May-June 2023 TCEC Rural Living Newsletter

Rural Living

May is Military Appreciation Month

Service. Mission. Country. You likely identified immediately (and correctly) that these three words describe our nation’s veterans. They also describe the character and spirit of the cooperative culture.

While veterans are innately motivated to serve, in a similar vein, electric co-ops are guided by foundational principles that put their community first. Afterall, electric co-ops were founded to bring electricity to rural areas where there was none. In doing so, they powered local economies and helped them to thrive. I believe this close connection to an essential mission is why there are so many veterans in the utility industry and why they are such a great fit for electric co-ops.

adapting to new technologies, which is essential in our evolving industry.

TCEC Staff

Today’s veterans are highly skilled because everyone who joins the military is either trained in a tech career field or exposed to advanced technology during their years of service. Many veterans have skills in advanced disciplines such as engineering, electronics or mechanics, which are all beneficial for the utility industry. Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. (TCEC) is proud to have veterans as board members and employees, and we’re especially grateful for their contributions to the co-op and to our community.

Leadership and Teambuilding Skills

Our veteran colleagues joined the co-op equipped with training in leadership and teamwork. That’s because while on active duty within their units, service men and women work closely together because they know their lives depend on each other’s actions. This fosters a high level of self-discipline, sense of personal responsibility and passion for excellence.

The utility industry is increasingly complex and undergoing profound transformation. While there is the traditional engineering and vegetation management aspect of the utility industry, it now also encompasses technology, cybersecurity and the electrification of the transportation sector and other areas of the economy. Veterans are adept at responding to changing conditions and learning and

Mission-oriented Outlook

Working for an electric co-op is more than a job. There is a clear mission in the work–– to help our consumer-members and the community. When you work so closely with the community, you can’t help but feel a sense of commitment and responsibility to our members. It’s similar to the sense of duty and responsibility that veterans experience in the military. They feel deep, personal responsibility and commitment to their co-op team members and to the members we serve. Veterans are trustworthy, goal oriented, wanting to do right for their co-op and their community.

At the national level, electric co-ops support the “Vets Power Us” program, which is aimed at employing and honoring veterans and their families. This effort involves partnering with other electric co-ops across the country along with the Department of Labor, the Department of Defense, the Veterans Administration and others to hire veterans in the energy industry.

May is Military Appreciation Month, and I hope you’ll join me in recognizing the sacrifices veterans have made to our great country––and the many contributions they continue to make to our wonderful community. Veterans, we salute you!

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 Vice President George Webb Secretary/Treasurer

Junior Smith District 1 Catherine Bethea District

Johnny Edwards District

John Cruce District

Ann Herring District

Benny Bishop District 7

A Fiber Milestone in Madison!

Madison County residents, first in their area to have access to high-speed fiber internet service from Connect, Powered by Tri-County Electric Cooperative.

Tri-County Electric Cooperative (TCEC) is happy to announce that connecting high-speed broadband internet service to members in Madison County has begun.

The first ‘official’ connection of residential fiber in Madison County belongs to Randy and Kathy Floyd of Greenville. The Floyds have been proud members of TCEC for over 30 years.

TCEC announced in April 2022, the plan to launch a fiber-tothe-home network that will provide access to internet and voice services to 15,000 homes and businesses throughout its service territory. The initial project will focus on TCEC members who receive electric service.

TCEC and Conexon Connect are investing approximately $65 million to build the network and expect the project to be completed within two to three years. The network is designed for quality, reliable, sustainable, high-speed internet service that can be built efficiently and safely.

The service will soon be available to members in Jefferson County as well. Connect, powered by TCEC’s Broadband network will become widely available on a “rolling” basis as network construction crews continue to work in all counties TCEC serves, throughout the duration of construction and installation.

How will I know which phase or zone I’m in?

By visiting www.conexonconnect.com, members can click the “Check Availability” button and then provide the address or electric account number to determine availability and timeframe for their area. That information is necessary to provide an estimated timeline of when construction can be expected to be completed in that area.

