Rural Living
TCEC COMMUNITIES DEVASTATED BY HURRICANE HELENE 3 IN 13
Rural Living
Board of Trustees
TCEC Staff
Julius Hackett, Chief Executive Officer
Jeff Brewer, Vice President of Engineering
Eileen Herndon, Vice President of Corporate Services
John Tuten, Vice President of Operations
Wendell Williams, Vice President of Finance
Tri-County Electric Cooperative Rural Living, the voice of your member-owned electric cooperative, is published bimonthly — more if necessary — at no subscription cost to the membership. The publication team is comprised of TCEC employees. Postage is paid at Tallahassee, Fla.
Publication Team
Julius Hackett, Chief Executive Officer
Eileen Herndon, Vice President of Corporate Services
Kaitlynn Culpepper, Community Relations Director
Publisher
Joanna Forrester
Printed on Responsibly Forested Paper
Tri-County Electric Cooperative 2862 West US 90 Madison, FL 32340 www.tcec.com 1-800-999-2285
10 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT POWER RESTORATION
I’m extremely proud of the work of our employees and the communities we serve. The dedication of our team and the support of our members, consumers, and community partners makes all the difference.
With the impact on our system and our members from the three major hurricanes within 13 months, our communities have seen their fair share of days without electricity. Given our reliance on electricity, there’s simply never a good time to be without it. It is important that we shed light on our restoration process to help our members understand what may be happening behind the scenes. Here are 10 things you might not know about restoration:
1. We need you. When your power goes out, it might be just at your home or small section of a neighborhood. There is a chance we may not know about it, and no one has reported it. When outages impacting large groups of people are repaired, electricity flows properly for many. But some remain off due to individual damage to tap and service lines. We rely on you to let us know if your power is out.
2. Our employees might be affected too Because TCEC is a local electric cooperative owned by the members we serve, our employees are local too. They are your neighbors, friends and familiar community volunteers. When you’re without power, our employees might be too. Even still they are all hands on deck during restoration efforts.
3. It’s a team effort. Every one of TCEC’s employees are working to get your power restored as soon as possible. Our member services representatives are taking your calls, engineers and field staff are surveying damage, our vegetation management team is clearing hazards, dispatchers are organizing crews, and communicators are keeping everyone informed of progress or potential dangers. When your power goes out, we all work together as quickly and safely as possible to get you back to normal.
4. We assess the situation first. Every outage is different, and we don’t know how dangerous it is or what equipment might need to be replaced. When responding to outages, we first need to see what happened, then figure out what materials we need and a plan for how to fix the problem(s) without compromising electric flow for the rest of our members.
5. Restoration is normally prioritized by the largest number of members we can get back on in the shortest amount of time. Our crews focus on responding first to public safety issues and critical services like schools, grocery stores, fueling stations and medical centers. Then we complete work that impacts the largest number of people at a time.
6. Our employees face many dangers. Besides working around high voltage electricity, our crews are on alert for wild animals, weather elements, falling trees and fast-moving cars. (If you ever drive past one of our vehicles, please do so slowly.)
7. You need a backup plan. We do our best to help those who need it, but if you depend on electricity for life support purposes, you must have a back-up plan—remember, we don’t always know how long restoration efforts will take. If you’re unsure what to do, call us so we can help you prepare an emergency location and make sure you are signed up for our Medical Essential Service program in advance of the storm.
8. Our employees have to plan, and eat. If you ever see our trucks in a restaurant parking lot while your power is out, know that sometimes our employees huddle in a safe, common area to map out their plan for getting your power back on. Also, our crews work long hard hours during outages and need to take time for meals just like everyone else.
9. Sometimes it’s a waiting game. Our portion of the power grid is connected to other electric utilities, and we maintain positive relationships with our transmission partners interconnected to our system. If our outage is due to an issue from their feed into our system, we must let them do their repairs and be mindful of what they’re going through to fix it.
10. Fiber internet service comes next. Just as electricity is crucial before resuming normalcy after the storm, reliable internet access is as well. Our Conexon Connect internet service reaches every TCEC meter. When our poles are damaged and our wire broken, it is likely the fiber on those poles is damaged as well. Fiber line is also cut or damaged as clean up crews and citizens cut the fiber to clear it from debris. When the electrical infrastructure is repaired then crews can begin the critical recovery of communications via our fiber network.
