Rural Living
Rural Living
January & February 2025
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
Tri-County Electric Cooperative 2862 West US 90 Madison, FL 32340 www.tcec.com 1-800-999-2285
Exciting Changes Coming in March 2025!
Dear Members,
We are thrilled to announce some exciting changes coming your way in March 2025! Our cooperative is migrating to a new software billing system that will enhance your experience and streamline our processes. This transition is set to go live on March 3, 2025, and we can’t wait for you to see the improvements.
New Software System
Our new billing system, provided by NISC, will bring a host of benefits to both our members and our cooperative. This upgrade will make our billing processes more efficient and improve our workflow, allowing us to serve you better.
Updated Member Portal
One of the most significant changes you’ll notice is the update to our member portal. With the introduction of SmartHub, you’ll have a convenient way to access your account and view detailed information about your usage. SmartHub offers a variety of features, including:
• Bill Payment: Easily pay your bill online.
• Usage Monitoring: Check your energy usage in detail.
• Service Reporting: Report any service issues directly through the portal.
• Notification Preferences: Customize how you receive notifications, whether through push notifications, text messages, emails, or even letters.
SmartHub will allow you to do much more than just pay your bill. You can update your mailing information, apply for a payment extension, and manage your account 24/7 from the comfort of your home.
New Look to Paper Bills
In addition to the digital updates, you’ll also notice a fresh new look to your paper bills. These changes are designed to make your billing information clearer and easier to understand.
Enhanced Messaging System
We are also introducing a new messaging system to improve our communication with you. This system will help us convey important messages and updates more effectively, ensuring you stay informed about everything happening within our cooperative.
Behind the Scenes
Our team has been working diligently behind the scenes, training employees, and preparing for this transition. We are committed to making this migration as smooth as possible for you and ensuring that our services continue to meet your needs.
We are excited about these upcoming changes and believe they will significantly enhance your experience as a member of our cooperative. We encourage you to take the time to read through all the information we share in this edition of your Rural Living Newsletter.
Thank you for your continued support and cooperation. We look forward to serving you better with these new improvements.
Julius Hackett, CEO
Benjamin White District 7
Bobby Dodd President Donnie Waldrep Vice President George Webb Secretary/Treasurer
Junior Smith District 1 Catherine Bethea District 5
Johnny Edwards District 8 John Cruce District 9
Ann Herring District 6
FIBER BUILD COMPLETE, SIGN UP TODAY!
We’re excited to announce a major milestone in our journey to bridge the digital divide in Florida. Conexon Connect, the internet service provider arm of rural fiber broadband pioneer Conexon, has successfully completed construction of our broadband network. In partnership with Tri-County Electric Cooperative (TCEC), we’ve brought multi-gigabit fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) service to the communities served by the cooperative.
This achievement is particularly significant as it follows the challenges posed by Hurricane Helene earlier this fall. Despite significant storm damage, the 2,044-mile Connect, powered by Tri-County Electric Cooperative, network wrapped up in December 2024, delivering on its promise to connect residents across the region to reliable, lightning-fast internet.
This project now connects 100% of the co-op’s 13,750 members across TCEC’s service territory in Florida’s Big Bend region. Beyond multi-gigabit symmetrical internet speeds, the network enhances phone service and integrates smart grid capabilities into the coop’s electrical infrastructure—a true transformation for the communities we serve. Our work with TCEC is part of a broader effort in Florida. This project joins the Connect, powered by Escambia River Electric Cooperative (EREC), network as our second major success in the state. Together, these back-to-back completions solidify our position as one of the nation’s leading rural internet providers, expanding our reach and ability to serve more communities with world-class broadband.
“The partnership with Tri-County Electric Cooperative represents another incredible achievement,” said Randy Klindt, Conexon Founding Partner and Co-CEO. “Seeing the tangible impact high-speed internet has on rural homes and businesses in Florida—and across all the regions we serve—is deeply gratifying. This is what fuels our mission.”