Additionally, we encourage members to complete the sign-up process and select the preferred package. Signing up will put the property on the list for initial exterior prep work. Members that sign up online will also receive regular updates as construction nears the area.

Conexon Connect offers three internet plans to choose from to meet various customer needs and will be available to members with no data caps, contracts, or required bundles. Plans starting at $49.95 a month, with installation and equipment included during the project’s construction phases.

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 for assistance.

Who is ?

EnterSource is a professional installation services company that TCEC has contracted with for the home installations of the Conexon Connect internet service. A representative from EnterSource will contact TCEC members who have signed up for internet service and schedule their in-home installation when service is available in their area.

Representatives from TCEC, Conexon, Enetersource, and Madison County Commissioners Ronnie Moore and Donnie Waldrep, celebrate with Randy and Kathy Floyd on this exciting milestone!

2023 Youth Tour Applicants Visit Florida’s Capital

Each year Tri-County Electric Cooperative sponsors several juniors from area high schools to attend the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour in Washington, DC. All applicants spend two days getting to know each other, learn about electric cooperatives, completing an in-person interview, tour the capitol building in Tallahassee, meet their local House and Senate Representatives and more. This year’s applicants: Laney Kate Cruce, Alex Inherst, Gracie Jenkins, Calli Knight, Jailyn Cooks, Trey Galbraith, and Abigail Saltares visited Mission San Luis for a deep dive into Apalachee and Spanish history in Florida.

During their visit to the Supreme court, they participated in a mock trial. While at the House and Senate Chambers they immersed themselves in our state government policy and participated in a mock session. Speaker Renner and his Chief of Staff, as well as Senator Corey Simon addressed all the Florida Youth Tour applicants about their role in government.

Representative Jason Shoaf, took time out of his busy schedule to meet with the students from his district, answer their questions, and take a few photos.

In addition to their application and essay, this experience helps determine who will be invited to Washington, DC to represent the co-op on the Youth Tour in June.

The Youth Tour is more than an all-expense paid trip to the nation’s capital to sight-see. It is a prestigious event in which thousands of high school juniors from across the nation join together to gain an understanding of our nation’s history and the freedoms we enjoy, as well as the many costs of those freedoms. The experience is rewarding, educational and fun! Students will tour memorials, museums, and national landmarks that they may have only read about in history books.

Jailyn Cooks meeting Representative Jason Shoaf

We believe by investing in today’s youth, we are investing in our, and your, future. We know that some of the brightest and best students live right here in North Florida and we want to give them an opportunity to experience the past, present and future of our country. For many students, it will inspire a future in government or political science or their local cooperative. Visit www.tcec.com/youth-tour for more information. Annually applications become available in October and are due in January. Any High School Junior whose parents or grandparents are TCEC members, are eligible to apply!

Laney Kate Cruce, Gracie Jenkins, Calli Knight, Jailyn Cooks, Trey Galbraith have been selected to participate in the 2023 Youth Tour, June 13th-18th. Congratulations! *Trey Galbraith is unable to attend due to a prior commitment with FFA. We are proud of him and wish him the best of luck at the FFA Convention, where he will serve as the captain of his debate team!

SUMMARY OF THE BY-LAWS OF TRI-COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. PERTAINING TO MEMBERSHIP, ANNUAL MEETINGS, BOARD REPRESENTATION, AND QUALIFICATION, NOMINATION AND ELECTION TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

MEMBERSHIP

1. Any person, firm, association, corporation, or body politic or subdivision thereof may become a member of the Cooperative by:

a. Filing a written application for membership;

b. Agreeing to purchase electrical energy from the Cooperative;

c. Agreeing to comply with and be bound by the Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws of the Cooperative, and any rules and regulations adopted by the Board of Trustees; and

d. Paying the membership fee provided by the By-Laws of the Cooperative, and being accepted for membership by the Board of Trustees or the members. No member may hold more than one (1) membership in the Cooperative, and no membership shall be transferrable.