And most importantly when the lights go out, know that your co-op team is working as quickly and safely as possible to restore power. We cannot control the weather, or a mischievous critter, or a vehicle accident into our power poles, but we can control our response. At TCEC we rebuild after each disaster and remain ready to get and keep the lights on for many years to come.
Board Meetings
The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. will be held the second Monday of each month at 3:00 p.m. in the central office building of the Cooperative located at 2862 West US 90, approximately two miles west of the City of Madison.
Julius Hackett, CEO
Bobby Dodd President Donnie Waldrep
Junior Smith District
Catherine Bethea
Johnny Edwards District
John Cruce District
Ann Herring District
Benjamin White District 7
3 MAJOR HURRICANES
Hurricane Helene is the strongest hurricane on record to make landfall to the Big Bend. A hurricane so strong it traveled inland sweeping up through Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee and Kentucky. Helene left a path of destruction nearly 500 miles long and over 4.5 million people without power.
IDALIA
LANDFALL:
AUGUST 30, 2023
8 Days Keaton Beach, FL
20,000
DEBBY
LANDFALL:
1,600
19,241
LANDFALL: SEPTEMBER 26, 2024
20,114
1,065
4 Days
1,900
9 Days
HELENE September 2024
DEBBY
August 2024
IDALIA
August 2023
Hurricane Helene made landfall just miles from where Hurricanes Debby and Idalia struck land on the coast of Taylor County. All three hurricanes devastated the TCEC service territory within just 13 months. Helene, the strongest of them all, impacted our area in ways we could have never imagined. Over 250 homes, once served by TCEC, were completely destroyed. The hurricane caused 1,065 broken poles, 103 miles of damaged power lines and fiber lines, and countless pieces of equipment and devices were taken offline due to the strength of Helene’s winds and storm surge.
On Friday morning, all 20,114 meters we serve were without power. It took nine days of around-the-clock restoration efforts to restore power to 99% of our system. Over 1,000 TCEC meters remained offline as property owners completed repairs or chose not to rebuild their homes, barns, sheds, irrigation systems, or businesses.
TCEC members were patient, understanding, and kind as we worked through the unfathomable damage. Even when issuing estimated restoration time was difficult due to the of damage, isolated locations on our system with unpredictable conditions, and the complexities of multiple outages.
Our proudest accomplishment was achieving our third full restoration in 13 months, with zero major injuries to our employees and mutual-aid. Over 4,000 people successfully maintained safety while facing many dangerous conditions.
Photo of Perry Base Camp Operation
Photo by Rebecca Vann Photography
Photo by Rebecca Vann Photography
Different Hard Hats
When Tri-County Electric Cooperative (TCEC) goes into power restoration mode, many employees change hats, taking on responsibilities very different from their usual job titles.
TCEC Linemen become crew leaders, guiding mutual aid teams through every substation serving our members, sometimes individually overseeing as many as 200 crew members.
The Vice President of Operations coordinated arrival of 1,900 crews, overseeing operations and construction. He works with large right-of-way companies, electric cooperatives, and linemen organizations to secure the necessary mutual aid and ensure their timely arrival, as well as managing heavy machinery and special equipment needs.
Field Service and Staking Technicians assist road departments and emergency services in safely clearing power lines from roadways across all three counties. They then help crews with individual meter and service repairs. The Safety Director expanded his oversight from 65 to 1,900 personnel, assisting with any accidents or property damage, providing necessary safety equipment, and meeting with each crew or crew leader to review TCEC safety requirements.
Our full-service mechanic shop and two on-site mechanics handle emergency repairs for hundreds of fleet vehicles, ensuring quick fixes to keep trucks on the road and restore power swiftly.
Adequate material is crucial to efficient power restoration. The TCEC warehouse expands significantly, material sites are set up at each base camp location and various TCEC facilities for material pick up across our territory. Our Warehouse Team oversees ordering, delivery, and mutual-aid to manage each material site.
