HUNTING SEASON GUIDE
MSU’S PRINCE OF POWER
MAGNOLIA TREE CHARM
Recently, one of our newer employees asked me what makes electric co-ops di erent than other types of utilities. This month, I thought I’d tell you of few of the things I told her.
Because we’re a co-op, we operate a little di erently than other utilities. 4-County’s decisions are made locally, by directors who also live right here in our community. Everyone who pays to receive electricity from the co-op is a member. When you pay your electric bill each month, your money stays here – to pay for the electricity used, or to make improvements to our local system to strengthen service reliability. The money you pay the co-op doesn’t line the pockets of shareholders five states away. We’re a co-op, and we exist to provide a service to you, our local members.
You may notice that throughout the year, we schedule opportunities for you to attend co-op events, like our annual membership meeting or classes on services we o er, so we can hear from you. We also o er tips, advice and information on a variety of topics via our website and social media for those who can’t join us in person. We conduct surveys throughout the year to gather your feedback on co-op programs and services so that we can plan and adjust for the future.
Our success lies in your satisfaction, which is why we o er these opportunities to engage and listen to what you have to say.
Because you’re part of an electric cooperative, you can count on our team to maintain local jobs, at-cost electricity and first-class
service, no matter what the economy (and supply chain issues) throw at us.
4-County is striving to keep our costs as low as possible so we can keep more money in your pocket. We want to help you maximize the value you can get from our services and o erings. For example, we can help you save on energy bills through our free energy audit program and e ciency rebates.
If you want to receive important information from 4-County, such as power restoration updates and tree trimming crew alerts, stay in the know by reading this publication, Today in Mississippi, watch for social media messages and make sure we have your current phone number so we can send you important text message alerts.
We exist to serve you and provide the quality, reliable, friendly service you expect and deserve. We hope to see or hear from you soon. You can call us at 1-800-431-1544. This co-op was created for you, the members. The power is in your hands.
Regardless of your internet speed package, your Wi-Fi network can only do so much from a traditional router. Typically placed near the center of your home, your router spreads Wi-Fi signals in all directions, giving you a strong connection in the middle of your home — and a weaker one in rooms far away. But life doesn’t just happen in your living room. Smart Home Wi-Fi gives you stronger security, less bu ering, and unparalleled control over your network.
Once you’ve opted into Smart Home Wi-Fi and you’re all set up, you’ll need to download the HomePass app to reap the benefits of this smart tech. HomePass by Plume® is your key to the wonderful world of Smart Home Wi-Fi and the hub where your network controls will live.
Ready to take control of your Wi-Fi experience? Our customer service representatives are happy to provide more information and help you get started. Give us a call at 1-800-431-1544 or visit our website 4cFASTnet.com to learn more.
by Brian Clark CEO/General Manager
“Improving
We’re working to ensure 4-County Electric Power Association is operating e ciently and e ectively as good stewards of the co-op’s resources!
Members of the Watkins, Ward & Sta ord accounting firm recently assisted 4-County in an inventory count — part of the co-op’s overall audit process.
It’s been a long time since the bell rang at the old Salem School building in Noxubee County. However, a local community group is receiving a ringing endorsement for its restoration e orts at the historic site.
Salem School Historical Society recently launched a long-term plan to restore the building and grounds to its former state of prosperity. The school opened in 1914 (serving grammar and high school students) and closed its doors in the late 1940s. Through the years, despite periodic usage, the Federal-Style building and its red brick walls have fallen into a state of disrepair. The building and property is owned by the Salem School Historical Society.
The group recently received a $6,527 grant from the 4-County Foundation to address drainage and gravel concerns at the Noxubee County landmark. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places. Betty Lou Jones, president of the society, said Salem School is an iconic structure for those in the Concord/Salem Community. “It’s been sitting empty for so long. But it’s withstood the test of time. Everyone in the community feels like it means something to the people that grew up here,” Jones said.
The 4-County Foundation Grant is helping jumpstart the group’s long-term plans to restore the building and grounds for use as a community events center. “4-County is hometown folks,” Jones added. “They understand. They’re helping us get
additional support. They recognize the value of this project to the community. We appreciate the 4-County Foundation so much. It means a lot to a lot of people.”
Board members say those who grew up in the Concord/Salem Community are beginning to return home for retirement. Many of their parents or grandparents attended or supported the school. “The community is growing. We look forward to bringing this project back to fruition,” Board Member David Lindley said. The group is quick to laud the assistance of Mississippi State University. “They’ve been a big help with the project,” Jones said.
The Society estimates that a complete restoration of the building and property will cost $386,800. A Community Supper to update area residents on restoration e orts is set for Oct. 26. The public is encouraged to attend the free event.
Committee members are: Betty Lou Jones, president; Jane & Nick Clark, treasurer and vice president, Miriam & Morris Miller, secretary, Andy Roy Cotton, Wayne Outz, Champ Adcock, Marti Kau man and David Lindley.
“It’s just a source of pride for the community,” Jones said of the project. “And it’s up to us to tell the Salem School story.”
For more information or to donate to project e orts, call Board Member Nick Clark at 662-251-8224, or go to www. salemhistoricalsociety.net or check out the group on Facebook.
Ricky Blake has one thought in mind as he laces up his boots for a day of work at 4-County Electric Power Association. “I want to give it my best shot,” the Senior Service Coordinator said.
He’s done just that for 41 years. Ricky also gives it his best shot in competitive shooting contests throughout the country. Four years ago, he began participating in Sporting Clays events. It is a competitive shooting sport, utilizing shotguns and thrown clay targets, sometimes multiples. He has competed in Mississippi, Lousiana, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee and Texas. His ranking is Master Class, and he is a member of the National Sporting Clays Association.
How did his interest in the sport begin? “I grew up shooting and hunting,” he said. “One day, some friends invited me to shoot Sporting Clays.” Ricky uses a Beretta 12-gauge shotgun. He also competes in Helice competitions (automated five-throw events). “This involves a lot of instinctive shooting,” he said. “For the most part, I’m involved because I enjoy it and for the thrill of competition.”
Ricky is based at 4-County’s Starkville Customer Service Center. He began working at the co-op two months out of West Point High School and fresh o the family dairy farm where he began working with milk cows when he was 6.
Today, he has his own 100-acre hay farm. He enjoys cutting the grass there, keeping the farm neat and tending to a vegetable garden full of peas and okra.
Ricky and his wife, Christy, live in Cedar Blu . They have one grown daughter, Beverly McKnight. Ricky and Christy are members of Hope Baptist Church in Cedar Blu .
His first 4-County job was working with Jody Thompson on the co-op’s rights-of-way crew. He then completed requirements for becoming a journeyman lineman. He later advanced to crew leader, staking engineer, and then progressed to his current position. Ricky has completed numerous courses through the Tennessee Valley Public Power Authority and 4-County. “I’ve worked from the ground up. It’s been a good journey,” Ricky said.
That journey comes complete with plenty of memories in his storied career. “Ice storms,” he said, shaking his head. “You can’t forget those. The weather conditions are so tough.”
When the going gets tough, Ricky said, that’s when the co-op works best. “I’ve enjoyed the trouble-shooting part of the electric power industry,” he said, pinpointing solving problems from start to finish. “4-County has been good to me. It’s been an excellent career.”
A tradition of dependable, hometown service since 1937
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PHILADELPHIA: 601-656-2601 |
RANKIN: 601-829-1201 |
SEBASTOPOL: 601-625-7422
QMy windows are old and drafty, and I’m thinking about replacing them. Can you recommend a few options I should consider?
AUpgrading or improving your windows is an important component of your home’s energy e ciency. According to the Department of Energy, heat gain and loss through windows consumes 25% to 30% of residential heating and cooling energy use.
Start by identifying the kind of windows you have. Are they single pane or double pane? Looking closely at the window’s edge, you can see the number of windowpanes. Are the frames metal, wood, or vinyl? Some manufacturers etch the make and model numbers in a corner of the glass, so you can look up the manufacturer for more information. Single-pane windows and double-pane windows with metal frames are the least energy e cient. The lower the e ciency of your existing windows, the higher the potential for energy savings.
There are several options for improving your windows, ranging from replacement windows to storm windows to budget-friendly repairs.
Several components can make windows more e cient. High-quality frame materials insulate and reduce heat transfer. Two or more panes of glass with space in between (filled with air or gas) improve the window’s insulation capability. Warm edge spacers hold the panes of glass the proper distance apart and help insulate the edges of the panes. Low-emissivity coatings applied to the glass can reflect infrared light, keeping the heat in during the winter and out during the summer.
Window e ciency is rated in U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coe cient, or SHGC. U-factor measures heat transfer through the window, which relates to how well it insulates. The lower the U-factor, the more e cient the window. The SHGC measures how e ectively the window blocks heat from the sun.
If you want to replace your existing windows, I recommend shopping for ENERGY STAR®-certified windows. ENERGY STAR® sets specific U-factor and SHGC requirements based on your geography, so you get the best fit for your location. Replacement windows o er additional benefits, like improved operability and aesthetics. As with many industries, the window industry has been impacted by price increases over the past few years, so keep in mind, this can be an expensive upgrade.
Storm windows are a lower-cost solution for some homes. Traditional storm windows are made with clear glass. Low emissivity
storm windows have energy savings similar to replacement windows at about a third of the cost.
Storm windows are mounted to the interior or exterior and are available in operable styles, so you can still open and close your windows. Look for ENERGY STAR®-certified models.
If you want to maintain the historic architecture of your existing windows, low-e storm windows are a great option. Some companies can refit your existing window frames with custom double-pane glass and weatherstripping.
As with any home improvement project, be sure to get multiple quotes to compare pricing and scope of work. You may find additional savings with rebates from your electric co-op, or state or federal tax credits for window upgrades.
If new windows or storm windows are not in the budget, your best bet is to maintain your existing windows. Keep the paint and caulking on the exterior in good condition. That will help prevent damage from the elements. Caulk around the inside trim, ensure sash locks are installed properly and seal tight when locked. There are a variety of weatherstripping types for windows to keep drafts at bay.
Whether you replace or make improvements to what you have, adding e ciency to your windows will add year-round comfort to your home.
Miranda Boutelle is the chief operating o cer at E ciency Services Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energy e ciency company.
by Miranda Boutelle
107 EAST MAIN STREET • CARTHAGE, MS 39051
o ers the tools and knowledge that will enable you to sharpen your leadership skills in your classroom, community, church, and family. Since 1986, students in Mississippi have competed for the opportunity to participate in this unique leadership program. This program is an educational and fun experience that makes a lasting impact on young people.
Once you are selected as a Central Electric representative, you will attend:
The three-day workshop features a true cooperative learning atmosphere. More than 80 students from across the state will experience cooperative team-building exercises, a breakfast with their legislators, a visit to the Capitol, a town hall meeting, and motivational speakers. We will also have time for games and interaction between the students.
You will have the opportunity to earn a $500 or $1,000 scholarship.
The group of young Mississippians participating in the program represent electric cooperatives across the state. Students are selected through various forms of competition conducted by the local cooperatives.
Annually, more than 1,000 young people are involved in the program selection process statewide
Each year, Mississippi’s student delegation joins more than 1,800 high school juniors from 44 states across the nation at the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour in Washington, D.C., where they learn about cooperatives and rural electrification from a national perspective.
The Youth Tour is a wonderful sightseeing experience that also o ers an opportunity for making new friends.
The Youth Tour is organized by the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi (ECM) and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).
Students’ expenses for both events are funded entirely by Central Electric. There are no hidden costs; Central Electric pays for all travel, lodging, meals, educational materials, and admission fees. Our support of the program demonstrates a commitment to our young people and a desire to provide an e ective, high-quality leadership program to help prepare them for life’s challenges.
Central Electric’s Cooperative Youth Leaders program director will contact an o cial at each of our local schools and provide program details. If you are interested in being a representative, contact your school guidance counselor or fill out and return the application on the following page.
Our program is for high school juniors interested in enhancing their leadership skills.
(Please limit your information to this sheet)
Are you currently a high school junior and your parent(s) or legal guardian receives electric service from Central Electric Power Association? If so, you are eligible to apply to represent Central Electric Power Association in the Cooperative Leaders Workshop February 21-23, 2024, and the NRECA Washington, D.C., Youth Tour June 17-22, 2023.
1. Applicant must be a high school junior (11th grade) whose parent(s) or legal guardian(s) receives electric service from Central Electric Power Association.
2. The top applicants will be selected by an independent panel of judges to participate in an interview process. Following the interview process, winners will be selected to represent Central Electric Power Association in the Cooperative Leaders Workshop in Jackson and the NRECA Youth Tour of Washington, D.C.
3. If selected, student must commit to attend both the Cooperative Leaders Workshop February 21-23, 2024, in Jackson, MS and the NRECA Youth Tour, June 17-22, 2024, in Washington, D.C.
4. Application must be filled out by the student and postmarked by Friday, September 22, 2023. Please email your application to jcpatterson@centralepa.com or mail to:
Cooperative Youth Leaders
Attn: Jessica Patterson
Central Electric Power Association
Post Office Box 477
Carthage, MS 39051
Student’s full name
Name student goes by Student’s mailing address
Student’s 911 address
Parent(s) or legal guardian
Name Central EPA bill is listed in
Account number
Daytime phone number
Alternate number
Email address School
Student’s t-shirt size
Student signature
Parent/legal guardian signature
Please list any school and community activities/memberships and leadership positions:
Please list any awards or special recognition:
What are your college and career goals?
What are two characteristics of a good leader and why?
What is an interesting fact about yourself?
This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer
Please contact Central Electric’s youth leadership program coordinator if you have any questions.
Jessica Patterson, program director 601-267-5671 • jcpatterson@centralepa.com
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Once logged in, select “Edit Profile” then
Update preferences under “Bill Delivery Preferences” to “Email”
by Qua’Shara Monix
Aside from being the uno cial kicko of NFL season, Labor Day is a holiday meant to honor workers. One of the most popular ways to celebrate Labor Day is to host a barbecue or picnic with friends and family. It’s a perfect way of bringing people together to celebrate the hard work of everyone in your community.
Another way to kick o Labor Day is to patronize local restaurants and businesses. Local businesses build strong communities. When we support each other, it creates a cohesive, welcoming community identity. A local business is more likely to hire local workers and donate profits back into the community. Small business owners are completely invested in their businesses
and neighborhoods, which means they are less likely to move out of town or close without warning. As a result of that investment, we should experience great customer service with a high level of excellence.
Hungry for a homestyle juicy steak or homemade burger? Crispy fried chicken wings? Finger licking BBQ? Pizza like a pro? Chimichanga or Birria tacos? Kibbie anyone? Let’s continue spreading love and strengthening the community together by improving the local economy and empowering our community members.
Have a great holiday!
QMy windows are old and drafty, and I’m thinking about replacing them. Can you recommend a few options I should consider?
AUpgrading or improving your windows is an important component of your home’s energy e ciency. According to the Department of Energy, heat gain and loss through windows consumes 25% to 30% of residential heating and cooling energy use.
