Tri-County Rural Living Newsletter

Safety is no accident

Pole Top Rescue Training Keeps TCEC Linemen Ready

January & February 2016 Vol. 19 • No. 3

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You Get the Credit — TCEC Announces Distribution of $1,001,046 in Capital Credit Retirements Operation at Cost is Part of the Cooperative Difference

General Manager Julius Hackett Electric cooperatives aren’t like other utilities — you, as a consumer and a member, own a portion of the business.

And one benefit of that membership involves the allocation of excess revenue, called margins, in the form of capital credits.

Electric co-ops operate at cost,

collecting enough revenue to run and expand the business. When your cooperative has money left over, it’s allocated back to you and other members as capital credits. When the co-op’s financial position permits, the co-op retires, or pays, the capital credits to members in cash or as a bill credit. In November 2015, the Board of Trustees determined that the Cooperative’s financial condition provided an opportunity to retire $1,001,046 in capital credits. Cooperative members who provided patronage in the years of 1988–1989 will have their allocations retired. Capital retirement checks were distributed in December 2015.

Checks under $10 will be reflected as a credit on the monthly electric bill.

Tri-County has retired $12,633,417.60 in capital credits to members since 1980.

The retirement of capital credits — socalled because members provide capital

to the cooperative for it to operate and expand — depends on the co-op’s financial status. We hold onto allocated capital credits to cover emergencies, such as a natural disaster and other unexpected events, and to expand its electric system; all of which may require large-scale construction of poles and wires.

Consumer-members are annually allocated capital credits based on the amount of electricity they consumed during a year. Margins earned from electric revenues are the only real source of equity for not-for-profit electric cooperatives, so it’s essential for a cooperative to maintain the right balance between retiring capital credits to members and retaining sufficient equity on its balance sheet.

Retiring capital credits is just one more way Tri-County Electric Cooperative is looking out for you.

TCEC Writes a Big Check As the holiday season comes at TriCounty Electric, so do the property taxes.

TCEC paid over $877,000 in 2015 real estate taxes to the communities we serve.

These dollars cover the taxes on all of TCEC’s offices, substations, and every

inch of power lines throughout Madison, Jefferson and Taylor counties. Property taxes give state and local governments a stable and reliable source of revenue.

This revenue is used in the community to help fund the school system, fire and

Jefferson County property taxes equaled $202,002.73 and were presented to Jefferson County Tax Collector Lois Howell-Hunter.

Madison County property taxes equaled $455,434.67 and were presented to Madison County Tax Collector Lisa Tuten.

police departments, social services, road and bridge departments, and many more essential service departments. For over 75 years, TCEC has had its roots in the counties we serve, and we will be here to serve for many, many more.

Taylor County property taxes equaled $219,633.85 and were presented to Taylor County Tax Collector Mark Wiggins.

All Tri-County Electric Cooperative offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 18, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. We will have standby crews available for power restoration if needed. Please see “To Report Electrical Problems or Outages” on Page 11 of this newsletter.

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January & February 2016

New Year’s Resolutions to Keep You Healthy!

Lose Weight This is probably one of the top resolutions on most of our lists and yet one of the hardest to keep. Remember, there is no quick cure to losing those extra pounds.

According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, losing just 5–10% of your total body weight improves blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugars.

So commit and be patient.

Stop Smoking Also another resolution that is hard to keep. Quitting will not only save you money, but you’re doing your heart a tremendous favor. Tried before and failed? Talk to an ex-smoker and see how many times it took before they achieved success. Your heart and lungs will thank you in the end!

Stay In Touch Most of us lead such busy lives, between work and home it hard enough to sit down to dinner together, let alone keep up with old friends and family. Having strong social

ties can lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk for cardiovascular problems.

We live in a technologyfixated era; it’s never been easier to stay in touch or to renew relationships with friends and family. Fire up the social media of your choice, and follow up with in-person visits.

E F T A S

Electricity useitittotolight light our homes, Electricityis isgreat! great! We We use our homes, watch TV with manyTV other activities.

But electricity can many be dangerous if we ar watch with our families, and enjoy it. Test your electrical safety knowledge answering the ques other activities.

But electricity can be by dangerous if 1) weIt aren’t when using Test your is safe careful to run extension cordsit.under carpet or rugs in you electrical safety knowledge by answering the A. False questions below.

