July-August 2023 TCEC Rural Living Newsletter

Preparing to Serve You Better Rural Living

Providing reliable power to you is and will always be top priority for Tri-County Electric Cooperative (TCEC). These days, power reliability seems to be making news more than ever.

Board of Trustees

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

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

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

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

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

Modernizing Vegetation Management

Generally speaking, healthy trees don’t fall on power lines, and clear lines don’t cause problems. Proactive trimming and pruning keep lines clear to improve power reliability. However, traditional vegetation management is costly and time consuming. It entails on-the-ground, labor-intensive efforts involving dozens of workers assessing vegetation and overseeing the quality and completion of contractor work. Although this approach has worked for decades, advances and improvements in technology have allowed us to reduce our costs and improve efficiency.

Fiber-to-the-home Internet Service

Preparedness is key to success. While we prioritize preparing our infrastructure to continue to provide reliable power to our members, we also prioritize preparing for the future of the communities we serve. Our broadband fiber to the home internet project will better situate our system and our members for future advancements in technology and the continuously evolving opportunities of high-speed internet connection.

Powering Education

Through our Energizing Education scholarship program, TCEC has awarded $52,500 in scholarships to students preparing for their future education. Read more about these deserving students on page 6. TCEC is your electric cooperative, and we will continue to serve you and power your future.

ON

–TCEC Lineman

Board Meetings

Julius Hackett, CEO

Bobby Dodd President Donnie Waldrep Vice President George Webb Secretary/Treasurer District

Junior Smith District

Bethea

Edwards

Cruce

Herring

Bishop

1,000 Customers Connected!

This past June we connected our 1,000th member to Conexon Connect high-speed broadband internet service. We began connecting members in January of 2023, and within 6 months met the 1,000 member mark. Over 400 miles of fiber have been installed across our service territory, with more added daily. From Conexon & TCEC Employees, along with various contractors and construction crews, there are 85 employees dedicated to safe, reliable, and efficient installation of accessible highspeed internet service.

Testimonials from our members about the impact quality, reliable internet has had on their lives, makes all of the hard work worth it. Members are able to connect with family and friends no matter the distance, reach their educational goals with online classes from home, as well as the everyday enjoyment of being able to download their favorite movie or show with no lagging or errors in their service.

With an expected completion date of March 2025, the TCEC fiber-to-the-home project is being completed in three phases. Each phase follows a specific network design. Phase 1 is set to be complete by Fall of 2023. Crews have officially begun working in Phase 2.

TCEC believes that everyone deserves access to the internet connection they need. Conexon Connect, powered by TCEC, is pleased to participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) to offer a discount on broadband services for qualifying households. ACP provides a monthly discount of up to $30 per month for internet services for qualifying households.

To check availability and sign up for the service, visit ConexonConnect.com or call 1-844-542-6663.

Follow Connect Powered by Tri-County Electric Cooperative on Facebook. And as always you can reach out to the cooperative at 850.973.2285.

THE REVIEWS ARE IN

Safety Tips for Before, During and After the Storm

Before the Storm

• Talk to your family about what to do in the event of a severe storm or tornado. Point out the safest location to shelter, like a small, interior, windowless room on the lowest level of your home. Discuss the dangers of severe thunderstorms; lightning can strike 10 miles outside of a storm. Remember: when you hear thunder roar, head indoors.

• Make a storm kit. It doesn’t have to be elaborate––having a few items on hand is better than nothing at all. Try to include items like water, non-perishable foods, a manual can opener, a First-Aid kit, flashlights and extra batteries, prescriptions, baby supplies and pet supplies. Keep all the items in one place for easy access if the power goes out.

During the Storm

• Pay attention to local weather alerts––either on TV, your smartphone or weather radio––and understand the types of alerts. A thunderstorm or tornado watch means these events are possible and you should be prepared; a warning means a thunderstorm or tornado has been spotted in your area and it’s time to take action.

• If you find yourself in the path of a tornado, head to your safe place to shelter, and protect yourself by covering your head with your arms or materials like blankets and pillows.

• If you’re driving during a severe storm or tornado, do not try to outrun it. Pull over and cover your body with a coat or blanket if possible.

After the Storm

• If the power is out, conserve your phone battery as much as possible, limiting calls and texts to let others know you are safe or for emergencies only.

• Stay off the roads if trees, power lines or utility poles are down. Lines and equipment could still be energized, posing lifethreatening risks to anyone who gets too close.

• Wear appropriate gear if you’re cleaning up storm debris on your property. Thick-soled shoes, long pants and work gloves will help protect you from sharp or dangerous debris left behind. Summer is a time for many fun-filled activities, but the season can also bring severe, dangerous weather. Talk to your loved ones about storm safety so that everyone is prepared and knows exactly what to do when a storm strikes.

Upcoming District Meetings

Democratic Member Control is one of the seven cooperative principles we follow at TCEC, and part of our members role in preparing the cooperative for the future. By electing TCEC Board representatives for each district, members are ensuring a voice in the decisions of the cooperative.

