storm season upon us, I thought it would be a good time to tell you about a few measures we’re taking to ensure you continue receiving the reliable power you depend on and deserve.

Let me be the first to say I love trees and the charm they add to our communities, and I know you do too. While trees provide shade and add beauty to our area, you may be surprised to learn that overgrown vegetation accounts for about half of all power outages.

That’s why we strive to keep the co-op’s power lines clear in right-of-way (ROW) areas. A ROW area is the land a co-op uses to construct, maintain, replace, or repair underground and overhead power lines. This ROW enables 4-County to provide clearance from trees and other obstructions that could hinder distribution power lines. The overall goal of our vegetation management strategy is to provide reliable power to our members while maintaining the beauty of our area.

Modernizing vegetation management

Generally speaking, healthy trees don’t fall on power lines, and clear lines don’t cause problems. Proactive trimming and pruning keep lines clear to improve power reliability.

Vegetation management is an essential tool in ensuring power reliability and minimizing the risk of outages. As advancements become more accessible and costs drop, we anticipate using additional technologies to ensure a consistent energy supply while managing the environment.

Lastly, I encourage you to follow 4-County on social media, so you can learn about the latest co-op updates.

by Brian Clark

CEO/General Manager

FASTnet, 4-County’s fiber broadband service, is now available to almost every 4-County member. All areas except for our Weir phase are open for service! In just over two years, we’ve put a state-of-the-art fiber system in place that brings a ordable, high-speed internet to our members. If you’ve already signed up for service, we say Thank You. If you haven’t yet, give us the chance to earn your business. We o er the fastest speeds possible, competitive pricing, no contract hassles, and no data caps. Just the best internet around brought to you by people you know and trust. We also o er home phone services for less than $30. So don’t settle for expensive, slow, and unreliable internet when you can get FASTnet and connect to the world.

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

Weir Elementary embraces grant

Students and faculty at Weir Elementary School share a little more peace of mind thanks to a generous grant from the 4-County Foundation.

The Choctaw County school (pre-K through 6th grade) has 135 students and 40 faculty members. They can all breathe a little easier because of a $4,278 4-County Foundation grant to purchase two Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).

Weir Elementary Principal Robbie Denson says the grant, quite simply, could mean the di erence between life and death. “The most important thing for any school is to ensure the health and safety of its students. Being able to purchase these AEDs certainly helps give us peace of mind,” Denson said. “Weir Elementary is so thankful for this grant.”

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.

Latest Foundation Grants:

• New Hope Robotics

$9,124 for competition fees

• Operation Continue Service

$2,402 for Veterans Recognition Events

• Pilot Club of Starkville

$4,000 for an interactive music park

• Millsaps Career & Tech Center

$2,653 for a national competition fee

• Sturgis Police Dept.

$3,514 for radios

• East Side Elementary School

$8,490 for Prometheus Boards

4-COUNTY CELEBRATES LIFE OF

Joe Cade

A good man. A smart man. A good leader. And a good friend. Each of these character-driven attributes can be used in reference to Joe Cade.

4-County Electric Power Association is celebrating the life of retired Chief Executive O cer Joe Cade, 78, who passed away April 24 in Columbus.

Cade led the cooperative from 2010 to 2018. It was his second stint at 4-County. He began his career in the electric cooperative business at 4-County in 1983, leaving in 1990 to become general manager of Coosa Valley Electric Cooperative in Talladega, Alabama. Cade was later named president/CEO of Flint Energies in Reynolds, Georgia, in 1997.

“Mr. Joe exemplified the characteristics of a leader and the perfect gentleman,” said 4-County CEO Brian Clark. “He was a wonderful mentor and a true visionary within the cooperative world and at 4-County. More importantly, he was a true friend. We celebrate his life and are thankful to have known him. Our prayers are with his family and all who knew him. I think it’s safe to say that all of us are better people because we knew Joe Cade. It was his request that 4-County linemen serve as pallbearers at his funeral. It was our honor to fulfill that request.”

Under his leadership, 4-County prospered. He made safety the No. 1 priority, and it showed. From late 2011 to mid-2016, 4-County employees worked nearly 1.4 million man-hours without a lost-time injury. He also implemented a plan to streamline

processes and utilize technology to improve member service while controlling costs. New technology was added to allow members to begin reporting outages online and via text message.

In economic development e orts, Cade and the 4-County sta worked hard with local development groups and governments and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) on the creation of two TVA Megasites. That helped land Yokohama Tire in Clay County. Under Cade’s watch, 4-County consolidated from five district o ces to one o ce and the corporate center and added a call center sta ed locally by consumer service representatives, empowering them to help solve member issues and bringing a “one-call” solution. The consolidations allowed 4-County to save hundreds of thousands of dollars in overhead and absorb a TVA rate increase in 2016 instead of passing it on to members. Cade also oversaw the privatization measures for Columbus Air Force Base that allowed 4-County to serve base housing as well as maintenance of the distribution system.

One of his most cherished accomplishments was the formation of the 4-County Foundation in 2015. The Foundation gives grants to area nonprofit groups. The Foundation has awarded nearly $2 million to area organizations. It is funded through the generosity of members who allow their bills to be rounded up to the next dollar, with that spare change collected monthly to fund the grants.

Memorials may be made to the 4-County Foundation, 5265 S. Frontage Road, Columbus, MS, 39701.

History in the making EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

The FASTnet Lead Equipment Operator and his 15 co-workers have connected nearly 12,000 broadband customers since the 4-County Electric Power Association subsidiary’s inception in 2020.

“It’s exciting to be on the front end of things, watching FASTnet grow from where we started to where we are today. We’re providing a service to people that really need, and want, it. That makes me feel good. We’re making history here,” McBrayer said.

Blake began his FASTnet career June 6, 2022. He came from Deviney Construction after serving about 10 years in a variety of capacities, including district manager for Starkville and Meridian operations. “It was a perfect fit, a nice transition. It’s been easy to work with everyone. I really enjoy the people I work with,” he explained.

Blake attended Delta State University and East Mississippi Community College. He lives in Starkville with his wife, Miki. His hobbies include hunting and traveling.

He and his wife are diehard Mississippi State athletics fans. They have season tickets to football, basketball, and baseball games. “We’re serious about our support for all of them. We’re fixtures at athletic events on campus.”

When he isn’t spending time with his wife, he enjoys his 4-County family. “We have a close-knit organization. I like that,” Blake stressed.

The FASTnet team is currently working in the Sturgis phase of the broadband buildout. The Ackerman buildout is in progress, and then, the Weir buildout will take place by the end of the summer. “It’s an exciting process, and I’m glad to play a part in it,” he said.

Since fall 2020, nearly 12,000 4-County members are receiving FASTnet broadband service. If we haven’t made it to your area yet, don’t worry. We’ll be there soon! Thank you for your support!

For more information on FASTnet, call 1-800-431-1544.

CENTRAL ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION

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

107 EAST MAIN STREET • CARTHAGE, MS 39051

The Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Foundation was created by the electric cooperatives of Mississippi in 2005. In an e ort to give back to the communities they serve, the Foundation provides scholarships for post-secondary and vocational education to accredited institutions for qualifying high school seniors. For the fall of 2023, the Foundation awarded scholarships to dependents of employees of participating electric cooperatives. Five Central Electric employees’ children who are entering college this fall were awarded the ECM Foundation Scholarships. Central Electric wants to congratulate each recipient on receiving this scholarship.

John Patrick Irby is the son of Donovan and MJ Irby. He is a graduate of Morton High School. John Patrick enjoys hunting, fishing, four-wheeler riding, and golfing. He plans to attend East Central Community College’s lineman program.

Blaine Ogletree is the son of Neal and Kristin Ogletree. He is a graduate of Leake Academy. Blaine enjoys riding horses and hunting. He plans to attend East Central Community College and pursue a degree in electrical technology. He also plans to attend their lineman program.

Dallas Wayne Johnson is the son of Derek and Suzanne Johnson. He is a graduate of Leake Academy. Dallas enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time with family and friends. He plans to attend East Central Community College to pursue a degree in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.

Jake Shoemaker is the son of Jeremy and Nikki Shoemaker. He is a graduate of Pisgah High School where he was selected for the all-state and all-district football team, was the defensive MVP, and won awards for leadership and character. Jake is an avid hunter and fisherman. He plans to attend Hinds Community College and then Mississippi State University to pursue a degree in electrical engineering.

Conner Kirkwood is the son of Lang and Allyson Kirkwood. He is a graduate of Leake Academy where he was a member of the Beta Club and baseball team. Conner enjoys hunting, fishing, and golfing with friends. He plans to attend East Central Community College and then Delta State University to pursue a bachelor of commercial aviation in flight operations.

A tradition of dependable, hometown service since 1937

by Paul Wesslund

We’re more energy e cient than you might think. And you may also be surprised to learn that we can do even better with a little innovative thinking, and by controlling hidden power users.

Electricity touches our lives nearly every minute of every day and makes up about 5% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product. So, it makes sense to use it wisely, whether you’re concerned about how it a ects the environment or you want to save money. Or both.

A little-known way of measuring e ciency is with a statistic called the energy intensity index. It shows how much energy it takes to produce a dollar of the economy’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Another term that’s been used for that idea is energy productivity.

Whichever term you use, the indexes show that we’re getting better at creating more economic activity with less energy — energy intensity is down, and productivity is up. Way up.

The numbers show that energy intensity is about half of what it was 30 years ago. That’s because we’re making strides in a range of ways from building codes, to light bulbs, to motor vehicle mileage. And these improvements are expected to continue. The Department of Energy projects energy intensity will decline by 30% over the next 30 years.

The latest energy intensity index shows that we’re getting better at creating more economic activity with less energy. Energy intensity is down, and productivity is up.

The old phrase “you have to spend money to make money” is catchy because at first, it sounds like it doesn’t make sense. But when it comes to appliances that consume a lot of energy, it can make dollars and sense.

From dishwashers to computers, energy efficiency is improving dramatically every year as technology, federal rules, and plain old competition give you a better bang for your buck. In fact, if your refrigerator or dishwasher is more than 10 years old, the money you can save on energy use for a new appliance could pay for itself in just a few years.

The yellow Energy Guide labels found on products at your appliance store will tell you how much you can save with a new purchase. Another way to compare the old to the new is to Google “flip your fridge.” That will take you to an ENERGY STAR® calculator that will compare the energy use of your current appliances to what’s available in stores.

Did you know you could be spending $100 to $400 a year on energy you don’t even need? That frightening fact even comes with scary names — phantom power, or vampire electronics. It’s the TV and video games that draw power so they’re ready to turn on instantly. It’s the digital clocks. It’s the computers and phones plugged in even though they’re fully charged.

Getting rid of phantom power can be tricky. You probably don’t want to regularly shut off your wireless router or constantly reboot your smart TV. But you can plug several devices into a power strip and turn it off when you’re not using them. Or smart power strips are available that will do that for you. When you’re shopping for new electronics and appliances, look for the latest ENERGY STAR®-rated models that take vampire loads into account. To start exorcising the phantoms, take a notepad through each room of your home to list anything that’s plugged in, so you can figure out which energy-users you might be able to control without causing too much inconvenience.

Phantom power costs do add up, but it’s also true that your home has much bigger energy users. If you’re concerned about energy costs, make sure you’re heating and cooling system is up to date and working efficiently, and that your windows and doors aren’t leaking air.

Paul Wesslund writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

Phantom power is energy consumed by electronics and appliances when they’re in standby mode but not being used. Phantom power costs typically range from $100 to $400 annually. Your electric co-op can advise you on the most effective steps for energy savings— they’re your local leading authority on home energy use. And that’s no surprise.

If your refrigerator or dishwasher is more than 10 years old, the money you can save on energy use for a new appliance could pay for itself in just a few years.

WE ARE PREPARED FOR

No one knows electrical safety better than the experts who practice it every single day. Mississippi’s electric cooperatives encourage you to practice safety with these reminders — for during and after a summer storm:

AVOID WIRES AND WATER

Summer is here and that means a time for severe storms and hurricane season. In the event of a power outage, you can trust that Mississippi’s electric cooperatives are ready to respond.

The major cause of most power outages comes from damage to power lines due to falling trees and branches. We work year round — through right-of-way clearing — to ensure power lines in our service territory stand little risk of being damaged by trees, branches or other types of vegetation.

Despite our best e orts, during major storms, damage can occur to transmission lines, substations, and distribution power lines. When this happens, our first priority is to safely restore power to as many members as possible in the shortest amount of time.

We start by mobilizing our line crews and other critical sta . Every phone line available is utilized to take your outage report calls. When electrical lines, which serve tens of thousands of people, are damaged at the transmission level, it can a ect the time it takes to restore power locally; but this does not stop our line workers from going out to assess and repair damage in our local communities immediately.

Co-op crews inspect substations to determine if the problem starts there or if there could be an issue down the line. If the root of the problem is at the substation, power can be restored to thousands of members.

Next, line crews check the service lines that deliver power into neighborhoods and communities. Line crews repair the damaged lines, restoring power to hundreds of people. If you continue to experience an outage, there may be damage to the line leading to your home or business. Make sure you notify your co-op, so crews can inspect these lines.

When lightning strikes a home during a storm, the electrical charge can surge through pipes and utility wires. That means you can get zapped if you’re touching water or any device that’s plugged in, whether it’s a landline phone or toaster.

SKIP THE MAKESHIFT SHELTER

During a storm, it’s tempting to take cover under a picnic gazebo or golf cart, but in open-sided structures with no conductors to channel strikes, a bolt’s path of least resistance to the ground could be you. On top of that, these structures raise your risk of a lightning strike because of their height. Keep moving toward suitable shelter.

PORTABLE GENERATORS

Take special care with portable generators, which can provide a good source of power, but if improperly installed or operated, can become deadly. Do not connect generators directly to household wiring. Power from generators can back-feed along power lines and electrocute anyone coming in contact with them, including co-op line workers making repairs. It’s best to hire a qualified, licensed electrician to install your generator and ensure that it meets local electrical codes.

FLOODED AREAS

Stay away from downed power lines and avoid walking through flooded areas. Power lines could be submerged and still live with electricity. Report any downed lines you see by calling your co-op immediately.

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

Never use electrical equipment that is wet — especially outdoor electrical equipment, which could be a potential danger after a summer storm. Water can damage electrical equipment and parts, posing a shock or fire hazard.

We will do our best to avoid power outages, but sometimes Mother Nature has other plans.

ANOTHER YEAR IN THE LIFE of a good dad

Recipe for a Savory T-Bone Father’s Day

Prep Time Cook Time

One day June 18 — All day

Servings

One memory that will last a lifetime

Ingredients (But not limited to)

Husband/Father

Wife/Mother

Child/Children

Grandchild/Grandchildren

1 to 4 Grandparents

Best friend (Can be a human or Fur baby)

Favorite outfit Hat (optional)

Instructions

1. Dad(s) should get a good wash, pat dry, skip the oil, and dress.

2. Place dad aside in a room, maybe with a snack and favorite drink.

3. Mix all ingredients in that room.

4. Preheat the room and grill slowly with words of recognition, gratitude, and thanks.

5. Let all of the emotional juices marinate, but don’t drain.

6. Continue to grill with hugs and kisses until the heart is lightly pink or reaches the desired level of redness.

Enjoy.

by Qua’Shara Monix

What do dads really want on Father’s Day in 2023? Since COVID-19, our wants and expectations look a little bit di erent. Father’s Day is a celebration of dads in all their glory. I think dads prefer an experience over a physical gift. Something like, preparing the perfect steak!

Birthplace of American Music Festival and the Juneteenth INVEST Festival

The Birthplace of American Music Festival pays homage to its roots of American music by showcasing blues and its legacy on Saturday, June 17, in downtown Clarksdale. The festival will also showcase the legends it created performing di erent genres of music. Live music in over 10 venues, including Delta Blues Alley Café, Red’s Juke Joint, Pete’s Grill, Messengers, Buster’s Down Home Blues Club, Delta Byrd Cage, Bad Apple Blues Club, Blues Berry Café, Hookers, the Griot, Levon’s, Gentlemen’s, Crossroad’s Cultural Art Center, will be performed by more than 40 artists. For tickets and more information, visit www.bamfestms.com.

The Juneteenth INVEST Festival will also take place on June 17 at The Blues Alley across from the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale. Let us all join together in honoring the past as we celebrate years of progress while continuously building on the promise of freedom for all. Live entertainment, free food, and fun for the kiddos will be on the schedule.

by Paul Wesslund

We’re more energy e cient than you might think. And you may also be surprised to learn that we can do even better with a little innovative thinking, and by controlling hidden power users.

Electricity touches our lives nearly every minute of every day and makes up about 5% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product. So, it makes sense to use it wisely, whether you’re concerned about how it a ects the environment or you want to save money. Or both.

A little-known way of measuring e ciency is with a statistic called the energy intensity index. It shows how much energy it takes to produce a dollar of the economy’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Another term that’s been used for that idea is energy productivity.

Whichever term you use, the indexes show that we’re getting better at creating more economic activity with less energy — energy intensity is down, and productivity is up. Way up.

