TRI-COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
Tri-County Rural Living
TCEC Stands Tall for Education
How Are New Laws Affecting Electric Cooperatives?
Lower Your Power Bills
Summer Safety TCEC Supports the Community at Relay for Life July & August 2014 Vol. 17 • No. 6
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Rules drafted in Washington have local impact Message from the Desk of General Manager Julius Hackett
most local businesses, work through the highs Cooperatives, like and lows of a cyclical economy. So when a potential
economic hazard arises and we have an opportunity to affect the outcome, you better believe we do whatever we can to prevent or mitigate it. That’s why I am concerned about new rules coming out of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to limit greenhouse gases blamed for climate change. Not-for-profit electric cooperatives work every day to provide affordable, reliable electricity to the more than 42 million Americans we serve. At Tri-County Electric Cooperative, we steadfastly focus on ways to slow the rising cost of electricity and find ways to help you save on your electricity bill. Environmental regulations share part of the blame for rising electricity costs. Electric co-ops have invested billions of dollars in equipment to reduce air pollution already, but greenhouse gases pose a far more difficult challenge to capture, and the new technology just isn’t ready for prime time. Equally troubling to comprehend, the EPA readily admits that cutting these emissions would not have much global impact on overall greenhouse gas levels. The bottom line is that these regulations unfairly and disproportionately affect members of electric cooperatives. They target regions of the U.S. most dependent on coal for electricity. And increasing electricity prices could endanger efforts to attract new businesses let alone retain current employers. This debate should be about working together to develop a sustainable energy future and how the government supports utilities in a collective effort to develop technologies that can reduce greenhouse gases at a justifiable and reasonable pace. Creating a sustainable energy future requires us to make ambitious changes. A power plant that closes down will not emit greenhouse gases, incubate a new technology, give a bright young engineer an opportunity, or ensure that its community continues to receive reliable, affordable electricity. To help our communities thrive, we need Washington to recognize the potential harm of these regulations and find a different path to a better energy future. Let your voice be heard by visiting www.action.coop.
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July & August 2014
Florida Legislative Measures that Could Impact Electric Cooperatives Tri-County Electric closely monitors new legislative initiatives to stay up-to-date on current bills that could be signed into law and analyze how each new law could directly affect our member consumers. The following is a brief overview of a few of the most relevant and recent legislative measures of interest to Florida’s electric cooperatives that could become law following Governor approval and signature.
Move Over Act In an effort to protect crews and linemen, this new potential law, slated to be effective July 1, 2014, will require drivers to move over or slow down when utility trucks and workers are along the roadside. This makes utility vehicles entitled to the same protection as law enforcement vehicles. The penalty for those who do not slow or switch lanes would be a noncriminal infraction. Drivers Leaving the Scene after Injuring a Utility Employee In an instance where a driver of a vehicle injures a utility employee, this new legislation, scheduled to take effect July 1, 2014, will create a penalty for a “hit-andrun” situation. For example, if the driver injures a utility employee and leaves the scene of the accident, the driver could be charged with a second-degree felony. Energy Policy Revision This new energy policy revision, effective July 1, 2014, will replace the word “solar” with “renewable energy source” in the Florida Energy Resources Statute, requiring the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to promote all renewable resources. Cybersecurity One issue seen in newspaper headlines across the country is cybersecurity and cyber threats against companies, including electric utilities. This law, effective Oct. 1, 2014, will create a third-degree felony for anyone who knowingly, willingly, and without authorization gains access to a public utility’s computer system. Further, the bill will establish a second-degree felony for an offender who tampers with the utility’s computer system, physically or electronically. Greenhouse Gas Regulations (GHG) Another important issue to Tri-County is greenhouse gas regulations from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) aimed at strictly controlling carbon dioxide emissions from existing power plants. The Florida Legislature voted to urge Florida’s Congressmen to direct the EPA to consider the remaining economic life of existing fossil fuel power plants. Additionally, the Florida Legislature urges Florida’s Congressmen to direct the EPA to allow states to implement less stringent standards or longer compliance periods, and to give states maximum flexibility on implementing the proposed rule. These rules could have a significant impact on the cost of electricity—as well as reliability—if adopted and implemented in a manner detrimental to Tri-County Electric and its members.