B. True

often smoke alarms your home be tested?

1) 2)ItHow is safe toshould run extension cordsinunder A. Once year in your home. carpet orarugs Once a month A.B.False

Get More Sleep Sleep delivers so many benefits with so little effort!

Just as exercise and nutrition are essential for good health and happiness, so is sleep. It helps your mental sharpness, productivity, emotional balance, creativity, and even your weight. So take that nap and don’t feel guilty about it.

C. Once every three months

B. True

3) How far should items be kept away from space heaters?

2) How should A. Atoften least one foot smoke alarms inB.your home be tested?

At least five feet A.C.Once a year At least three feet

Once a month 4)B.Overloaded outlets can overheat and cause a fire.

C.A.Once True every three months B. False

3) How far should items be kept 5)away Whenfrom usingspace an electrical appliance or playing with an electr heaters? is the minimum distance you should keep between yourself swimming pool?

A. At least one foot B.A.AtTen least feetfive feet

feet C.B.AtFive least three feet C. Three feet

Volunteer Research shows that volunteering leads to better health. Those who volunteer receive satisfaction knowing they are making a difference in the lives of others and their communities. By helping others, we connect with them, and this can increase our own happiness. Studies have found that positive emotions can make people more resilient and resourceful. So go ahead make a resolution to volunteer to help others; you will probably benefit greatly in the happiness department!

4) Overloaded outlets can overheat many did you get right? Check the answer key below andHow cause a fire.

A. True B. False 5) When using an electrical appliance or playing with an electrical toy outside, what is the minimum distance you should keep between yourself and any wet surface or swimming pool?

A. Ten feet B. Five feet C. Three feet How many did you get right?

Check the answer key below!

Answers: 1) A. 2) B. 3) C. 4) A. 5) A.

January & February 2016

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Frequently Asked Questions About Capital Credits Margins related to the sale of electric service are returned to the Cooperative’s members in proportion to their electric usage for the designated year.

These margins are distributed based on the capital credit retirement cycle.

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January & February 2016

Q: How are Capital Credits returned to the member?

A: “Retiring,” i.e., paying back or returning capital credits, is a

two-step process:

Step 1: Allocation An allocation determines your share of the Cooperative’s margin in a particular year. Margins are “allocated” or assigned to members who belong to the Cooperative during the year in which a margin is generated. The allocation is based on the member’s proportion of electrical usage for that year. Each member’s portion is referred to as a “capital credit allocation.”

Step 2: Retirement Once capital credits are allocated, they are retained by the Co-op for a number of years. They are retained because capital credits are the most significant source of equity for the Cooperative. Equity is used to help meet the expenses of the Co-op, such as paying for new equipment to serve members and repaying debt. Capital credits help keep rates at an affordable level by reducing the amount of funds that must be borrowed to grow and maintain Tri-County’s existing electric system. Upon completion of the rotation period, the Board of Trustees will review the Cooperative’s financial health and can declare a retirement (your cash back payment), whereby a portion of your capital credits are returned to you.

such failure shall constitute an irrevocable assignment and gift of such credits to the Cooperative. All unclaimed funds go to unclaimed capital then, at the discretion of the Board of Trustees, up to 25% of all such funds may be paid to the Cooperative’s Energizing Education Scholarship Fund or a qualified educational charity as selected by the Board of Trustees.

Q: What happens in case of a deceased member?

A: Representatives of a deceased member’s estate can choose

whether to receive the deceased member’s capital credits in the form of a present valued lump sum payout or to wait and receive the monies as they are retired as part of the normal, non-discounted retirement process of the Cooperative. Upon request by the appropriate documentation, the Cooperative will pay the discounted, net present value of the capital credits to the estate of the deceased member. The amount of such distributions will be calculated using a discount rate that equals the Cooperative’s weighted average cost of capital and taking into account the date that the distribution would have occurred. Discounting provides a fair way to recognize special circumstances while continuing to treat members equally. If the discount option is exercised, the payment shall be final and binding in all regard.

Things a member should know: • Your capital credits are reserved for you even if you discontinue TCEC services. We will attempt to reach you when refunds are made at the last known address.

• To claim a check returned by mail, or request re-issue of a lost check, you must provide valid identification.

• If you call to establish a new service in the future, tell us if you’ve previously been a member to keep our records current.