The numbers show that energy intensity is about half of what it was 30 years ago. That’s because we’re making strides in a range of ways from building codes, to light bulbs, to motor vehicle mileage. And these improvements are expected to continue. The Department of Energy projects energy intensity will decline by 30% over the next 30 years.

The latest energy intensity index shows that we’re getting better at creating more economic activity with less energy. Energy intensity is down, and productivity is up.

The old phrase “you have to spend money to make money” is catchy because at first, it sounds like it doesn’t make sense. But when it comes to appliances that consume a lot of energy, it can make dollars and sense.

From dishwashers to computers, energy efficiency is improving dramatically every year as technology, federal rules, and plain old competition give you a better bang for your buck. In fact, if your refrigerator or dishwasher is more than 10 years old, the money you can save on energy use for a new appliance could pay for itself in just a few years.

The yellow Energy Guide labels found on products at your appliance store will tell you how much you can save with a new purchase. Another way to compare the old to the new is to Google “flip your fridge.” That will take you to an ENERGY STAR® calculator that will compare the energy use of your current appliances to what’s available in stores.

Did you know you could be spending $100 to $400 a year on energy you don’t even need? That frightening fact even comes with scary names — phantom power, or vampire electronics. It’s the TV and video games that draw power so they’re ready to turn on instantly. It’s the digital clocks. It’s the computers and phones plugged in even though they’re fully charged.

Getting rid of phantom power can be tricky. You probably don’t want to regularly shut off your wireless router or constantly reboot your smart TV. But you can plug several devices into a power strip and turn it off when you’re not using them. Or smart power strips are available that will do that for you. When you’re shopping for new electronics and appliances, look for the latest ENERGY STAR®-rated models that take vampire loads into account. To start exorcising the phantoms, take a notepad through each room of your home to list anything that’s plugged in, so you can figure out which energy-users you might be able to control without causing too much inconvenience.

Phantom power costs do add up, but it’s also true that your home has much bigger energy users. If you’re concerned about energy costs, make sure you’re heating and cooling system is up to date and working efficiently, and that your windows and doors aren’t leaking air.

Paul Wesslund writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

Phantom power is energy consumed by electronics and appliances when they’re in standby mode but not being used. Phantom power costs typically range from $100 to $400 annually. Your electric co-op can advise you on the most effective steps for energy savings— they’re your local leading authority on home energy use. And that’s no surprise.

If your refrigerator or dishwasher is more than 10 years old, the money you can save on energy use for a new appliance could pay for itself in just a few years.

WE ARE PREPARED FOR

No one knows electrical safety better than the experts who practice it every single day. Mississippi’s electric cooperatives encourage you to practice safety with these reminders –for during and after a summer storm:

AVOID WIRES AND WATER

Summer is here and that means a time for severe storms and hurricane season. In the event of a power outage, you can trust that Mississippi’s electric cooperatives are ready to respond.

The major cause of most power outages comes from damage to power lines due to falling trees and branches. We work year round — through right-of-way clearing — to ensure power lines in our service territory stand little risk of being damaged by trees, branches or other types of vegetation.

Despite our best e orts, during major storms, damage can occur to transmission lines, substations, and distribution power lines. When this happens, our first priority is to safely restore power to as many members as possible in the shortest amount of time.

We start by mobilizing our line crews and other critical sta . Every phone line available is utilized to take your outage report calls. When electrical lines, which serve tens of thousands of people, are damaged at the transmission level, it can a ect the time it takes to restore power locally; but this does not stop our line workers from going out to assess and repair damage in our local communities immediately.

Co-op crews inspect substations to determine if the problem starts there or if there could be an issue down the line. If the root of the problem is at the substation, power can be restored to thousands of members.

Next, line crews check the service lines that deliver power into neighborhoods and communities. Line crews repair the damaged lines, restoring power to hundreds of people. If you continue to experience an outage, there may be damage to the line leading to your home or business. Make sure you notify your co-op, so crews can inspect these lines.

When lightning strikes a home during a storm, the electrical charge can surge through pipes and utility wires. That means you can get zapped if you’re touching water or any device that’s plugged in, whether it’s a landline phone or toaster.

SKIP THE MAKESHIFT SHELTER

During a storm, it’s tempting to take cover under a picnic gazebo or golf cart, but in open-sided structures with no conductors to channel strikes, a bolt’s path of least resistance to the ground could be you. On top of that, these structures raise your risk of a lightning strike because of their height. Keep moving toward suitable shelter.

PORTABLE GENERATORS

Take special care with portable generators, which can provide a good source of power, but if improperly installed or operated, can become deadly. Do not connect generators directly to household wiring. Power from generators can back-feed along power lines and electrocute anyone coming in contact with them, including co-op line workers making repairs. It’s best to hire a qualified, licensed electrician to install your generator and ensure that it meets local electrical codes.

FLOODED AREAS

Stay away from downed power lines and avoid walking through flooded areas. Power lines could be submerged and still live with electricity. Report any downed lines you see by calling your co-op immediately.

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

Never use electrical equipment that is wet — especially outdoor electrical equipment, which could be a potential danger after a summer storm. Water can damage electrical equipment and parts, posing a shock or fire hazard.

We will do our best to avoid power outages, but sometimes Mother Nature has other plans.

Where

our

members have

the

power

Communicators: April Lollar, Merilee Sands & Sarah Belk

New look, same commitment to service

For more than 85 years, Coast Electric has been a constant presence in our community. We’ve seen a lot of changes. Our community has grown and thrived in good times and rebuilt in bad times. Through it all, Coast Electric has been here, lighting the way.

Over the past decades, new homes and businesses have changed our landscape, and technology has transformed the way we live and work. Coast Electric has used advances to benefit our members, creating a stronger, more reliable electrical distribution system.

In 2020, CoastConnect came along to bring high-speed internet service to rural residents who had been overlooked by other companies, much like Coast Electric brought power to farms and homes to our members back in the 1930s. It’s an exciting time for our company and now, we are happy to share Coast Electric’s new logo with you, our members. Our new look is a visual representation of our growth, advancement, and our commitment to serving the community for years to come. We hope you love it as much as we do.

CONTEST

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

Congratulations to Roderick Hardie III, the winner of our April Reduce Your Use prize. Visit www.coastelectric.coop and fill out our entry form. It only takes a few seconds, and you could win a prize that helps you save!

This change is highlighted by our new website, which we think o ers a better user experience and easier navigation. Remember to bookmark our new URL www.coastelectric.coop.

You’ve also probably started noticing changes to our buildings, company vehicles, publications and uniforms. There are many things to refresh, so it won’t happen all at once, but over the next several months.

Our cooperative is always evolving to meet your needs, and I believe our new look represents that evolution. One thing that will never change is our commitment to members like you. We are proud to power your lives and this amazing community now and for the next 85 years.

by Ron Barnes

President and CEO

OFFICE CLOSED JULY 4TH

Coast Electric’s business o ces will be closed Tuesday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. Dispatchers will be on duty, and crews will be on call during the holiday. We hope you and your loved ones have a happy, safe and fun 4th!

Coast Electric has a new look! We believe it’s important for our brand to reflect our commitment to our members now and for decades to come. Our brand is a visual representation of our commitment to excellence in reliability, sustainability and member service.

Check out our new logo below!

Q: Why is Coast Electric making this change now?

A: We believe it’s important for Coast Electric members and CoastConnect subscribers to view our companies as one, unified brand. The refreshed Coast Electric brand illustrates the relationship between the two companies.

Q: What is changing?

A: Company signs, vehicle wraps, publications, uniforms, badges, bills, social media outlets and more! Over the coming months, we will be updating everything with the new company logo. This project will take time, so it is possible that you might see the former and current logo around for a while.

Coast Electric is collecting old company uniforms from employees and donating them to a worthy cause. We did this to ensure that no member of the public would be able to pick up a Coast Electric uniform at a second-hand store. Safety is our top priority, and we want to make sure our members can easily identify Coast Electric employees. Remember that NO Coast Electric employee will ask to come into your home unless they are conducting an energy audit at your request.

Q: When will the change be complete?

A: Coast Electric is a not-for-profit cooperative owned by the people we serve. We will be phasing in our new brand over the next couple of years, so costs are part of our yearly budget and don’t impact our members.

Q: How does this change affect members?

A: Coast Electric’s web URLs have changed. If you had our previous site bookmarked, please bookmark the new site, www.coastelectric.coop. You might have to re-enter your login credentials when you are accessing our “My Account” portal on the new site for the first time. Company emails will change, too, using @coastelectric.coop. Our new member service email will be call@coastelectric.coop. Coast Electric is phasing in the refreshed brand over time so that costs are part of our yearly budget and will not impact members.

Q: How did Coast Electric develop their new brand?

A: Coast Electric’s new look involved a comprehensive study of the cooperative’s history and strategic vision. Extensive research was done to ensure the new brand was easily recognizable and appealing to members and employees. Additionally, the logo was created to show a visual relationship between Coast Electric and its subsidiary, CoastConnect. Coast Electric’s communications team worked with Godwin Group to develop and research a new look, gathering lots of feedback along the way.

What is the Annual Meeting and why should I participate?

Co-ops like Coast Electric were founded by and are led by the men and women we serve. If you have a Coast Electric account, then you are a member of the cooperative. That means our business runs a little di erently. We don’t have shareholders, instead we have you — local people who have a vested interest in our company. Since we don’t have shareholders who are making money on their investment, we can focus on you, our member-owners. It also means we operate on a not-for-profit basis and work to keep costs down for you. We need our members to operate e ectively though. We need your participation in the company. You can participate in many ways like serving in leadership roles, giving us feedback about your service and attending our Annual Meeting. We hope to see you this fall! If you have any questions before then, we hope you will visit www.coastelectric.coop, give us a call at 877-769-2372 or stop by any local o ce. We love getting to know our members!

NOTICE OF

ANNUAL MEETING

The annual meeting of the members of Coast Electric Power Association will be held on Nov. 2, 2023. The following information is provided in accordance with association bylaws.

Committee on Nominations - It shall be the duty of the Board to appoint, no less than 120 days before the date of the meeting of the members at which directors are to be elected, a committee on nominations consisting of not less than 5 nor more than 11 members who shall be selected from di erent sections so as to insure equitable geographic representation. No existing Association employees, agents, o cers, directors or known candidates for director, or close relatives (as hereinafter defined) or members of the same household of existing Association employees, agents, o cers, directors or known candidates for director may serve on such committees. The committee shall receive and consider any suggestion as to nominees submitted by members of the Association. The committee shall meet at a time and physical or virtual location set by the Board of Directors. The committee shall prepare and post at the principal o ce of the Association at least 90 calendar days before the meeting a list of nominations for board members. The Secretary must mail with the notice of the meeting or separately a statement of the number of board members to be elected and the names and addresses of the candidates nominated by the committee on nominations. (b) Nominations by Petition. Any 25 members acting together may make other nominations by petition and the Secretary shall post such nominations at the same place where the list of nominations by the committee is posted provided same is filed with and approved by the Committee on Nominations at least 90 calendar days prior to the Annual Meeting. Any petition for nomination shall be submitted on a form designated and provided by the Association. The Association shall provide notice to the members of the application for candidacy to the board of directors by mail at least 150 days prior to the Annual Meeting. Each member signing such petition shall place thereon the date of signing, address, account number and service location of the member. Nominations made by petition, if any, received at least 120 days before the meeting shall be included on the o cial ballot, if filed and approved by the Committee on Nominations, although such nominations shall not be posted at the principal o ce of the Association. Nominations made by petition, if any, received by the Committee at least 7 calendar days prior to the meeting date and time, if filed and approved by the Committee, shall not be included on the o cial ballot but the candidate will qualify as a write-in candidate.

Energy-saving projects

by Abby Berry

Are you a weekend warrior? If you’re considering home improvement upgrades that save energy and money, we’ve got a few project ideas for you — all of which can be completed in a day or less! Here are three energy-saving projects that you can easily tackle whether you’re a weekend warrior pro or a DIY dabbler.

Get smart about home cooling and heating

Cooling and heating your home typically account for a large portion of energy bills. Smart thermostats can help keep your costs in check, with ENERGY STAR®-certified models saving about 8% on annual energy costs.

Now that smart thermostats are more a ordable, this simple upgrade makes for a fun, e cient weekend project. They o er a variety of bells and whistles, but the average model will allow you to set custom temperature schedules, adjust settings from anywhere (from your phone), and over time, learn your cooling and heating preferences.

Your new smart thermostat will come with step-by-step instructions, but typically involves shutting o your HVAC at the breaker panel, removing the old thermostat, installing the new smart thermostat, and connecting it to your home Wi-Fi.

Create fresh savings with a DIY clothesline

Installing a clothesline is a great way to save energy. Not only will you save on dryer costs — in the summer, you can also save on cooling costs since heat from the clothes dryer won’t be added to your home. Additionally, air drying is much gentler on fabrics and will keep your clothes and linens looking fresh longer. You can create your own clothesline with two T-posts, wire, and hookand-eye turnbuckles. Another option is installing the line between two trees. A typical load of laundry requires about 35 feet of line.

If an outdoor clothesline isn’t an option, you can easily create an indoor drying rack that folds to save space. Websites like thespruce.com and hgtv.com o er tutorials for a variety of indoor clothes racks.

Go green and boost your greenery with a rain barrel

Rainwater is the best water for your outdoor plants. Rainwater is free of minerals, salts, and treatment chemicals found in tap water or groundwater. It also contains helpful macronutrients to foster healthy plant growth.

Installing a rain barrel is an easy way to harvest large amounts of rainwater and reduce home water use. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, one rain barrel can save a homeowner 1,300 gallons of water annually.

Most residential rain barrels range in size from 50 to 90 gallons, so the size you purchase will depend on your watering needs.

The simplest way to install a rain barrel is positioning a plastic or wooden barrel directly under your gutter downspout. Consider a cover for the top of your rain barrel to keep insects and small debris out of your harvested water.

These are just a few simple ideas to help you save energy and money. So, get out there, roll up those sleeves, and tackle a few projects.

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

by Paul Wesslund

We’re more energy e cient than you might think. And you may also be surprised to learn that we can do even better with a little innovative thinking, and by controlling hidden power users.

Electricity touches our lives nearly every minute of every day and makes up about 5% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product. So, it makes sense to use it wisely, whether you’re concerned about how it a ects the environment or you want to save money. Or both.

A little-known way of measuring e ciency is with a statistic called the energy intensity index. It shows how much energy it takes to produce a dollar of the economy’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Another term that’s been used for that idea is energy productivity.

Whichever term you use, the indexes show that we’re getting better at creating more economic activity with less energy — energy intensity is down, and productivity is up. Way up.

The numbers show that energy intensity is about half of what it was 30 years ago. That’s because we’re making strides in a range of ways from building codes, to light bulbs, to motor vehicle mileage. And these improvements are expected to continue. The Department of Energy projects energy intensity will decline by 30% over the next 30 years.

The latest energy intensity index shows that we’re getting better at creating more economic activity with less energy. Energy intensity is down, and productivity is up.

The old phrase “you have to spend money to make money” is catchy because at first, it sounds like it doesn’t make sense. But when it comes to appliances that consume a lot of energy, it can make dollars and sense.

From dishwashers to computers, energy efficiency is improving dramatically every year as technology, federal rules, and plain old competition give you a better bang for your buck. In fact, if your refrigerator or dishwasher is more than 10 years old, the money you can save on energy use for a new appliance could pay for itself in just a few years.

The yellow Energy Guide labels found on products at your appliance store will tell you how much you can save with a new purchase. Another way to compare the old to the new is to Google “flip your fridge.” That will take you to an ENERGY STAR® calculator that will compare the energy use of your current appliances to what’s available in stores.

Did you know you could be spending $100 to $400 a year on energy you don’t even need? That frightening fact even comes with scary names — phantom power, or vampire electronics. It’s the TV and video games that draw power so they’re ready to turn on instantly. It’s the digital clocks. It’s the computers and phones plugged in even though they’re fully charged.

Getting rid of phantom power can be tricky. You probably don’t want to regularly shut off your wireless router or constantly reboot your smart TV. But you can plug several devices into a power strip and turn it off when you’re not using them. Or smart power strips are available that will do that for you. When you’re shopping for new electronics and appliances, look for the latest ENERGY STAR®-rated models that take vampire loads into account. To start exorcising the phantoms, take a notepad through each room of your home to list anything that’s plugged in, so you can figure out which energy-users you might be able to control without causing too much inconvenience.

Phantom power costs do add up, but it’s also true that your home has much bigger energy users. If you’re concerned about energy costs, make sure you’re heating and cooling system is up to date and working efficiently, and that your windows and doors aren’t leaking air.

Paul Wesslund writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

Phantom power is energy consumed by electronics and appliances when they’re in standby mode but not being used. Phantom power costs typically range from $100 to $400 annually. Your electric co-op can advise you on the most effective steps for energy savings— they’re your local leading authority on home energy use. And that’s no surprise.

If your refrigerator or dishwasher is more than 10 years old, the money you can save on energy use for a new appliance could pay for itself in just a few years.

WE ARE PREPARED FOR

No one knows electrical safety better than the experts who practice it every single day. Mississippi’s electric cooperatives encourage you to practice safety with these reminders — for during and after a summer storm:

AVOID WIRES AND WATER

Summer is here and that means a time for severe storms and hurricane season. In the event of a power outage, you can trust that Mississippi’s electric cooperatives are ready to respond.