2. A husband and wife may, if they desire, apply for a joint membership.

ANNUAL MEETINGS

1. The Annual Meeting of the members of the Cooperative is held on the Third Saturday in September of each year, in either Madison, Jefferson or Taylor County, Florida. The place at which an Annual Meeting is to be held is designated in the Notice of such Annual Meeting given to the members of the Cooperative prior to each Annual Meeting.

BOARD REPRESENTATION

1. The territory served by the Cooperative is divided into nine (9) districts. Each district is represented by one (1) Trustee. The Trustees from the nine (9) districts constitute the Board of Trustees of the Cooperative.

2. The Board of Trustees manages the business and affairs of the Cooperative. The Board of Trustees exercises all the powers of the Cooperative except such powers as are conferred upon or reserved to the members by law, or the Articles of Incorporation or the ByLaws of the Cooperative.

QUALIFICATIONS OR ELIGIBILITY TO SERVE AS A TRUSTEE

1. To serve as a Trustee of the Cooperative, a person must:

a. Be a natural person;

b. Is not a current employee and if a former employee who was not in good standing at time employment ended, a minimum three years must have elapsed;

c. Has been subjected to a criminal background check and credit check;

d. Is a member in good standing of the cooperative without any disconnections for non-payment of utility services within last five years;

e. Be a bona fide full-time resident of the district which member plans to represent for at least 12 months preceding nomination;

f. Has the capacity to enter into legally binding contracts;

g. Does not have a financial interest in or relationship with an outside organization or individual having business dealings with the Cooperative if it would likely impair the ability of the trustee to serve the best interests of the cooperative; and annually complete and sign a conflict-of-interest certification and disclosure form;

h. Is not related to a current trustee as defined in the Conflict of Interest Board Policy;

i. Has not been previously removed as a trustee, or has not resigned as a trustee while a proceeding to remove member was pending;

j. Has not been convicted of or have pleaded guilty to a felony or first degree misdemeanor;

k. Attend at least two-thirds of all board meetings each year while a trustee.

NOMINATION AND ELECTION PROCEDURES FOR ELECTION TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

1. A person may be nominated as a candidate for Trustee at a District Meeting of the members of a district.

2. Not less than thirty (30) days nor more than sixty (60) days before the annual meeting of the members, the Board of Trustees shall call a separate meeting of the members of each district at a suitable place in each district for the purpose of electing one person as Trustee to represent the members located within such district.

3. In order for a member to be nominated at a district meeting for the position of trustee (including incumbent trustees) his or her name and intent to run for such position must be received by the Cooperative in writing at its headquarters in Madison, Florida at least 21 days before the district meeting at which nominations for trustee are to be made. After receiving such written notice, the Cooperative will confirm that the member is a resident of the district for which he/she intends to be a candidate for trustee, and is otherwise qualified to be a trustee. In the event that the member is not qualified to be a trustee, the Cooperative will notify the member of this in writing prior to the district meeting at which elections for trustee are to be made. The Secretary of the Cooperative shall, prior to the district meeting, certify the names of all prospective candidates who shall satisfy the said requirements.

4. Fifteen members residing in the District present at such duly called district meeting shall constitute a quorum provided, however, that members casting votes during voting hours in an election of trustees shall be counted as present in person for the determination of a quorum as provided by law.

5. Voting shall be by ballot. Each member may vote for one candidate. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes shall be declared the trustee of the district. In the event of a tie vote, the winner of a coin toss shall be declared Trustee-elect.

6. If only one qualified Trustee candidate is nominated or accepts nomination for a Trustee position, the Cooperative will dispense with balloting, no quorum will be required, and the candidate will be declared the Trustee-elect at the District Meeting.

7. Not less than ten days before an annual meeting of the members, the Secretary of the cooperative shall mail to each member a list of the trustees elected at all district meetings, the names to be arranged by district. This list may be included with the notice of the meeting.