Q: What happens if a member or former member fails to

Distribution of Patronage Capital of Deceased Patrons Effective June 1, 2013, the appropriate representative of a deceased Cooperatives member’s estate can select one of two options for processing allocated capital credits: 1. Continue to receive distribution of capital credits at full value during the regular retirement cycle, or 2. Receive a lump sum, discounted capital credit refund. The discount rate will reflect the present value of an amount that would otherwise be received in the future to reflect the time value of money.

claim their check?

A: If any member or former member fails to claim any check

representing retirement of capital credits within two years after payment has been attempted by a check mailed to the last address provided by the member and 60 days has expired from the date of publication in the Cooperative’s newsletter or in a local newspaper,

January & February 2016

Q: What should I do if I receive a check in the wrong name or in the name of a deceased member?

A: Contact Member Services at 1-800-999-2285, or stop by one of

our offices in Madison, Jefferson or Taylor counties.

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SAFETY IS N Pole Top Rescue Training Keeps TCEC Linemen Hooked and Ready

Electrical workers find themselves in some of the most challenging, diverse and risky work environments in modern industry. Having a solid understanding of what it takes to get out of a difficult spot is wise.

Crews from Tri-County Electric Cooperative completed the annual OSHA-mandated pole top and bucket truck rescue certification course on Oct. 29, 2015. The annual training helps our linemen prepare for situations where they might have to climb a pole to rescue a co-worker who has been electrocuted or suffered another life threatening injury. The intensive exercise requires TCEC linemen to climb the utility pole and then harness and lower a 175 lb. mannequin safely to the ground.

Crews are also trained on bucket truck rescues which become necessary should a co-worker become incapacitated while in a bucket truck working on overhead lines. For either scenario, our crews are expected to have the injured lineman on the ground in a few short minutes after beginning the rescue effort.

Safety Director Rusty Smith said, “I hope TCEC never has to use the techniques. Our linemen are trained and able to respond should an incident arise where such a rescue is necessary.”

Acct. #23738001

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Clint Nash, Crew Leader

Dustin Fletcher, Apprentice Lineman

Shane Roberts, Service Technician

Kyle Fox, Groundsman

TCEC is proud of its linemen. They’re one of the ways your cooperative is looking out for you.

January & February 2016

NO ACCIDENT Tri-County Electric Cooperative Holds 25th Annual Safety Day

Tri-County Electric Cooperative held its 25th annual Safety Day on Nov. 11, 2015, continuing its commitment to safety for every employee who serves its members.

“Safety is a No. 1 priority,” said General Manager Julius Hackett. “We believe our annual safety meeting reinforces that commitment and helps us maintain a high safety standard for everyone who works on our system.”

As a part of TCEC’s commitment to safety, employees both inside the organization and in the field undergo safety

training regularly. Safety topics are discussed at monthly safety meetings and safety professionals are brought in to talk to employees on a variety of topics during the annual Safety Day. In addition to the focus on safety, time was reserved to recognize employees who celebrated service anniversaries in 2015. Eight employees and one trustee received service award plaques. Together they have a combined total of 115 years of service to the Cooperative.

L to R Willie Bell, Lead Tree Trimmer, for 25 years; Sharon Boothe, Fiscal Assistant, for 15 years; Shane Roberts, Service Technician, for 10 years; Derrick Calhoun, IT Director, for 5 years; David Wesson, Contractor Supervisor, for 5 years; Sandra Harrison, Member Service Representative, for 5 years; Keith Ruff, Member Service Representative, for 5 years; Steve Walden, GIS Specialist, for 20 years. Trustee Gary Fulford was honored for 25 years of service as a Board member, but was unavailable for a photo.

Veterans Honored

Three employees and two board members of Tri-County Electric Cooperative were recently honored during TCEC’s 25th annual Safety Day recognizing and honoring them as veterans for their service. We appreciate the values, leadership and skills as service members that they have brought to the Cooperative.

January & February 2016

L to R Trustee Neal Brown (D-3); Wendell Williams (Finance Manager); Marvin Johnston (System Operator); Trustee Bobby Dodd (D-2) and Kevin Pryor (Field Service Representative).