The major cause of most power outages comes from damage to power lines due to falling trees and branches. We work year round — through right-of-way clearing — to ensure power lines in our service territory stand little risk of being damaged by trees, branches or other types of vegetation.

Despite our best e orts, during major storms, damage can occur to transmission lines, substations, and distribution power lines. When this happens, our first priority is to safely restore power to as many members as possible in the shortest amount of time.

We start by mobilizing our line crews and other critical sta . Every phone line available is utilized to take your outage report calls. When electrical lines, which serve tens of thousands of people, are damaged at the transmission level, it can a ect the time it takes to restore power locally; but this does not stop our line workers from going out to assess and repair damage in our local communities immediately.

Co-op crews inspect substations to determine if the problem starts there or if there could be an issue down the line. If the root of the problem is at the substation, power can be restored to thousands of members.

Next, line crews check the service lines that deliver power into neighborhoods and communities. Line crews repair the damaged lines, restoring power to hundreds of people. If you continue to experience an outage, there may be damage to the line leading to your home or business. Make sure you notify your co-op, so crews can inspect these lines.

When lightning strikes a home during a storm, the electrical charge can surge through pipes and utility wires. That means you can get zapped if you’re touching water or any device that’s plugged in, whether it’s a landline phone or toaster.

SKIP THE MAKESHIFT SHELTER

During a storm, it’s tempting to take cover under a picnic gazebo or golf cart, but in open-sided structures with no conductors to channel strikes, a bolt’s path of least resistance to the ground could be you. On top of that, these structures raise your risk of a lightning strike because of their height. Keep moving toward suitable shelter.

PORTABLE GENERATORS

Take special care with portable generators, which can provide a good source of power, but if improperly installed or operated, can become deadly. Do not connect generators directly to household wiring. Power from generators can back-feed along power lines and electrocute anyone coming in contact with them, including co-op line workers making repairs. It’s best to hire a qualified, licensed electrician to install your generator and ensure that it meets local electrical codes.

FLOODED AREAS

Stay away from downed power lines and avoid walking through flooded areas. Power lines could be submerged and still live with electricity. Report any downed lines you see by calling your co-op immediately.

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

Never use electrical equipment that is wet — especially outdoor electrical equipment, which could be a potential danger after a summer storm. Water can damage electrical equipment and parts, posing a shock or fire hazard.

We will do our best to avoid power outages, but sometimes Mother Nature has other plans.

We want to be your trusted solar advisor

For 85 years, Dixie Electric has been the trusted electric service provider for our community. Our employees live on our lines and pay the same bills you do. We send our kids to the same schools, shop at the same stores and eat at the same restaurants. We know what it means to live here. And we think we live in a special place. To us, our members aren’t just people who own our company; you are our neighbors and our friends. That’s why we hope when it comes to making decisions about energy, especially those that can be costly, you will see us as your trusted source for information.

Today's consumers want and expect options, including the type of energy powering their homes. Many homeowners are looking for a way to reduce their electric bills. Some are looking for a green energy source. These are two of the motives are why many homeowners are exploring rooftop solar panels.

The interest in alternative energy sources is also being fueled by decreasing costs for rooftop solar, the availability of financial incentives, and the proliferation of companies o ering solar panel installation.

However, as attractive and popular as rooftop solar may appear, we think that it is important for consumers to fully understand its true costs, the operational reality of this source of energy, and actual energy savings. To determine whether rooftop solar is right for their situation, homeowners must undertake their due diligence.

We’re here to help.

As your trusted energy advisor, Dixie Electric can o er a candid assessment of your specific situation. After all, Dixie Electric has a di erent “bottom line” that is not directly tied to the sale of a product or service. We constantly strive to find new ways to help you use energy more e ciently. So, if you’re considering solar, call us first.

Most importantly, an engineer will provide perspective on the total energy puzzle. Considering current energy consumption, the home

“envelope,” age and e ciency of the HVAC system, and the home site, an energy advisor can help co-op members determine whether rooftop solar is the best choice given the homeowners’ objectives.

Right now, our market is being flooded with companies making promises about what they can do for you when it comes to solar energy, but we urge you to proceed with caution. While there are certainly reputable companies out there for those who are interested in rooftop solar, some are making claims that exaggerate results and downplay the cost, including that your electric bill will be reduced significantly or even eliminated. Of those Dixie Electric members who have installed solar panels on their homes, the average reduction in energy used has been between 30% and 40%. While this is significant, it may not match what was advertised.

Before you make a long-term investment, we hope you will give us a call. We can help you wade through what can often be an overwhelming amount of information and give advice about making your home as e cient as possible.

Dixie Electric recognizes that consumer interest in green energy sources and renewables is at an all-time high, and we stand ready to help our members determine their best options. As technology develops, we will grow and change with it, responding to your needs. We are invested in this community and the people we serve.

by Randy Smith General Manager

IS ROOFTOP SOLAR RIGHT FOR YOU?

To help determine whether rooftop solar is right for you, Dixie Electric’s energy advisors will look at the:

• overall energy e ciency of the home/building

• age and pitch of the roof

• orientation of the sun in relation to the home/building

• tree coverage near the home/building

• weather patterns for the region

Unlike a solar company that has one objective — to sell their products and services — we will look at the total energy picture and help you determine the best options for your home. While rooftop solar certainly works for many people, it’s not the answer for all.

When helping co-op members determine whether rooftop solar is right for them, a co-op energy advisor will also discuss the many financial considerations:

• Is there a large, up-front payment required, or are fees spread out over time?

• Will the homeowner own the panels, or will they be leased?

• Are there any hidden costs, i.e., does the roof need to be replaced before installing the panels?

• Are there ongoing maintenance fees?

• Are there rebates or other financial incentives available?

• Is the estimated energy savings worth the investment?

• Is it more cost-e ective to invest in other energy-saving measures?

communities

bella lane shines as a Cooperative Youth Leader

The Youth Leadership Council representative is selected from outstanding high school juniors from across Mississippi. Bella Lane from Wayne Academy in Waynesboro, representing Dixie Electric Power Association, earned this prestigious designation at the recent Cooperative Youth Leaders workshop in Jackson. She was also honored by her peers by receiving the Cooperative Spirit Award. This is the first time that a student has earned both awards.

Each year high school juniors from across the state gather at the Cooperative Leaders Workshop to advance their leadership skills, converse with state elected o cials, and meet other young leaders. At the workshop, one student is chosen from the 83 student leaders as the Youth Leadership Council representative after being evaluated on their participation, leadership skills, and the completion of a rigorous interview.

In addition to being selected as the YLC representative, Bella also received the Cooperative Spirit Award, which is voted on by her peers. The award represents the student at the workshop that shows the most leadership and kindness to others. It is simply described as a congeniality award.

As the YLC, Bella will represent Mississippi at the upcoming Youth Tour of Washington, D.C. in June 2023, and at the PowerXChange conference, which includes electric cooperative leaders from across the nation, in San Antonio, Texas in March 2024.

Bella will also give a speech at the Electric Cooperative of Mississippi’s Annual Meeting in Biloxi in September 2023. Her speech will recap her experience as a Cooperative Youth Leader and highlight

experiences throughout the program that have impacted her the most.

Bella will receive scholarships for earning the YLC and receiving the Cooperative Spirit Award.

The Cooperative Leaders Program is coordinated by the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi and is supported by 20 local electric cooperatives from across Mississippi. The program’s mission is for students to LEARN about the cooperative form of business and how cooperatives impact their lives and communities; to GROW in their leadership skills; and to EXPERIENCE democracy in both their state and nation’s capital cities.

Dixie Electric's Energy Fairs FREE

June 8 in Waynesboro at Gatlin’s Building Supply

June 15 at the Petal Lowe's

June 16 at the Laurel Lowe's

ANTHONY SUMRALL ART CONTEST WINNER

by Amanda Mills

Dixie Electric held its second annual Student Art Contest, where 7-12th grade students, who also live within Dixie Electric’s service territory, were invited to submit artwork based around the theme of electric cooperatives.

Dixie Electric received 13 art submissions from across the seven counties it serves. The artwork was judged by an electric cooperative graphic artist from Jackson, Miss.

Anthony Sumrall, a senior at Northeast Jones High School, was chosen as the winner of the 2023 Student Art Contest. Anthony describes his artwork as a realistic abstract made of acrylic paint with texture. The painting took Anthony two weeks to complete, working two to four hours daily.

Anthony has been drawing for as long as he can remember. “My grandmother would always buy me notebooks to scribble on the page, but eventually those scribbles turned into shapes and started making figures,” Anthony said. “My favorite thing to draw when I was younger was a boat on the ocean because my papa had boats on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. I was just fascinated by boats and cars/trucks.”

Anthony is a self-taught artist from a young age who gets much of his inspiration from YouTubers and comic book artists. He primarily uses his artistic skills as a hobby but has previously sold an artwork piece. He is also an art student at Northeast Jones High School.

“I have taught art to Anthony since the seventh grade,” said Northeast Jones Art Teacher Regina Milner. “I have watched him develop into a dedicated artist deserving of recognition. We are so proud of his accomplishments and especially this award. He has overcome many obstacles to become the artist he is today. He is talented, creative, and determined to achieve his goals.”

As for his motto, Anthony says, “Be more appreciative towards everything you have and keep your mind on the brighter side of things that are going on in your life.”

As the winner of the Student Art Contest, Anthony won a $250 cash prize, and his artwork will remain on display in the lobby of Dixie Electric’s headquarters in Laurel for one year and be featured in Today in Mississippi Anthony was also recently awarded a $500 Laurel Arts League scholarship.

RIGHT-OF-WAY PROFESSIONALS HELP US SERVE YOU BETTER

by Amanda Mills

Providing reliable power to you is and will always be a top priority for Dixie Electric. With summer storm season upon us, it is a great time to share a few measures we take to ensure you continue receiving the reliable power you depend on and deserve.

I love trees and the charm they add to our communities, and I know you do too. While trees provide shade and add beauty to our area, you may be surprised to learn that overgrown vegetation accounts for about half of all power outages nationwide. That's why we strive to keep the co-op's power lines clear in right-of-way (ROW) areas.

A ROW area is the land a co-op uses to construct, maintain, replace, or repair underground and overhead power lines. This ROW enables Dixie Electric to provide clearance from trees and other obstructions that could hinder the distribution power lines. The overall goal of our vegetation management strategy is to provide reliable power to our members while maintaining the beauty of our area.

As you know, Dixie Electric is a not-for-profit cooperative striving to keep costs in check to keep our rates a ordable. This extends to our approach to vegetation management. If trees grow too close

to power lines, the potential for expensive repairs also increases. E ective tree trimming and other vegetation management e orts are preventative maintenance, keeping costs down for everyone.

In addition, maintaining our right-of-ways is important for the safety and well-being of our members. For example, by keeping trees near power lines trimmed, we decrease the chance of children making contact with power lines when climbing trees.

As a nation, right-of-way professionals are honored during the third week in June. Dixie Electric is proud to work with contract right-of-way professionals who help us serve you, our members, better. During storms, our right-of-way crews are typically our first line of defense, clearing debris so our linemen can begin the power restoration process.

Our community is a special place. We appreciate the beauty trees a ord, but we also know our community depends on us to provide reliable energy. Through vegetation management, we can better keep the power lines clear, prepare for future weather events, and secure the grid's reliability.

CLEARING TREES AND LIMBS FOR RELIABLE SERVICE

Dixie Electric Power Association clears trees, limbs, and underbrush from the area around and below the power lines, called the right-of-way. Right-of-way clearing decreases the number of outages and reduces the risk of someone coming in contact with the power lines. Clearing the right-of-way protects individuals from the hazards of electricity and makes power restoration quicker and safer for both Dixie Electric’s members and personnel.

Clearing projects underway

Cleo: Cleo, Poole Creeke, Mill Creek, Strengthford, Myrick

Diamond: Waynesboro, Chapparal, Cypress Creek, Shubuta

Macedonia: Macedonia, Sunrise, Barrontown, Union West Richton: Richton, Runnelstown, New Augusta, Corinth, Ovett

Notice of Dixie Electric’s Director Qualification period

Candidates seeking election

to represent Districts 2 and 7 on the board of directors for Dixie Electric must visit Dixie Electric’s headquarters o ce at 1863 Highway 184, Laurel, Miss., and obtain a Director Qualification Packet during normal business hours between June 1 and July 31. Please contact Mitzi Walley at 601-425-2535 or dixieelectric@dixieepa.com to set up a time. The forms and petitions in the packet must be completed and returned by close of business on

Monday, July 31, 2023.

Summer of signs

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR CEO

It is impossible to travel our rural landscape these days without seeing the many political signs adorning yards and parking lots. It got me thinking, what can you tell from a sign? Does the sign indicate a person would be a good candidate for the o ce? Does the sign suggest anything other than that person wants the position?

My dad had a saying, “Signs don’t vote, people do.” He was correct. Sadly, I think we will see more signs posted along the roadway than we will see informed voters at the polls. So, what should an informed voter base their decision on?

Many times, I hear people say they plan to support a particular candidate because they are a good person, like their family, go to church with them, have kids on the same ball team, or maybe it’s because they knew him in school or know his parents. I would submit to you, while these may be good things, they are not the primary reasons to place someone in a position of responsibility to represent our community, state, or nation.

Here at East Mississippi Electric Power Association, we seek to place people in positions for which they are well-trained, educated and experienced to ensure our communities are served at the highest possible level. Can you imagine me placing someone in a Journeyman Lineman position that has no experience with electrical line work? Not only would it be a dangerous fit for the employee, but it would negatively impact your service. Nor would I remove someone that is fully trained in his or her job and doing great work for our members just to replace them with someone that simply wanted the job.

The same is true when electing o cials. For our communities, state and nation to serve the needs of all, we must have the right people serving. We need dedicated people called and committed to serving people.

As the summer months progress, I encourage each of you to do your research on the candidates. Look at their history, their education, training, community involvement, and consistency of service. Do not choose a candidate solely based on them being someone you know. Choose them because they can do the job and make our lives better.

There is a huge hurdle to having the right people in the right political positions. You see, having the right people in o ce depends entirely on informed voters making the e ort to educate themselves and then making the trip to the polls. It’s up to each of us to ensure our communities, state and nation continue to grow and improve for the next generation.

See you at the polls in August.

by Randy Carroll

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY

CEO — East Mississippi Electric Power Association

WE ARE PREPARED FOR

No one knows electrical safety better than the experts who practice it every single day. EMEPA encourages you to practice safety with these reminders — for during and after a summer storm:

AVOID WIRES AND WATER

Summer is here and that means a time for severe storms and hurricane season. In the event of a power outage, you can trust that East Mississippi Electric Power Association is ready to respond.

The major cause of most power outages comes from damage to power lines due to falling trees and branches. We work year round — through right-of-way clearing — to ensure power lines in our service territory stand little risk of being damaged by trees, branches, or other types of vegetation.

Despite our best e orts, during major storms, damage can occur to transmission lines, substations, and distribution power lines. When this happens, our first priority is to safely restore power to as many members as possible in the shortest amount of time.

We start by mobilizing our line crews and other critical sta . Every phone line available is utilized to take your outage report calls. When electrical lines, which serve tens of thousands of people, are damaged at the transmission level, it can a ect the time it takes to restore power locally; but this does not stop our line workers from going out to assess and repair damage in our local communities immediately.

Co-op crews inspect substations to determine if the problem starts there or if there could be an issue down the line. If the root of the problem is at the substation, power can be restored to thousands of members.

Next, line crews check the service lines that deliver power into neighborhoods and communities. Line crews repair the damaged lines, restoring power to hundreds of people. If you continue to experience an outage, there may be damage to the line leading to your home or business. Make sure you notify your co-op, so crews can inspect these lines.

When lightning strikes a home during a storm, the electrical charge can surge through pipes and utility wires. That means you can get zapped if you’re touching water or any device that’s plugged in, whether it’s a landline phone or toaster.

SKIP THE MAKESHIFT SHELTER

During a storm, it’s tempting to take cover under a picnic gazebo or golf cart, but in open-sided structures with no conductors to channel strikes, a bolt’s path of least resistance to the ground could be you. On top of that, these structures raise your risk of a lightning strike because of their height. Keep moving toward suitable shelter.

PORTABLE GENERATORS

Take special care with portable generators, which can provide a good source of power, but if improperly installed or operated, can become deadly. Do not connect generators directly to household wiring. Power from generators can back-feed along power lines and electrocute anyone coming in contact with them, including co-op line workers making repairs. It’s best to hire a qualified, licensed electrician to install your generator and ensure that it meets local electrical codes.

FLOODED AREAS

Stay away from downed power lines and avoid walking through flooded areas. Power lines could be submerged and still live with electricity. Report any downed lines you see by calling your co-op immediately.

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

Never use electrical equipment that is wet — especially outdoor electrical equipment, which could be a potential danger after a summer storm. Water can damage electrical equipment and parts, posing a shock or fire hazard.

We will do our best to avoid power outages, but sometimes Mother Nature has other plans.