Tri-County Electric Cooperative was our 11th announced project, introduced in April 2022, and our first in Florida. Today, we’re proud to say that Conexon Connect has grown to include 20 FTTH projects spanning seven states, on track to reach nearly 400,000 rural homes and businesses upon completion.
Together, we’re transforming rural communities, one connection at a time. Sign up today by visiting ConexonConnect.com or call your local sales representative at 850-755-8180.
TCEC Employees Celebrate Career Milestones
With the New Year comes another year TCEC employees and board members look forward to serving our members. Day in and day out, working for YOU. We all share the joint mission of providing quality, affordable, reliable electricity to the homes and businesses we serve in Madison, Jefferson, Taylor, and Dixie Counties.
The level of expertise and years of experience among our employees is exceptional. The years of knowledge, know-how, and longtime relationships established with our members, make all the difference. 19 individuals celebrated the anniversaries of their careers at the co-op in 2024. Four of which have dedicated over 40 years of service to TCEC.
Many things have changed over the past 40+ years. From technology, office location, work processes, and the addition of fiber internet service, to co-workers who have come and gone. But one thing remains the same: commitment to quality service to our members.
5 Years of Service
L-R
Ann Herring – Board Trustee
Ken Odom – System Operator
Candi Gray – Member Service Representative
Not Pictured:
Lucas Miller – Energy Services Technician
Chase Knight – System Operator
25 Years of Service
Angela Andrews – Member Services Supervisor
Tom Rucks – Field Service Representative
10 Years of Service L-R
Josh Thomas – Serviceman
Scotty Henderson – District Crew Leader
Eileen Herndon – VP of Corporate Services
Antonio Richardson – System Engineer
Kaitlynn Culpepper – Community Relations Director
Wendell Williams – VP of Finance
Andrew Pinkard – HR Specialist
Jeremy Tuckey – Staking Technician
40 Years of Service
Terry Barrs – Serviceman
Tamara Ashley – Staff Assistant
45 Years of Service
Mark Burnett – Purchasing Agent
Carol Timmons – Accounts Receivable Supervisor
New Member Solution
At Tri-County Electric Cooperative, we are always looking for ways to better serve our members. Technology, equipment, and the needs of our employees and members are constantly evolving, but our priorities remain the same: reliable electricity, safe and efficient power restoration, and connecting with our members and community. Over the last year, we have worked hand in hand with NISC to establish a member solution that fits the needs of our members. In March 2025 a new online payment portal, mobile app, and billing system will launch for our members. The options, accessibility, and functionality will provide members with a better connection to their usage, billing and payment options, outage reporting, and more!
Features for our members:
• Expanded payment options
• Greater account access through the SmartHub mobile app
• New ways to communicate with TCEC
These features and many more will be made available to the membership through the software conversion. We are looking forward to how this change will benefit our members and allow us to continue bringing the quality, safe, and reliable service you have come to expect from TCEC.
This software change will bring several core improvements to our member service:
• Service – providing additional options for managing energy services
• Member Focused – bringing technology and functionality to the membership
• Comfort – delivering easy-to-use features and transparent information
Implementation Period and Beyond
During the final week of our conversion process, TCEC will have a down period from February 22 – March 3. Here is important information about this time:
• There will be no interruption in providing electric service to our members
• Electronic payments will not be accepted during this down period (including online, IVR, Credit Cards).
• Cash and check payments will be accepted in the office and by US Mail
Payment Options
• With the software update, we will continue to offer convenient ways our members can pay their bills. Starting March 3, 2025 you can pay through:
• Auto pay options like ACH and recurring credit card
• In person at any TCEC office location
• SmartHub - online and mobile app
• IVR (Interactive Voice Response)
• US Mail
• Onsite night depository
• NEW: Vanilla Direct – make a payment at local locations like Dollar General, Walgreens, CVS, Family Dollar, Walmart, and many more.
Auto Pay Options
Auto pay is a service that automatically deducts a bill amount from a checking account, debit card, or credit card. Auto pay can be set up with TCEC to provide members with an easy, safe and on-time payment option.