The TCEC Finance Department becomes experts in mutual-aid onboarding and assignment, maintaining rosters of each crew and company, managing reporting, sleeping, and dining arrangements, and organizing all documentation for future FEMA and insurance reporting needs.
The Accounts Payable and Billing Assistant manages both basecamp locations, working closely with vendors and suppliers to keep operations running smoothly and ensure all mutual-aid crews are well taken care of. She ensures our
commitment to leave county-owned property better than we found it is upheld.
The TCEC Engineering Department focuses on rebuilding necessary infrastructure, repairing communication smart devices, substations, and connections between co-op offices. They also run our dispatch center, coordinating crews, identifying outages, and responding to emergencies around the clock.
Corporate Services oversees all employee needs, from work schedules to food and emergency assistance, ensuring every phone call is answered and member needs are met.
The Community Relations Director leverages her relationships within the three communities we serve to coordinate restoration efforts with emergency management officials. She acts as the point of contact for media, local and state governments, federal agencies, key accounts, and critical load locations, and manages all largescale member communications, including website, social media, and email updates.
Our HR Specialist, Member Services Representative 2, and Energy Services Technician are stationed in Emergency Operation Centers across all three counties. They serve as liaisons between the cooperative and the EOC offices, answering questions and providing information.
Billing and Member Service Supervisors assist members with outage restoration information and reporting through the TCEC website, email, and social media pages. They manage service tickets and realign meter and usage data for accurate account information.
Member Service Representatives (MSRs) answer calls from members reporting outages and seeking updates. They are knowledgeable about the power restoration process and work patiently with members to address any questions. Their detailed reporting ensures field crews have the information needed for efficient restoration.
TCEC CEO Julius Hackett oversees the co-op and coordinates high-level efforts, focusing on empowering employees with everything they need for a safe and successful restoration.
CONEXON FIBER INTERNET RESTORATION
Hurricane Helene left its mark throughout Tri-County Electric Cooperative’s service territory. Teams at both Tri-County Electric Cooperative (TCEC) and Conexon Connect have demonstrated its commitment to delivering reliable, high-speed internet by restoring the fiber network as quickly and safely as possible across the co-ops service territory. The hurricane caused widespread power outages and infrastructure damage, affecting thousands of rural residents.
Working closely with TCEC, Conexon Connect coordinated resources to repair damaged fiber lines following the electric co-op’s power restoration. Advanced network monitoring tools and a strategic stockpile of necessary materials allowed crews to respond as quickly as possible while remaining safe. By deploying skilled fiber technicians and engineers to the hardest-hit areas, Conexon Connect was able to have boots on the ground and repairs underway following the storm.
With Hurricane Helene came unforeseen damage to equipment. Normal protocol of a replacement fee for damaged equipment have been waived for all those affected by the storm. On top of this, a service credit was made available for members who were without internet for extended periods of time due to the storm with late fees not being assessed.
Throughout the process, Conexon Connect kept customers informed through regular updates on Facebook and a dedicated support team. Conexon Connect remains dedicated to maintaining high-speed internet access for rural communities and bridging the digital divide in rural America, even in the face of severe weather events.
We want to thank Connect, powered by Tri-County Electric Cooperative, customers for their patience and support as we navigated through the unprecedented times Hurricane Helene brought. Conexon Connect and TCEC are committed to serving you and your support does not go unnoticed. To learn more about our project or report service, visit www.ConexonConnect.com or call 844-542-6663.
Steps
to Post-Hurricane Fiber Broadband Restoration
Conexon Connect crews are planning for restoring your internet service even before a major storm strikes. We work closely with our electric cooperatives as they work to restore power before we can start fiber restoration.
The time necessary for internet service restoration is dependent on the level of damage to the power infrastructure, fiber-optic cable and equipment.
Please note: because the fiber-optic cable carrying your internet attaches to the electric poles, fiber service restoration must follow electric restoration.
Here’s how we work to restore your service:
D.C.
2024 ANNUAL MEETING
The morning of Saturday, September 21st, was a slightly cooler late summer morning, hinting that fall was around the corner. The weather set the stage for a perfect TCEC Annual Meeting. There was joy in the air as we engaged with members, leaving the hard days of Hurricane Debby behind us. Our communities were getting back to “normal.”