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Friday–Sunday, February 12–14, 2016 The Crab Jam The Suwannee River Jam The Swampwater Cookoff Parade Fiddler Crab Racing River Tours Arts and Crafts Vendors Photo Contest Fishing Tournament

www.steinhatcheeriverchamber.org 6th Annual Chili Challenge Thursday, Feb. 25 5:00 – 7:00

Chili Challenge

Monticello Opera House 185 W Washington St. Monticello, FL 32344

Call the Chamber for more details: 850-997-5552

This Publication’s Inspirational Moment

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“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” —Romans 10:9 (NIV) January & February 2016

EW BI YO LL ON UR T LI CE NE C !

VI

GO GREEN SIGN UP FOR

E-BILL TODAY!

E-BILL IS PAPERLESS, GREEN, CONVENIENT, SECURE, AND FREE! To enroll log on to your account at www.tcec.com or any Member Service Representative will be happy to help!

Is Your Outdoor Light Out? We Need to Know!

We strive to keep all our outdoor lights in good working order. At times, an outdoor light can malfunction or become inoperative. If this happens, please contact Tri-County Electric Cooperative using these three easy steps: 1. Call us at (850) 973-2285 or 1-800-999-2285.

2. Identify the outdoor light, give us the six-digit pole identification number or tell us where it is located. If there is more than one light in the area, please tell us which light it not working.

3. Provide your contact information in case our technician has trouble finding the correct light. This helps us make repairs quickly.

To report an inoperative or malfunctioning outdoor light on TCEC’s lines, call (850) 973-2285 or TOLL FREE 1-800-999-2285.

Every outdoor light has a six-digit pole identification number.

January & February 2016

Statement of Nondiscrimination Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. is the recipient of federal financial assistance from the Rural Utilities Service, an agency of the U. S. Department of Agriculture, and is subject to the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended and the rules and regulations of the U.S. Department of Agriculture which provide that no person in the United States on the basis of race, color, natural origin, sex, religion, age, or disability (not all prohibited bases apply to all programs) shall be excluded from participation in, admission or access to, denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any of this organization’s programs or activities.

The person responsible for coordinating this organization’s nondiscrimination compliance efforts is H. Julius Hackett, General Manager. Any individual, or specific class of individuals, who feels that this organization has subjected them to discrimination may obtain further information about the statutes and regulations listed above from and/or file a written complaint with this organization; or the USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call (202) 720-5964 (voice or TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Complaints must be filed within 180 days after the alleged discrimination.

Confidentiality will be maintained to the extent possible.

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Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. Board Meeting Notes for Oct. 12, 2015

Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. Board Meeting Notes for Nov. 9, 2015

With all trustees except two (one who joined by telephone), key cooperative personnel, the attorney and guests present were Lisa Johnson, General Manager of Seminole Electric Cooperative, Inc. and Mrs. Pat Coker, the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. was held on Monday, October 12, 2015, in the Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. headquarters office building located in Madison, Florida. Reports to the Board included those of the: Sep. 30 – Oct. 1, 2015 Florida Electric Cooperatives Association Board Meeting, Finance Committee, Policy Committee, Building and Land Committee, and General Manager. Mrs. Lisa Johnson reported on the October 7 – 8, 2015 Seminole Electric Cooperative board meeting. Action taken by the Board included the following: approval of the October 12, 2015 Board Agenda and the September 14, 2015 Board Meeting Minutes. The Policy Committee recommended and the Board approved revised Policy 111 “Election of Cooperative Trustees,” revised Policy 107 “Fee Payment and Expense Reimbursement to Trustees for the Performance of Other Cooperative Business” and revised Policy 508 “Travel While on Cooperative Business.” Consent Agenda Items as written and recommended by the General Manager which included: the WPCA for October 2015 as established by resolution; RUS Form 7 for August 2015; the list of new members for September 15 - 30, 2015; Safety and Accident Report for August 2015 along with the System Outage Report. Other Board action taken: Bank Signature Cards and Resolutions were adopted and signed authorizing individuals to sign on behalf of the cooperative for Capital City Bank and Citizen State Bank accounts, a review of the membership by district for 2015 and a composition of the board districts. The board was presented with a map of proposed district boundary changes to take home for further study and review.