Members who pay with a recurring credit card on file will need to re-register your card on or after March 3rd, 2025. Members can do this in SmartHub or with assistance from TCEC.
• Security – creating strong, safe, and reliable options for our membership
• Efficiency – bringing simple service into the hands of members with SmartHub
• Partnership – strengthening the trusted partnerships you’ve come to value
• Empowering – Investing in our members, and in our communities to make life better.
We are looking forward to these improvements and the value that they will bring to you, our members.
TCEC will be working with a company that provides software and hardware solutions to utilities across the nation. They are a national standard among power companies for security and value of service. We are excited for the options their product brings to our members.
• Any and all automatic payments will post on or after Live date (including ACH)
• We will launch the new system on March 3rd – our goal is to resume normal office operations at this time
• Our office will be open for regular business hours – phone assistance will be available as needed
• To assist our members, TCEC will waive late fees and payment-related disconnections from mid-February through mid-March.
All the Ways TCEC Can Communicate with You
• Phone
• Text messaging
• Push notifications to your phone
• Letter
Members can select the method(s) they prefer to be contacted on. This will make it even easier for TCEC to send important information to our members about Co-op news and account status, as well as outage and weather information.
How to Stay Connected Through This Process:
We will continue to update our members with important details and information regarding this conversion and the benefits it will bring to TCEC members. The Co-op will use the following communication channels:
• Social Media
• Newsletter
• Direct Mail to Members
• TCEC Website www.tcec.com
You can also call our office or come see us in person, with any additional questions you may have. We want to be transparent throughout this process and provide our members with the most accurate information, so you can fully experience the benefits of this new system.
Over the next couple of months, TCEC offices may be closed during normal business hours for employee training with the new software.
SmartHub: Your Account at Your Fingertips
Your life is busy and managing your account can feel complicated, with our new SmartHub tool it won’t be. Save time and money by managing your account at anytime from anywhere. Here are some of the ways SmartHub will put you in control of your account.
HOW CAN SMARTHUB HELP YOU CONTROL YOUR ACCOUNT?
Our SmartHub mobile app and web portal will keep you informed and will show you where to save time and money on your bills.
Billing & Payments: No more waiting for your bill to arrive in the mail, access your bill at anytime from anywhere. Save time with easy payment options to avoid late fees and service interruptions.
Alerts & Notifications: Stay informed on important account events via email or text messages. Receive the information you need to make the right decisions about your account.
Paperless Billing: What if you could save some time and a tree at the same time?
Activate SmartHub paperless billing, an ecofriendly way to instantly access your bill.
Usage Monitoring: Worrying about usage or surprising bill amounts can be stressful. With access to this information, you can be in control and make decisions that can help reduce your bill.
SmartHub gives you complete control over your account by giving you the tools that deliver the right information at the right time so you can make the right decisions about your account.
March 3rd, 2025: SmartHub is Live!
On March 3rd, we will be launching our new SmartHub mobile app and web portal. This new system has features to help you save time and money. Our team has been working hard to get this system ready for you. It’s going to make managing your account easier than ever.
Some payment options will be unavailable from Saturday, February 22 - Sunday, March 2 as we transition to the new system. Payments will not post to your account until the new system is in place. Because of this transition, late charges will be waived during this time.
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, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all 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, CEO. 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.
Understanding Factors That Impact Your Energy Bills
January and February bring some of the coldest weather of the year, and as our home heating systems work harder and longer to keep us warm, we typically see higher energy bills.
There are a few key factors that affect electricity prices, as well as a few ways you can make a meaningful impact on home energy savings.
When you receive your monthly bill from Tri-County Electric Cooperative (TCEC), you’re provided with a summary of how much electricity you used during the billing cycle. You can even see how electricity use may have spiked on days when you used more electricity, such as a particularly chilly day or when relatives were staying with you.
But you might be surprised to learn that beyond your monthly energy consumption, there are external factors that can impact the cost of electricity.