Start by identifying the kind of windows you have. Are they single pane or double pane? Looking closely at the window’s edge, you can see the number of windowpanes. Are the frames metal, wood, or vinyl? Some manufacturers etch the make and model numbers in a corner of the glass, so you can look up the manufacturer for more information. Single-pane windows and double-pane windows with metal frames are the least energy e cient. The lower the e ciency of your existing windows, the higher the potential for energy savings.
There are several options for improving your windows, ranging from replacement windows to storm windows to budget-friendly repairs.
Several components can make windows more e cient. High-quality frame materials insulate and reduce heat transfer. Two or more panes of glass with space in between (filled with air or gas) improve the window’s insulation capability. Warm edge spacers hold the panes of glass the proper distance apart and help insulate the edges of the panes. Low-emissivity coatings applied to the glass can reflect infrared light, keeping the heat in during the winter and out during the summer.
Window e ciency is rated in U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coe cient, or SHGC. U-factor measures heat transfer through the window, which relates to how well it insulates. The lower the U-factor, the more e cient the window. The SHGC measures how e ectively the window blocks heat from the sun.
Two or more panes of glass improve the insulation capability of the window.
Photo Credit: Alpen High Performance Products
If you want to replace your existing windows, I recommend shopping for ENERGY STAR®-certified windows. ENERGY STAR® sets specific U-factor and SHGC requirements based on your geography, so you get the best fit for your location. Replacement windows o er additional benefits, like improved operability and aesthetics. As with many industries, the window industry has been impacted by price increases over the past few years, so keep in mind, this can be an expensive upgrade.
Storm windows are a lower-cost solution for some homes. Traditional storm windows are made with clear glass. Low emissivity storm windows have energy savings similar to replacement windows at about a third of the cost.
Storm windows are mounted to the interior or exterior and are available in operable styles, so you can still open and close your windows. Look for ENERGY STAR®certified models.
If you want to maintain the historic architecture of your existing windows, low-e storm windows are a great option. Some companies can refit your existing window frames with custom double-pane glass and weatherstripping.
As with any home improvement project, be sure to get multiple quotes to compare pricing and scope of work. You may find additional savings with rebates from your electric co-op, or state or federal tax credits for window upgrades.
If new windows or storm windows are not in the budget, your best bet is to maintain your existing windows. Keep the paint and caulking on the exterior in good condition. That will help prevent damage from the elements. Caulk around the inside trim, ensure sash locks are installed properly and seal tight when locked. There are a variety of weatherstripping types for windows to keep drafts at bay.
Whether you replace or make improvements to what you have, adding e ciency to your windows will add year-round comfort to your home.
Miranda Boutelle is the chief operating o cer at E ciency Services Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energy e ciency company.
Windows add to the aesthetic of our homes. Ensure they also add comfort year-round by maintaining or replacing old windows. Photo Credit: Alpen High Performance Products Before looking into window replacement, assess the condition of your existing windows for opportunities to improve their e ciency. When checking your windows, ensure sash locks are installed properly and sealed tight when locked.Whether you replace or make improvements to what you have, adding e ciency to your windows will add year-round comfort to your home.by Abby Berry
The benefits of installing rooftop solar panels may seem like a no-brainer, but the reality is, not every home (and homeowner’s situation) is always right for solar.
There are several factors to consider before pulling the trigger on a rooftop solar system, like determining if your home will receive enough sun to achieve your goals, finding the right contractor, negotiating contracts, and other important details.
If your primary goal is to save money on electric bills, you may be able to achieve this through an energy audit from your co-op, which can identify areas of the home for maximum energy savings.
Your roof should be in good condition before installing solar panels. If your roof is old and in poor shape, it may need to be replaced before panels can be mounted. Additionally, your roof should receive a lot of sun to make the most of a rooftop system. Consider how much sun (and shade) the roof receives and if any trees will need to be removed.
If you’re considering rooftop solar, you’re likely planning to stay in the home for several years. But if you plan to sell the home at some point down the road, consider that not all potential buyers will want to maintain a rooftop solar system. If you enter a contract to lease the system, carefully review the terms and what those mean if you decide to sell the property.
Purchasing a rooftop solar system outright is expensive, which is why many homeowners opt to lease their solar panels. However, federal tax credits can help cover some of the costs for a new system, up to 30%. Regardless of how you decide to finance the solar system, make sure you get several quotes from qualified contractors.
It may seem obvious but be sure to request proof and documentation of the contractor’s licensing, permitting, and other credentials. Comb through company reviews, check the contractor’s status with Better Business Bureau, etc. — do your homework on the front end before signing a contract. Solar scams are very common, and you want to be careful.
If you decide to hire a contractor to install rooftop solar, carefully read the fine print of the contract. Do the system performance calculations seem realistic? Does the project timeframe sound reasonable? Negotiate the contract terms to fit your goals and needs.
Determining who is responsible for maintaining the solar panels will depend on who owns the system. If you lease the system from a solar installer, it may be their responsibility. Periodically, solar panels need to be cleaned as dirt and debris can impact panel productivity. Parts may also need to be replaced, so it’s important to know who will take on these responsibilities.
Finally, but equally important, you should contact your electric co-op if you decide to install solar. The system must be connected to the electric grid, so you’ll need to sign an interconnection agreement. We can walk you through the steps, including how solar rates and fees work.
As with any major home project, do plenty of research upfront, and contact your electric co-op if you have questions or decide to move forward with installation.
Abby Berry writes on consumer and cooperative a airs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
It’s been one hot summer. It’s been so hot that even if you can find a pool to try to cool o in, it feels more like taking a hot bath! High temperatures mean high energy use and that means high bills. I know I’ve received some of the highest ever at my house this summer. When bills are high, members often wonder if we’ve raised rates. The answer is no. Our rates are the same this summer as they were in the spring. The di erence is the weather. Even if you are doing all you can to be e cient and save money, even if you haven’t touched your thermostat setting, your AC unit has been working hard all summer to combat the heat outside to keep your home comfortable.
We know that high bills are a burden for our members, and we want you to know that we are working on your behalf to bring reliable, a ordable energy to your homes and businesses. To manage costs on our end, we work with our generation and transmission provider, Cooperative Energy, to ensure that we have varied sources of fuel for power generation. We also o er
programs to help you save, like our Time of Use rate, and have interactive energy audit tools on our website. If your bill is too heavy of a burden to carry this summer, you can apply for energy assistance through our Share Your Blessings fund. The program is financed by contributions to our Operation Round Up program so there is a steady source of funding for those who need a little extra help. To see if you qualify, call Catholic Charities at 855-847-0555.
If you want more information about energy e ciency or assistance, remember, we are always here to help.
by Ron Barnes
President and CEO
Charitable organizations that serve Hancock, Harrison or Pearl River counties could be eligible for a grant of up to $10,000!
organizations that serve Hancock, or Pearl River counties could be e for a grant of up to $10,000!
9, Operation Round Up has given than $1 million in grants thanks to sity of our members We thank you ting your local community and we d to share that grant applications able for the month of February
Since 2019, Operation Round Up has given back more than $1 million in grants thanks to the generosity of our members. We thank you for supporting your local community and we are excited to share that grant applications are available for the month of February.
Coast Electric was recognized at the 2023 Hancock Chamber Midyear Meeting in July for the $10,000 Operation Round Up grant that was awarded to the Hancock County Community Foundation in May. The grant was used to outfit their Business Center with computers, audio/video, and o ce equipment.
Share Your Blessings can help. Temperatures have been soaring this summer. High temperatures mean increased energy use and higher bills. We understand that high bills are a burden for our members and that everyone needs a little help from time to time. Coast Electric’s Share Your Blessings fund is available to Coast Electric members through Catholic Charities. The fund is financed by contributions to the Operation Round Up program. Funds are distributed based on need, not religious a liation. If you need assistance, please call 855-847-0555 to see if you qualify.
Coast Electric employees contributed over $1,500 of school supplies to the United Way of South Mississippi’s Fill the Bus school supplies drive. The drive helps students start the year with the tools they need to succeed. Supplies went to North Woolmarket Elementary, North Bay Elementary, Orange Grove Elementary, Crossroads Elementary, the Bay Waveland School District, the Hancock County School District and South Side Upper Elementary.
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.
Cooperative Energy, together with the 11 member distribution cooperatives it serves, including Coast Electric and Pearl River Valley Electric, awarded a Cooperative Competes grant to Pearl River Community College (PRCC) to expand its Utility Lineman Technology program.
The program is o ered at the college’s main campus in Poplarville and currently has about 25 students participating each year. A $50,000 grant from Cooperative Competes and another $50,000 from Mississippi Power will help PRCC construct a new building for training, allowing more students to participate in this high-demand program. The new facility will also be used as an energy academy to introduce high school students to careers in the energy industry.
“One of our responsibilities is to bring students who have never been introduced to an industry before and show them a clear path to success,” said Pearl River Community College President Dr. Adam Breerwood. “Students have come in and received everything they need to create opportunities for themselves and their families right here in our community. We couldn’t do this without the support of our local companies and industries and we’re excited about not just where we are today, but where we’re headed in the future.”
“The lineman program at PRCC is an asset to our community,” said Coast Electric President and CEO Ron
Barnes. “It gives students the tools they need to build a successful career locally, and it ensures that our cooperative has a skilled workforce for years to come. This investment is not just about a building but improving life for people in our community and creating job opportunities for our residents. At Coast Electric, our mission is to improve the quality of life in our communities. Part of that responsibility includes giving people opportunities to thrive right here in Mississippi.”
The Cooperative Competes initiative, aimed at increasing product and community competitiveness, was unveiled in 2019. A component of the initiative is to enhance workforce development e orts in the communities that we serve by applying for grant funds to o set program-related costs for workforce development programs. These funds are provided jointly by Cooperative Energy’s 11 member distribution cooperatives. Eligible uses include industrial site preparation, environmental due diligence studies, as a portion of the local match for Mississippi Development Authority’s Site Development Grant Program, workforce development or other property development needs. A local funding match is typically required for Cooperative Competes grants.
For more information about Cooperative Competes, visit www.cooperativeenergy.com/economic-developmentcooperative-competes/.
• Pay online at www.CoastConnect.com with a debit or credit card, or banking information.
• Call us at 877-969-3884.
• Use the kiosks outside any Coast Electric o ce to pay with a card, cash or check.
• Use the drop boxes at Coast Electric o ces and Rouses in Diamondhead.
• Pay by check or cash at any Coast Electric o
Last month, CoastConnect began using a new information system and payment portal for subscribers. We want to thank our subscribers for their patience and cooperation through this process. If anyone hasn’t registered for our new portal yet, we encourage you to do so. Visit www. CoastConnect.com and click “Pay Bill” to get started. If you haven’t registered using the new system yet, please register before you try to sign in. You will need to register with your account number and the email address that is associated with your CoastConnect account.
Please note that, at this time, you can still view your CoastConnect account on the Coast Electric portal, but it will show as an inactive account and will not have updated information about your account. Please do not make a payment using the Coast Electric portal. CoastConnect subscribers must use CoastConnect methods to pay your bill. We know change is never easy, but we are here to help if you need us! We appreciate your support and cooperation as we work to improve our service.
Free energy from the sun and lower electric bills… Where do I sign up?
The benefits of installing rooftop solar panels may seem like a no-brainer, but the reality is, not every home (and homeowner’s situation) is always right for solar.
There are several factors to consider before pulling the trigger on a rooftop solar system, like determining if your home will receive enough sun to achieve your goals, finding the right contractor, negotiating contracts, and other important details.
If your primary goal is to save money on electric bills, you may be able to achieve this through an energy audit from your co-op, which can identify areas of the home for maximum energy savings.
Your roof should be in good condition before installing solar panels. If your roof is old and in poor shape, it may need to be replaced before panels can be mounted. Additionally, your roof should receive a lot of sun to make the most of a rooftop system. Consider how much sun (and shade) the roof receives and if any trees will need to be removed.
If you’re considering rooftop solar, you’re likely planning to stay in the home for several years. But if you plan to sell the home at some point down the road, consider that not all potential buyers will want to maintain a rooftop solar system. If you enter a contract to lease the system, carefully review the terms and what those mean if you decide to sell the property.
Purchasing a rooftop solar system outright is expensive, which is why many homeowners opt to lease their solar panels. However, federal tax credits can help cover some of the costs for a new system, up to 30%. Regardless of how you decide to finance the solar system, make sure you get several quotes from qualified contractors.
It may seem obvious but be sure to request proof and documentation of the contractor’s licensing, permitting, and other credentials. Comb through company reviews, check the contractor’s status with Better Business Bureau, etc. — do your homework on the front end before signing a contract. Solar scams are very common, and you want to be careful.
If you decide to hire a contractor to install rooftop solar, carefully read the fine print of the contract. Do the system performance calculations seem realistic? Does the project timeframe sound reasonable? Negotiate the contract terms to fit your goals and needs.
Determining who is responsible for maintaining the solar panels will depend on who owns the system. If you lease the system from a solar installer, it may be their responsibility. Periodically, solar panels need to be cleaned as dirt and debris can impact panel productivity. Parts may also need to be replaced, so it’s important to know who will take on these responsibilities.
Finally, but equally important, you should contact your electric co-op if you decide to install solar. The system must be connected to the electric grid, so you’ll need to sign an interconnection agreement. We can walk you through the steps, including how solar rates and fees work.
As with any major home project, do plenty of research upfront, and contact your electric co-op if you have questions or decide to move forward with installation.
QMy windows are old and drafty, and I’m thinking about replacing them. Can you recommend a few options I should consider?
AUpgrading or improving your windows is an important component of your home’s energy e ciency. According to the Department of Energy, heat gain and loss through windows consumes 25% to 30% of residential heating and cooling energy use.
Start by identifying the kind of windows you have. Are they single pane or double pane? Looking closely at the window’s edge, you can see the number of windowpanes. Are the frames metal, wood, or vinyl? Some manufacturers etch the make and model numbers in a corner of the glass, so you can look up the manufacturer for more information. Single-pane windows and double-pane windows with metal frames are the least energy e cient. The lower the e ciency of your existing windows, the higher the potential for energy savings.
There are several options for improving your windows, ranging from replacement windows to storm windows to budget-friendly repairs.
Several components can make windows more e cient. High-quality frame materials insulate and reduce heat transfer. Two or more panes of glass with space in between (filled with air or gas) improve the window’s insulation capability. Warm edge spacers hold the panes of glass the proper distance apart and help insulate the edges of the panes. Low-emissivity coatings applied to the glass can reflect infrared light, keeping the heat in during the winter and out during the summer.
Window e ciency is rated in U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coe cient, or SHGC. U-factor measures heat transfer through the window, which relates to how well it insulates. The lower the U-factor, the more e cient the window. The SHGC measures how e ectively the window blocks heat from the sun.
Two or more panes of glass improve the insulation capability of the window.