Upcoming district meetings to be held in Districts 7, 8, and 9 provide a great opportunity to meet with fellow members in your neighborhood. By attending your district meeting, and electing a member as your district trustee, you have an opportunity to be involved in your co-op and meet current TCEC trustees and staff to discuss the things that are important to you.

Any member who intends to be nominated and elected at a district meeting for the position of Trustee, may download a Notice of Intent form at www.tcec.com/notice-of-intent, or pick up a form at any TCEC district office. Return completed form to Eileen Herndon, Vice President of Corporate Services (850.973.8024) at the headquarters office in Madison, Florida at least 21 days before the District Meeting at which Trustees are to be elected.

District Meetings will be held in July for TCEC members living in Districts 7, 8, & 9. In accordance with Article III, Section 7 (a) of the Bylaws of Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. district meetings will be held for the purpose of selecting person(s) as candidates for trustee. This year, District Meetings are scheduled as follows:

Schedule

All district meetings start at 6:00 p.m.

District 7

Friday, July 21

Elizabeth Baptist Church

Please note the change in location of the District 7 meeting since our last publication.

4124 Bassett Dairy Road Monticello, FL

District 8

Tuesday, July 18

Lake Bird Methodist Church

2960 Lake Bird Church Road Perry, FL

District 9

Thursday, July 20

Blue Creek Baptist Church 21070 Beach Road Perry, FL

Seniors Awarded TCEC Energizing Education Scholarships, totaling $52,500!

Investing in the communities we serve, investing in the future and having a positive impact on the lives of our neighbors are all top priorities at TCEC among providing affordable, reliable, safe electricity. Through the TCEC Energizing Education program, 28 seniors from Madison, Jefferson, Taylor, and Dixie Counties were awarded scholarships for the fall 2023 term. Due to the generosity of TCEC members who donate monthly to the fund and our Board of Trustees for supporting and encouraging the program, we were able to award $52,5000 this year. This represents our largest scholarship disbursement to date. These scholarships are made possible through our Energizing Education program where TCEC Members round up their electric statement to the next dollar and give those cents to the TCEC Energizing Education Scholarship fund.

To enroll your TCEC account, visit www.tcec.com/energizing-education. For more information about the Energizing Education Scholarship, visit www.tcec.com/scholarship.

Jefferson County Schools

Dixie County High School

Noah Francis and Christopher Davis

James Madison Prep

Mason Good Kathryn Poirrier

Gianna

Carlucci

Abby Washington

William Haynes

Carolann Lancaster

Errion Wade and Shunius Bellamy

Aucilla Christian Academy

Madison County High School

Point of Grace Christian School

NFC DONATION

Tri-County Electric Cooperative recently presented a $5,000 donation to the North Florida College Foundation to fund scholarships for TCEC members and their dependents to attend NFC.

Over the last several years TCEC has donated $30,000 to the NFC Foundation, supporting students in furthering their education and powering their future.

The purpose of the NFC Foundation is to provide direct financial support for the students and programs of North Florida College. TCEC’s donation to the NFC Foundation represents part of our investment in education and in the communities we serve.

TCEC Members rounding up their electric statement to the next dollar and giving those cents to the TCEC Energizing Education Scholarship fund helped make this Energizing Education donation possible. To enroll your TCEC account, visit www.tcec.com/energizing-education. For more information about the Energizing Education Scholarship, visit www.tcec.com/scholarship.

Maci Padgett

Cameron Croft

Liz Newman

Jace Grant Gabe Gamalero

Axel Day

Aiden Day

Anna Drawdy

Samantha Drawdy

Kaitlyn Tharpe

Emma Tharpe

Left – Right

Julius Hackett, CEO and Kaitlynn Culpepper, Community Relations Director presenting donation to NFC Director of Resource Development, Traci McClung and President of NFC, John Grosskopf

Jatavia Livingston

Tony Hamilton

Cheyenne Crooks

Ly’Taviah Brown Dalton Mercer Gavin Bass

Left – Right

Energy-Saving Projects for the Weekend Warrior

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

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

Get smart about home cooling and heating.

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

Now that smart thermostats are more affordable (as little as $70!), this simple upgrade makes for a fun, efficient weekend project. Smart thermostats offer a variety of bells and whistles, but the average model will allow you to set custom temperature schedules, adjust the settings from anywhere (from your phone), and over time, learn your cooling and heating preferences. Your new smart thermostat will come with step-by-step instructions, but this project typically involves shutting off your HVAC at the breaker panel, disconnecting/ removing the old thermostat, installing the new smart thermostat and connecting it to your home Wi-Fi. Play it safe: remember to carefully read the installation instructions before you get started.

Go green and boost your greenery with a rain barrel.

Smart thermostats offer a variety of bells and whistles, but the average model will allow you to set custom temperature schedules, adjust the settings anywhere, and over time, learn your cooling and heating preferences.

Source: Abby Berry, NRECA (Attribution appreciated but not required.)

If you’ve got a green thumb, you already know that rainwater is the best water for your outdoor plants. Rainwater is free of minerals, salts and treatment chemicals found in tap water or groundwater. It also contains helpful macronutrients to foster healthy plant growth.