Fuel Prices
TCEC purchases electricity from our power generation partner, Seminole Electric Cooperative (SECI), at a wholesale cost, then we deliver that power to our local communities. The cost of generating and transmitting electricity from our generation partner accounts for a significant portion of the cost to provide electric service to local homes and businesses––and the cost of fuels that are used to generate that electricity, such as natural gas and coal, fluctuate based on supply and demand. While these fluctuations can impact the cost of electricity, we work closely with SECI to plan ahead and help stabilize electricity prices for our members.
Extreme Weather
While we can’t control the weather, we can review weather patterns and forecasts to prepare for times of extreme cold or heat, when we know the demand for electricity will increase. But when temperatures become extremely cold and the demand for electricity spikes, the price of electricity can also increase.
Infrastructure
and Equipment
To cover the costs associated with providing electricity to your home or business, TCEC members pay a monthly basic facility charge. This flat monthly fee ensures the cost of equipment, materials, labor, and daily operations are covered for all members in TCEC’s service territory. To ensure the reliable service you expect and deserve, we must maintain the local grid, including power lines, substations and other essential equipment.
Energy Policy and Regulations
Federal energy policies and regulations can have a profound impact on electricity costs. As energy generation shifts to the use of more renewable sources and stricter regulations for traditional, always-available fuel sources, such as natural gas and coal plants, costly upgrades and technologies must be constructed and deployed. These additional costs are ultimately passed to consumers.
U.S. power consumption is expected to double by 2050. Across the country, electric cooperatives are working with members of Congress to advocate for smart energy policies that reliably power our local communities.
You Have Control
While many of these external factors that impact electricity costs are out of our control, we all have the power to manage our energy use at home. The most effective way to lower use is thermostat management. Since heating and cooling account for a major portion of home energy use, adjusting the thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting can help you save energy and money. Remember to service your heating and cooling system annually and replace dirty filters as needed. You can also reduce energy use by taking advantage of off-peak periods, when the demand for electricity is lower. Reserve energy-intensive chores for off-peak times, such as early in the morning or later in the evening, to save energy. Be sure to seal air leaks around windows, doors and other areas where gaps are possible. This will help your heating and cooling system work less and improve the overall comfort of your home.
TCEC is your local energy partner, and we’re here to help. Visit www.tcec.com to learn about our efficiency programs designed to help you save. As always, we will continue working diligently to provide you with reliable power at an affordable cost.
Chicken Spaghetti
Recipe courtesy of www.FoodNetwork.com
Ingredients
• 1 whole raw chicken, cut into 8 pieces
• 1 pound thin spaghetti, broken into 2-inch pieces
• 2 1/2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar
• 1/4 cup finely diced green bell pepper
• 1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Two 10 3/4-ounce cans cream of mushroom soup
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the chicken pieces to the boiling water and boil for a few minutes, then return the heat to medium-low and simmer, 30 to 45 minutes.
3. Remove the chicken and 2 cups of the chicken cooking broth from the pot. When the chicken is cool, remove the skin and pick out the meat (a mix of dark and white) to make 2 generous cups.
4. Cook the spaghetti in the same chicken cooking broth until al dente. Do not overcook. When the spaghetti is cooked, combine with the chicken, mushroom soup, 1 1/2 cups cheese, the green peppers, red peppers, onions, seasoned salt, cayenne, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Stir in 1 cup of the reserved chicken cooking broth, adding an additional cup if needed.
5. Place the mixture in a casserole pan and top with the remaining 1 cup cheese. Cover and freeze up to 6 months, cover and refrigerate up to 2 days or bake immediately until bubbly, about 45 minutes. (If the cheese on top starts to get too cooked, cover with foil).
Board
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.
NOTICE: March meeting of the Board of Trustees will be held on March 17th.
Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Bryce Ward. TCEC Lineman Bryce Ward married Grace Guthrie on Saturday, November 16th in Alachua, Florida. The happy couple were surrounded by family and friends as they celebrated their union and the beginning of a beautiful life together. We are honored to welcome Grace to the TCEC family.
Holiday Schedule Reminder
All Tri-County Electric Cooperative offices will be closed Monday, January 20, 2025 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We will have standby crews available for power restoration if needed.