Photo Credit: Alpen High Performance Products
If you want to replace your existing windows, I recommend shopping for ENERGY STAR®-certified windows. ENERGY STAR® sets specific U-factor and SHGC requirements based on your geography, so you get the best fit for your location. Replacement windows o er additional benefits, like improved operability and aesthetics. As with many industries, the window industry has been impacted by price increases over the past few years, so keep in mind, this can be an expensive upgrade.
Storm windows are a lower-cost solution for some homes. Traditional storm windows are made with clear glass. Low emissivity storm windows have energy savings similar to replacement windows at about a third of the cost.
Storm windows are mounted to the interior or exterior and are available in operable styles, so you can still open and close your windows. Look for ENERGY STAR®certified models.
If you want to maintain the historic architecture of your existing windows, low-e storm windows are a great option. Some companies can refit your existing window frames with custom double-pane glass and weatherstripping.
As with any home improvement project, be sure to get multiple quotes to compare pricing and scope of work. You may find additional savings with rebates from your electric co-op, or state or federal tax credits for window upgrades.
If new windows or storm windows are not in the budget, your best bet is to maintain your existing windows. Keep the paint and caulking on the exterior in good condition. That will help prevent damage from the elements. Caulk around the inside trim, ensure sash locks are installed properly and seal tight when locked. There are a variety of weatherstripping types for windows to keep drafts at bay.
Whether you replace or make improvements to what you have, adding e ciency to your windows will add year-round comfort to your home.
Miranda Boutelle is the chief operating o cer at E ciency Services Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energy e ciency company.
Windows add to the aesthetic of our homes. Ensure they also add comfort year-round by maintaining or replacing old windows. Photo Credit: Alpen High Performance Products Before looking into window replacement, assess the condition of your existing windows for opportunities to improve their e ciency. When checking your windows, ensure sash locks are installed properly and sealed tight when locked.Whether you replace or make improvements to what you have, adding e ciency to your windows will add year-round comfort to your home.
Are you canning some of your summer garden harvest this year? If so, be sure to follow scientifically tested recipes and methods to ensure a safe product.
Some canning mistakes can be deadly if your products are contaminated by the botulinum toxin, which causes botulism poisoning. You cannot see, smell, or taste this toxin, but the tiniest taste of contaminated food can kill you.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Using your own recipe. Always use scientifically tested recipes. These recipes have been tested by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in a laboratory to determine the correct measurements of all ingredients, jar size, measurements of pH, time, temperature, and pressure. The combination of these elements helps kill potential bacteria.
Adding extra starch, flour, or other thickener to a recipe. A thicker product will not heat as quickly, which could result in botulism poisoning.
Adding extra onions, chilies, or other vegetables to salsa. More ingredients reduce the acidity of the recipe, which could result in botulism poisoning.
Using an oven instead of a water bath for processing. Ovens do not provide su cient heat to kill harmful bacteria when canning. Open kettle canning and dishwasher processing also are unsafe and should be avoided.
Not making altitude adjustments. Products could be underprocessed and unsafe to eat if you do not adjust pounds of pressure or processing time at higher altitudes.
Not venting a pressure canner. Venting removes air pockets in the canner that can create cold spots, which do not allow the contents to get as hot as needed to kill harmful bacteria.
Not testing dial-type pressure canner gauges each year. An inaccurate gauge can mean products do not get processed at the right temperature and for the proper time. This can lead to botulism poisoning.
Not adding acid to tomatoes. Di erent varieties of tomatoes have di erent acidity levels. Without enough acid, the product can cause botulism poisoning.
Cooling a pressure canner under running water. Residual heat from the cooling pressure canner is calculated into the processing time and is necessary for a safe product.
Allowing food prepared for “hot pack” processing to cool in the jars before placing them in a canner to process. This could result in under-processed food. Under-processed salsa, vegetables, and canned meat can cause botulism poisoning.
Susan M. Collins-Smith is a writer for the Mississippi State University Extension Service.
With Labor Day right around the corner, I’m reminded once again of the immense value and dedication that our employees bring to our organization and the communities we serve. Labor Day, a day set aside to honor the contributions of workers across the nation, holds a special significance for us at Dixie Electric. I am proud and honored to lead a dedicated team of individuals who power our cooperative and communities.
Labor Day is more than just a long weekend or a signal that summer is coming to an end. It is an opportunity to reflect on the shared spirit of unity and collaboration that defines the foundation of the cooperative movement. Since our inception, our mission has been to empower our community through providing reliable and a ordable electric services. Now with the addition of DE Fastlink broadband services, we’ve been able to empower our members with connectivity. This would not have been possible without the tireless e orts of our dedicated team of employees.
At Dixie Electric, we are not just colleagues; we are a family. Our linemen, engineers, fiber technicians, member service representatives, administrative sta , and all the other individuals who make up our cooperative family work hand in hand, driven by a common purpose. Together, we strive to provide our members with the highest standard of service and a commitment to excellence that sets us apart from other utilities.
Labor Day also reminds us of the cooperative principles that guide our operations every day. We firmly believe in the value of democratic member control, which means every member of our cooperative has
a say in how we function and what our future looks like. We listen to our members, learn from their feedback, and continuously improve our services to meet their evolving needs. As a reminder, our annual board elections are now underway, and I encourage you to exercise your vote. You can read more on how to do that on the following page.
In the spirit of Labor Day, we also recognize the significance of reaching out and helping those in need. Our cooperative believes in giving back to the community that has given us so much. Whether it’s through charitable initiatives, educational programs, or supporting local events, we aim to make a positive impact on the lives of our members and the people we serve.
This Labor Day, I encourage you to take a moment to appreciate the power of cooperation and hard work. It is the spirit of collaboration that has brought us this far, and it will be the driving force behind our shared success in the future. Together, we will continue to power communities and empower lives.
On behalf of Dixie Electric, I wish everyone a safe and happy Labor Day.
by Randy Smith General Manager
communities and empowering lives” Dixie Electric is an equal opportunity employer and provider.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2023
1863 Highway 184 • Laurel, MS 39443
Voting at the Laurel o ce is from 10 until 10:50 a.m. The in-person and online annual meeting begins at 11 a.m.
Vote and you could win up to
$500 credit on your electric bill
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2023
In-person voting is from 10 to 10:50 a.m. on Oct. 21, 2023, at the Laurel o ce. The annual meeting will also be held online at dixieepa.com beginning at 11 a.m.
Dear Member,
The Credentials and Election Committee, made up of members of the cooperative, met on August 10, 2023, and certified the following individuals as candidates in their respective districts. The certification includes verifying the qualifications and the petitions submitted by the candidates. The following individuals were the only members who submitted the qualifying documentation:
District 2: Allen Sledge, Sr.
District 7: Dale McKee
Respectfully Submitted, Chairman Margarett Dennis, Credentials and Election Committee
To view a copy of Dixie Electric’s bylaws and/or annual meeting report, visit dixieepa.com.
If you need any kind of interpreter at the Annual Membership Meeting, foreign language or sign language, please contact the communication department at (601) 425-2535 at least five days prior to the annual meeting.
Sign in to your SmartHub app. 1
2 Follow the instructions and submit your vote. 3
Click the Vote Now button located in the top, right-hand corner.
VOTE ONE OF THREE WAYS & help your community!
Only one vote per household will be counted. If you choose to vote through your SmartHub account, there is no need to return your mail ballot or proxy.
Dixie Electric will donate $1 for every vote cast or proxy submitted, divided equally, to the Laurel Christian Food Mission, Petal Children’s Task Force, and Samaritan’s Closet and Pantry in Waynesboro.
Each year, members in eligible districts have the opportunity to qualify to run for their board seat. In years where there is only one candidate on the ballot, that simply means only one member sought qualification for candidacy. Even if only one candidate seeks election, the membership must still elect that candidate, and our bylaws state that an annual meeting can only occur by achieving a 10 percent quorum. By voting in our annual board elections, you help maintain the democratic process while also actively engaging and participating in the cooperative’s business. Voting in our board elections is vital for upholding democratic principles, fostering accountability, and encouraging active member participation.
Allen Sledge, Sr. • DISTRICT 2
Allen Sledge brought years of utility experience to Dixie Electric’s board of directors, having worked for Bellsouth, now AT&T, for the majority of his career. Allen has served on Dixie Electric’s board since 2009. He has been married to Patsy Baylis for more than 50 years, and they have three children, seven grandchildren, and one great grandchild. He is a member of Petal Harvey Baptist Church and volunteers weekly with the Petal Children’s Task Force.
Dale McKee • DISTRICT 7
Dale McKee, from the Whistler community in Wayne County, has served on Dixie Electric’s board of directors for six years. Dale is the assistant athletic director for Wayne County High School and writes a weekly sports column for a dozen newspapers. He also writes quarterly articles for Dixie Electric’s publication Today in Mississippi. Dale also co-hosts a weekly sports show on the local radio station in Waynesboro. He graduated from Jones College, the University of Southern Mississippi, and earned a master’s degree from William Carey. Dale has been in education for 17 years after retiring as a postmaster from the U.S. Postal Service in 2005. He has also coached youth sports for more than 20 years. Dale and his wife, Teresa, are active in their community and members of First Baptist Church of Waynesboro. They have two children and three grandchildren.
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
Diamond: Waynesboro, Chapparal, Cypress Creek, Shubuta
Macedonia: Macedonia, Sunrise, Barrontown, Union
Cleo Sub: Cleo, Poole Creek, Mill Creek, Strengthford, Myrick
Recently I was asked by a member at church about this summer’s electricity use and prices. Monthly energy use, along with broadband progress and outages from summer pop-up storms, rank as the top three topics on which I get questions.
Let’s look at how pricing has been impacted this year. Just as inflation is impacting everything from the price of gasoline to the price of milk, generation fuels required to produce electricity have also risen. This is a timely topic, so I thought I’d try explaining some of the factors that impact electricity prices (and energy bills).
While there is no short answer, there are a few key elements that impact electricity prices and rates. Some of these costs we can work to manage, some of them you can impact, and others are beyond our control. So, let me break it down.
There are three primary parts to your monthly electric bill: a customer charge, an energy consumption/kWh charge, and an embedded Fuel Cost Adjustment (FCA). To understand your total energy costs and what impacts your bill, let’s unpack one piece at a time.
The first is a fixed monthly customer charge, which covers the costs associated with providing basic electricity access to your home. This includes equipment, materials, labor, and operating costs necessary to serve each meter along the 5,700 miles of distribution lines in our service territory, regardless of energy used. To ensure the reliable service you expect and deserve, we must maintain the local system, including power lines, substations, rights-of-way and other necessary equipment. Like many other businesses, we’ve experienced supply chain issues and steep cost increases for some of our basic equipment. For example, the cost for a distribution transformer (which looks like a metal can at the top of a power pole) has increased to more than three times what it did just a few years ago and wait times to receive this
essential equipment varies from 20 to 52 weeks. New energy e ciency standards introduced in Washington will serve to further the increase in costs, and we are aggressively voicing our concerns.
The second component of your monthly bill is the kWh charge, which covers how much energy you consume. You’ve likely noticed the amount of energy you use can vary from month to month and is typically impacted by extreme temperatures. When temperatures soar or dip, your cooling and heating equipment will run longer, which increases your home energy use. Regardless, energy consumption is an area that you have some control over, and you can lower your monthly bill by actively reducing energy use. Your thermostat is a great place to start. We can assist with energy audits, time-of-use rates, levelized monthly billings and even text alerts for your daily use to help you manage your use.
The third component of your energy cost is the FCA. The FCA increased because of higher generation fuel prices, which means the power EMEPA purchases from our wholesale provider is more expensive. While we can’t control the weather or the rising costs of fuels, please know we are doing everything possible to keep internal costs manageable while still providing you with the service you expect from EMEPA.
We’re here to help. Contact us if you have questions about your energy bill or for advice on how to save energy at home.
by Randy Carroll CEO — East Mississippi Electric Power AssociationFrom a storm-response standpoint, Summer 2023 will go down as one of East Mississippi Electric Power Association’s most challenging seasons of back-to-back storms. Over a six-day period in June, employees responded to three storm events, including a potential tornado, that barreled through the cooperative’s service territory and caused widespread outages.
Starting with the first storm on June 16, employees restored service in 24 hours only to be called out again after storms on June 18 and June 20 — each time, restoring power within 24 hours with no safety incidents and minimal contractor support.
“It is a team e ort that requires all hands on deck, from linemen and right-of-way crews to dispatchers, mechanics, people answering phones, and our logistics team,” said Bryce Nester, director of energy services. “Everybody has to do their part and step up to do a little more than normal to make it all work.”
Normally, mutual assistance and contractor crews support EMEPA. However, with the June storm systems creating havoc for utilities across Mississippi, it was di cult if not impossible to get extra help. Fortunately, a local contract crew was available to assist EMEPA; otherwise, cooperative employees finished each restoration e ort using only in-house resources.
The daunting task included clearing tons of tree and equipment debris, replacing 40 distribution poles, installing new wires, and repairing damaged transmission poles and equipment.
Some weather events that are relatively slow-moving, such as hurricanes, give utilities time to coordinate their response e orts, with a goal to anticipate damages and accelerate service restoration. That wasn’t the case in June.
“With storms like that, you don’t know what you have until it’s on top of you,” said Gary Davidson, facilities engineer. “We have pre-planning procedures in place, but with many storms, there’s no single solution — you have to modify your process as necessary and as quickly as you can. Every storm is di erent, and you have to be fluid with the tactics you use.”
During restoration e orts, Davidson serves as EMEPA’s damage assessment coordinator, dispatching two-person teams into the field to check poles, lines and other equipment. Teams log their findings into an app that he uses to assign repair crews, order materials from the warehouse and keep the logistics team and other key players in the loop so they can respond appropriately.
Advanced metering infrastructure, or AMI, also enables EMEPA to coordinate crew response, e ectively manage larger outages,
Sometimes our newer members ask what makes electric co-ops di erent than other types of utilities. So, with that thought in mind, we would like share a few of the things with all our members.
Because we’re a co-op, we operate a little di erently than other utilities. Magnolia Electric Power’s decisions are made locally, by directors who also live right here in our community. Everyone who pays to receive electricity from the co-op is a member.
When you pay your electric bill each month, your money stays here — to pay for the electricity used, or to make improvements to our local system to strengthen service reliability. The money you pay the co-op doesn’t line the pockets of shareholders five states away. We’re a co-op, and we exist to provide a service to you, our local members.
You may notice that throughout the year, we schedule opportunities for you to attend co-op events, like our Annual Meeting or our Youth Leadership Program, so we talk with our members face-to-face. We invite our members to participate in several of our community events such as the blood drives, or to make a donation to the Toys for Tots. We often hold special meetings with community leaders as we are a part of all the communities we serve. Our employees are actively involved in the communities in which they live.
Our success lies in your satisfaction, which is why we o er these opportunities to engage and listen to what you have to say.
Because you are part of an electric cooperative, you can count on our team to maintain local jobs, at-cost electricity and first-class service, no matter what the economy — and supply chain issues — throw at us.