Walthall County celebrates its heritage with the 46th annual June Dairy Festival

June 3 — it’s the first Saturday of June — when history repeats itself as Walthall Countians and their neighbors gather to celebrate the dairy industry, which is largely credited with keeping agriculture as a mainstay of the local economy, and the family farm as a way of life for many.

Times change, as does agriculture, and many former dairymen have turned to poultry. The county sees fit to honor its farming heritage and the hundreds of dairies that earned the county the title of, “The Cream Pitcher of Mississippi.”

Saturday, June 3, at Holmes Water Park, will be an all-day barrage of continuous activities including games, displays, contests, entertainment, food, and more, all rolled into one complete package. And here’s what makes it special and popular: the Dairy Festival is free! No admission at the gate and no charge to view or participate in any of the events and contests.

While purchases can be made at food vendors and arts/crafts vendors, the festival itself is free, making it both parent and kid friendly. It’s possible for a family — mom, dad, and kids — to bring a picnic lunch, eat on the grounds, and take part in games, contests, exhibits, and activities. If they stay away from food purchases or buying from craft vendors, then they can enjoy the full day without spending a cent out of pocket. Few, if any other festivals, can make that claim.

Even before the festival’s o cial Saturday morning kicko at 8 a.m., people are busy setting up tents, food booths, craft tables, and displays that dot the over 40-acre water park that has served as the festival grounds since the event’s inception.

All the usual events are on tap for the festival. The Walthall Homemakers’ baby contest and flower show start things o in the morning. Trustmark Bank’s Dairy Festival Queen pageant is open to ages 4-16. Walthall General Hospital’s cake bake-o begins at 10:30 a.m., followed by an ice cream eating contest and the butter churning contest coordinated by Chancery Clerk Shannon Fortinberry. The morning activities are capped o with the homemade butter and cake auction on stage.

It’s a political year, and you can visit with candidates set up at booths on the grounds.

Serving up the remainder of the afternoon’s contests, the sack race begins at 12:30 p.m., Pike National Bank’s mooing contest begins at 1:30 p.m., and the watermelon eating contest begins at 1:45 p.m.

Kids can start registering turtles at 2 p.m. for the Rotary Club turtle races at 3 p.m. The bubble gum blowing contest at 2:45 p.m. precedes the well-known turtle races.

Walthall Chamber of Commerce draws for prizes in the town’s Spring Fling at 5:30 p.m. Plenty of live entertainment will be featured on-stage

throughout the day and after nightfall, preceding the 9 p.m. Citizens Bank fireworks display.

In addition to the above contests and stage activities, the festival features a kids’ tractor pedal-pull, Farm Bureau Federation’s petting farm for kids, Pike National Bank’s Cream Pitcher Fun Farm featuring free games, an antique engine and tractor show which o ers a look at farm tractors and engines from the past, Walthall Emergency Management’s ham radio operation, and a car show for auto bu s.

Visitors can venture a guess on the weight of a cow for cash prizes from Livestock Producers and the Walthall Dairy Assn., while Ginn’s Gunworks displays vintage bicycles.

The Southland Express train ride is a popular feature for kids, while Tylertown Fire Dept. and AAA Ambulance will display firefighting, rescue, and medical emergency equipment.

Alcorn Extension Service returns with a shiitake mushroom growing demonstration.

As always, arts and crafts vendors will have booths at the festival, and a lot of food and concessions will be available from local church groups.

The Walthall Chamber of Commerce and over 50 volunteers work each year to make the festival possible.

by Paul Wesslund

We’re more energy e cient than you might think. And you may also be surprised to learn that we can do even better with a little innovative thinking, and by controlling hidden power users.

Electricity touches our lives nearly every minute of every day and makes up about 5% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product. So, it makes sense to use it wisely, whether you’re concerned about how it a ects the environment or you want to save money. Or both.

A little-known way of measuring e ciency is with a statistic called the energy intensity index. It shows how much energy it takes to produce a dollar of the economy’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Another term that’s been used for that idea is energy productivity.

Whichever term you use, the indexes show that we’re getting better at creating more economic activity with less energy — energy intensity is down, and productivity is up. Way up.

The numbers show that energy intensity is about half of what it was 30 years ago. That’s because we’re making strides in a range of ways from building codes, to light bulbs, to motor vehicle mileage. And these improvements are expected to continue. The Department of Energy projects energy intensity will decline by 30% over the next 30 years.

The latest energy intensity index shows that we’re getting better at creating more economic activity with less energy. Energy intensity is down, and productivity is up.

The old phrase “you have to spend money to make money” is catchy because at first, it sounds like it doesn’t make sense. But when it comes to appliances that consume a lot of energy, it can make dollars and sense.

From dishwashers to computers, energy efficiency is improving dramatically every year as technology, federal rules, and plain old competition give you a better bang for your buck. In fact, if your refrigerator or dishwasher is more than 10 years old, the money you can save on energy use for a new appliance could pay for itself in just a few years.

The yellow Energy Guide labels found on products at your appliance store will tell you how much you can save with a new purchase. Another way to compare the old to the new is to Google “flip your fridge.” That will take you to an ENERGY STAR® calculator that will compare the energy use of your current appliances to what’s available in stores.

Did you know you could be spending $100 to $400 a year on energy you don’t even need? That frightening fact even comes with scary names — phantom power, or vampire electronics. It’s the TV and video games that draw power so they’re ready to turn on instantly. It’s the digital clocks. It’s the computers and phones plugged in even though they’re fully charged.

Getting rid of phantom power can be tricky. You probably don’t want to regularly shut off your wireless router or constantly reboot your smart TV. But you can plug several devices into a power strip and turn it off when you’re not using them. Or smart power strips are available that will do that for you. When you’re shopping for new electronics and appliances, look for the latest ENERGY STAR®-rated models that take vampire loads into account. To start exorcising the phantoms, take a notepad through each room of your home to list anything that’s plugged in, so you can figure out which energy-users you might be able to control without causing too much inconvenience.

Phantom power costs do add up, but it’s also true that your home has much bigger energy users. If you’re concerned about energy costs, make sure you’re heating and cooling system is up to date and working efficiently, and that your windows and doors aren’t leaking air.

Paul Wesslund writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

Phantom power is energy consumed by electronics and appliances when they’re in standby mode but not being used. Phantom power costs typically range from $100 to $400 annually.

If your refrigerator or dishwasher is more than 10 years old, the money you can save on energy use for a new appliance could pay for itself in just a few years.

WE ARE PREPARED FOR

No one knows electrical safety better than the experts who practice it every single day. Mississippi’s electric cooperatives encourage you to practice safety with these reminders — for during and after a summer storm:

AVOID WIRES AND WATER

Summer is here and that means a time for severe storms and hurricane season. In the event of a power outage, you can trust that Mississippi’s electric cooperatives are ready to respond.

The major cause of most power outages comes from damage to power lines due to falling trees and branches. We work year round — through right-of-way clearing — to ensure power lines in our service territory stand little risk of being damaged by trees, branches or other types of vegetation.

Despite our best e orts, during major storms, damage can occur to transmission lines, substations, and distribution power lines. When this happens, our first priority is to safely restore power to as many members as possible in the shortest amount of time.

We start by mobilizing our line crews and other critical sta . Every phone line available is utilized to take your outage report calls. When electrical lines, which serve tens of thousands of people, are damaged at the transmission level, it can a ect the time it takes to restore power locally; but this does not stop our line workers from going out to assess and repair damage in our local communities immediately.

Co-op crews inspect substations to determine if the problem starts there or if there could be an issue down the line. If the root of the problem is at the substation, power can be restored to thousands of members.

Next, line crews check the service lines that deliver power into neighborhoods and communities. Line crews repair the damaged lines, restoring power to hundreds of people. If you continue to experience an outage, there may be damage to the line leading to your home or business. Make sure you notify Magnolia Electric Power, so crews can inspect these lines.

When lightning strikes a home during a storm, the electrical charge can surge through pipes and utility wires. That means you can get zapped if you’re touching water or any device that’s plugged in, whether it’s a landline phone or toaster.

SKIP THE MAKESHIFT SHELTER

During a storm, it’s tempting to take cover under a picnic gazebo or golf cart, but in open-sided structures with no conductors to channel strikes, a bolt’s path of least resistance to the ground could be you. On top of that, these structures raise your risk of a lightning strike because of their height. Keep moving toward suitable shelter.

PORTABLE GENERATORS

Take special care with portable generators, which can provide a good source of power, but if improperly installed or operated, can become deadly. Do not connect generators directly to household wiring. Power from generators can back-feed along power lines and electrocute anyone coming in contact with them, including co-op line workers making repairs. It’s best to hire a qualified, licensed electrician to install your generator and ensure that it meets local electrical codes.

FLOODED AREAS

Stay away from downed power lines and avoid walking through flooded areas. Power lines could be submerged and still live with electricity. Report any downed lines you see by calling your co-op immediately.

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

Never use electrical equipment that is wet — especially outdoor electrical equipment, which could be a potential danger after a summer storm. Water can damage electrical equipment and parts, posing a shock or fire hazard.

We will do our best to avoid power outages, but sometimes Mother Nature has other plans.

for the weekend warrior

by Abby Berry

Are you a weekend warrior? If you’re considering home improvement upgrades that save energy and money, we’ve got a few project ideas for you — all of which can be completed in a day or less! Here are three energysaving projects that you can easily tackle whether you’re a weekend warrior pro or a DIY dabbler.

Get smart about home cooling and heating

Cooling and heating your home typically account for a large portion of energy bills. Smart thermostats can help keep your costs in check, with ENERGY STAR®-certified models saving about 8% on annual energy costs.

Now that smart thermostats are more a ordable, this simple upgrade makes for a fun, e cient weekend project. They o er a variety of bells and whistles, but the average model will allow you to set custom temperature schedules, adjust settings from anywhere (from your phone), and over time, learn your cooling and heating preferences.

Your new smart thermostat will come with step-by-step instructions, but typically involves shutting o your HVAC at the breaker panel, removing the old thermostat, installing the new smart thermostat, and connecting it to your home Wi-Fi.

Create fresh savings with a DIY clothesline

Installing a clothesline is a great way to save energy. Not only will you save on dryer costs — in the summer, you can also save on cooling costs since heat from the clothes dryer won’t be added to your home. Additionally, air drying is much gentler on fabrics and will keep your clothes and linens looking fresh longer.

You can create your own clothesline with two T-posts, wire, and hookand-eye turnbuckles. Another option is installing the line between two trees. A typical load of laundry requires about 35 feet of line.

If an outdoor clothesline isn’t an option, you can easily create an indoor drying rack that folds to save space. Websites like thespruce.com and hgtv.com o er tutorials for a variety of indoor clothes racks.

Go green and boost your greenery with a rain barrel

Rainwater is the best water for your outdoor plants. Rainwater is free of minerals, salts, and treatment chemicals found in tap water or groundwater. It also contains helpful macronutrients to foster healthy plant growth. Installing a rain barrel is an easy way to harvest large amounts of rainwater and reduce home water use. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, one rain barrel can save a homeowner 1,300 gallons of water annually.

Most residential rain barrels range in size from 50 to 90 gallons, so the size you purchase will depend on your watering needs.

The simplest way to install a rain barrel is positioning a plastic or wooden barrel directly under your gutter downspout. Consider a cover for the top of your rain barrel to keep insects and small debris out of your harvested water.

These are just a few simple ideas to help you save energy and money. So, get out there, roll up those sleeves, and tackle a few projects.

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

by Paul Wesslund

We’re more energy e cient than you might think. And you may also be surprised to learn that we can do even better with a little innovative thinking, and by controlling hidden power users.

Electricity touches our lives nearly every minute of every day and makes up about 5% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product. So, it makes sense to use it wisely, whether you’re concerned about how it a ects the environment or you want to save money. Or both.

A little-known way of measuring e ciency is with a statistic called the energy intensity index. It shows how much energy it takes to produce a dollar of the economy’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Another term that’s been used for that idea is energy productivity.

Whichever term you use, the indexes show that we’re getting better at creating more economic activity with less energy — energy intensity is down, and productivity is up. Way up.

The numbers show that energy intensity is about half of what it was 30 years ago. That’s because we’re making strides in a range of ways from building codes, to light bulbs, to motor vehicle mileage. And these improvements are expected to continue. The Department of Energy projects energy intensity will decline by 30% over the next 30 years.

The latest energy intensity index shows that we’re getting better at creating more economic activity with less energy. Energy intensity is down, and productivity is up.

The old phrase “you have to spend money to make money” is catchy because at first, it sounds like it doesn’t make sense. But when it comes to appliances that consume a lot of energy, it can make dollars and sense.

From dishwashers to computers, energy efficiency is improving dramatically every year as technology, federal rules, and plain old competition give you a better bang for your buck. In fact, if your refrigerator or dishwasher is more than 10 years old, the money you can save on energy use for a new appliance could pay for itself in just a few years.

The yellow Energy Guide labels found on products at your appliance store will tell you how much you can save with a new purchase. Another way to compare the old to the new is to Google “flip your fridge.” That will take you to an ENERGY STAR® calculator that will compare the energy use of your current appliances to what’s available in stores.

Did you know you could be spending $100 to $400 a year on energy you don’t even need? That frightening fact even comes with scary names — phantom power, or vampire electronics. It’s the TV and video games that draw power so they’re ready to turn on instantly. It’s the digital clocks. It’s the computers and phones plugged in even though they’re fully charged.

Getting rid of phantom power can be tricky. You probably don’t want to regularly shut off your wireless router or constantly reboot your smart TV. But you can plug several devices into a power strip and turn it off when you’re not using them. Or smart power strips are available that will do that for you. When you’re shopping for new electronics and appliances, look for the latest ENERGY STAR®-rated models that take vampire loads into account. To start exorcising the phantoms, take a notepad through each room of your home to list anything that’s plugged in, so you can figure out which energy-users you might be able to control without causing too much inconvenience.

Phantom power costs do add up, but it’s also true that your home has much bigger energy users. If you’re concerned about energy costs, make sure you’re heating and cooling system is up to date and working efficiently, and that your windows and doors aren’t leaking air.

Paul Wesslund writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

Phantom power is energy consumed by electronics and appliances when they’re in standby mode but not being used. Phantom power costs typically range from $100 to $400 annually. Your electric co-op can advise you on the most effective steps for energy savings— they’re your local leading authority on home energy use. And that’s no surprise.

If your refrigerator or dishwasher is more than 10 years old, the money you can save on energy use for a new appliance could pay for itself in just a few years.

WE ARE PREPARED FOR

No one knows electrical safety better than the experts who practice it every single day. Mississippi’s electric cooperatives encourage you to practice safety with these reminders — for during and after a summer storm:

AVOID WIRES AND WATER

Summer is here and that means a time for severe storms and hurricane season. In the event of a power outage, you can trust that Mississippi’s electric cooperatives are ready to respond.

The major cause of most power outages comes from damage to power lines due to falling trees and branches. We work year round — through right-of-way clearing — to ensure power lines in our service territory stand little risk of being damaged by trees, branches or other types of vegetation.

Despite our best efforts, during major storms, damage can occur to transmission lines, substations, and distribution power lines. When this happens, our first priority is to safely restore power to as many members as possible in the shortest amount of time.

We start by mobilizing our line crews and other critical staff. Every phone line available is utilized to take your outage report calls. When electrical lines, which serve tens of thousands of people, are damaged at the transmission level, it can affect the time it takes to restore power locally; but this does not stop our line workers from going out to assess and repair damage in our local communities immediately.

Co-op crews inspect substations to determine if the problem starts there or if there could be an issue down the line. If the root of the problem is at the substation, power can be restored to thousands of members.

Next, line crews check the service lines that deliver power into neighborhoods and communities. Line crews repair the damaged lines, restoring power to hundreds of people. If you continue to experience an outage, there may be damage to the line leading to your home or business. Make sure you notify your co-op, so crews can inspect these lines.

When lightning strikes a home during a storm, the electrical charge can surge through pipes and utility wires. That means you can get zapped if you’re touching water or any device that’s plugged in, whether it’s a landline phone or toaster.

SKIP THE MAKESHIFT SHELTER

During a storm, it’s tempting to take cover under a picnic gazebo or golf cart, but in open-sided structures with no conductors to channel strikes, a bolt’s path of least resistance to the ground could be you. On top of that, these structures raise your risk of a lightning strike because of their height. Keep moving toward suitable shelter.

PORTABLE GENERATORS

Take special care with portable generators, which can provide a good source of power, but if improperly installed or operated, can become deadly. Do not connect generators directly to household wiring. Power from generators can back-feed along power lines and electrocute anyone coming in contact with them, including co-op line workers making repairs. It’s best to hire a qualified, licensed electrician to install your generator and ensure that it meets local electrical codes.

FLOODED AREAS

Stay away from downed power lines and avoid walking through flooded areas. Power lines could be submerged and still live with electricity. Report any downed lines you see by calling your co-op immediately.

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

Never use electrical equipment that is wet — especially outdoor electrical equipment, which could be a potential danger after a summer storm. Water can damage electrical equipment and parts, posing a shock or fire hazard.

We will do our best to avoid power outages, but sometimes Mother Nature has other plans.