8. In the event of the election of a trustee does not occur on the date designated herein for the district meeting due to being unable to establish a quorum at the district meeting, the election of those qualified candidate(s) for trustee shall occur at the annual meeting of the members.

Make Plans to Attend Your District Meetings

To run for trustee, members must:

1. Be a full-time resident of the district

2. Submit your signed Notice of Intent at least 21 days prior to the District Meeting and meet all qualifications as outlined in the by-laws

3. Attend the district meeting Questions?

Call 1-800-999-2285

Schedule

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

District 7

Friday, July 21

Central Baptist Church

Monticello, FL

District 8

Tuesday, July 18

Lake Bird Methodist Church

Perry, FL

District 9

Thursday, July 20

Blue Creek Baptist Church

Perry, FL

Democratic process. Authority to vote. That is what makes cooperatives different than traditional businesses. Each year, Tri-County Electric Cooperative members elect their leadership.

TCEC’s board consists of nine trustees who are also TCEC members. The board meets monthly to make decisions regarding budget, policy, rates, and other co-op business.

How do I run for the board of trustees?

Each year, Tri-County Electric Cooperative (TCEC) holds trustee elections in three districts. Those elections are the members’ opportunity to select someone to represent them on TCEC’s ninemember board. Such elections are held each year. TCEC’s by-laws require that potential trustees must be a natural persons receiving service at their “primary residence.” That means you must be living in a home that receives electricity from the co-op. Potential trustees must file their Notice of Intent seeking to be a candidate for trustee at least 21 days in advance of the district meeting. Notices are available at the Tri-County Electric Cooperative offices in Jefferson, Madison, Taylor, and Dixie County.

If I do run, what’s the time commitment? Tri-County board of trustees must become knowledgeable about the electric industry. They also must make decisions regarding the strategy and operation of the co-op.

To do this, the board meets on the second Monday of each month. Meetings are held at the Main Headquarters Office Building in Madison, Florida and last a good portion of the afternoon. In addition to monthly meetings, TCEC trustees often attend meetings and conferences of the statewide association, Florida Electric Cooperatives Association (FECA) and national association, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), and TCEC’s generation and transmission cooperative Seminole Electric Cooperative.

If you have an interest in becoming a Tri-County Electric Cooperative trustee, obtain a Notice of Intent by calling 1-800-999-2285 or email eherndon@tcec.com.

Play it Safe: 10 Do’s and Don’ts When Using Portable Generators

Storm season is upon us, which means greater potential for power outages. If you’re planning to use a portable generator in the event of an outage, TCEC reminds you to play it safe.

With proper use and maintenance, portable generators can provide great convenience during an outage. However, when generators are used incorrectly, they can be extremely hazardous. In a 2022 report, the Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated 85 U.S. consumers die every year from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning caused by gasoline-powered portable generators. Here are 10 do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when using portable generators:

1. DO: Install backup CO alarms.

2. DO: Keep children and pets away from portable generators at all times.

3. DO: Position generators at least 25 feet outside the home, away from doors, windows and vents that can allow CO to enter the home.

4. DO: Ensure your generator is properly grounded. Use a portable ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) to prevent electric shock injuries.

5. DO: Use three-pronged extension cords that are rated to handle the load of the generator. Inspect extension cords for cuts, frays or other damage before use.

6. DON’T: Operate a generator inside your home or an enclosed (or partially-enclosed) space. Generators produce high levels of CO, which can be deadly.

7. DON’T: Open windows or doors while the generator is running.

8. DON’T: Rely on generators as a full-time source of power. They should only be used temporarily or in emergency situations to power essential equipment or appliances.

9. DON’T: Overload generators. They should only be used to power essential equipment. Make sure your generator can handle the load of the items you plan to power.

10. DON’T: Connect generators directly into household wiring unless you have an appropriate transfer switch installed. If a generator is connected to a home’s wiring without a transfer switch, power can backfeed along power lines and electrocute utility lineworkers making repairs.