A total of 915 cooperative members registered at the drive-thru registration. Employees were all hands on deck, and TCEC Board Trustees were on site to meet and greet members. Those who registered in person received an emergency vehicle kit with jumper cables, screwdrivers, and more, along with a $25 bill credit for using their quick registration card.
Many stayed for the optional in-person meeting. After a few rounds of Bingo, the business meeting was called to order at 10:00 AM by TCEC Board President Mr. Bobby Dodd.
To conclude the meeting, over 50 door prize winners were drawn. Those who stayed for the in-person meeting were given extra “blue ticket” chances to win as well. With prizes such as a Blackstone grill, Yeti cooler, tools, and a cornhole set, excitement filled the air.
Once all the door prizes were given away, members departed with their prizes in hand and a deeper connection to their cooperative.
Meanwhile, Hurricane Helene brewed in the background. Her forecast was pushed to the back of our minds. There was no way to know at the time what the weeks ahead would hold. We are grateful to have been able to share this time with our members before the devastation of Hurricane Helene.
TCEC Member Susan Lindsey, excited to take home her brand new Black Stone Grill.
James “Covey” Flournoy was the grand prize winner, taking home a 2015 Ford F-150.
Almost-Famous Peppermint Bark
Ingredients
• 12 ounces good-quality semisweet chocolate, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 1/2 teaspoons peppermint extract
• 1 pound good-quality white chocolate, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
• 3 candy canes or 12 round hard peppermint candies, crushed
Directions
1. Line a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil, shiny-side up; smooth out any wrinkles.
2. Heat 1 inch of water in a saucepan over low heat until steaming.
3. Put all but 3/4 cup of the semisweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Set the bowl over the saucepan of steaming water (do not let the bowl touch the water) and stir until one-third of the chocolate is melted.
4. Remove the bowl from the saucepan; keep the steaming water over low heat. Gradually stir the reserved 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate into the bowl, a few pieces at a time, until all of the chocolate is melted.
5. Return the bowl to the saucepan, 5 to 10 seconds at a time, to help melt the chocolate, if needed. Do not rush this step: It may take up to 10 minutes to melt the chocolate. Wipe off any moisture from the bottom of the bowl.
6. Stir 3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract into the chocolate, then quickly pour into the prepared baking dish and spread in an even layer. Firmly tap the dish against the counter to remove any air bubbles. Set aside at room temperature until almost set, about 10 minutes.
7. Meanwhile, put all but 1 cup of the white chocolate in a large heatproof bowl and repeat the melting process over the steaming water; dry off the bottom of the bowl.
8. Stir in the remaining 3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract; pour over the semisweet chocolate and spread in an even layer. Sprinkle immediately with the crushed candy canes, gently pressing them into the white chocolate. Set aside at room temperature until firm, about 1 hour. Lift the bark out of the pan using the foil and break it into pieces. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
BE AN ENERGY EFFICIENCY MVP
Do you have what it takes to be the energy efficiency MVP (most valuable player) in your home? When you take proactive steps to save energy at home, you can help your family save on monthly energy bills and help the environment—that’s a win-win!
Read the sentences below and unscramble the bolded letters to complete the energy efficiency tips. Check your work in the answer key.
1. Turn off glhsit when you leave a room.
2. Unplug smaller electronic devices like phone reahgcsr when you’re not using them.
3. Reduce your nesecr time to save energy and spend more time outdoors.
4. Turn off the reatw while brushing your teeth.
5. Keep doors and swdwnio closed when your home’s heating/cooling system is running.
6. When it’s cold, wear an extra layer of tohgncil inside instead of adjusting the thermostat.
Holiday Schedule Reminder
All Tri-County Electric offices will be closed Nov. 28 & 29 for Thanksgiving; Dec. 24 & 25 for Christmas; and Jan. 1, 2025 for New Year’s. We will have standby crews available for power restoration if needed. The TCEC staff and employees are thankful to have the honor of serving you and wish you hope, peace and joy this Holiday Season.