Do your homework

Summer is upon us and so is another election year. Over the next several months we will be inundated with a variety of signs, ads, promises and accusations. It’s a good time to do your homework.

In Mississippi we will be electing everything from governor to local county supervisors. Now’s the time to learn what district you are in. Many of our local o cials that represent us in Jackson have seen changes in their districts. Also, make sure you are registered to vote and check to see where your voting precinct is located. Familiarize yourself with absentee voting if you believe you may be out of town on Election Day.

Engage with the candidates. What do they want to accomplish, why, and how will they go about getting these things done? Do their views on the issues align with yours?

Finally, go vote. It is a privilege that many do not have. Selfgovernment with a representative democracy is one of the many things that make our nation, state, local community, and electric cooperative great. Let’s not let it drift away. Stay safe.

by Kevin Doddridge General Manager/CEO

Festival to LIGHT the WAY in Olive Branch

by Bob Bakken

The third weekend in June will bring an uplifting musical event to the Olive Branch City Park, when the Light the Way Festival takes place. Dates of the festival are June 16-17. It will be the first time the festival, which also holds similar events in Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, and in Washington, D.C., comes to Olive Branch. The city is highlighting it as one of its top activities for the year, as Olive Branch celebrates its 150th anniversary.

The ministry’s mission is to “Take the Church Outside the Walls, one festival or concert at a time.”

“I think we can easily expect 30,000 people over two days with the big ‘A’ List names Friday and Saturday,” said Founder and CEO John Wilson.

Northcentral Electric Cooperative and Northcentral Connect are sponsors for the festival and will have booth space to interact with patrons throughout the event. It’s something Northcentral General Manager and CEO Kevin Doddridge is excited to help bring to the area.

“Events like this highlight the livability of Olive Branch and our sense of community,” Doddridge said. “The mainstream acts will bring others in to visit and allow us to show what our area has to o er.”

Considered the largest traveling Christian music festival in the country, Light the Way Ministry provides events drawing thousands to enjoy the highest caliber of Christian entertainment.

“Barring weather related issues the festival has the potential of being the highest attended event in the history of Olive Branch and the largest contemporary Christian music venue held this year in the state of Mississippi,” said Mayor Ken Adams.

In addition to top Christian artists, Light the Way will feature a prayer tent, baptism pool, food vendors, a kids zone, and more. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit their website at lightthewayministry.com.

WE ARE PREPARED FOR

No one knows electrical safety better than the experts who practice it every single day. Mississippi’s electric cooperatives encourage you to practice safety with these reminders — for during and after a summer storm:

AVOID WIRES AND WATER

Summer is here and that means a time for severe storms and hurricane season. In the event of a power outage, you can trust that Mississippi’s electric cooperatives are ready to respond.

The major cause of most power outages comes from damage to power lines due to falling trees and branches. We work year round — through right-of-way clearing — to ensure power lines in our service territory stand little risk of being damaged by trees, branches or other types of vegetation.

Despite our best efforts, during major storms, damage can occur to transmission lines, substations, and distribution power lines. When this happens, our first priority is to safely restore power to as many members as possible in the shortest amount of time.

We start by mobilizing our line crews and other critical staff. Every phone line available is utilized to take your outage report calls. When electrical lines, which serve tens of thousands of people, are damaged at the transmission level, it can affect the time it takes to restore power locally; but this does not stop our line workers from going out to assess and repair damage in our local communities immediately.

Northcentral crews inspect substations to determine if the problem starts there or if there could be an issue down the line. If the root of the problem is at the substation, power can be restored to thousands of members.

Next, line crews check the service lines that deliver power into neighborhoods and communities. Line crews repair the damaged lines, restoring power to hundreds of people. If you continue to experience an outage, there may be damage to the line leading to your home or business. Make sure you notify us at Northcentral, so crews can inspect these lines.

When lightning strikes a home during a storm, the electrical charge can surge through pipes and utility wires. That means you can get zapped if you’re touching water or any device that’s plugged in, whether it’s a landline phone or toaster.

SKIP THE MAKESHIFT SHELTER

During a storm, it’s tempting to take cover under a picnic gazebo or golf cart, but in open-sided structures with no conductors to channel strikes, a bolt’s path of least resistance to the ground could be you. On top of that, these structures raise your risk of a lightning strike because of their height. Keep moving toward suitable shelter.

PORTABLE GENERATORS

Take special care with portable generators, which can provide a good source of power, but if improperly installed or operated, can become deadly. Do not connect generators directly to household wiring. Power from generators can back-feed along power lines and electrocute anyone coming in contact with them, including co-op line workers making repairs. It’s best to hire a qualified, licensed electrician to install your generator and ensure that it meets local electrical codes.

FLOODED AREAS

Stay away from downed power lines and avoid walking through flooded areas. Power lines could be submerged and still live with electricity. Report any downed lines you see by calling your co-op immediately.

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

Never use electrical equipment that is wet — especially outdoor electrical equipment, which could be a potential danger after a summer storm. Water can damage electrical equipment and parts, posing a shock or fire hazard.

We will do our best to avoid power outages, but sometimes Mother Nature has other plans.

WE’RE READY FOR STORM SEASON ARE YOU?

Now that summer is in full swing, like many of you, I welcome more opportunities to be outdoors and enjoy the warmer weather. Summertime brings many of my favorite activities like cooking out with family and friends, working in the yard, and simply slowing down a bit to enjoy life.

But summer months also make conditions right for dangerous storms, including hurricanes that can cause destruction to our electrical system. Rest assured that Pearl River Valley Electric crews are ready and standing by to respond should power outages occur in our area.

When major storms knock out power, our line crews take all necessary precautions before they get to work on any downed lines. I would encourage you to also practice safety and preparedness to protect your family during major storms and outages.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends the items below as a starting point for storm and disaster preparedness, but you can visit www.ready.gov for additional resources.

Stock your pantry with a three-day supply of non-perishable food, such as canned goods, energy bars, peanut butter, powdered milk, instant co ee, water, and other essentials (i.e., diapers and toiletries).

Confirm that you have adequate sanitation and hygiene supplies including towelettes, soap, and hand sanitizer.

Ensure your First Aid kit is stocked with pain relievers, bandages, and other medical essentials, and make sure your prescriptions are current.

Set aside basic household items you will need, including flashlights, batteries, a manual can opener, and a portable, battery-powered radio or TV.

Organize emergency supplies so they are easily accessible in one location.

In the event of a prolonged power outage, turn o major appliances, TVs, computers, and other sensitive electronics to

help prevent overloading the circuits during power restoration. That said, do leave one light on so you will know when power is restored. If you plan to use a small generator, make sure it’s rated to handle the amount of power you will need, and always review the manufacturer’s instructions to operate it safely. Please visit the safety section in the help center on our website, www.prvepa.com, for more information about generator safety.

Listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio for storm and emergency information, and check Pearl River Valley Electric’s website or Facebook page for power restoration updates.

After the storm, avoid downed power lines and walking through flooded areas where power lines could be submerged. Allow ample room for utility crews to safely perform their jobs, including on your property.

Advance planning for severe storms or other emergencies can reduce stress and anxiety caused by the weather event and can lessen the impact of the storm’s e ects. Sign up for NOAA emergency alerts and warnings and download our PRVEPA app to stay abreast of power restoration e orts and other important co-op news and information.

I hope we don’t experience severe storms this summer, but we can never predict Mother Nature’s plans. At PRVEPA, we recommend that you act today because there is power in planning. From our co-op family to yours, we hope you have a safe and wonderful summer.

by Matthew Ware

CEO/General Manager

5,000th customer

PearlComm Fiber has been hard at work bringing high-speed internet to Pearl River Valley Electric’s members. Currently, installations are taking place throughout PRVEPA’s service territory with additional areas opening soon. Please visit www. pearlcommfiber.net to see the latest maps of installation areas, construction areas, and phases of their build.

Recently, Janice Spencer of Perkinston was celebrated as PearlComm’s 5,000th customer. She was connected at the end of April and has been enjoying high-speed internet.

“My upload and download speeds are incredible, much faster than what I had before,” said Spencer. “The security

PearlComm celebrates its Annual Meeting NOTICE

features o ered through ProtectIQ are the best part of the whole package. I have had some security issues in the past, but now I have a greater piece of mind knowing my devices are safer.”

PearlComm Fiber crews are working long hours, including after-hours and on weekends, to reach as many customers this year as possible. The fi ber company hopes to have over 8,000 customers by the end of the year. Please go to www.pearlcommfi ber.net to pre-register/ register. If you have already pre-registered, there is no need to do it again.

Pear FIBER

All members are invited to attend the annual meeting of members on Saturday, September 23, 2023. Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the Association’s meeting room facility (Lawrence Building) in Columbia at 1428 Highway 13 North. The meeting will begin at 10:30 a.m.

Member participation at its annual meeting is important to elect directors, hear reports covering the operation of the Association, and to transact other business that may come before the meeting.

Included on the agenda is the election of four directors to three-year terms.

OFFICE CLOSED JULY 4TH

All Pearl River Valley Electric o ces will be closed for the July 4 holiday. A dispatcher will be on duty in case of emergency. If you experience an outage, please call 855-2PRVEPA.

Powered by Pe

Round Up for Education

As a locally owned, not-for-profit cooperative, we strive to provide more than just electricity. Our goal is to improve the lives of our members and the communities we serve. One way we do this is through our Round-Up for Education Scholarship Program, which opens opportunities for higher education.

Over the course of the last 10 years, Pearl River Valley Electric’s Round Up for Education Program has helped over 2,000 students. Last year, 187 students throughout Pearl River Valley Electric’s 12-county service area received scholarships thanks to the generous spirit and support of our members who round up their bills to the nearest dollar. In the last 10 years, over $1.5 million in scholarships have been given to students attending Mississippi community colleges. Scholarships are currently available to members who do the round up, as well as for their spouses or dependent children who plan to attend a Mississippi community college as a freshman this fall.

To apply, please visit www.prvepa.com or stop by one of our o ces. Applications are due by August 11.

Applications for Community College Scholars program due Aug. 11, 2023

Applications are available at PRVEPA o ces and at www.prvepa.com.

Completed applications must be postmarked or emailed by Aug. 11.

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

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

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

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

Funded by members who are rounding up their monthly bills, these scholarships are intended to assist students who will attend a Mississippi community college as a freshman this fall.

More information is available at www.prvepa.com.

ENERGY-SAVING PROJECTS for the weekend warrior

Are you a weekend warrior? If you’re considering home improvement upgrades that save energy and money, we’ve got a few project ideas for you — all of which can be completed in a day or less!

Here are three energy-saving projects that you can easily tackle whether you’re a weekend warrior pro or a DIY dabbler.

PROJECT

Cooling and heating your home typically account for a large portion of energy bills. Smart thermostats can help keep your cooling and heating costs in check, with ENERGY STAR®-certified models saving about 8% on annual energy costs.

Now that smart thermostats are more a ordable (as little as $70!), this simple upgrade makes for a fun, e cient weekend project. Smart thermostats o er a variety of bells and whistles, but the average model will allow you to set custom temperature schedules, adjust the settings from anywhere (from your phone), and over time, learn your cooling and heating preferences.

Your new smart thermostat will come with step-by-step instructions, but this project typically involves shutting o your HVAC at the breaker panel, disconnecting/removing the old thermostat, installing the new smart thermostat, and connecting it to your home Wi-Fi. Play it safe: remember to carefully read the installation instructions before you get started.

2 PROJECT PROJECT

1 3

If you have enough outdoor space available, installing a clothesline is a great way to save energy. Not only will you save on dryer costs — in the summer, you can also save on cooling costs since unwanted heat

If you’ve got a green thumb, you already know that rainwater is the best water for your outdoor plants. Rainwater is free of minerals, salts and treatment chemicals found in tap water or groundwater. It also contains helpful macronutrients to foster healthy plant growth. Installing a rain barrel is an easy way to harvest large amounts of rainwater and reduce home water use — it’s a win-win. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, one rain barrel can save a homeowner 1,300 gallons of water annually.

Most residential rain barrels range in size from 50 to 90 gallons, so the size you purchase will depend on your watering needs.

The simplest way to install a rain barrel is positioning a plastic or wooden barrel directly under your gutter downspout. Basic piping may be required, but this is an easy way to harvest rainwater, and the barrel won’t take up much space. Consider a cover for the top of your rain barrel to keep insects and small debris out of your harvested water.

from the clothes dryer won’t be added to your home (which makes your air conditioner work harder). Additionally, air drying is much gentler on fabrics and will keep your clothes and linens looking fresh longer.

You can create your own clothesline with two T-posts, wire, and hook-and-eye turnbuckles. Depending on your soil, you may need a small amount of Quikrete to set the posts. Another option is installing the line between two trees. A typical load of laundry requires about 35 feet of line, so keep this in mind as you’re determining the best location.

If an outdoor clothesline isn’t an option, no sweat! You can easily create an indoor drying rack that folds to save space. Home improvement websites like thespruce.com and hgtv.com o er step-bystep tutorials for a variety of indoor clothes racks.

These are just a few simple ideas to help you save energy and money. So, get out there, roll up those sleeves and tackle a few projects.

Check out Pearl River Valley Electric’s website, www.prvepa.com, for additional energy-saving ideas and tips.

Get

Go green and boost your greenery with a rain barrel.

Warren North Pontotoc High

Spratlin Bruce High Ruby Poyner Bruce High

Carson Long Pontotoc High

Sarah Grace Moody Ingomar High

Elijah Mooneyham North Pontotoc High

Sara Jane Parker Bruce High Audrey Maupin Ingomar High

by Paul Wesslund

We’re more energy e cient than you might think. And you may also be surprised to learn that we can do even better with a little innovative thinking, and by controlling hidden power users.

Electricity touches our lives nearly every minute of every day and makes up about 5% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product. So, it makes sense to use it wisely, whether you’re concerned about how it a ects the environment or you want to save money. Or both.

A little-known way of measuring e ciency is with a statistic called the energy intensity index. It shows how much energy it takes to produce a dollar of the economy’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Another term that’s been used for that idea is energy productivity.

Whichever term you use, the indexes show that we’re getting better at creating more economic activity with less energy — energy intensity is down, and productivity is up. Way up.

The numbers show that energy intensity is about half of what it was 30 years ago. That’s because we’re making strides in a range of ways from building codes, to light bulbs, to motor vehicle mileage. And these improvements are expected to continue. The Department of Energy projects energy intensity will decline by 30% over the next 30 years.

Did you know you could be spending $100 to $400 a year on energy you don’t even need? That frightening fact even comes with scary names — phantom power, or vampire electronics. It’s the TV and video games that draw power so they’re ready to turn on instantly. It’s the digital clocks. It’s the computers and phones plugged in even though they’re fully charged.

The old phrase “you have to spend money to make money” is catchy because at first, it sounds like it doesn’t make sense. But when it comes to appliances that consume a lot of energy, it can make dollars and sense.

From dishwashers to computers, energy e ciency is improving dramatically every year as technology, federal rules, and plain old competition give you a better bang for your buck. In fact, if your refrigerator or dishwasher is more than 10 years old, the money you can save on energy use for a new appliance could pay for itself in just a few years.

The yellow Energy Guide labels found on products at your appliance store will tell you how much you can save with a new purchase. Another way to compare the old to the new is to Google “flip your fridge.” That will take you to an ENERGY STAR® calculator that will compare the energy use of your current appliances to what’s available in stores.

Getting rid of phantom power can be tricky. You probably don’t want to regularly shut o your wireless router or constantly reboot your smart TV. But you can plug several devices into a power strip and turn it o when you’re not using them. Or smart power strips are available that will do that for you. When you’re shopping for new electronics and appliances, look for the latest ENERGY STAR®-rated models that take vampire loads into account. To start exorcising the phantoms, take a notepad through each room of your home to list anything that’s plugged in, so you can figure out which energy-users you might be able to control without causing too much inconvenience.

Phantom power costs do add up, but it’s also true that your home has much bigger energy users. If you’re concerned about energy costs, make sure you’re heating and cooling system is up to date and working e ciently, and that your windows and doors aren’t leaking air.

Your electric co-op can advise you on the most effective steps for energy savings—they’re your local leading authority on home energy use. And that’s no surprise.

Paul Wesslund writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

Pontotoc Electric employees celebrate service anniversaries

15 years 30 years

10 years

25 years

5 years

Cody Martin Safety and Environmental Dir.

Bonnie Heatherly Manager of Customer Service

Nathan White Manager of Technical Services

Terrance Barnhill Right-of-Way Trimmer/Laborer

Jacob Beard Apprentice Lineman

Erik Gentry Apprentice Lineman

Jameel Hilliard Apprentice Lineman

Clint Patterson Right-of-Way Trimmer/Laborer

J.T. Pennington Right-of-Way Trimmer/Laborer

Jacob Russell Apprentice Lineman

Stewart Owen Apprentice Lineman

Seth Moss Apprentice Lineman

Jimmy Moore Apprentice Lineman

Caleb Park Right-of-Way Trimmer/Laborer

Billy Jack Stewart Collector/Meterman

Kathy Stark Collection Assistant & Receptionist

Glenn Isbell Truck Maintenance Technician

Sandy Sexton Accounts Payable Clerk

Robert Mitchell Assistant Foreman

Enjoy these great recipes from our employees and retirees!