MEP is striving to keep our costs as low as possible, so we can keep more money in your pocket. We want to help you maximize the value you can get from our services and o erings.
If you want to receive important up-to-the minute information from Magnolia Electric Power, stay in the know by downloading our SmartHub app (for our outage map and other outage information) and follow us on Facebook (which includes tips on how to save energy).
Please know that you — the members of Magnolia Electric — are at the heart of everything we do. Co-ops adhere to seven guiding cooperative principles that reflect core values of honesty, transparency, equity, inclusiveness, and service.
We exist to serve you and provide the quality, reliable, friendly service you expect and deserve. While we’ve grown over the years, we’re still driven by the same guiding principles to serve our community. This coop was created for you, the members. The power is in your hands.
When you pay your electric bill each month, your money stays here – to pay for the electricity used, or to make improvements to our local system to strengthen service reliability.
If you’re an 11th grader served by Magnolia Electric Power, make this year memorable by participating in the 2024 Leadership Workshop in Jackson, Miss., and Youth Tour of Washington, D.C.
Washington National Cathedral
Jefferson, FDR, MLK Memorials
World War II Memorial
Arlington National Cemetery
Iwo Jima Memorial
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
FOR INFORMATION, SEE YOUR GUIDANCE COUNSELOR OR CALL MAGNOLIA ELECTRIC POWER AT 601-250-2421.
SEPTEMBER 13
The benefits of installing rooftop solar panels may seem like a no-brainer, but the reality is, not every home (and homeowner’s situation) is always right for solar.
There are several factors to consider before pulling the trigger on a rooftop solar system, like determining if your home will receive enough sun to achieve your goals, finding the right contractor, negotiating contracts, and other important details.
If your primary goal is to save money on electric bills or go green, solar may be a viable option for you. However, if your main goal is to maintain power through an utility outage, a whole home generator may be a cheaper option.
Your roof should be in good condition before installing solar panels. If your roof is old and in poor shape, it may need to be replaced before panels can be mounted. Additionally, your roof should receive a lot of sun to make the most of a rooftop system. Consider how much sun (and shade) the roof receives and if any trees will need to be removed.
If you’re considering rooftop solar, you’re likely planning to stay in the home for several years. But if you plan to sell the home at some point down the road, consider that not all potential buyers will want to maintain a rooftop solar system. If you enter a contract to lease the system, carefully review the terms and what those mean if you decide to sell the property.
Purchasing a rooftop solar system outright is expensive, which is why many homeowners opt to lease their solar panels. However, federal tax credits can help cover some of the costs for a new system, up to 30%. Regardless of how you decide to finance the solar system, make sure you get several quotes from qualified contractors.
It may seem obvious but be sure to request proof and documentation of the contractor’s licensing, permitting, and other credentials. Comb through company reviews, check the contractor’s status with Better Business Bureau, etc. — do your homework on the front end before signing a contract. Solar scams are very common, and you want to be careful.
If you decide to hire a contractor to install rooftop solar, carefully read the fine print of the contract. Do the system performance calculations seem realistic? Does the project timeframe sound reasonable? Negotiate the contract terms to fit your goals and needs.
Determining who is responsible for maintaining the solar panels will depend on who owns the system. If you lease the system from a solar installer, it may be their responsibility. Periodically, solar panels need to be cleaned as dirt and debris can impact panel productivity. Parts may also need to be replaced, so it’s important to know who will take on these responsibilities.
Finally, but equally important, you should contact Magnolia Electric Power if you decide to install solar, but before construction begins. The system must be connected to the electric grid, so you’ll need to sign an interconnection agreement. We can walk you through the steps, including how solar rates and fees work.
As with any major home project, do plenty of research upfront, and contact your electric co-op if you have questions or decide to move forward with installation.
Here are eight questions to consider before installing rooftop solar panels. Abby Berry writes on consumer and cooperative a airs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
When you pay your electric bill each month, your money stays here — to pay for the electricity used, or to make improvements to our local system to strengthen service reliability.
by Barry Rowland
QMy windows are old and drafty, and I’m thinking about replacing them. Can you recommend a few options I should consider?
AUpgrading or improving your windows is an important component of your home’s energy e ciency. According to the Department of Energy, heat gain and loss through windows consumes 25% to 30% of residential heating and cooling energy use.
Start by identifying the kind of windows you have. Are they single pane or double pane? Looking closely at the window’s edge, you can see the number of windowpanes. Are the frames metal, wood, or vinyl? Some manufacturers etch the make and model numbers in a corner of the glass, so you can look up the manufacturer for more information. Single-pane windows and double-pane windows with metal frames are the least energy e cient. The lower the e ciency of your existing windows, the higher the potential for energy savings.
There are several options for improving your windows, ranging from replacement windows to storm windows to budget-friendly repairs.
Several components can make windows more e cient. High-quality frame materials insulate and reduce heat transfer. Two or more panes of glass with space in between (filled with air or gas) improve the window’s insulation capability. Warm edge spacers hold the panes of glass the proper distance apart and help insulate the edges of the panes. Low-emissivity coatings applied to the glass can reflect infrared light, keeping the heat in during the winter and out during the summer.
Window e ciency is rated in U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coe cient, or SHGC. U-factor measures heat transfer through the window, which relates to how well it insulates. The lower the U-factor, the more e cient the window. The SHGC measures how e ectively the window blocks heat from the sun.
If you want to replace your existing windows, I recommend shopping for ENERGY STAR®-certified windows. ENERGY STAR® sets specific U-factor and SHGC requirements based on your geography, so you get the best fit for your location. Replacement windows o er additional benefits, like improved operability and aesthetics. As with many industries, the window industry has been impacted by price increases over the past few years, so keep in mind, this can be an expensive upgrade.
Storm windows are a lower-cost solution for some homes. Traditional storm windows are made with clear glass. Low emissivity storm windows have energy savings similar to replacement windows at about a third of the cost.
Storm windows are mounted to the interior or exterior and are available in operable styles, so you can still open and close your windows. Look for ENERGY STAR®certified models.
If you want to maintain the historic architecture of your existing windows, low-e storm windows are a great option. Some companies can refit your existing window frames with custom double-pane glass and weatherstripping.
As with any home improvement project, be sure to get multiple quotes to compare pricing and scope of work. You may find additional savings with rebates from your electric co-op, or state or federal tax credits for window upgrades.
If new windows or storm windows are not in the budget, your best bet is to maintain your existing windows. Keep the paint and caulking on the exterior in good condition. That will help prevent damage from the elements. Caulk around the inside trim, ensure sash locks are installed properly and seal tight when locked. There are a variety of weatherstripping types for windows to keep drafts at bay.
Whether you replace or make improvements to what you have, adding e ciency to your windows will add year-round comfort to your home.
Miranda Boutelle is the chief operating o cer at E ciency Services Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energy e ciency company.
Whether you replace or make improvements to what you have, adding e ciency to your windows will add year-round comfort to your home.by Abby Berry
Free energy from the sun and lower electric bills…
The benefits of installing rooftop solar panels may seem like a no-brainer, but the reality is, not every home (and homeowner’s situation) is always right for solar.
There are several factors to consider before pulling the trigger on a rooftop solar system, like determining if your home will receive enough sun to achieve your goals, finding the right contractor, negotiating contracts, and other important details.
If your primary goal is to save money on electric bills, you may be able to achieve this through an energy audit from your co-op, which can identify areas of the home for maximum energy savings.
Your roof should be in good condition before installing solar panels. If your roof is old and in poor shape, it may need to be replaced before panels can be mounted. Additionally, your roof should receive a lot of sun to make the most of a rooftop system. Consider how much sun (and shade) the roof receives and if any trees will need to be removed.
If you’re considering rooftop solar, you’re likely planning to stay in the home for several years. But if you plan to sell the home at some point down the road, consider that not all potential buyers will want to maintain a rooftop solar system. If you enter a contract to lease the system, carefully review the terms and what those mean if you decide to sell the property.
Purchasing a rooftop solar system outright is expensive, which is why many homeowners opt to lease their solar panels. However, federal tax credits can help cover some of the costs for a new system, up to 30%. Regardless of how you decide to finance the solar system, make sure you get several quotes from qualified contractors.
It may seem obvious but be sure to request proof and documentation of the contractor’s licensing, permitting, and other credentials. Comb through company reviews, check the contractor’s status with Better Business Bureau, etc. — do your homework on the front end before signing a contract. Solar scams are very common, and you want to be careful.
If you decide to hire a contractor to install rooftop solar, carefully read the fine print of the contract. Do the system performance calculations seem realistic? Does the project timeframe sound reasonable? Negotiate the contract terms to fit your goals and needs.
Determining who is responsible for maintaining the solar panels will depend on who owns the system. If you lease the system from a solar installer, it may be their responsibility. Periodically, solar panels need to be cleaned as dirt and debris can impact panel productivity. Parts may also need to be replaced, so it’s important to know who will take on these responsibilities.
Finally, but equally important, you should contact your electric co-op if you decide to install solar. The system must be connected to the electric grid, so you’ll need to sign an interconnection agreement. We can walk you through the steps, including how solar rates and fees work.
As with any major home project, do plenty of research upfront, and contact your electric co-op if you have questions or decide to move forward with installation.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are a growing market for new car purchases with more and more people making the switch from the gas station to an electrical outlet to fuel their vehicles. North East Mississippi Electric Power Association wanted to gain a better understanding of EVs and collect data about them.
And the best way to do that was to become the owner of an EV.
Recently, NEMEPA purchased Ford’s all-electric Mustang Mach-E that is used as a company car and is serving as an educational tool for association members.
“We got the car for our sta to use to make trips to understand how they work,” said North East Power CEO Keith Hayward. “We have two charging stations here at the o ce where we can figure out how much energy is used to charge at di erent times.”
The vehicle is available for members to check out and see how they work while receiving helpful and educational information about EVs.
“We decided that it was beneficial for us to learn more about something that is of interest to our members. Having an EV helps us learn more about how to serve our members,” said Sarah Brooke Bishop, communications and marketing manager for North East Power.
Most EVs can travel about 300 miles when they are fully charged. The time it takes to re-charge an EV depends on the size of the charger. Most people use Level 2 chargers at their homes, which can take 8 to 10 hours to fully charge a vehicle. Fast charging stations, or Level 3, can fully charge a vehicle in less than 30 minutes.
Right now, people are charging their EVs at home a majority of the time.
So, what does that do to the electric availability for North East Power? Not much, Hayward said.
“Our powerlines are built for the future,” he said. “We’ve been one of the fastest-growing co-ops since the 1990s. We have been over-building our system to keep up with the growth. As long as TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority) can get us the power, we can get it to our members.”
This past winter, TVA had to issue rolling blackouts after severe winter storms hit our area over the Christmas holiday. TVA recorded the highest 24-hour electricity demand (amount of power needed at any given moment) supplied in the history of the agency and saw the third-highest peak demand. TVA also saw the highest weekend peak demand in history.
Some residents began expressing concerns as to whether local power companies could handle the extra demand of charging electric vehicles.
Hayward said NEMEPA will have no trouble providing the necessary power to charge vehicles; however, members play a part in how much that will cost NEMEPA which purchases its power from TVA.
North East Power encourages their members to avoid charging their electric vehicles during peak load hours. In the winter, that is from 6 to 9 a.m., and in the summer, it’s from 4 to 8 p.m.
“We all have to be in this together,” Hayward said. “If people end up charging at the wrong time, we won’t recoup as much of the money we paid TVA for the energy. If people just avoid charging their vehicles during those peak times, any time of the year, that’s going to help keep costs down for everyone.”
To be nominated as director, you must:
• Obtain a petition with not less than 35 active, non-delinquent members that live in the district from which he/she is to be a candidate for director.
• Nominations must be received at least 45 days before annual meeting in order to be included on the ballot.
www.nemepa.org
A duly completed ballot shall constitute the sole and exclusive means of voting for candidates for director.
Members wishing to run for the board of directors should come by the o ce to pick up a packet which includes the Board of Director Qualifications and Eligibility and o cial nomination form.
Guidelines taken from bylaws.
To view the bylaws visit, NEMEPA.org.
A group of 81 rising high school seniors from all over Mississippi traveled to Washington, D.C. in June to attend the 2023 NRECA Youth Tour.
The trip was the culmination of the students’ participation in the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi’s youth leadership program.
The program instills leadership skills, inspires creative thinking, encourages community service, and introduces students to lawmakers that represent their communities.
During the March workshop in Jackson, the students had the opportunity to meet and hear from state legislators. During the trip to Washington, D.C., the students met and spoke with their U.S.
senators — Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith — and two of their U.S. representatives, Mike Ezell and Michael Guest.
While in Washington, D.C., the students and adult chaperones visited historic sites, monuments, museums, explored Capitol Hill, and had an opportunity to learn about the impact electric cooperatives have on their communities.
The students were chosen by their local electric cooperative. The Cooperatives Youth Leaders program is fully funded — including the trip to D.C. — by the local electric co-ops as a commitment to molding future leaders for Mississippi so they can impact the state and local communities.
With the kids back in school for another year of learning and extracurricular activities, it’s time for parents to set new schedules and routines for managing their family’s work and school obligations. As you’re setting intentions for a new school year, we’re here to help you create healthy tech habits for you and your kids.
Though NE SPARC’s high-speed fiber network delivers the fastest, most reliable internet you and your children can enjoy, we know there is more to life than just online time! To help parents plan and prioritize, we’ve assembled this handy guide to developing healthy tech habits for their kids this school year.
With open communication and a bit of parental enforcement of reasonable limitations on tech use, parents should feel confident that they can build a healthy balance between screen time and other key aspects of their kids’ lives.
The first step you should take before setting up boundaries and promoting healthy tech habits is to have a conversation with your kids. You can discuss your concerns about their screen time and encourage them to engage in other activities, as well.
As part of the conversation, however, do take the time to listen meaningfully to your children’s online interests and usage. After all, there are genuinely beneficial aspects to online activity, from communicating with their friends to learning about new ideas, people, and places, and even acquiring new skills and hobbies.
By approaching the topic as a team, you can work together to maximize their online time. This also helps build trust with your kids that this endeavor is not a punishment; rather it’s about better balancing responsibilities and other interests along with their online usage.
As part of that open and honest conversation, work together to establish clear screen time boundaries. Parents may choose to set up a daily schedule consisting of periods when device usage is acceptable, while other times are strictly o limits (except, of course, for necessary tasks like homework or other learning).
Other parents may be more flexible, allowing only a set number of total hours spent online each day or every week. To stay on top of this, apps and certain device settings can be employed to track just how much time your kids spend online.
Please keep in mind, however, that experts say it’s best that any limitations on screen time be clearly established and be consistent throughout the day and week.
Around the same time you’ve set up screen time limitations, consider scheduling other activities, as well. At first blush these recommendations may sound too rigid and regimented. Remember, however, in a techsaturated culture, the goal is to foster a healthy balance of online and device usage with other priorities and responsibilities.