While generators provide convenience during power outages, they can quickly become hazardous––even deadly––if improperly operated. Before you operate a portable generator, be sure to thoroughly read the owner’s manual for important safety information and tips.

If you have questions about proper use of portable generators, we’re here to help. Give us a call at 850.973.2285.

Photo Source: Honda

NEW EMPLOYEE

Join us in welcoming Rayne Slaughter to the TCEC Team. Rayne, System Operator, started at the cooperative in March after 5 years at the West Fraser Mill in Perry. As a System Operator, Rayne is one of the voices on the end of the line that assist members and employees while working various computer systems to ensure safety and efficiency during power restoration, new construction and day to day operations.

Rayne is a graduate of Taylor County High School and was born and raised in Shady Grove. He and his wife Claudia recently welcomed their first son, Truett in January. In his free time he enjoys spending time outdoors, hunting and fishing.

He is looking forward to a long future at TCEC. He already enjoys the job stability and family-oriented environment the cooperative offers.

Zack Sprenkle, Tree Trimmer, and his wife

Kelsey are proud to announce the birth of their second son Silas Sevier Sprenkle. Silas was born on February 12th, weighing 6 pounds 2 ounces and 19 inches long.

Also welcoming his second child is Trey Johnson, Apprentice Lineman. Zuri Rae Johnson arrived February 22nd at 7 pounds 3 ounces. Dad, Mom, and Big Brother were so excited to bring Zuri home.

Pesto Corn Salad with Shrimp

TOTAL TIME: Prep/Total Time: 30 min. YIELD: 4 servings.

Recipe courtesy of Taste of Home

Ingredients

• 4 medium ears sweet corn, husked

• 1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided

Directions

• 1-1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/8 teaspoon pepper

• 1 medium ripe avocado, peeled and chopped

• 1 pound uncooked shrimp (31-40 per pound), peeled and deveined

1. In a pot of boiling water, cook corn until tender, about 5 minutes. Drain; cool slightly. Meanwhile, in a food processor, pulse basil, oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt until blended.

2. Cut corn from cob and place in a bowl. Stir in tomatoes, pepper and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Add avocado and 2 tablespoons basil mixture; toss gently to combine.

3. Thread shrimp onto metal or soaked wooden skewers; brush with remaining basil mixture. Grill, covered, over medium heat until shrimp turn pink, 2-4 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from skewers; serve with corn mixture.

Holiday Schedule Reminder

All Tri-County Electric Cooperative offices will be closed Monday, May 29, 2023, in observance of Memorial Day. We will have standby crews available for power restoration if needed. Please see “Stay Connected to your Co-op” on page 11.

This Publication’s Inspirational Moment

“For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit.”

(Jeremiah 17:8)

ELECTRICAL SAFETY QUIZ

May is National Electrical Safety Month! Take this quiz to test your safety skills. Check your answers in the key below.

1. It’s safe to plug in several devices to one electrical outlet as long as you use a power strip.

A. True B. False

2. Smoke alarms should be tested

A. Every month B. Every other month C. Every six months

3. Extension cords are safe to use year-round if the cord is not frayed or damaged.

A. True B. False

4. When unplugging a device from an electrical outlet, always hold the while unplugging.

A. Cord B. Plug C. Device

5. It’s never safe to play near power lines, but it’s OK to play near pad-mounted transformers (those big green boxes you see in neighborhoods).

A. True B. False

6. Where is the most dangerous place to use electricity?

A. Near other electrical equipment B. Outdoors C. Near water

Safe,

Four Easy Ways to Boost Electrical Safety at Home

Holiday Schedule Reminder

DON’T place flammable items, like potholders, napkins or dish towels near the stove while cooking.

DO keep electrical devices away from water to prevent electric shock.

DO ensure you’re using the correct wattage in all light fixtures.

DON’T overload electrical outlets with more devices than the circuit can handle.

House May is National Electrical Safety Month.