Installing a rain barrel is an easy way to harvest large amounts of rainwater and reduce home water use––it’s a winwin. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, one rain barrel can save a homeowner 1,300 gallons of water annually. Most residential rain barrels range in size from 50 to 90 gallons, so the size you purchase will depend on your watering needs. The simplest way to install a rain barrel is positioning a plastic or wooden barrel directly under your gutter downspout. Basic piping may be required, but this is an easy way to harvest rainwater, and the barrel won’t take up much space. Consider a cover for the top of your rain barrel to keep insects and small debris out of your harvested water.

Create fresh savings with a DIY clothesline.

If you have enough outdoor space available, installing a clothesline is a great way to save energy. Not only will you save on dryer costs––in the summer, you can also save on cooling costs since unwanted heat from the clothes dryer won’t be added to your home (which makes your air conditioner work harder). Additionally, air drying is much gentler on fabrics and will keep your clothes and linens looking fresh longer. You can create your own clothesline with two T-posts, wire and hookand-eye turnbuckles. Depending on your soil, you may need a small amount of Quikrete to set the posts. Another option is installing the line between two trees. A typical load of laundry requires about 35 feet of line, so keep this in mind as you’re determining the best location. If an outdoor clothesline isn’t an option, no sweat! You can easily create an indoor drying rack that folds to save space. Home improvement websites like thespruce.com and hgtv.com offer step-by-step tutorials for a variety of indoor clothes racks.

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

Installing a clothesline is a great way to save energy. Not only will you save on dryer costs––you can also save on cooling since unwanted heat from the clothes dryer won’t be added to your home.

Photo Source: Daniel Spase (Attribution appreciated but not required.)

Photo

CongratULATIONs Seth

Nash!

Seth Nash, son of TCEC Cooperative Foreman Clint Nash and wife Missy Nash, has graduated Salutatorian of his class at Madison County High School.

Seth will be completing his AA degree at North Florida College. He then plans to attend the University of Florida to study Veterinary Medicine. We are all very proud of his accomplishments and look forward to seeing what his future holds.

There are few things sweeter than becoming a grandparent. Field Service Representative Tom Rucks, was awarded a new title of “Pop Pop” on June 1, 2023. Tom’s daughter Abigail and her husband Devlin have blessed their family with a baby girl; Kaylynn Ivy Hamrick. Mom and baby are both doing well, Tom and his wife are both still over the moon with joy.

SAVE ENERGY GET REWARDED

SCAN THE CODE TO LEARN MORE

Your electric cooperative’s voluntary demand response program is designed to reward members for allowing your electric cooperative to make brief, small adjustments to your thermostat during times of peak electric demand or critical need. Participants will receive a $20 bill credit per residential account after acceptance into the program and an added $10 bill credit for participation in winter/heat controls in October. Plus, if you stay enrolled and participate, you may also be entered for a chance to win $250* at the conclusion of each program year.

Coconut-and-Lime Pork Kebabs

TOTAL TIME: Prep/Total Time: 1 hr 40 min. YIELD: 4 servings.

Recipe courtesy of Food Network Magazine

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds pork tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 1 13.5-ounce can coconut milk

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more for the grill

• 4 cloves garlic, smashed

• 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon packed dark brown sugar

Directions

• 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for topping

• 2 tablespoons fish sauce

• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

• 2 tablespoons Sriracha (Asian chile sauce)

• Romaine lettuce leaves, for serving

• Chopped roasted peanuts, scallions and cucmber for topping

1. Toss the pork with half of the coconut milk, the vegetable oil, garlic, 1/3 cup each brown sugar and cilantro, and 1 tablespoon each fish sauce, lime juice and Sriracha in a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate 1 to 4 hours.

2. Preheat a grill to medium and lightly brush the grates with vegetable oil. Thread the pork onto eight 10-inch skewers. Grill the kebabs, turning occasionally and brushing with the remaining coconut milk, until marked and cooked through, about 12 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, combine 1 tablespoon water and the remaining 1 tablespoon each brown sugar, fish sauce, lime juice and Sriracha in a small bowl. Serve the kebabs in romaine leaves and drizzle with the sauce. Top with chopped peanuts, scallions, cucumber and cilantro.

4. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent scorching.

Holiday Schedule Reminder

All Tri-County Electric Cooperative offices will be closed Tuesday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day. Crews will be standing by if needed. Please see “Report & Track Power Outages” on page 11.

This Publication’s Inspirational Moment

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

(Romans 15:13)

HOW SOLAR PANELS WORK WORD SEARCH

Did you know energy from the sun can be used to create electricity? Read the following information about how solar panels work, then find and circle the bolded words in the puzzle.

Solar panels contain photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight into electricity

Sunlight hits the solar panels and generates a direct current.

The direct current flows to an inverter, which converts it to an alternating current.

(This is the kind of electricity we use in our homes.)

The alternating current flows from the inverter to the home’s breaker box, where it’s used to power appliances and electrical devices in your home.

If the solar panels generate more electricity than the home needs, the unused electricity is sent back to the power lines.