Thus, consider blocking out a few hours each day to homework and reading time. Or schedule at least an hour of time outdoors or in
physical activity of almost any kind. Also consider planning regular in-person get-togethers with their friends instead of mostly relying on their devices to socialize.
When coupled with the screen time limitations above, many parents (and kids) find that a natural, healthy rhythm between their online lives and other obligations can emerge.
Another tip parents can consider is turning o all — or at least most — notifications on your children’s devices. After all, it’s the seemingly constant stream of dings from notifications that draws kids back to their devices to check emails, text messages, social media posts, or video updates, even if you’ve managed to get them momentarily concentrating on their homework or outdoor activities.
You could also establish a timeframe around limiting notifications instead of outright turning them o entirely. For example, blocking out a two-to-three hour time period between afterschool and dinner time without notifications may help naturally reduce screen time — and perhaps even encourage actual face-to-face conversation at the dinner table!
Our last tip is to remember that your kids are keeping their eyes on you almost as much as you are on them! Thus, it’s important that you model responsible online usage habits yourself.
The more consistently parents model a proper balance between using their devices and other activities, the more likely their kids will do the same.
Given that your child will have to be on their devices a lot more during the school year, these tips should help you better balance their screen time with other aspects of their lives. Just remember the need for open communication, appropriate boundary setting, consistent enforcement of any schedules or limitations, and to model responsible behavior as best you can. And perhaps these tips will help you better balance your own screen time, too!
For more helpful advice on navigating the online world, follow NE SPARC’s social media pages!
September is in full swing, and school has begun. Not only are our young people being educated in schools around our community, many Northcentral employees also continue to learn through continuing education and training opportunities.
Technology abounds in the utility environment. Constantly changing technology requires constant training. As we are a service company first, many employees are a orded opportunities for in-depth communication and leadership. At Northcentral we embrace the thought that we must learn like we will live forever.
Just because students are returning to the classroom doesn’t mean that summer is over. This year is projected to be the hottest year on record. This translates into increased air conditioner use, which results in greater electricity consumption and elevated bills. These conditions often track into October, so keep your thermostats set at a comfortable, but responsible level.
Northcentral and TVA have partnered together to maintain reliability during this oppressive heat, but it comes at a cost. Pent up demand for electricity, fueled by a growing economy and increased need for electrification require more investment in generating and transmission infrastructure. Your electric cooperative has made a steady investment in distribution system
upgrades and maintenance. Many generation and transmission utilities that we and similar organizations purchase power from have struggled to make this investment due to pending federal regulations. The premature skuttling of some coal assets with a limited ability to replace them puts our ability to meet future needs at risk. I believe that we, working with TVA and other utilities, can close this gap; but I am concerned about the cost over the next several years. We’ll keep you informed on these matters as they develop.
All in all, it’s been a great, albeit hot summer. We have challenges now and in front of us. Let’s remember that we live together in a community that has an abundance of great happenings going on.
It’ll be alright. Summer will end. Fall will arrive. I promise. Stay safe.
by Kevin Doddridge General Manager/CEO
Olive Branch Chamber o� Commerce presents the 2023 & Job Recruitment Event
Olive Branch Chamber of Commerce presents the 2023
Branch Chamber o� Commerce presents the 2023 & Job Recruitment Event
& Job Recruitment Event
October 11, 2023 9:00am—3:30pm
October 11, 2023
9:00am—3:30pm Held at:
October 11, 2023 9:00am—3:30pm Held at:
& job recruitment event
October 11, 2023 9:00am—3:30pm
Held at:
Whispering Woods Hotel & Conference Center
Whispering Woods Hotel & Conference Center
Whispering Woods Hotel & Conference Center
October 11, 2023 9:00am – 3:30pm
Whispering Woods Hotel & Conference Center
Þ Discover new Business Opportunities
Þ Discover new Business Opportunities
Þ Discover new Business Opportunities
Þ Perfect venue to showcase your business/products/ services to other vendors & local residents
• Discover new business opportunities
Þ Perfect venue to showcase your business/products/ services to other vendors & local residents
Þ Perfect venue to showcase your business/products/ services to other vendors & local residents
Þ Gain exposure for your business
• Perfect venue to showcase your business/products/services to other vendors & local residents
Þ Gain exposure for your business
Þ Gain exposure for your business
• Gain exposure for your business
Þ Learn about other products & services in the community Þ Network with key business professionals
Þ Learn about other products & services in the community
Þ Learn about other products & services in the community
• Learn about other products & services in the community
Þ Network with key business professionals
Þ Network with key business professionals
• Network with key business professionals
For more info: Olive Branch Chamber of (662) 895-2600 Fax (662) 895 info@olivebranchms.com www.olivebranchms.com
For more info: Olive Branch Chamber of Commerce (662) 895-2600 Fax (662) 895-2625 info@olivebranchms.com www.olivebranchms.com
For more info: Olive Branch Chamber of Commerce (662) 895-2600 • Fax (662) 895-2625 info@olivebranchms.com • www.olivebranchms.com
For more info: Olive Branch Chamber of Commerce (662) 895-2600 Fax (662) 895-2625 info@olivebranchms.com www.olivebranchms.com
For more info: Olive Branch Chamber of Commerce (662) 895-2600 Fax (662) 895-2625 info@olivebranchms.com www.olivebranchms.com
“A first impression is a lasting impression.” We cannot think of a more fitting quote by screenwriter Andrew Kaplan, to describe the way that Patty Tatum approached her day-to-day interactions with everyone that walked through the doors of Northcentral Electric Cooperative. For almost 18 years, she was the first face that you encountered with a warm greeting as receptionist for the cooperative. Patty began her career with Northcentral on October 2, 2006.
Family, friends, and fellow employees gathered for a reception on Aug. 4, to celebrate Patty’s career on her last day before retirement, which also happened to be her birthday. She was presented with a retirement gift as Northcentral General Manager and CEO Kevin Doddridge spoke in her honor, “Patty has always been the first person you encounter at Northcentral. You could always count on that being a great impression, whether it was a first-time visitor or a familiar face.”
The Northcentral family wishes Patty all the best in her well-earned retirement!
Northcentral Electric Cooperative’s Board of Directors voted in their May 31, 2023, meeting to adopt a retail rate increase which will result in an overall increase in revenue of 1.5%. This rate increase will become e ective with the first billing on October 1, 2023.
Northcentral’s rate regulator and wholesale power provider, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), has approved the recommendation by Northcentral’s management of the rate increase to meet the cooperative’s revenue requirements. The rate increase is directly attributed to an increase in wholesale power costs to the cooperative.
The benefits of installing rooftop solar panels may seem like a no-brainer, but the reality is, not every home (and homeowner’s situation) is always right for solar. There are several factors to consider before pulling the trigger on a rooftop solar system, like determining if your home will receive enough sun to achieve your goals, finding the right contractor, negotiating contracts, and other important details.
If your primary goal is to save money on electric bills, you may be able to achieve this through an energy audit from your co-op, which can identify areas of the home for maximum energy savings.
Your roof should be in good condition before installing solar panels. If your roof is old and in poor shape, it may need to be replaced before panels can be mounted. Additionally, your roof should receive a lot of sun to make the most of a rooftop system. Consider how much sun (and shade) the roof receives and if any trees will need to be removed.
If you’re considering rooftop solar, you’re likely planning to stay in the home for several years. But if you plan to sell the home at some point down the road, consider that not all potential buyers will want to maintain a rooftop solar system. If you enter a contract to lease the system, carefully review the terms and what those mean if you decide to sell the property.
Purchasing a rooftop solar system outright is expensive, which is why many homeowners opt to lease their solar panels. However, federal tax credits can help cover some of the costs for a new system, up to 30%. Regardless of how you decide to finance the solar system, make sure you get several quotes from qualified contractors.
It may seem obvious but be sure to request proof and documentation of the contractor’s licensing, permitting, and other
credentials. Comb through company reviews, check the contractor’s status with Better Business Bureau, etc. — do your homework on the front end before signing a contract. Solar scams are very common, and you want to be careful.
If you decide to hire a contractor to install rooftop solar, carefully read the fine print of the contract. Do the system performance calculations seem realistic? Does the project timeframe sound reasonable? Negotiate the contract terms to fit your goals and needs.
Determining who is responsible for maintaining the solar panels will depend on who owns the system. If you lease the system from a solar installer, it may be their responsibility. Periodically, solar panels need to be cleaned as dirt and debris can impact panel productivity. Parts may also need to be replaced, so it’s important to know who will take on these responsibilities.
Finally, but equally important, you should contact Northcentral Electric Cooperative before installing solar. The system must be connected to the electric grid, so you’ll need to sign an interconnection agreement. We can walk you through the steps, including how solar rates and fees work.
As with any major home project, do plenty of research upfront, and contact Northcentral if you have questions or decide to move forward with installation.
Abby Berry writes on consumer and cooperative a airs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
Since the end of the Covid pandemic, a new epidemic has replaced it, one that includes inflation and supply shortages. Over the course of the last year, we have seen a small decline in the inflation rate; however prices are still increasing and supplies of essential items are di cult to obtain.
While the price of electricity for our members has remained steady this year, there are factors which can influence the overall cost of providing a service. The price of equipment, materials, and operating costs necessary to serve each meter in PRVEPA’s service territory has increased. In order to ensure the reliable service you expect and deserve, we must maintain the local system, including power lines, substations, and other necessary equipment. Like many other businesses, we have experienced supply chain issues and steep cost increases for some of our basic equipment. For example, the cost for a distribution transformer (which looks like a long metal can at the top of a power pole) went from $753 in 2020 to $1,340 this year, and wait times to receive this essential equipment are up to 52 weeks.
One factor that has impacted members’ bills this year has been extreme cold and heat. In the last 12 months we have seen record low temperatures in the winter and record high temperatures in the summer. You will notice the amount of energy you use can vary from month to month because when temperatures soar or dip, your cooling and heating equipment run longer, which increases your home energy use. While your board of directors has worked to keep costs down, we understand that the weather is out of our control. We do recommend inquiring about low-cost energy e ciency options that may help keep your energy bills lower during extreme swings in temperature.
Purchasing wholesale power accounts for nearly 69% of our overall cost of providing electric service to members. PRVEPA is a member-owner of Cooperative Energy, a generation and
transmission cooperative. This arrangement ensures us of having our wholesale power delivered on a not-for-profit basis. Cooperative Energy’s strategy to generate electricity is to use a broad mix of fuels — including coal, gas, nuclear, hydro, and other renewable sources — which helps keep costs as low as possible. Finding new, cost-e ective ways to meet our wholesale power needs is a continuing priority, and your PRVEPA Board of Directors will be closely watching developments throughout the industry.
In 2020, your board of directors voted to move forward with a fiber project that would be the largest undertaking at PRVEPA since it began electrifying homes in 1938. This move led to the formation of a new company to provide internet service to PRVEPA members. The launch of our internet subsidiary, PearlComm Fiber, has been met with excitement across our service territory. To date, PearlComm has connected around 8,000 members with high-speed internet, and your board is proud to have played a role in its creation. We look forward to seeing what PearlComm will do next year as it continues advancing the lives of our members through fiber internet.
For 85 years your electric cooperative has held its Annual Meeting so that you, our members, can express questions and concerns. The Annual Meeting for Pearl River Valley Electric is one of the defining aspects of your electric cooperative which separates it from other forms of business. As a member you play an important role in the path the cooperative takes. I encourage you to be active and informed and to attend our annual membership meeting on September 23, 2023. As president of your Association, I am proud to present this report for your consideration.
The Association’s records and accounts were audited by Topp, McWhorter, Harvey, PLLC, Certified Public Accountants. The report was complimentary of your CEO/General Manager and sta . It also showed the records and accounts in excellent condition and that the Association is in a financially strong condition.
The following is from the annual audit dated Dec. 31, 2022:
• Net electric plant increased $37,837,321, bringing the total to $230,523,018.
• Assets total $322,492,209, which reflects an increase of $40,152,396 for the year.
• The member-owners of Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association have equity of 41.5% in the system.
Your Board of Directors is dedicated to the principle of returning patronage capital to our member-owners — in fact, we were the first electric power association in Mississippi to start paying regular patronage returns.
Patronage capital, or capital credits, represents members’ investment in their not-for-profit electric cooperative. Each year, rates are set so that the Association has enough funding to operate throughout the year, and any year-end revenue above the cost of providing electric service is assigned to members as margins based on their share of electricity use. A portion of those margins is then returned to members each August. This year, we returned $3.5 million to our members. We have now made patronage returns to our member-owners for 60 years, totaling nearly $71 million. Very few electric cooperatives in the nation can surpass our record of paying patronage returns to their members.
In 1988, your Board of Directors started a program where we return the accumulated patronage capital to the estates of deceased members. In addition, a program for o ering discounted capital credit refunds to former members was initiated in 2016. We have returned more than $18.3 million through these programs, including $893,000 in 2022.
September 23, 2023
All members of Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association are invited to attend the annual meeting of members on Saturday, Sept. 23.
Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the Lawrence Building at 1428 Highway 13 N., Columbia, MS 39429. The meeting will begin at 10:30 a.m.
As a member of Pearl River Valley Electric, your participation at the annual meeting is vital. At the annual meeting members vote 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:
DISTRICT 2
W.A. Kendrick
(Nominated by Nominating Committee)
Craig Flanagan
(Nominated by Petition)
DISTRICT 5
B.F. Hudson Jr.
(Nominated by Nominating Committee)
DISTRICT 7
Davis Wingo
(Nominated by Nominating Committee)
Keith Payne
(Nominated by Petition)
AT LARGE
Leslie Peters
(Nominated by Nominating Committee)
PRVEPA will award 13 attendance prizes, including a $1,000 certificate for electricity. You must be present at the meeting to be eligible for the attendance prizes. If you cannot attend the meeting, mail in your annual meeting ballot today. By returning your ballot, you are eligible for the absentee prizes.
For 85 years Pearl River Valley Electric has worked to provide its members with unrivaled service and low-cost electricity. Since 1938, there have been many obstacles to success, including wars, economic downturns, and most recently, a pandemic, all of which we have overcome; and through it all your cooperative has not only survived, but it has thrived.
The biggest challenges currently facing us are inflation and supply chain issues. Both have driven the cost of materials to record levels. Inflation has soared and has a ected the price of everything we use to provide services. Many pieces of equipment, including poles, transformers, and conductor have increased 40% or more. While it is impossible to hide from these price increases, our purchasing department is constantly searching for materials at the best price. We are also being proactive to replenish our inventory by looking at various manufacturers and distributers across the United States. You can rest assured we are doing everything to keep costs down while striving to supply our members with uninterrupted electrical service.
Despite these economic challenges, we have experienced enormous successes and accomplishments in the last year. I am proud to share these milestones with you.