Quick and cool recipes for summer munching

perfect lemonade

JoAnne R. Bradley, PEPA Retiree

INGREDIENTS

½ cup sugar to every 3 cups of water

½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

Mix and serve.

This recipe belongs to my daughter, Dr. Jerri Lamar Kantack.

oreo dessert

Jennifer Johnson, Manager of Human Resources

INGREDIENTS

1 package of oreos, crushed into pieces

8 ounces cool whip

2 packages vanilla instant pudding

8 ounces cream cheese

2 cups milk

Mix cream cheese and milk with mixer. Pour in pudding and mix. Add cool whip and mix. Add two-thirds of the Oreos and mix. Sprinkle remainder of Oreos on top.

molly’s favorite fruit dip

Jeanna Sorto, PEPA Director of Accounting and Finance/Board Secretary

INGREDIENTS

1 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1 7 ounce jar marshmallow cream

Mix until well blended. Refrigerate. Serve with any fresh fruit.

ham tortilla roll-ups

Kathy Stark, PEPA Collection Assistant/Receptionist

INGREDIENTS

1 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened

1 package ranch dip

1 package ham sandwich meat

1 package soft tortillas

Mix cream cheese and ranch dip mix together. Place ham on tortilla and spread mixture on slice of ham. Roll up tortilla. Continue rolling ham tortillas, place in fridge to cool, then cut them up.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY

Pontotoc Electric Power Association will be closed

Tuesday, July 4, for the holiday

To report power outages or emergencies, please call 662-489-6711 (Pontotoc) or 662-983-2727 (Bruce).

A Pontotoc Electric dispatcher is on duty 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

BRIAN HUGHEY General Manager & CEO

AMANDA PARKER PR and Marketing Specialist

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR CEO

Preparing for storm season

As we enter the month of June, we begin yet another hurricane season, with 2023 storm names ranging from Arlene to Whitney. While many are eager for the warmer summer months, we know all about the weather threats that occur living along the Gulf Coast this time of year. I will leave explanations of climate phenomenons such as La Niña or El Niño to the weather experts, who recently predicted a near average number of storms in the Atlantic this hurricane season.

In the coming weeks, you will hear messages encouraging you to prepare for hurricane season by storing non-perishable food, water, fuel, and batteries, and have storm evacuation routes picked out ahead of time. While this is not a topic any of us enjoy discussing, taking storm preparations seriously is of utmost importance.

Singing River Electric recently concluded the annual review of our Emergency Preparedness Plan. Should a hurricane or tropical storm approach our area, our plan contains detailed steps for employees to take once the storm enters the Gulf

of Mexico. Employees are pre-assigned specific tasks, such as securing supplies, food, fuel, and housing, while line crews, service personnel and their supervisors are assigned areas of our system to report to once the storm has passed. This everevolving plan has been activated and successfully implemented countless times.

Being part of the national electric cooperative network provides Singing River Electric access to cooperative line personnel who will assist us with restoring your electric service following a disaster. Through the years, cooperative linemen from across the country have provided restoration assistance, and we have no doubt fellow cooperatives will again respond when needed. This is an immeasurable asset allowing us to speed restoration and help our communities.

I encourage you to be proactive by making your preparations for this hurricane season – it’s not too early. Be assured, in the event of a disaster, your electric cooperative is prepared to restore electric service to our members as quickly and safely as possible.

by Brian Hughey

General Manager and CEO

LORRI FREEMAN, APR Manager of PR and Marketing SAMUEL GOFF PR and Marketing Coordinator

Gabe Robbins Energy Services Representative robbins@singingriver.com

Temperatures are heating up in south Mississippi, and extreme heat causes air conditioners to work overtime to maintain your desired thermostat setting. Since cooling is one of the largest contributors to your electric bill, keep these things in mind.

• If your unit has not been serviced in the last few years, it’s time. Cleaning the coils and checking freon levels will keep your unit operating e ciently. If freon levels are a ½ pound low, your unit could operate 30% longer to do the same job, causing your electric bill to increase.

• Your outside unit needs proper ventilation to work at maximum e ciency. While in the field, I’ve seen tin and wood awning-type structures built over the outside unit – this is not a good idea as the awning can obstruct air flow.

• Changing the air filter each month will cut down on costs. A dirty filter will cause your unit to work harder to push air through to cool your home. If a dirty filter collapses, unfiltered air can clog evaporator coils and damage the unit.

• Ceiling fans should only be used when a room is occupied because they do not cool the air – they circulate air across your skin to create a cooling sensation. While feeling cooler, you can move your thermostat a degree or two higher, which saves energy and money. The recommended thermostat setting in summer is 78 degrees; each degree higher you adjust your thermostat can save 5% on energy costs. During summer, make sure the ceiling fan is moving air in a downward direction.

Visit singingriver.com/ways-to-save for more energy-saving tips.

Keep cooling costs in check this summer

Learn more about how your cooperative works and participate by voting in person in SRE’s board of directors election. Our 85th Annual Membership Meeting will be held at SRE’s Lucedale o ce located at 11187 Old 63 South. The doors open for registration at 5 p.m. and the meeting begins at 6 p.m.

The meeting will include an annual update on business of the cooperative, a report outlining 2022 financials, the board election, and more. All three districts will have an election for a Post 2 seat. Any Singing River Electric member may vote in person at the June 29th meeting. According to by-laws, SRE members should vote for one candidate in each of the three districts. Members can also vote online or return their proxy by mail.

Join us in person in Lucedale –Singing River Electric’s 85th Annual Membership Meeting is June 29

Each member is entitled to one vote regardless of the number of accounts in the person’s name. A proxy may be assigned to the board as a whole, or a member can vote up to 200 assigned proxies at the membership meeting. The presence of a member at the meeting or an online vote, or in the case of joint membership, the presence of a spouse, shall revoke the proxy. All proxies must be received by SRE’s Lucedale o ce by close of business on June 20.

Members returning their proxy or voting online will qualify for a drawing of $500 cash. Those attending the annual meeting will be eligible for attendance prizes.

Singing River Electric 2023 Director Election

Candidates for one 3-year term by district:

District I, Post 2

 James (Robert) Steele, Representing Greene, Perry and Wayne counties in Miss., and Washington County, Ala.

District II, Post 2

 Roy C. Grafe, Representing George and Stone counties in Miss., and Mobile County, Ala.

District III, Post 2

 Kristal K. Sisson, Representing Jackson and Harrison counties in Miss.

Deadline for nominations to be placed on the ballot was Feb. 28, 2023. This deadline and a notice for nominations was included in the Jan. and Feb. 2023 Today in Mississippi magazine issues.

You can win up to $500 by early, online voting or returning your completed proxy by mail.

Three ways to vote:

1. Vote early and online by simply opening the SmartHub app or visiting www.singingriver.com and clicking on the “Vote Here” icon. By entering your membership ID and zip code, you can view candidate biographies and cast your vote by the Tuesday, June 20, deadline.

2. Vote by mailed proxy by simply completing the mailed proxy and returning using the enclosed self-addressed envelope by the Tuesday, June 20, deadline. You may still attend the meeting; your presence will rescind the proxy allowing you to vote in person.

3. Vote in person at the Annual Membership Meeting on Thursday, June 29, at the SRE Lucedale o ce located at 11187 Old 63 South.

*Deadline to vote by SmartHub app/online or return your proxy is June 20.

Represents SRE members in Greene, Perry and Wayne counties in Mississippi, and Washington County in Alabama.

Represents SRE members in George and Stone counties in Mississippi, and Mobile County in Alabama.

Represents SRE members in Jackson and Harrison counties in Mississippi.

It’s an honor to serve

As a member of SRE’s board, you

Our core job is keeping the lights on, but our passion is serving our members. Because we’re a cooperative, our purpose is to enrich the lives of our members and serve the long-term interests of our community. This service focus is at the heart of who we are.

We were built and are led by the members we serve. Whether tested by severe weather events or a pandemic, our co-op puts people first – not just during tough times, but all the time. Over the years, our charitable e orts, sta volunteer service hours, and other locally-focused projects have served civic organizations, supported area schools and young people, planted trees, cleaned local parks, assisted families in need to keep the lights on, and much more.

Here are a few reasons why our 10-member board of directors is honored to serve you, the members of Singing River Electric Cooperative.

Kristal Sisson President, SRE Board of Directors

1

Members of our

serve on the board of directors.

I’m privileged to work with a well-informed, dedicated 10-member board of directors who provide guidance for setting co-op priorities and helping make big decisions. Because our board members live in SRE’s service area, they’re able to serve as the pulse of the larger community and identify immediate and long-term needs. The broader co-op membership provides helpful input through their vote on director elections and by weighing in on co-op and community issues.

Community Grant Program for local nonprofits, and our Energy Assistance program which helps local families pay their electricity bill when times are tough.

3 We enjoy serving our members because without you, the co-op wouldn’t exist.

Our employees live and work here too and care about our community the same way you do. We’re invested and work to help it prosper.

That’s why SRE participates in community celebrations, supports local schools and provides NHN Community Grants. It’s also why we invest in economic development, and why you’ll see our employees volunteering for youth sporting organizations, schools, churches, and other charitable and community endeavors.

2 You enable us to complete our mission by supporting our efforts to give back.

Our Mission

Our purpose is to provide you with reliable, responsible and safe electricity. Simply put, SRE exists to serve you. That’s why we were formed in 1938 – to bring power to our local area when for-profit utilities would not. A major part of SRE’s mission and vision is to serve our community and look after the greater good. With your assistance, we’re able to help members of our community through our Cooperative Days of Service, Neighbors Helping Neighbors

As a board, we responded to your vote in 2020 to amend SRE's certificate of incorporation to also provide fiber internet. Today, SRConnect, our fiber a liate, has more than 3,300 subscribers and has built more than 1,600 miles of fiber lines.

4 Your input gives us guidance.

As a co-op, it is important to enhance the quality of life in our community and look after its long-term interests. We truly enjoy serving our members and our local community, and just like you, want everyone to thrive.

Cooperatively yours, Kristal

Sisson

Kristal Sisson

To provide safe and reliable electric service at the lowest possible cost while enhancing the lives of the members and communities we serve. singingriver.com/my-coop

5 You and other SRE members make up the community we serve – and for us, it’s all about community.

Wanttoknowwhathappens

#BehindTheBroadband?

STEP 1: Make-ready engineering

Examine. Design.

Leakesville substation

STEP 2: Make-ready construction

Planning the most efficient approach to fiber deployment.

Big Point, Joe Batt, Sand Hill and Lucedale North substations

STEP 3: Construction

Building a network from the ground up.

McLain, Kittrell, State Line and Sawmill substations

STEP 4: Splicing

Connecting the dots.

Basin substation (Cedar Creek and Basin Refuge feeders)

STEP 5: Service drop & drop splicing

The last outdoor step. Almost there…

Basin substation (Highway 63 and Central feeders) and any previously opened areas

STEP 6: Installation

The speed of light, right to your home.

Basin substation (Highway 63 and Central feeders) and any previously opened areas

SR Connect is delivering lightning-fast, fiber internet. New fiber areas are announced by electric substation and feeder. You can search open fiber areas and your address for service at singingriverconnect.com/signup. To find out which SRE substation and feeder serves your home, text a SRE MSR during business hours at 228-591-9166. Scan here!

Dads, did you stop getting hugs?

We’re bringing back hugs for dads. With the My SR Connect app, dads (moms and grandparents included) can temporarily turn o internet access remotely from the app on their mobile device. This can be done during mealtimes, homework times, bedtimes, or whenever you think your teens need a break. You can also turn on the Wi-Fi access right from your device. This will likely result in lots of thanks and hugs from your family.

Download the My SR Connect app today at singingriverconnect.com. Happy Father’s Day from your SR Connect family.

singingriverconnect.com

Congratulations to our 3,000th fiber subscriber!

2023 | MARCH 18

We've hit a new milestone! Congratulations to George County’s Dusty Dixon on being our 3,000th SR Connect fiber subscriber. Mr. Dixon was presented with an Amazon Echo Show 10 that will allow for home monitoring, video calls, and streaming movies and videos at break-neck speeds with Singing River Connect's fiber internet.

Thank you to everyone who has signed up thus far. We are grateful to provide you with lightning-fast internet. To our Singing River Electric members patiently waiting, we thank you for your continued patience as we build our network.

We look forward to recognizing more subscriber milestones soon!

THE POWER

Preparing to Serve You Be er

Providing reliable power to our members is and will always be a top priority for Southern Pine Electric. These days, reliability is making the news more than ever. The energy industry continues to transition and more segments of the economy, such as vehicles, machinery and even lawn equipment, are becoming electrified. This puts even greater pressure on our nation’s electric grid.

As we enter hurricane season, I thought it would be a good time to tell you about a couple of measures we’re taking to ensure you continue receiving the reliable power you depend on and deserve. Overgrown vegetation is one of the leading causes of power outages nationwide. We strive to keep the co-op’s power lines clear in right-of-way areas. A right-of-way area is the land a co-op uses to construct, maintain, replace, or repair underground and overhead power lines. This right-of-way enables Southern Pine to provide clearance from trees and other obstructions that could hinder the distribution lines that the electric power travels through to get to your home. The overall goal of our vegetation management strategy is to continuously improve our ability to provide reliable power to our members.

Although it may seem counterintuitive, we maintain power reliability through planned, controlled outages. By taking planned strategic outages in one part of our local area for a few hours, Southern Pine can perform system repairs and upgrades, ultimately improving electric service. Rest assured, we

will always notify you before a planned outage, so make sure we have your correct contact information on file to receive the text notification before a planned outage in your area. Updating your information is as easy as a phone call or visiting our website, southernpine.coop. I also encourage you to follow Southern Pine Electric on social media to learn about the latest co-op updates. Social media communication is crucial for our members during times of severe weather.

Whether through planned outages or maintaining clear rights-of-way, we strive daily to improve reliability by solving issues before they become outages. Providing safe, a ordable, and reliable electric power is always our goal.

FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS FROM M OUR FAMI I LY TO YO O URS FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS

by Chris K. Rhodes

Southern Pine Electric

President/CEO

HAPPY HAPPY Y HAPPY FATHER'S DAY F F A A T T H H E E R R ' ' S S D D A A Y Y FATHER'S DAY

Olen Yoder & Yoder Brands

Olen Yoder was raised by an entrepreneur, and it rubbed o in the best way. Olen’s father owned a few di erent businesses during his formative years growing up in Paris, Tennessee. His father instilled a strong work ethic and a sense that things could constantly be improved.

When 16-year-old Olen and a friend were put in charge of the food for a church barbecue, they knew they could make a great barbeque sauce even better, so they spent hours and hours late into the night creating their masterpiece. Everyone who tried the new sauce gave them rave reviews. That very recipe is the Yoder Brands Original BBQ Sauce that is now part of the array of products sold by Olen Yoder and his family.

Over the years, the Yoder family has owned and operated several family businesses. Upon relocating to Macon, Mississippi, Olen got a job in a meat processing plant in 2001. By 2003, he owned the plant. He and his wife, Charity, raised his family of seven children while learning more about meat and the meat processing industry. Olen sold the business before moving his family to Mt. Olive in 2016.

The idea for Yoder Brands came to him after he noticed very few quality choices in grocery stores for summer sausage and meat sticks. Olen said, “In a world of marketing, there’s always room for better.” So, Olen has created an entire line of quality products, including jalapeno and original jerky sticks, original and spicy pineapple summer sausages, a variety of sauces, and jalapeno and original meat sticks. The variety is nice, but the quality of the product is exceptional. “We only use the best cuts of meat for our products and the best quality ingredients we can find,” said Olen. “We want people to experience the flavor for themselves.”

Olen’s son, Ryan, director of operations for Yoder Brands, said that the company is looking into new additions to its product line and is focused on growing its online market share. Over the years, Ryan has grown into his role by working with his father and the rest of his family. “I love that it’s a generational family company because when I see that in other businesses, it intrigues me,” said Ryan. His favorite part of the business is online orders and shipping nationwide. From small-town Mt. Olive, Yoder Brands ships to the entire state of Mississippi and parts of Missouri, Tennessee, Virginia, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and across the country.

As if Yoder Brands wasn’t enough to keep him busy, Olen also owns PROBUILT, LLC, PROBUILT Construction, and PROBUILT Logistics. Olen said that as his children grow, he wants to make the businesses more about others. “Everyone’s got strengths and talents — I want to see less of me and more of others.” He’s thrilled that his two oldest sons have taken a role in his business. Olen’s oldest son, Derrick, is the director of logistics at PROBUILT Logistics.

As he’s built these four successful businesses with his family, Olen has remained humble and kind. He’s excited about telling the story of his enterprises and of seeing his children, some growing into adulthood, taking roles in the future of Yoder Brands and PROBUILT.

Ryan Butler

Anyone who’s met Ryan Butler, New Hebron district mechanic, knows that he is one of the kindest, most humble men around. Another thing people see clearly is his strong faith and trust in God.