With all trustees, key cooperative personnel, guests and the attorney present, the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. was held on Monday, November 9, 2015 in the Tri-County Electric headquarters office building located in Madison, FL. Reports to the Board included those of the: NRECA Regional Meeting, Finance Committee, Policy Committee, Building and Land Committee, General Manager and Attorney. As recommended by the Policy Committee the board was asked to take the following two policies home for further study for possible action at the December 2015 board meeting: Revised Policy 200 “Allocation and Retirement of Capital Credits” and Policy 110 “Cooperative Committees.” Action taken by the Board included the following: approval of the November 9, 2015 Board Agenda and the October 12, 2015 Board Meeting Minutes; the retirement of 100% of the remaining 1988 capital credits to patrons, plus 45% of 1989; RUS Form 219s for January – March 2015; approval of the 2016 – 2018 790 Construction Contract with Musgrove Construction; and Consent Agenda items as written and recommended by the General Manager which included: the WPCA for November 2015 as established by resolution; RUS Form 7 for September 2015; the list of new members for October 1 - 25, 2015; Safety and Accident Report for September 2015 along with the System Outage Report.

Other items discussed included: two solar petitions seeking to placed on the November 2016 ballot. The Attorney updated the board on legal matters.

Gary Fulford Catherine Bethea President Secretary-Treasurer

Gary Fulford Catherine Bethea President Secretary-Treasurer The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of Tri‑County Electric Cooperative, Inc. will be held the second Monday in each month at 3:00 p.m. in the central office building of the Cooperative located at 2862 West U.S. 90, approximately two miles west of the city of Madison.

Find Your Hidden Account Number & Get a $150 Bill Credit!

Hidden somewhere in this issue of Tri-County Rural Living is a member account number. Look carefully, it might be yours. If you find your account number exactly as it appears on your bill for electric service, we’ll credit your bill up to the amount of $150.00*! You have until Feb. 29, 2016, to claim your credit by calling Carol Timmons at (850) 973-2285, Ext. 203 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. You must contact the TCEC representative before the deadline to collect your prize. * Total credit on bill will not exceed $150.00. This one-time credit is valid only on the current balance. Any balance remaining after the $150.00 applied credit is the member’s responsibility.

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January & February 2016

Heart-shaped Cherry Pies for Valentine’s Day Ingredients 1 21 oz. can cherry pie filling 1 box refrigerated pie crusts, softened as directed on box 1 egg 1 tablespoon water Granulated sugar for sprinkling Instructions Preheat oven to 425 degrees and line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper.

Use a 3 inch heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut hearts out of the dough. Transfer to lined cookie sheets.

Spoon about 2 tablespoons of pie filling onto the center of each heart.

Cover each with a second dough heart. Press the edges closed with fork tines.

Use a sharp knife to cut an X (for a kiss) into the top crust.

Whisk egg and water together to create egg wash.

Brush each pie with egg wash, then sprinkle with sugar.

Bake 18–20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown at the edges.

Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Tri-County Rural Living Vol. XIX No. III January & February 2016 TRI-COUNTY RURAL LIVING, the voice of your member-owned, taxpaying electric utility, is published bimonthly—more if necessary—through the auspices of Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. as a service to its member-owners. Postage is paid at Blountstown, FL.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Junior Smith D-1 Bobby Dodd D-2 Neal Brown D-3 George Webb D-4 Catherine Bethea Secretary-Treasurer, D-5 Gary Fulford President, D-6 Albert Thomas, Jr. Vice President, D-7 Malcolm V. Page D-8 Elmer Coker D-9

EDITORIAL OFFICES 2862 West US Hwy. 90 Madison, FL • (850) 973-2285 PUBLICATION COMMITTEE Julius Hackett General Manager Eileen Herndon Executive Assistant Kaitlynn Culpepper Community Relations Specialist Michael Curtis, Madison Media Group Writer STAFF Jeff Brewer Manager – Engineering Stephanie Carroll Manager – Corporate Services Darrell Tuten Manager – Operations Wendell M. Williams Manager – Finance

Send CHANGE OF ADDRESS NOTICES to: Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. 2862 West US Hwy. 90 Madison, FL 32340

January & February 2016

If you only want to heat or supplement inadequate heating in one room, small space heaters can be less expensive to use than your central heating system.

Source: energy.gov

To Report Electrical Problems or Outages Please Call:

850-973-2285 or 1-800-999-2285 24-HOUR SERVICE THANK YOU

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Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. 2862 West US Hwy. 90 Madison, FL 32340

from Tri-County Electric Cooperative