Over the past 85 years, much has changed in our industry, most notably the influx of new technologies that help us operate more e ciently. One way Pearl River Valley Electric is applying technology to benefit members is through the deployment of fiber across its service area. This fiber is critical for allowing us to monitor our system for outages and to rapidly respond. The result is an even more reliable service provided to our members.
When installation of the fiber infrastructure was first proposed, the PRVEPA Board of Directors recognized another key benefit of this new technology — the ability to deliver high-speed internet to rural areas of our system. For far too long these areas had been held back by limited access to innovative resources for school and work. As a result, the board and membership approved the creation of our a liate fiber company, PearlComm Fiber. PearlComm then began leasing a portion of the PRVEPA fiber to deliver state-of-the-art high-speed internet to communities throughout our service territory.
Since its inception in 2020, PearlComm has been hard at work to connect PRVEPA members to high-speed internet. A little over a year ago PearlComm highlighted its all-phases map which laid out a four-year plan. I am happy to report that the fiber company is ahead of schedule. They have opened all Phase 1 and Phase 2 areas and are now opening Phase 3. They expect to begin opening Phase 4 areas in 2024. In total, contractors have replaced 4,500 poles and installed 3,160 miles of fiber.
PearlComm Fiber has seen enormous growth in the past year, adding hundreds of new subscribers each month. The fiber company celebrated its 5,000th customer in April, its 7,000th customer in July, and is now closing in on 8,000 customers. This growth has been spurred on by the dedicated work of PearlComm
employees and contractors. It is expected that the fiber company could reach 10,000 customers before the end of the year.
In addition to customer growth, the company hired its first employees this year. During the spring, PearlComm opened a call center and hired four new employees. PearlComm sta members are local and have a desire to see our service area prosper through high-speed internet.
For 2022, the number of meters served by the Association increased 1.38% from 51,960 to 52,678 while our annual sales of electricity — 1,054,074,537 kilowatt hours (kWh) — were about 2.0% above 2021.
Maintaining reliable service to our members requires continual planning and upgrading of our lines and equipment. In 2022, our crews added nearly 50 miles of new overhead and underground lines to our system, which has 6,266 miles of lines and 24 substations throughout our 12-county service area.
Right-of-way (ROW) trimming is a key component of our maintenance program. Our goal is to rotate through our entire system every 10 years, which means we trim nearly 500 miles of ROW annually. Our right-of-way program is also an essential part of limiting long-term outages.
This year we used a combination of trimming and cutting trees along with the application of economical and environmentally friendly herbicides. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work to maintain a safe and reliable system for our members.
Pearl River Valley Electric has an excellent outage record that is well below the national average. Typically, our members experience very few outages lasting only short amounts of time, which is remarkable when you consider that electric service is a 24/7 commodity. However, despite our best e orts to provide excellent service, we are still at the mercy of severe weather.
Along with our ROW maintenance, we continue to implement a pole inspection program to replace poles that could cause power outages. As always, over the past year we also replaced, upgraded, or retired equipment and facilities as needed.
Safety is our top priority at Pearl River Valley Electric. If we do not operate safely, then it is nearly impossible to provide a ordable and reliable electric service to our members. Our employees are some of the best in the industry; and I’m proud to say that they are committed to working safely daily. We will continue to focus on safety to ensure the well-being of employees, members, and the public.
Pearl River Valley Electric strives to o er a variety of online tools to help you in your busy life. We also o er programs to help our members further their education and broaden the horizons of our youth.
Online Tools:
Through our website, www.prvepa.com, you can access EmPowered, our customer portal. Through EmPowered you can pay your bill, access your energy use history, and report outages. Our website also houses a Help Center which contains a wealth of information from bill payment options to energy e ciency brochures.
While our website is our flagship for communication, we also understand that much of our members’ work is done on mobile devices. We o er a mobile app that o ers similar services to our website. You can access the app by searching for “PRVEPA” in your app store. It is free.
To expand our payment options through the phone, you can now pay by texting. Simply, text “Join” to #352667 and follow the prompts. You can then text “Pay” to #352667 in the future to pay your bill.
It’s important for our members to stay informed, especially during severe weather and large-scale events like storm restoration. For this reason, we use our Facebook and Twitter pages to supply upto-date information. These sites are meant to educate and inform our members about our cooperative. During major outages, we can share information regarding restoration e orts and provide updated outage numbers. In addition, these sites will be used to alert members to important information such as scam alerts, program and policy information, and news about the positive impact your cooperative is having in the community. These sites aren’t monitored 24/7, so we ask that you refrain from posting outage notifications.
As an electric cooperative, it is our job to not only provide electricity, but to improve the lives of our members and communities. In the last year, we have performed safety demonstrations for schools and have collaborated with our partner CoBank to distribute matching funds to local volunteer fire departments and food pantries. We have also partnered with area high schools to educate students about careers in the electric power industry.
Pearl River Valley Electric continues to proudly serve its members through our facilitation of the Round Up for Education Program. Over the last 10 years, our members have helped over 2,000 students achieve their dreams of higher education simply by donating a few cents each month. In fact, since the program’s creation, more than $2 million has been distributed to students through scholarships to Mississippi community colleges. This program is truly a perfect example of how a member-owned cooperative can help the communities we serve.
Our Cooperative University, the first step in our Youth Leadership Program, was once again a success. In October, 24 students met at the Columbia National Guard Armory to take part in a day-long event that included leadership and team building exercises and speakers from Pearl River Valley Electric, the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi, and Cooperative Energy. Students were able to take part in lineman exercises and discuss important topics with area legislators.
Judges interviewed all 24 students and chose two winners to represent PRVEPA. This year’s winners were Lana Bishop of Stone County High School and Mateo Rouhbakhsh of Sacred Heart High School. Both participated in a Cooperative Leaders Workshop in Jackson and visited Washington, D.C. in June. While there, they met with lawmakers, toured the city, and saw many sites throughout our nation’s capital.
We are extremely excited for both Lana and Mateo and look forward to seeing their lives and careers blossom. We are also eager to select two more representatives at this year’s Cooperative University in November. If you are interested in more information on this program, please visit our website, www.prvepa.com.
For 85 years, our cooperative has remained resilient; and when I look back at our history there is much to be proud of. When we began electrifying members in 1938, nine out of ten homes were without electric service. Now, thanks to electricity, and the hard work of PRVEPA employees, we have manufacturing, diverse industry, and a growing membership. We owe a great deal of gratitude to those early PRVEPA founders who worked long hours to develop the electric system we use today. The best way PRVEPA can honor their e orts is by working to constantly improve the lives of our members and providing safe and dependable electricity at the lowest cost possible. We look forward to serving you for another 85 years.
Pearl River Valley Electric is excited to have area high school juniors participate in our Cooperative Youth Leaders Program. If you are an 11th grader served by Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association, check with your guidance counselor about this lifechanging program.
Every year, Pearl River Valley Electric chooses two students to represent the cooperative at a leadership workshop in Jackson and for a week-long tour of Washington, D.C. in June. Pearl River Valley Electric’s Cooperative University is the first step in the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi’s Youth Leadership Program, which has been going for 37 years.
The Cooperative University is a one-day event where each school within PRVEPA’s service territory will be represented by two
students. Each student is expected to attend the all-day event in its entirety. The day will consist of speakers, games, lunch, and various demonstrations. This year’s Cooperative University will be held on Nov. 8 at the National Guard Armory in Columbia, beginning at 8:30 a.m. and concluding by 3:30 p.m.
At PRVEPA’s Cooperative University, students will learn about Pearl River Valley Electric and what it means to be a member. They will learn how electric cooperatives began, how electricity is produced and much more. Each student will also participate in an interview process, by a panel of judges, to be one of two students chosen for the leadership program.
Homeschooled students are also encouraged to apply. Please call 601-731-7830 for more information.
COOPERATIVE UNIVERSITY TO BE HELD NOVEMBER 8
The 2023 PEPA Scholarship winners received their awards in early August.
Pontotoc Chamber and Main Street Director Beth Waldo (far left) presented the award for Large Business Member of the Year to Pontotoc Electric at a chamber luncheon recently. Also pictured are the owners of Bookends, who received the Small Business Member of the Year Award. (Photo courtesy of Pontotoc Chamber and Main Street Association.)
by Jennifer Johnson
You could say that in 2011, Randy Moss “hatched” a plan for a new business. He purchased a few chickens, set them up in his backyard, and sold them and their eggs for a few years.
Randy said son Justin got into the business a few years later. Justin has “taken it to another level. Justin is the owner — he does all the marketing. He’s grown the business into what it is today,” Randy said.
That business is Bresse Farms, a rare poultry breed hatchery in Pontotoc that includes several separate coops for di erent breeds and a large building with multiple incubators and other equipment. There’s also an area filled with boxes specially designed for delivering eggs or young chicks.
Randy said chicks and eggs are mailed out weekly to various places in the U.S. Only eggs are sent overseas, as the chicks would not likely survive that distance and amount of time. Eggs have been sent as far as Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. The Mosses sell all over the U.S.
They’ve had people purchase chickens as pets, some enjoying watching the birds in their backyards as a stress reliever, and others placing a small harness on their bird and walking it as you would
Justin Moss and his dad Randy Moss stand in front of the building where they house Bresse Farms in Pontotoc.
Top picture: A group of chicks that will eventually be shipped to a buyer.
a dog, Randy said. He’s even heard of some owners putting diapers on the chickens and keeping them in their homes.
The birds make good pets because they are easy to care for and to house, Randy said. Kids can show them at events, and they are ideal if a small animal is preferred.
Of the approximately 1,200 birds at Bresse Farms, they raise White Bresse and other colors of that bird, Legbar, Wyandotte, Flower Hen, Rhode Island Red, Sussex, Ameraucana, Marans, and White Leghorns, Randy said.
The White Bresse is considered the number one “eating” bird in the world, according to Randy. Originating in the Bresse region of France in the 1500s and known as LaBresse there, they feature white feathers, red combs, and blue legs. In France, the White LaBresse has been protected under law since December 22, 1936, because the breed almost went extinct in the 1900s. Bresse Farms continues to also raise other colors of Bresse chickens, and their farm is just about the only one in the United States that still raises those.
Justin has started getting into the tiny house business, so his plate is close to overflowing. Randy said he’s glad to have help from other family members.
“I have two nieces and two nephews who help put the boxes together. Some raise birds and bring us eggs. Justin’s five-year-old daughter Maci collects eggs from time to time, while two-year-old daughter Mila thinks she’s helping,” Randy chuckled.
The White Bresse is Randy’s favorite breed. “They are an egg producer and they’re the best tasting meat bird. We average about 260 to 270 large creamcolored eggs per hen per year.”
Randy said the business is successful. “We have doubled in size every year. It’s doing very well.”
Having a successful business takes hard work, and the Mosses are a perfect example. The work schedule is a busy one, and it’s seven days a week, Randy said.
“We feed at 5 a.m., then collect eggs. We go to our regular jobs, collect eggs at lunch each day, and then Justin comes here every afternoon to feed again and work on getting boxes ready to ship (which includes adding a Bible verse to each box.) It’s endless.”
Randy added, “It’s poultry farming. Any kind of farming is hard work. It’s all a blessing. We give it to the Lord about what happens. We’ve been amazed.”
For more information about Bresse Farms, check out their website at breesefarms.com or their Facebook page.
Incubators are lined up to hatch the eggs of various breeds of chickens.
White Bresse chickens wander around their pen at the farm.
It’s poultry farming. Any kind of farming is hard work. It’s all a blessing. We give it to the Lord about what happens. We’ve been amazed.
On July 19, Pontotoc Electric held a ribbon cutting event for its new electric vehicle charging station site. The chargers are located at 3600 Highway 9 North in Pontotoc and are the result of a team e ort by PEPA and Seven States Power Corporation.
The Pontotoc charging site is the first operational Fast Charge Network location in Mississippi. This foundational public fast-charging network program is being jointly developed and funded through the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), local power companies, and state agencies to be located every 50 miles along major travel corridors across TVA’s seven-state region.
We’ve put together some tasty, cool choices for your back-to-school parties or weekend cook outs!
Brenda Barton, PEPA retiree
INGREDIENTS
1 ¾ cup flour
1 cup chopped pecans
8 ounces cream cheese
1 can blueberry pie filling
2 sticks oleo, softened
½ cup sugar
8 ounces Cool Whip
Mix flour, oleo, and pecans and press into oblong baking dish. Bake at 325 degrees until lightly browned. Let cool. Combine sugar, cream cheese, and Cool Whip and spread over cooled crust. Top with pie filling. Store in refrigerator. Note: Other varieties of pie filling may also be used.
Jeanna Sorto
PEPA Director of Accounting and Finance/Board Secretary
INGREDIENTS
CRUST
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 stick butter
1⁄3 cup sugar
FILLING
2 8-ounce packages cream cheese
2 cups sugar
1 large can crushed pineapple, drained
Bananas
Cool Whip
Nuts
Cherries
Combine filling ingredients, and pour into crust.
For more information, call 601-947-4211 or 228-497-1313. SRE is an equal opportunity employer and provider.
Starting in November 2023, Singing River Electric is restructuring electric rates for residential, small general service single-phase, and small general service three-phase classes. This change will better reflect the cost of operating Singing River Electric.
The first change will be the addition of a demand charge to the bill. Demand is measured in kilowatts (kW) and is based on the largest amount of electricity you used in any hour-period of that billing cycle. Members in these three rate classes will see a demand component of $0.50 per kW on their bills beginning in November. Residential member peak demand currently averages 9 kW but can vary with every home. Your peak demand kW use can be found on the back of your paper or electronic billing statement in the top bar next to your monthly kWh use. You can view your electronic billing statement using the SmartHub mobile app under Bill & Pay and Billing History.
To help prepare for this change, we encourage you to monitor your peak demand over the next two months. Adding the demand charge will allow you to have control over your power bill if you choose to spread out your use of electric appliances throughout the day. We will discuss this in next month’s
issue of Today in Mississippi but have information on the website for your review now at www.singingriver.com/ understanding-demand
To combat inflated material costs, high contract expenses, and higher equipment costs, the energy charge for our residential class of members will go from $0.061 per kWh to $0.0648 per kWh starting with the November bills. This follows recommendations from our recent cost of service study and is an increase of only 3.8 tenths of a cent per kWh. This study has been an important tool, giving insight and guidance allowing your cooperative to fulfill its obligations to our members and lenders.
Our board of directors has been a part of this rate restructuring and has approved the two changes. The updated rate schedules will be available at www. singingriver.com in November. Even with these rate changes, you will find that Singing River Electric continues to have one of the lowest costs for residential billing compared to neighboring utilities.
Our employees and board value our members and will always place a strong emphasis on providing you with exceptional service at the lowest possible cost.