Ryan joined the Southern Pine team in 2021 after owning and operating R & K Welding and Fabrication for six years. Prior to that he spent years working o shore in the oil industry, but wanted to be home with his family. “Since Ryan was hired at Southern Pine, he has set the standard of an exemplary employee. His expertise extends far beyond his job description and his problem-solving skills have been an incredible asset to our team,” said Brandon Henderson, New Hebron district manager. Ryan loves working at Southern Pine and appreciates the culture. “I love the Christian values and the way we put God first,” he said. One of his best memories from working at Southern Pine happened a couple of years ago during an employee recognition lunch in December. “When Chris Rhodes read the Christmas story to us from the Bible (Luke 2), that’s when I felt like I was home,” Ryan said. “I was home at a place where values were based on the Father and Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

As much as he loves working at Southern Pine, Ryan’s first love is his family. He and wife, Kayla, have been married for 13 years, and they have four wonderful children, Ryan, 16, Landyn, 13, Pyper, 9, and Rigdon, 4. He enjoys every minute he gets to spend with his family. With four dogs, a cat, a pony named Romeo, a few cows, and some chickens, there’s always plenty to do and lots of entertainment around the Butler house.

After growing up in Mize and Magee, he now lives in Harrisville with his family. The Butler family attends Star Baptist Church, where he and his family are active members.

Since Ryan was hired at Southern Pine, he has set the standard of an exemplary employee. His expertise extends far beyond his job description and his problemsolving skills have been an incredible asset to our team.

Improving Reliability One Mile at a Time

Right-of-way maintenance is one of the best things we can do to help make sure we can bring the power reliably. In 2023, we have focused on trimming 1,500 miles of right-of-way areas. Currently, we have seven contractors working on the Southern Pine system with 20 trimming machines. Focusing on right-of-way maintenance means focusing on reliability. We are trimming the areas served by eight substations all over the service area and plan to add two more later this year. Plans are in place to trim and mow 2,000 more miles in 2024.

GOVT RD – AFTER

S SHADY GROVE – AFTER

SCR 120 – AFTER

WILSON POLK RD – BEFORE

SCR 120 – AFTER

WILSON POLK RD – AFTER

S SHADY GROVE – BEFORE

SCR 120 – BEFORE

SKID STEER

SCR 120 – BEFORE

GOVT RD – BEFORE

JARAFF TRIMMER

Wednesday, August 9 at

Southwest Electric’s bylaws can be found at southwestelectric.coop/what-is-a-cooperative or by scanning the QR code.

The Nondiscrimination Statement can be found at southwestelectric.coop/nondiscrimination-statement or by scanning the QR code.

Hurricane season preparation

Experts are predicting another active hurricane season in 2023. We can’t control the weather, but we can prepare for its impact. Now is the time to Make a Plan, Build a Kit and Be Informed in the event of bad weather.

Make a Plan

Visit ready.gov/plan for printable plans. Don’t forget any special family needs such as small children, medical equipment and pets. Know your evacuation route and shelter plan.

Build a Kit

Comprehensive lists are available at ready.gov/kit. Make sure you have enough food, water, medical supplies, prescriptions, cash and special food and supplies for children and pets.

Be Informed

Consider purchasing a weather radio and extra batteries. Set your phone to receive emergency notifications. Download the apps from MEMA (Mississippi Emergency Management Agency) and FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency).

Meter-mounted transfer switch installation for portable generators

Southwest Electric installs meter-mounted transfer switches for our Members. A meter-mounted transfer switch will allow you to connect a portable generator to the meter base located on the side of your home. We consider this a safety device because it will eliminate the danger of potentially sending electricity back down our power lines, also called backfeeding. Southwest Electric does not sell meter-mounted transfer switches, but, as a service to our Members, we will install them on your home at no charge.

Step 1:

Purchase the meter-mounted transfer switch from an authorized dealer or directly from the manufacturer.

Step 2:

Call to submit a service order to initiate the installation process.

Step 3:

Download the agreement from our website.

Step 4:

Southwest Electric will send a serviceman to install the meter-mounted transfer switch.

If a power outage occurs, you can plug the power supply cable directly from the generator to the switch. The switch enables electricity from the generator to power your home. When an outage is restored, you must turn the generator o and unplug it. It’s as simple as that!

EFFICIENCY UPGRADES to help you save this summer

by Abby Berry

Spring and summer are opportune times for home upgrades and DIY projects. If you’re planning to make improvements to your home, consider upgrades that promote better efficiency.

Here are a few projects that can help you save energy and money as well as increase the comfort of your home.

Installing a smart thermostat is one of the simplest ways to manage home energy use and keep summer bills in check. Smart thermostats are easy to install and allow you to control your heating and cooling system from your phone. You can purchase an ENERGY STAR®certified smart thermostat for as low as $100, which can save you 8% on annual heating and cooling costs, about $50 per year. This upgrade will quickly pay for itself, and you’ll gain insight into better ways to heat and cool your home.

Speaking of smart, additional devices like smart LED bulbs also offer convenient control and help boost energy savings at home. With smart lighting, you can set a schedule for when and how your lights should be turned on or off. And the next time you head out to run errands and realize you left the lights on, all you have to do is turn them off through your phone. Smart lights come in a variety of shapes, colors, and brightness levels — and you can purchase bulbs for indoor or outdoor use. Schedule outdoor smart lights to illuminate your home at night and when you’re out of town for better security.

While it’s not as trendy as incorporating smart technologies, sealing air leaks around your home is a simple, effective way to save energy and lower your bills. Applying new (or replacing old) weather

BLOOD DRIVE

June 15, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

We invite the public to join us June 15 to donate blood.

stripping around doors and windows can instantly make your home more comfortable and reduce energy waste. Applying caulk to fill gaps can also improve the seal of your home. Caulk can be applied to a variety of areas, including windows, doors, bathtubs, and sinks.

If your home feels too warm during summer (and too chilly during winter) even after you’ve sealed with weather stripping and caulk, your home may need additional insulation. Insulation is considered a more expensive efficiency upgrade; however, if your home is underinsulated, additional insulation can make a big impact on reducing energy use and costs. The cost of new insulation depends on a variety of factors like materials, size of the home, and whether you use a contractor. Typically, the project costs can be recouped in a few years, and your home will immediately feel more comfortable.

Of course, there are additional efficiency upgrades that can make a big impact on energy use, like replacing old appliances with ENERGYSTAR® models or replacing old, leaky windows with new, energy efficient windows. But these upgrades can be a bit pricey.

If you’re wanting to make your home more energy efficient but you’re not sure where to start, your best bet is to enlist the help of an expert to conduct an energy audit of your home. An energy audit can easily identify areas to boost efficiency, and then you can determine the projects you want to tackle first based on your budget and needs.

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

If your home feels too warm during summer and too chilly during winter, you may need additional insulation.

Smart LED bulbs offer convenient control and help boost energy savings at home.

Sealing air leaks around your home is a simple, effective way to save energy and lower your bills.

Happy Father’s Day

Southwest Electric wishes all the dads a great day filled with family and fun.

HAPPY 4TH 4

OF JULY

Our o ces will be closed on Tuesday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. Dispatchers will remain on duty and crews will be on call throughout the holiday.

CONSIDERING SOLAR?

Are you thinking of adding solar panels of any kind to your home? Call us first. It is important to contact Southwest Electric for safety and installation requirements before investing in solar generation at your home. Our professionals can guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have about installing solar panels for personal home use. Solar power generation is quickly becoming the most popular form of clean, renewable energy, and Southwest Electric is your trusted source for power and information.

When solar electric generation is connected to your home’s metered wiring, it is actually interconnected to the national power grid. Any solar installation not approved by Southwest Electric can be a serious safety hazard for the owner and Southwest Electric lineworkers. Interconnection agreements for power generating equipment are required by law before any solar site can be activated. A copy of the process document can be downloaded from our website at southwestelectric.coop/solar-home-installation/ or scan the QR code to the right. Remember! Call Southwest Electric before any solar generation system is activated to have it inspected and approved.

SCAN HERE

for more information about solar home installation

serve you better

Providing reliable power to you is and will always be a top priority for Tippah EPA. These days, power reliability seems to be making news now more than ever.

As the energy industry continues to transition and more segments of the economy are becoming electrified, such as vehicles, machinery and even lawn equipment, additional pressures are being placed on our nation’s electric grid.

With summer storm season upon us, I thought it would be a good time to tell you about a few measures we’re taking to ensure you continue receiving the reliable power you depend on and deserve.

First, let’s talk about trees. I know trees provide shade and add beauty to our area, but you may be surprised to learn that overgrown vegetation accounts for about half of all power outages.

That’s why we strive to keep the co-op’s power lines clear in right-of-way (ROW) areas. A ROW area is the land a co-op uses to construct, maintain, replace or repair underground and overhead power lines. This ROW enables Tippah EPA to provide clearance from trees and other obstructions that could hinder distribution power lines. The overall goal of our vegetation management strategy is to provide reliable power to our members while maintaining the beauty of our area.

Modernizing Vegetation Management

Generally speaking, healthy trees don’t fall on power lines, and clear lines don’t cause problems. Proactive trimming and pruning keep lines clear to improve power reliability. However, traditional vegetation management is costly and time consuming. It entails on-the-ground, labor-intensive e orts involving dozens of workers assessing vegetation and overseeing the quality and completion of contractor work. This approach has worked for decades, although Tippah EPA will

periodically evaluate advances in technology to see if there is room for improvement in our processes.

Our members can help be proactive with ROW as well. When planning landscaping for your home and property, always consider what is the mature size of the tree you are planting and where the utility lines are on your property. Try to avoid planting trees under or near lines and utility poles. These preventive steps can help you avoid outage issues in the future.

Planned Outages Improve Reliability

Although it may seem counterintuitive, we also maintain power reliability through planned, controlled outages. By carefully cutting power to one part of our local area for a few hours, Tippah EPA can perform system repairs and upgrades, which ultimately improve electric service. Planned outages can also be used to balance energy demand, but only in rare circumstances. Announcements and updates about planned outages are made available via our social media accounts.

Vegetation management is an essential tool in ensuring power reliability and minimizing the risk of outages. As advancements become more accessible and costs drop, we anticipate using additional technologies to ensure a consistent energy supply while managing the environment.

Lastly, I encourage you to follow Tippah EPA on social media, so you can learn about the latest co-op updates.

by Tim Smith General Manager

Tippah Electric to hold Director Elections

Nomination

Each director is automatically a candidate for re-election unless the Director notifies the Secretary of the Corporation otherwise at least twenty-five (25) days before the annual meeting of the members. Any member of the Corporation who meets the qualifications set forth in these By-Laws may qualify by petition to become a candidate for Director. Petitions may be picked up at Tippah Electric Office the first business day of September. Petitions must be picked up from the Tippah Electric Office no later than the last business day of September. This petition must be in a form provided by the Corporation and shall contain a request signed by the member stating his/her desire to become a candidate for Director of The Tippah Electric Power Association. The petition shall also indicate the area for which the member desired to be a candidate and must contain the endorsement of not less than twenty-five (25) active members that live in the area from which he/ she is to be a candidate for Director. Falsification of information on the petition shall result in the petition being invalidated. The petition must be submitted and received by the Secretary of the Corporation or his/her designee no later than 5:00 p.m. on the second Thursday of each October. Individual petitions must be filed by each member desiring to qualify as a candidate for Director.

Director Elections

All members shall be entitled to vote on all Directors to be elected, regardless of the area such Directors are to represent. A duly completed ballot shall constitute the sole and exclusive means of voting for candidates for Director. The use of proxies or in-person voting is not permitted in Director elections. Ballots shall be in a form approved by the Corporation’s Board.

Ballots shall be mailed to all members of the Corporation no later than the 1st Monday of November. Completed ballots must be returned by U. S. mail to the address specified by the Board and must be received at such address no later than the third Monday of each November in order to be counted. The Board in its discretion shall retain an independent entity to obtain and compile ballots, to count ballots, to assist with determining eligibility of members to vote and to certify election results. Only votes from members who are active as of 5:00 p.m. on September 30th, shall be counted. If an active member states that they didn’t initially receive a mail out ballot, then they have the option to receive a replacement ballot only 1 time. They will be responsible for picking up a replacement ballot at TEPA’s office. Each replacement ballot will be randomly numbered to monitor which ballots are received or if they have been duplicated.

In order to win any election for Director, a candidate must receive a majority (i.e., fifty percent of the total qualified vote plus one) to win. Should a winner not be declared in a Director election due to the failure of any candidate to receive a majority of qualified votes, the two candidates with the highest number of qualified votes shall be in a run-off election. The candidate with the highest number of qualified votes in a run-off election shall be declared the winner. A run-off election, if necessary, shall be conducted as soon as possible after the initial election results are certified.

In order for a valid election for Directors to be held, ballots must be received from a minimum of ten percent (10%) of the Corporation’s active members determined as of September 30th of each election year. In the event that this minimum number of votes is not received, the present Directors shall continue to serve as Directors for another term, and any vacancy shall be filled by the Board, subject to the provisions of these Bylaws with respect to Directors. For a run-off election, no minimum number of ballots must be received in order to declare a winner.

If a sitting Director is unopposed in any election year when he/she is running for reelection, that Director shall automatically be approved by the Board for an additional three (3) year term. In any such case where a sitting Director is unopposed for re-election, no election will be held for that particular Area for that specific three (3) year term.

If a sitting Director’s name is withdrawn from an election for any reason (including but not limited to that Director’s death) after that Director has qualified as a candidate pursuant to Article V, Section 3, in a situation where there is only one other candidate for that specific Director seat the Board shall establish a special qualifying period for other potential candidates to qualify for this position. The length of any special qualifying period shall be determined by the Board, in its sole discretion. The Board may determine, in its sole discretion, to hold a special election for this specific Director position.

Director Qualifications

In order to become or remain a member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation, a person:

1. Must be an individual with the capacity to enter into legally binding contracts.

2. Must be a member in good standing on all Tippah Electric accounts in that member’s name, for at least 12 months prior to the qualifying date of the year such individual would run for Board membership.

3. Member may only qualify to run for director in the area of his bona fide residency Membership and residency must be in the area represented and Account and Membership must be in the candidate’s name for 12 months prior to seeking nomination at said residence.

4. Must not be employed by or in any way financially interested in a competing enterprise or a business selling electric energy supplies, or services, to the Corporation.

5. Must not have been an employee of the Corporation within five (5) years prior to the beginning of the term.

6. Must not have a spouse, child, sibling or parent who has been an employee of the Corporation within five (5) years prior to the beginning of the term.

7. Must not hold an elected public office at the time a petition is submitted by the candidate.

8. Must not have been convicted or have plead guilty to a felony.

9. Must comply with any other reasonable qualifications determined by the Board.

10. Must not be an employee of or a member of any union representing any number of employees of the Association.

In the event a membership is held jointly by husband and wife, either one, but not both, may be elected a director, PROVIDED, that neither one shall be eligible to become or remain a director unless both shall meet the qualifications hereinabove set forth.

HARDHAT HEROES CELEBRATE Linemen Appreciation Month in April

Administrative Professionals Day

We celebrated the ladies of TEPA and TEPAConnect on Administrative Professionals Day. These awesome ladies work hard every day to make sure the customers of TEPA and TEPAConnect are provided with the best customer experience. Great job, ladies!

TEPA (L-R) Kela Johnson, o ce manager; Lily Wegmann, Ambreka Peterson, and Dawn Rinehart, customer service; Regina Rogers and Hannah Clifton, cashiers. Not pictured – Mary Beth Martin, customer service.

TEPAConnect (L-R) Cindy Jones, o ce manager; and Hannah Trull and Brandie Cook, customer service.

Lifeline

Lifeline is a federal program dedicated to making phone and internet service more a ordable for low-income households. This benefit provides eligible consumers with a monthly discount of up to $9.25.

Check online at https://www.lifelinesupport.org/get-started to see if you qualify.

Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)

The A ordable Connectivity Program is a FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households can a ord the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare, and more.

The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households. Check online at https://www.fcc.gov/acp to see if you qualify.

If you have any questions about these programs, please call the TEPAConnect office at 662-587-9055.

Energy-saving projects for the weekend warrior

Are you a weekend warrior? If you’re considering home improvement upgrades that save energy and money, we’ve got a few project ideas for you — all of which can be completed in a day or less! Here are three energysaving projects that you can easily tackle whether you’re a weekend warrior pro or a DIY dabbler.

Get smart about home cooling and heating

Cooling and heating your home typically account for a large portion of energy bills. Smart thermostats can help keep your costs in check, with ENERGY STAR®-certified models saving about 8% on annual energy costs.

Now that smart thermostats are more a ordable, this simple upgrade makes for a fun, e cient weekend project. They o er a variety of bells and whistles, but the average model will allow you to set custom temperature schedules, adjust settings from anywhere (from your phone), and over time, learn your cooling and heating preferences.

Your new smart thermostat will come with step-by-step instructions, but typically involves shutting o your HVAC at the breaker panel, removing the old thermostat, installing the new smart thermostat, and connecting it to your home Wi-Fi.

Create fresh savings with a DIY clothesline

Installing a clothesline is a great way to save energy. Not only will you save on dryer costs — in the summer, you can also save on cooling costs since heat from the clothes dryer won’t be added to your home. Additionally, air drying is much gentler on fabrics and will keep your clothes and linens looking fresh longer.