A common misconception I hear when speaking to members is that they think the largest appliances in their homes use the most electricity – appliances like refrigerators and deep freezers. This is not necessarily true; although refrigerators run constantly, they generally use a small amount of electricity. While every member’s energy consumption di ers, your heating/cooling system and water heater use the most electricity year-round, with lighting and electronics coming in next depending on use. In warmer months, I recommend setting your thermostat to 78 degrees or as close to that as your comfort allows for the most energy savings.
by Brian Hughey General Manager and CEO
If you aren’t using the SmartHub app to track your energy use, I highly recommend that you start. Your energy use can be viewed daily and monthly. The SmartHub app shows the temperature alongside the kilowatt hours used for each day; if you look at days when the temperature reached 95 degrees or above, you can see that your energy use was higher and know that your HVAC unit was experiencing longer run cycles. Being aware of your energy use can help you understand the reasoning behind increases in your bill and let you try things to reduce energy use and see their e ects. Visit singingriver. com/smarthub to see more benefits of the SmartHub app and instructions on how to download.
As a member of Singing River Electric, you can take comfort in knowing that you are part of a large network of power companies that work together to provide you with affordable, reliable power. Here’s how it works:
Cooperative Energy operates the power plants that produce electricity, as well as the transmission lines that move electricity to you.
Because these 11 cooperatives are joined as one mutual source of power, your service is more affordable and reliable than it would be if each system operated alone.
Cooperative Energy is part of MISO, an even larger network that joins it with other power companies in the U.S. and Canada.
These companies work together to produce electricity for everyone from Mississippi to Manitoba at the lowest possible cost, and to make sure electricity is readily available.
Singing River Electric and 10 other electric cooperatives across the state are partners with another electric cooperative known as Cooperative Energy.
STEP 1: Make-ready engineering Examine. Design.
Rocky Creek substation area
STEP 2: Make-ready construction
Planning the most efficient approach to fiber deployment.
Vancleave, Lucedale North, and Leakesville substation areas
STEP 3: Construction
Building a network from the ground up.
McLain, Joe Batt, Big Point, Frank Snell, and Sand Hill substation areas
STEP 4: Splicing
Connecting the dots.
State Line, and Kittrell (Highway 42 West and Knobtown feeders) substation areas
STEP 5: Service drop & drop splicing
The last outdoor step. Almost there…
Sawmill and Kittrell (Henderson James feeder) substation areas and any previously opened fi ber areas
STEP 6: Installation
The speed of light, right to your home.
Sawmill substation area and any previously opened fi ber 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 SRE MSR during business hours at 228-591-9166. Scan here!
It's a hard job, but also one of the most important ones in our communities. We support all our educators and administration as they begin the new school year. We are thankful for the opportunity to provide co ee and doughnuts for George County High School teachers recently.
recently.
singingriverconnect.com
Feeling like your internet is a letdown?
Our lightning-fast fiber will perk you up!
Sign up today at singingriverconnect.com/signup.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors (NHN) Community Grants help Singing River Electric merge efforts with the hard work of those within our communities.
Since the program’s inception in 2001, $348,751.00 has been awarded to local non-profits in local communities.
Students attending FABLAB summer camps experienced a unique opportunity — building solar stations.
“We had 32 camps this summer that promoted STEAM skills and activities,” said John Mundy, lead STEAM instructional specialist at FABLAB Jackson County.
“These solar chargers allowed us to explore alternative energy options.”
The $2,500 grant purchased 50 reusable solar kits which can be built and then taken apart for future students to enjoy. The solar kits can power external devices through a USB port and the digital voltmeter and solar panel allow students to record solar energy.
For more information on SRE NHN Community Grants and how to apply, visit singingriver.com/my-community. Grants for up to $2,500 are awarded to nonprofits in SRE’s service area three times a year in January, May, and September.
In order to restore power to many people quickly, utilities follow a standard restoration plan. First, transmission lines that carry high-voltage electricity to substations are checked for damage, while other employees scout storm-affected areas to assess damage. Employees are pre-assigned areas to speed restoration. Hospitals are given high priority when possible, and restorations work outward from the substations towards your home.
For more information, visit singingriver. com/storm-center.
Text OUT to 601-947-1744 anytime day or night. It is the FASTEST way to report a power outage directly into our outage management system and get it assigned to a serviceman or crew for repairs.
Recently, one of our newer employees asked me what makes electric co-ops di erent than other types of utilities. As I answered, I realized the di erence really comes down to one word — focus.
In 1938, a small group of founding members created Southern Pine to provide electricity to 465 rural homes and farms. Their focus was on helping their rural community by bringing electric power. Today, our membership has grown significantly, but members remain our focus. You are more than a customer; everyone who receives service from Southern Pine is a member-owner.
What you think is important to us. We provide opportunities for you to attend co-op events, like our annual membership meeting and member circle meetings with the hopes of hearing what matters to you. If you can’t join us in person, you can always call us, email, or just stop by with suggestions or comments.
Our success lies in your satisfaction, that is our focus, and every year we survey our members to see how we’re doing. If you are one of the members randomly selected for the survey, I hope you will take a few minutes to participate. These survey results are crucial to our success because we evaluate them to see what we are doing right and what we can improve upon.
As a member-owned not-for-profit cooperative, our focus is not on making money. It’s on providing safe, reliable, and a ordable electricity for our members. Of course, safety for employees and members comes first, but we work diligently to provide reliable service at a reasonable price.
Our focus is not on shareholders, and all members have an equal voice. During our annual membership meeting each November, you have a chance to vote on and elect members to serve on our board of directors. Voting is essential for your voice to be heard because the board of directors makes decisions for Southern Pine on behalf of the membership.
The di erence between us and an investor-owned utility is simple, Southern Pine is member-owned, member-led, and our focus is always on you.
by Chris K. Rhodes
President/CEO Southern Pine Electric
The di erence between us and an investor-owned utility is simple, Southern Pine is member-owned, member-led, and our focus is always on you.
leave, the owner of the restaurant came to our table and told me the man had paid our bill as a special thanks. What a blessing!”
Tommy said he is honored to be a part of the Southern Pine team. “My coworkers and management have been there during so many wonderful blessings in my life, and during loss and tragedy,” he said. “Sometimes, it can be a very hard and demanding job, but it is also extremely rewarding. Members value what we do and appreciate our dedication and hard work, especially in troubled times.”
“I have been fortunate to work alongside Tommy in the field for many years prior to my current role as district manager. As a serviceman, you always need to be prepared for any encounter or challenge you may face when that call comes in,” said Newton District Manager Jamie Baucum. “I can honestly say, you will not find a more compassionate, easy going, and dedicated person than Tommy.”
Serviceman Tommy Blackwell is well-known in his service area in the Newton District. He’s humble and kind, and always willing to lend a helping hand. Tommy has been a valued member of the Southern Pine team for over 30 years and said his favorite part of the job is helping members, troubleshooting problems, and getting the lights on as quickly as possible.
One memory of his years of service stands out, Tommy said. “During Hurricane Katrina restoration I was helping another serviceman in Clarke County. We’d worked all day restoring power to as many members as we could and were exhausted. At the end of the day a man came up to us and asked if we were going to be able to fix his father’s power. He explained that his dad was in a real bind to get fuel for the generator. We stayed late and got his power restored that night,” he said. Later, Tommy ran into the man at a restaurant in Enterprise. Tommy was there with his family, and the man made a special e ort to come and thank him again for helping his family. “It meant a lot to me that he expressed his thanks and gratitude for our hard work, Tommy said. “The man left and when we were about to
on his doctorate degree. Shelby, 26, is a neonatal nurse at UAB in Birmingham, AL.
When Tommy is not working, he enjoys spending time with his family and his rescue dogs. “We love to rescue our pets from animal shelters and support various animal rescues in our area,” he said. He and his wife, Lisa, a kindergarten teacher, have been married for 36 years and have two children. Matt, 31, is a recruiter and program director at MSU in Meridian and is currently working on his doctorate degree. Shelby, 26, is a neonatal nurse at UAB in Birmingham, AL.
Tommy and Lisa live in Hickory and are members of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church. In his spare time, he loves to spend time with family, camping, traveling, and working on his family farm. He also enjoys gardening. Tommy said he is most thankful for his family, his church, and he’s blessed to be a part of a great cooperative like Southern Pine.
Clockwork Co ee was born from a passion for co ee, determination, and love. As parents of two children, Bryce and Ashley Doyal work hard to do what’s best for them, and ultimately that’s what drove them to start Clockwork Co ee. Their oldest son, Clark, was diagnosed with autism and requires extra attention, so Ashley cannot work outside the home.
“I wanted to start a business or something I could do from home to help contribute to the costs of taking Clark to Hattiesburg to Canopy and all of his appointments,” Ashley said. When Bryce suggested a co ee roasting company, she said she knew that was right.
Since the inception of Clockwork Co ee, named for Clark’s love and fascination with clocks, the small company has continued to grow. Their first roaster was a small tabletop version from Amazon. Bryce spent all his extra time reading, studying, and learning about co ee roasting and bean varieties. “We started by taking bags to our friends in the community and at our church, and the feedback we got was great. Everyone said they loved it,” said Bryce.
Clockwork Co ee closed for three months after a couple of years and two burned-up smaller roasters. “We needed time to consider what we wanted to do before purchasing the current roaster. Did we want to keep going or stop?” said Bryce. After the three-month hiatus, Clockwork Co ee emerged more robust and better than ever, and the Doyals have not regretted it.
Bryce’s love for co ee became more than a hobby; it’s a thriving business. “We air roast our co ee, which means that the beans are roasted sort of like popcorn in an air popper, and the cha , or protective skin, comes o of the beans, leaving a cleaner-tasting co ee,” said Bryce.
Clockwork Co ee o ers several varieties and di erent roasts, but their holiday blend is their biggest seller. Ashely said her favorite part of the business is meeting people and talking with them. Bryce loves the roasting process. “I like roasting, but the best part is hearing the feedback from the customers who enjoy the co ee,” added Bryce.
If you’d like to try co ee from Clockwork Co ee, visit their website at clockworkco eeco.com or fi nd them on Facebook and Instagram. Ashley and Bryce will join us in a member spotlight booth at Southern Pine Electric’s Annual Membership Meeting on Thursday, Nov. 9.
We started by taking bags to our friends in the community and at our church, and the feedback we got was great. Everyone said they loved it.
Two frequently discussed issues for the electric co-op community today that will directly impact our future are attracting younger people to the industry and showing them the value of what was built. Jan Collins, VP of Communications and Government A airs at Southern Pine Electric Cooperative and published children’s author, tackled those issues with her third book by introducing young children to the world of electric utilities. Exploring the World from a Power Pole is a children’s book that o ers young readers their first glimpse into the co-op world by following Rhee, a local lineman, as he describes his role in his community.
Children’s books help kids form complex associations between ideas and slowly introduce the world around them. While it may take a while for the seeds strewn by Exploring the World
from a Power Pole to bear fruit in the form of eager new co-op participants, by captivating children today, this adorable book could become pivotal for a new generation of co-op leaders. Jan hopes that becomes the case, adding, “I hope it is well-received, and I hope that kids get interested in the co-op world and with linemen. If they learn a little bit about them, then I am confident they will learn to respect what that position means.”
For more information, and to purchase books, please visit jenniferlynncollins.com.
We want to give a special thank you to all of our Members who took time out of their busy schedules to attend the 2023 Annual Meeting that was held at the Lorman O ce in Je erson County on Wednesday, August 9.
We also would like to thank all of our Members who returned the bottom portion of their Annual Meeting Notice. We had a great return, and all names were entered for the drawing.
Congratulations also goes out to the eleven door prize winners in attendance. We look forward to seeing everyone next year at the 2024 Annual Meeting.
Weather Forecast Station – Faye Arnold, Franklin County
Air Fryer – Jerry Moon, Franklin County
Cooler Package – Ricky Blalock, Amite County
Tote Bag Package – Travis Hill, Copiah County
Portable AC Unit – Windell Carter, Je erson County
Portable Speaker Set – Wayland Lewis, Adams County
Kitchen Knife Set – Bonita Reed, Adams County
Cookware Set – Earlean Green-Frye, Je erson County
$200 Bill Credit – Virgie Prichett, Je erson County
$200 Bill Credit – Annie Sturdivant, Adams County
$200 Bill Credit – Rosie Williams, Claiborne County
for returning the bottom portion of the Annual Meeting Notice:
B & B Hunting Club, Adams County Davis Farm LLC, Copiah County
Faith Baptist Church, Lincoln County
Debbie Foster, Copiah County
James Hester, Lincoln County
Doug Lum, Je erson County
Betty Minot, Adams County
Annie White, Claiborne County
Bobby White, Je
Ricky
County
County
$100
Quite often, hunters encounter something in the woods that they weren’t hunting for — electrical hazards. Whatever your pursuit — deer, turkey, dove, waterfowl, or small game — here are a few tips to help you stay safe while hunting in the great outdoors.
Our children and grandchildren will go back to school this month. Please avoid distractions while driving, especially around school buses and in school zones. Slow your speed, put your phone down and obey all crossing guards and school bus stop signs.
• Stay away from electrical equipment.
• Don’t shoot at or near overhead lines or insulators.
• Be aware of the location of overhead or buried power lines and other electrical equipment in your hunting area.
• Never place deer stands on utility poles.
• When hunting in power line rights-of-way, place shooting houses a safe distance from overhead lines.
• Be extra cautious in heavily wooded areas where electrical hazards may not be visible.
• Never put decoys on overhead lines. And don’t shoot toward overhead lines when doves fly by.
Southwest Electric o ers a way to pay your bill at a store near you. All you need is your barcode and cash to cover your bill and the $1.50 fee. The barcode can be found in the SmartHub app or on the back of your bill. Each account has a unique barcode.
1 Substations
Transmission Lines
These lines carry electricity to you from power plants.
2
This is where your local electric cooperative receives its electricity.
3
Facilities that Benefit Everyone
Next we repair main lines that serve hospitals and other services we can rely on.
4
Homes and Businesses
We start with the lines that impact the most and work around the clock until everyone is back on.
To turn on paperless billing, tap the following in the SmartHub app:
> More (bottom right of screen)
> Settings
> Paperless Billing
To enable or modify billing notifications, tap the following in the SmartHub app:
> More (bottom right of screen)
> Settings
> Manage Notifications
> Billing
Don’t forget to clean the condenser for your refrigerator at least once a year. Simply remove the cover and blow the dust from the condenser with compressed air. This increases the air flow so the unit doesn’t work as hard and saves you money on your electric bill.
Cleaning your dryer vent on a regular basis allows the air to flow freely and dry clothes faster. This will help your dryer run more e ciently and could help prevent a fire.
We recommend keeping your thermostat set at 78 degrees, or as comfortable as possible, while you are home.
If you are going to be away from your home for more than four hours, we recommend bumping your thermostat up to 80 degrees.
Recently, one of our newer employees asked me what makes electric co-ops di erent than other types of utilities. This month, I thought I’d tell you of few of the things I told her.
Because we’re a co-op, we operate a little di erently than other utilities. Twin County’s decisions are made locally, by directors who also live right here in our community. Everyone who pays to receive electricity from the co-op is a member. When you pay your electric bill each month, your money stays here — to pay for the electricity used, or to make improvements to our local system to strengthen service reliability. The money you pay the co-op doesn’t line the pockets of shareholders five states away. We’re a co-op, and we exist to provide a service to you, our local members.
You may notice that throughout the year, we schedule opportunities for you to attend co-op events, like our annual meeting, so we can hear from you. We also conduct surveys to gather your feedback on co-op programs and services so that we can plan and adjust for the future.
Our success lies in your satisfaction, which is why we o er these opportunities to engage and listen to what you have to say. Because you’re part of an electric cooperative, you can count on our team to maintain local jobs, at-cost electricity and first-class service, no matter what the economy — and supply chain issues — throw at us.
Twin County is striving to keep our costs as low as possible, so we can keep more money in your pocket. We want to help you maximize the value you can get from our services and o erings.
Please know that you — the members of Twin County — are at the heart of everything we do. Co-ops adhere to seven guiding cooperative principles that reflect core values of honesty, transparency, equity, inclusiveness, and service.
We exist to serve you and provide the quality, reliable, friendly service you expect and deserve. While we’ve grown over the years, we’re still driven by the same guiding principles to serve our community. We hope to see or hear from you soon. This co-op was created for you, the members. The power is in your hands.
by Tim Perkins
General Manager
When you pay your electric bill each month, your money stays here — to pay for the electricity used, or to make improvements to our local system to strengthen service reliability.
Twin County’s Annual Meeting of Members will be held on September 26, 2023, beginning at 2 p.m. Registration will begin at 12:30 p.m. The meeting location will be at Twin County’s Conference Center at 898 East Avenue North in Hollandale. All Members in good standing of Twin County as of July 20, 2023, (Record Date) will be allowed to vote at the meeting either in person or by proxy.
A formal notice of Meeting and a Proxy was mailed to all Twin County’s Members in good standing as of the Record Date (July 20, 2023). At the annual meeting the members will take action upon the following matters: (1) the reports of O cers, Directors, and Committees; (2) the election of three Directors; and (3) any and all other business which may legally come before the meeting, or any adjournment or adjournments thereof.
Proxies must be on the document provided by Twin County, signed by the Member whose name appears on the Proxy, and delivered by such Member personally to one of Twin County’s o ces in Hollandale, Belzoni, Rolling Fork, or Greenville, or mailed to Twin County’s o ce in Hollandale, Mississippi. Proxies must be received by Twin County at 5 p.m. on September 20, 2023.
Mark your calendar for September 26, 2023, for Twin County’s Annual Meeting of Members beginning at 2 p.m. at the Twin County Conference Center at 898 East Avenue North in Hollandale. Registration begins at 12:30 p.m.
Twin County will select four winners to each receive $100 credit on their Twin County account. Winners will be selected from Members attending the annual meeting or from Member proxies mailed or hand delivered by the Member to one of Twin County’s o ces by the deadline of September 20 at 5 p.m.
Members can contact their local Twin County o ce to make an arrangement to pay their bill.
Members can contact their local Twin County o ce to make an Arrangement to pay their bill.
(*Must be a Member of Twin County for a minimum of six months to be eligible for an Arrangement)
*Must be a member of Twin County for a minimum of six months to be eligible for an arrangement.
Hollandale • 662.827.2262
Belzoni
Rolling
Hollandale 662.827.2262
• 662.247.1909
Belzoni 662.247.1909
662.873.4233
Greenville • 662.334.9543
Rolling Fork 662.873.4233
Greenville 662.334.9543
by Steven Ward
Back in 1996, Hollandale grocery store owner Roy Schilling started holding a barbecue event in his store’s parking lot. At the time, all kinds of local blues artists played at Schilling’s event and continued to play over a 26-year period as the original parking lot festival evolved with di erent locations and names.
Today, the event is known as the Sam Chatmon Blues Festival and is held at the historic Blues Front at 101 South Simmons Street in Hollandale.
This year’s festival — which is free — will be held on Saturday, Sept. 23.
Twin County Electric is a longtime sponsor of the popular music festival.
Schilling said the most recent incarnation of the festival was named after local blues legend Sam Chatmon, a singer and guitarist who spent most of his life in Hollandale.
According to his Mississippi Blues Trail marker, Chatmon “sometimes performed with his brothers in a renowned family string band billed as the Mississippi Sheiks.” He retired, but then started performing solo in the 1960s. Chatmon died in 1983.
“I knew Sam my whole life. He shopped in my family’s store, and I remember him just setting up a box or a chair and playing acoustic blues on the street in the 60s and 70s,” Schilling, a co-founder of the festival, said.
Schilling’s parking lot festival transformed into something bigger once the non-profit group, the Hollandale Economic Community Development Foundation got involved. The festival grew with grants and other help from the Mississippi Arts Council, the Mississippi Development Authority, and other local organizations.
This year’s festival kicks o at 9 a.m. with a Delta Running 5k Run and Walk. Gospel choirs will perform at 10 a.m. and then blues acts will play from noon until the evening.
Mississippi singer and guitarist Libby Rae Watson, the Big John Horton Band, and Mickey Rogers will all be preforming at the festival.
“There will be arts and crafts and plenty of food vendors with traditional Delta food available,” Schilling said.
For more information about the festival, visit the @SamChatmonBlues page on Facebook.
The Annual Meeting of Members of Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association will be held Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at the o ce of the Association in Yazoo City.
At this meeting, two directors will be elected to serve a three-year term each. Of the two directors to be elected, one must be a Yazoo Valley member and resident of Yazoo, Holmes, or Humphreys County. The other director must be a Yazoo Valley member and resident of Warren, Sharkey, or Issaquena County. A committee to consider and make nominations for directors of the Association was appointed at an August meeting of the board of directors. Members appointed to serve on this committee are Houston Cohea, James T. Henry, Will Jones, Dianne Lewis, Jamie Peaster, Mary Tucker, and Rosemary Watson.
The Committee will meet at a time and place set by the board of directors and shall prepare and post a list of nominations for board members at the main o ce of the Association at least thirty days
before the annual meeting. Any 50 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. Nominations made by petition, to be e ective, must be received by the Association at least 10 days before the meeting.
At least 30 days before the date of the annual meeting, each member will receive a notice stating the place, day and hour of the meeting. Such notice will include the number of directors to be elected and the names and addresses of the candidates nominated by the committee on nominations.
At the annual meeting, a report will be made to the members on the operation of the Association for the past year, and all business coming before the meeting will be transacted.
QMy windows are old and drafty, and I’m thinking about replacing them. Can you recommend a few options I should consider?
AUpgrading or improving your windows is an important component of your home’s energy e ciency. According to the Department of Energy, heat gain and loss through windows consumes 25% to 30% of residential heating and cooling energy use.
Start by identifying the kind of windows you have. Are they single pane or double pane? Looking closely at the window’s edge, you can see the number of windowpanes. Are the frames metal, wood, or vinyl? Some manufacturers etch the make and model numbers in a corner of the glass, so you can look up the manufacturer for more information. Single-pane windows and double-pane windows with metal frames are the least energy e cient. The lower the e ciency of your existing windows, the higher the potential for energy savings.
There are several options for improving your windows, ranging from replacement windows to storm windows to budget-friendly repairs.
Several components can make windows more e cient. High-quality frame materials insulate and reduce heat transfer. Two or more panes of glass with space in between (filled with air or gas) improve the window’s insulation capability. Warm edge spacers hold the panes of glass the proper distance apart and help insulate the edges of the panes. Low-emissivity coatings applied to the glass can reflect infrared light, keeping the heat in during the winter and out during the summer.
Window e ciency is rated in U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coe cient, or SHGC. U-factor measures heat transfer through the window, which relates to how well it insulates. The lower the U-factor, the more e cient the window. The SHGC measures how e ectively the window blocks heat from the sun.
Two or more panes of glass improve the insulation capability of the window.
Photo Credit: Alpen High Performance Products
If you want to replace your existing windows, I recommend shopping for ENERGY STAR®-certified windows. ENERGY STAR® sets specific U-factor and SHGC requirements based on your geography, so you get the best fit for your location. Replacement windows o er additional benefits, like improved operability and aesthetics. As with many industries, the window industry has been impacted by price increases over the past few years, so keep in mind, this can be an expensive upgrade.
Storm windows are a lower-cost solution for some homes. Traditional storm windows are made with clear glass. Low emissivity storm windows have energy savings similar to replacement windows at about a third of the cost.
Storm windows are mounted to the interior or exterior and are available in operable styles, so you can still open and close your windows. Look for ENERGY STAR®certified models.
If you want to maintain the historic architecture of your existing windows, low-e storm windows are a great option. Some companies can refit your existing window frames with custom double-pane glass and weatherstripping.
As with any home improvement project, be sure to get multiple quotes to compare pricing and scope of work. You may find additional savings with rebates from your electric co-op, or state or federal tax credits for window upgrades.
If new windows or storm windows are not in the budget, your best bet is to maintain your existing windows. Keep the paint and caulking on the exterior in good condition. That will help prevent damage from the elements. Caulk around the inside trim, ensure sash locks are installed properly and seal tight when locked. There are a variety of weatherstripping types for windows to keep drafts at bay.
Whether you replace or make improvements to what you have, adding e ciency to your windows will add year-round comfort to your home.
Miranda Boutelle is the chief operating o cer at E ciency Services Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energy e ciency company.
Windows add to the aesthetic of our homes. Ensure they also add comfort year-round by maintaining or replacing old windows. Photo Credit: Alpen High Performance Products Before looking into window replacement, assess the condition of your existing windows for opportunities to improve their e ciency. When checking your windows, ensure sash locks are installed properly and sealed tight when locked.Whether you replace or make improvements to what you have, adding e ciency to your windows will add year-round comfort to your home.by Abby Berry
The benefits of installing rooftop solar panels may seem like a no-brainer, but the reality is, not every home (and homeowner’s situation) is always right for solar.
There are several factors to consider before pulling the trigger on a rooftop solar system, like determining if your home will receive enough sun to achieve your goals, finding the right contractor, negotiating contracts, and other important details.
If your primary goal is to save money on electric bills, you may be able to achieve this through an energy audit from your co-op, which can identify areas of the home for maximum energy savings.
Your roof should be in good condition before installing solar panels. If your roof is old and in poor shape, it may need to be replaced before panels can be mounted. Additionally, your roof should receive a lot of sun to make the most of a rooftop system. Consider how much sun (and shade) the roof receives and if any trees will need to be removed.
If you’re considering rooftop solar, you’re likely planning to stay in the home for several years. But if you plan to sell the home at some point down the road, consider that not all potential buyers will want to maintain a rooftop solar system. If you enter a contract to lease the system, carefully review the terms and what those mean if you decide to sell the property.
Purchasing a rooftop solar system outright is expensive, which is why many homeowners opt to lease their solar panels. However, federal tax credits can help cover some of the costs for a new system, up to 30%. Regardless of how you decide to finance the solar system, make sure you get several quotes from qualified contractors.
It may seem obvious but be sure to request proof and documentation of the contractor’s licensing, permitting, and other credentials. Comb through company reviews, check the contractor’s status with Better Business Bureau, etc. — do your homework on the front end before signing a contract. Solar scams are very common, and you want to be careful.
If you decide to hire a contractor to install rooftop solar, carefully read the fine print of the contract. Do the system performance calculations seem realistic? Does the project timeframe sound reasonable? Negotiate the contract terms to fit your goals and needs.
Determining who is responsible for maintaining the solar panels will depend on who owns the system. If you lease the system from a solar installer, it may be their responsibility. Periodically, solar panels need to be cleaned as dirt and debris can impact panel productivity. Parts may also need to be replaced, so it’s important to know who will take on these responsibilities.
Finally, but equally important, you should contact your electric co-op if you decide to install solar. The system must be connected to the electric grid, so you’ll need to sign an interconnection agreement. We can walk you through the steps, including how solar rates and fees work.
As with any major home project, do plenty of research upfront, and contact your electric co-op if you have questions or decide to move forward with installation.
Abby Berry writes on consumer and cooperative a airs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.Travel, by definition, is a journey to a distant or unfamiliar place.
That means traveling doesn’t have to be a trip to see the Pyramids in Egypt or taking the kids to Disney World in Florida.
Travel is about exploring somewhere new.
Mississippi is a place filled with fascinating locales. Our state o ers all kinds of day and weekend trips that make Mississippi ripe for expeditions into the heart of civil rights history, literature, and music.
Speaking of music, that’s how we decided to kick o our first o cial travel-themed issue with a September 2023 cover story on U.S. Highway 61.
A road trip down U.S. Highway 61 is both a literal and historical journey through music history. Nicknamed the “blues highway,” because of its twists and turns through the Mississippi Delta — the birthplace of the blues — Highway 61 o ers stops throughout the state that tell the story of American music.
Our story coincides with the recent opening
of a new exhibit at the GRAMMY Museum Mississippi in Cleveland. “Highway 61: Traveling America’s Music Highway” explores music sites and the celebrates the artists that played major roles in shaping America’s music history, according to Emily Havens, executive director of the GRAMMY Museum Mississippi.
So, make sure to keep a copy of the September issue (or visit our website, www.todayinmissisippi.com) for our handy guide to some of the most interesting music history sites up and down U.S. Highway 61 for your next day or weekend trip.
Safe travels to you and yours.
by Michael Callahan Executive Vice President/CEO Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi
Today in Mississippi took home two National Electric Cooperative Statewide Editors Association “Willie Awards” Aug. 9 at the group’s 2023 business meeting in Arlington, Virginia.
Today in Mississippi won an Award of Excellence for “Best Digital Communications” for the statewide magazine’s website. The website was recently redesigned by Powerful Web to share magazine stories online.
Today in Mississippi Editor Steven Ward also won an Award of Excellence in the “Best News Feature – Less than 650 Words” category for his June 2022 story about a father and son who work for two di erent Mississippi electric cooperatives as linemen. The story — “Son follows in his father’s footsteps to become lineman” — profiles Dixie Electric Line Forman Jason Holder and his son, Dawson Holder, who works as a lineman for Southern Pine Electric.
The Willie Awards, which are held annually, showcase the best writing, photos, and design of statewide electric co-op magazines from all over the country.
They say Mississippi is the birthplace of the blues, Home of Elvis Presley and blue suede shoes. The beauty of a Delta sunrise, The pure innocence of an infant’s eyes.
The sweet smell of the flowers in a magnolia tree, The beautiful beaches and a Gulf breeze. Praise the farmers for growing our food, The tolerant teachers that teach in our schools.
Be thankful for the doctors and nurses that keep us well, The smile of a salesperson after a great sell. Be thankful for the fire and police departments that serve and protect, Whether putting our fires or sorting out wrecks.
There are a lot of great places to eat in our state, Not hard to find a place that serves a real blue plate. Give things to veterans for the years they serve, From all the armed services to the National Guard Reserve. There’s a saying, “time marches on,” I don’t think there’s enough time to see all the sights and sounds of this magnificent state.
by Sue Kee Lee a resident of Indianola, and a member of Delta Electric