You can create your own clothesline with two T-posts, wire, and hookand-eye turnbuckles. Another option is installing the line between two trees. A typical load of laundry requires about 35 feet of line.

If an outdoor clothesline isn’t an option, you can easily create an indoor drying rack that folds to save space. Websites like thespruce.com and hgtv.com o er tutorials for a variety of indoor clothes racks.

Go green and boost your greenery with a rain barrel

Rainwater is the best water for your outdoor plants. Rainwater is free of minerals, salts, and treatment chemicals found in tap water or groundwater. It also contains helpful macronutrients to foster healthy plant growth.

Installing a rain barrel is an easy way to harvest large amounts of rainwater and reduce home water use. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, one rain barrel can save a homeowner 1,300 gallons of water annually.

Most residential rain barrels range in size from 50 to 90 gallons, so the size you purchase will depend on your watering needs.

The simplest way to install a rain barrel is positioning a plastic or wooden barrel directly under your gutter downspout. Consider a cover for the top of your rain barrel to keep insects and small debris out of your harvested water.

These are just a few simple ideas to help you save energy and money. So, get out there, roll up those sleeves, and tackle a few projects.

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

by Abby Berry

by Paul Wesslund

We’re more energy e cient than you might think. And you may also be surprised to learn that we can do even better with a little innovative thinking, and by controlling hidden power users.

Electricity touches our lives nearly every minute of every day and makes up about 5% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product. So, it makes sense to use it wisely, whether you’re concerned about how it a ects the environment or you want to save money. Or both.

A little-known way of measuring e ciency is with a statistic called the energy intensity index. It shows how much energy it takes to produce a dollar of the economy’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Another term that’s been used for that idea is energy productivity.

Whichever term you use, the indexes show that we’re getting better at creating more economic activity with less energy — energy intensity is down, and productivity is up. Way up.

The numbers show that energy intensity is about half of what it was 30 years ago. That’s because we’re making strides in a range of ways from building codes, to light bulbs, to motor vehicle mileage. And these improvements are expected to continue. The Department of Energy projects energy intensity will decline by 30% over the next 30 years.

The latest energy intensity index shows that we’re getting better at creating more economic activity with less energy. Energy intensity is down, and productivity is up.

The old phrase “you have to spend money to make money” is catchy because at first, it sounds like it doesn’t make sense. But when it comes to appliances that consume a lot of energy, it can make dollars and sense.

From dishwashers to computers, energy efficiency is improving dramatically every year as technology, federal rules, and plain old competition give you a better bang for your buck. In fact, if your refrigerator or dishwasher is more than 10 years old, the money you can save on energy use for a new appliance could pay for itself in just a few years.

The yellow Energy Guide labels found on products at your appliance store will tell you how much you can save with a new purchase. Another way to compare the old to the new is to Google “flip your fridge.” That will take you to an ENERGY STAR® calculator that will compare the energy use of your current appliances to what’s available in stores.

Did you know you could be spending $100 to $400 a year on energy you don’t even need? That frightening fact even comes with scary names — phantom power, or vampire electronics. It’s the TV and video games that draw power so they’re ready to turn on instantly. It’s the digital clocks. It’s the computers and phones plugged in even though they’re fully charged.

Getting rid of phantom power can be tricky. You probably don’t want to regularly shut off your wireless router or constantly reboot your smart TV. But you can plug several devices into a power strip and turn it off when you’re not using them. Or smart power strips are available that will do that for you. When you’re shopping for new electronics and appliances, look for the latest ENERGY STAR®-rated models that take vampire loads into account. To start exorcising the phantoms, take a notepad through each room of your home to list anything that’s plugged in, so you can figure out which energy-users you might be able to control without causing too much inconvenience.

Phantom power costs do add up, but it’s also true that your home has much bigger energy users. If you’re concerned about energy costs, make sure you’re heating and cooling system is up to date and working efficiently, and that your windows and doors aren’t leaking air.

Paul Wesslund writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

Phantom power is energy consumed by electronics and appliances when they’re in standby mode but not being used. Phantom power costs typically range from $100 to $400 annually. Your electric co-op can advise you on the most effective steps for energy savings— they’re your local leading authority on home energy use. And that’s no surprise.

If your refrigerator or dishwasher is more than 10 years old, the money you can save on energy use for a new appliance could pay for itself in just a few years.

WE ARE PREPARED FOR

No one knows electrical safety better than the experts who practice it every single day. Mississippi’s electric cooperatives encourage you to practice safety with these reminders — for during and after a summer storm:

AVOID WIRES AND WATER

Summer is here and that means a time for severe storms and hurricane season. In the event of a power outage, you can trust that Mississippi’s electric cooperatives are ready to respond.

The major cause of most power outages comes from damage to power lines due to falling trees and branches. We work year round — through right-of-way clearing — to ensure power lines in our service territory stand little risk of being damaged by trees, branches or other types of vegetation.

Despite our best e orts, during major storms, damage can occur to transmission lines, substations, and distribution power lines. When this happens, our first priority is to safely restore power to as many members as possible in the shortest amount of time.

We start by mobilizing our line crews and other critical sta . Every phone line available is utilized to take your outage report calls. When electrical lines, which serve tens of thousands of people, are damaged at the transmission level, it can a ect the time it takes to restore power locally; but this does not stop our line workers from going out to assess and repair damage in our local communities immediately.

Co-op crews inspect substations to determine if the problem starts there or if there could be an issue down the line. If the root of the problem is at the substation, power can be restored to thousands of members.

Next, line crews check the service lines that deliver power into neighborhoods and communities. Line crews repair the damaged lines, restoring power to hundreds of people. If you continue to experience an outage, there may be damage to the line leading to your home or business. Make sure you notify your co-op, so crews can inspect these lines.

When lightning strikes a home during a storm, the electrical charge can surge through pipes and utility wires. That means you can get zapped if you’re touching water or any device that’s plugged in, whether it’s a landline phone or toaster.

SKIP THE MAKESHIFT SHELTER

During a storm, it’s tempting to take cover under a picnic gazebo or golf cart, but in open-sided structures with no conductors to channel strikes, a bolt’s path of least resistance to the ground could be you. On top of that, these structures raise your risk of a lightning strike because of their height. Keep moving toward suitable shelter.

PORTABLE GENERATORS

Take special care with portable generators, which can provide a good source of power, but if improperly installed or operated, can become deadly. Do not connect generators directly to household wiring. Power from generators can back-feed along power lines and electrocute anyone coming in contact with them, including co-op line workers making repairs. It’s best to hire a qualified, licensed electrician to install your generator and ensure that it meets local electrical codes.

FLOODED AREAS

Stay away from downed power lines and avoid walking through flooded areas. Power lines could be submerged and still live with electricity. Report any downed lines you see by calling your co-op immediately.

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

Never use electrical equipment that is wet — especially outdoor electrical equipment, which could be a potential danger after a summer storm. Water can damage electrical equipment and parts, posing a shock or fire hazard.

We will do our best to avoid power outages, but sometimes Mother Nature has other plans.

Yazoo Valley retires capital credits

Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association recently retired capital credits. That means many members will either receive a check or a bill credit.

Active accounts with capital credit retirements of less than $150 will see their return in the form of a bill credit. This helps keep rates low while saving members time and money.

Many members have questions about capital credits and how they work. Below are five important things to know about capital credits.

What are capital credit retirements?

Yazoo Valley is a member-owned electric cooperative owned by the individuals and businesses receiving electric service from YVEPA.

Electric cooperatives are not-for-profit companies that abide by the seven cooperative principles. One of these principles is members’ economic participation, which means members contribute equitably to and democratically control the capital of the cooperative.

Each member earns capital credits from the margin created when revenues exceed the total operating costs and expenses for the year. This margin is allocated to each member’s capital credit account based on the member’s patronage for that year. Capital credit retirements are a return of those allocations to the members.

How does Yazoo Valley calculate my retired credits?

Annually, the board reviews the cooperative’s financial strength and can declare a capital credit retirement that results in a check or credit to an account to each eligible active member or inactive member.

Yazoo Valley utilizes a hybrid retirement method that allows a portion of the retirement to be paid to the members with capital credit balances in the most recently completed year and a portion to the members with capital credit balances in the oldest year or years still having balances.

For instance, for 2023 a portion of 2022 capital credits will be retired along with a portion of 2001. This hybrid method allows

2022 members to participate in the retirement, as well as members from 2001. Operating capital credits retired in 2023 amount to $1,024,333.25.

Also, Cooperative Energy, the cooperative’s power provider, retired capital credits in the amount of $302,195.77 in 2023. This amount will be retired to the Yazoo Valley members and is included in the 2023 capital credit retirement. This provides for a total capital credit retirement of $1,326,529.02.

When does Yazoo Valley retire capital credits?

Yazoo Valley’s Board of Directors annually reviews the cooperative’s financial position and can declare a capital credit retirement.

Inactive members remain eligible for capital credit retirements after leaving the cooperative if they have a capital credit account balance. YVEPA will need to have a current address on file.

What does Yazoo Valley do with my capital credit allocation?

Yazoo Valley utilizes the non-retired capital credits in the ongoing operations of the cooperative. Capital credits are a significant source of equity for the cooperative. Equity is used to help finance assets of the cooperative, such as investments in poles, wire, transformers and substations.

Capital credits help keep rates at an a ordable level by reducing the amount of funds that must be borrowed to grow and maintain Yazoo Valley’s electric system.

What is Yazoo Valley’s history on returning capital credits?

Since beginning capital credit retirements in 1993, Yazoo Valley has retired more than $31.8 million in capital credits. Yazoo Valley has made consistent annual retirements over the 31-year period, fully retiring operating margins for 1955-2000.

After 24 years at Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association, Dale VanGorder is trading in his hard hat for a motorcycle helmet.

VanGorder recently purchased a Harley Davidson that he plans to enjoy riding during his retirement. As he drove it through the gates at Yazoo Valley one last time in early May, he left behind a legacy that will last long after he’s gone.

“I do believe I have left my mark here,” VanGorder said. “I have enjoyed working at Yazoo Valley and working with everyone here. I will miss it.”

VanGorder served in many important roles at Yazoo Valley over the years.

After a brief stint working in the warehouse for Yazoo Valley in the 1980s, VanGorder returned in 1999 to begin work as an apprentice lineman. He was promoted to line foreman in 2003.

In 2015 he became an assistant field engineer coordinator before becoming a system inspector in 2018.

In 2021 he became the warehouse facilities coordinator, and he held that position until he retired.

“Dale has been an important fixture around here,” said General Manager Michael Neely. “He has done so much at Yazoo Valley over the years, and that is a testament to his abilities. Dale has worked hard throughout his career. Yazoo Valley has greatly benefited from all of that hard work, and we greatly appreciate Dale’s service to our members.”

Yazoo Valley employees held a retirement celebration honoring VanGorder where coworkers described him as a man whose words could be blunt, but there was never any doubt that he cared about his coworkers and was willing to help them in any way.

“Dale was always volunteering to help do things around here,” said Rebecca Yeates, human resources manager. “That is going to be missed.”

“We are going to miss him around here, but we are excited for him to be able to enjoy retirement while he is still healthy,” Neely said. “He has a lot of things he wants to do, and I know that he is looking forward to that. We recognize Dale’s contribution to Yazoo Valley, and we are grateful for the work he has done.”

Dale VanGorder

Dale VanGorder and his wife Judy at a recent retirement celebration.

General Manager Michael Neely talks about what Dale VanGorder has meant to Yazoo Valley during a retirement celebration held in his honor.

Patterson brings the spotlight to Yazoo Valley

Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association brought home a national award in the 2023 Spotlight on Excellence Awards, a competition among America’s electric cooperatives, sponsored by the Council of Rural Electric Communicators (CREC) and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).

Yazoo Valley received a Gold Award in the Best Individual Ad category.

Jason Patterson created the award-winning entry using photographs he had taken of Yazoo Valley employees working throughout the year.

“I am extremely proud of Jason and the invaluable work he does each day for our co-op members,” said Michael Neely, CEO - General Manager of Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association. “His e ort delivers exceptional results, has a lasting impact and is critical to serving our community. Because of Jason’s strong communication e ort, we can further the cooperative mission to promote, support, and inform the communities we serve.”

Winners were recognized during the Connect conference, a national conference for communications and marketing professionals, in Jacksonville, Florida, this May.

“The Spotlight on Excellence Awards Program has been recognizing outstanding co-op communicators and their work for more than 35 years –

that work is all the more critical in today’s evolving energy industry,” said CREC President Scott Gates, senior editor with North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives. “These national awards are highly competitive, and we congratulate those who earned the distinction this year.”

The annual Spotlight on Excellence Awards program recognizes the best communication and marketing e orts by electric cooperatives and related organizations nationwide. More than 650 entries were submitted across 18 di erent categories, including writing, graphic design, digital communications, campaign development, and more. Faculty members from the University of Missouri Columbia, as well as noted professionals in the fields of marketing and digital communications and newspapers judged the entries.

Patterson said he was surprised to win the award, but he wasn’t surprised to see Yazoo Valley earning national recognition.

“I am blessed to work with some great people,” he said. “They do quality work every day, focus on getting the job done safely, and genuinely care about our members. I’d put them up against anyone, anywhere. If I do my job of telling their story, I expect good things to happen.”

Lately at Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association

Yazoo Valley employees recently completed a service painting project at the Martha Coker Greenhouses in Yazoo City. Pictured from left are Wade O’Briant, Reginald Green, Paul Buxton, Justin Develle, Tanner Evilsizor, Rick Robinson, Jimmy Wayne Pettis, and Michael Neely.

Yazoo Valley recently hosted a successful community blood drive for Mississippi Blood Services with strong participation from both employees and members. YVEPA has committed to hosting two blood drives annually. Pictured at left is Yazoo Valley’s Wade O’Briant donating blood.

A son’s farewell

On June 13, 2022, just six days before Father’s Day, my dad, Manuel L. Callahan, suddenly passed away. He was 77 years old. I have read that the manifestation of a father’s love is the desire for his son to become a better man than his father. If that is so, how does one measure a man? Is it by the possessions he acquires? Perhaps is it the position he attains in business? Do we judge a man by the company he keeps, or his stature in the community? Does holding advance educational degrees make one man better than another?

My dad was born in Tarrant City, Alabama, just north of Birmingham. He had a G.E.D. and worked most of his life in the steel industry, until his company went bankrupt while he was in his 50s. My dad never failed to provide for my mom and myself. We always had a roof over our head, clothes on our bodies, and food to eat. I know there were times when money was tight, but he always found a way to make ends meet.

While providing for his family, my dad taught his son some valuable life lessons. My dad taught me to be thankful for what I had, because there were always others with less. One night, as our neighbor’s trailer went up in flames, I watched him open his wallet and give every dime he had to help that family.

Like most Southern men, my dad was a hunter, but his true love was bass fishing. I tagged along and it wasn’t long before every hunting or fishing trip became a competition. But what I didn’t realize until later was that my dad used these trips to talk about issues and things that I needed to know and understand to be a man. I learned many valuable life lessons sitting in the back of that bass boat. Dad always spoke to me about God, or as he would say, “the man upstairs.” We would sit outside in the swing beside the house for

hours where he talked about honoring the Lord, loving Jesus, and giving God’s share back to him and other life’s lessons. Dad told me to love and respect my mom because, “only your mama and Jesus will love you unconditionally.” Dad told me he would bail me out of jail, “just one time.” I never needed it.

When my son was born, my dad pulled me aside and told me not to raise my son the way he had raised me. “I had to be tough on you,” he said. “There was too much temptation where we lived, and I knew it wouldn’t take much for you to go down the wrong path. I had to be hard on you. I’m sorry.”

No apology was necessary.

I know my dad was proud of the things I accomplished and the man I am. If I didn’t know it before the funeral, I knew it afterward. Everyone came up and told me, “Michael, your daddy was so proud of you.” In my dad’s eyes, his son had become a better man than himself, and that was all he ever wanted.

So how does one measure a man? Perhaps the true measure of a man lies not in what he acquires, or accomplishes in life, but in how he raises and provides for his children, the impact those children have on the world, and how those children remember him after he is gone. By that measure, it’s hard to be a better man than Manuel Callahan.

For the last time…I love you dad. Happy Father’s Day.

by Michael Callahan

Executive Vice President/CEO Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi

Dear Mississippi,

When the sun sets, and when it rises birds fly with freedom all through the blue skies

From fields to town, lakes to river Hometown shops filled with love and joy in all its little spots

After a busy day I confide in evening walks by the lake, one mistake in just a take and it all fades away Calming books stores, smell of rustic pages, feeling of the vinyl records from that store down there

What’s that in the sky, it’s the eagle flying high, With the mighty BLAZERS along their side

The famous taste of “Umi,” To the small yet powerful aroma of the “Up & Down Eatery”

What people call base, I call home All over the states and this is the most calm

Eye opening opportunities, From president of CAFB Torch Club, and a Level Elite volleyball champ

Down here you can’t miss a day without a compliment, from strangers to loved ones in our community

I am forever thankful

To my dear state, Mississippi

by Laila C. Stewart,

a member of the U.S. Air Force, and a resident of Columbus, and a member of 4-County Electric