July & August 2014
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Take a Vacation from High Power Bills and sultry summer nights can environment for your family during the summer months. Soaring temperatures cause electric bills to skyrocket. This summer, Bumping the thermostat up at least two degrees can take a vacation from high electric bills by making your home—and your family’s habits—more energy efficient. Air conditioning helps most Americans beat the sweltering summer heat. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), air conditioning accounts for as much as 50 percent of the average household electric bill. Proper maintenance and smart use of your home’s cooling system will help keep your electric bill in check. First, make sure your air conditioner’s external unit is clean and free of debris. Clear away dead leaves or overgrown plants and weeds to enable the unit to perform as it should. Second, change all of the air filters inside your home quarterly, or more often in homes with allergy sufferers or smokers. Fresh filters not only reduce the strain on your cooling system, but improve the air quality in your home. Third, the DOE recommends that you set your home’s thermostat as high as possible, while still maintaining a comfortable
make a noticeable difference on your power bill. Investing in a programmable thermostat can lead to even greater savings by automatically adjusting it so that the cooling system runs more often when you are at home and less often when you are away. As summer heats up, call on your friends at Tri-County Electric Cooperative for more ways to lower your power bill. You can also visit TogetherWeSave.com to find out how little changes around the house can add up to big energy savings. Sources: U.S. Department of Energy, EnergySavers.gov, TogetherWeSave.com
More Summer Time Energy-Saving Tips Cook using your microwave. It uses two-thirds less energy than your stove and doesn’t heat up the kitchen. Wash your dishes with a dishwater and turn off the dry cycle and allow dishes to air dry. It uses less water than washing dishes by hand. Line dry clothes whenever you can. Turn off appliances, lights and equipment when not in use. Unplug electronic devices and chargers when they aren’t in use. Most new electronics use electricity even when switched “off.” Turn computers and printers off at the power strip.
Stop by any TCEC office to have a member service representative perform an energy consumption evaluation on your account.
STRAWBERRY FIELDS SALAD Ingredients 4 large nectarines cut into ¼ inch-thick wedges ¾ cup poppy lemon-poppy seed dressing 1 (10 oz.) package gourmet mixed salad greens 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries 1 (4 oz.) package crumbled feta cheese 1 large green tomato, diced* ½ cup chopped fresh basil 1 (3.5 oz) package roasted glazed pecan pieces Preparation 1. Toss nectarines with ¼ cup lemon-poppy seed dressing. 2. Layer gourmet mixed salad greens, nectarines, strawberries, and next 4 ingredients in a large glass bowl. Serve immediately, or cover and chill up to 8 hours. Toss salad with remaining ¼ cup dressing just before serving. * 1½ cups halved miniature heirloom green tomatoes may be substituted.
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July & August 2014
Celebrating Co-op Independence
the time we celebrate our July isnation’s independence. In the
midst of apple pies and hot dogs, fireworks shows and parades, we can’t help but think about the independent streak that inspired groups of farmers around America’s countryside to band together and improve their quality of life. Aside from President Franklin Roosevelt’s promise of federal aid in the form of low-interest loans and engineering expertise, rural Americans didn’t have much help in bringing electricity to their
homes. They pulled themselves up by their bootstraps and did it themselves. This independence not only tends to inspire cooperatives; it’s a guiding principle. The Fourth Cooperative Principle, “Autonomy and Independence,” means that no matter what contracts Tri-County Electric might enter into, we will always remain an independent entity. Each year, Tri-County Electric’s annual meeting becomes an independence celebration. You vote for candidates on the board of trustees, and we discuss co-op
business. Electric cooperatives form a vast network across the country, from coast to coast. Co-op lines are strung in 47 states, serving 42 million people—a different world from 1935, when much of America remained dark. This Fourth of July, as we recognize the hard-fought war that created the United States, we also tip our hats to “The Nine Founding Fathers” who in 1940 beat incredible odds to make life better for themselves and their neighbors.
LUCKY ACCOUNT NUMBER Check each issue of Tri-County Rural Living to see if you are the lucky winner of an electric bill credit. This publication’s winning jackpot: $100. If the account number on your monthly statement matches the number in any of the boxes below, call Carol Timmons at 850‑973‑2285, Ext. 203, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, to claim your credit. You must contact TCEC by the 20th of the month of this publication date in order to receive your credit.
This issue’s winning account numbers:
88146007001
86084001002
20909001
May/June 2014 Winner: Julian B. Olliff, Perry, FL July & August 2014
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Life 4 201
Rela y
of r
Each year more than 4 million people in over 5,200 communities raise funds and awareness to save lives from cancer through the Relay for Life movement. Since 2010 TCEC employees have volunteered their time together with other members of our community to mutually honor those who have battled cancer and to remember loved ones lost. This is the largest fundraiser for the American Cancer Society and funds are used for research and prevention, as well as patient care and support. This year’s fundraising effort—which included a payroll deduction, selling of candy bars and dinners on the courthouse lawn—culminated with the Relay for Life walk at the Madison County High School football field. The overall theme for 2014 was “The Stars Come Out at Night.” TCEC employees chose as their group theme “Hopelessly Devoted to Finding a Cure” inspired by the movie Grease. Our goal is to fight for every birthday threatened by cancer in every community we serve.
July & August 2014
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ON THE COVER: Tri-County Electric Cooperative leadership welcomed the opportunity to host the “Shadow the Executive” school project with visiting 9th grader Jacob Curtis. During the staff planning meeting he attended, it was noted that supporting local education was a community service priority for the co-op. Committed to serving the interests of all its members, few items were deemed more critical than assisting the delivery of quality education. It was further emphasized that TCEC welcomes inquiries regarding learning projects and education partnership opportunities. Pictured (l–r): General Manager Julius Hackett, Jacob Curtis, Manager of Engineering Jeff Brewer and Manager of Operations Darrell Tuten.
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July & August 2014
six safety tips for every boater
Our
employees at Tri-County Electric Cooperative enjoy spending time on the water. Since they work long hours, they also play hard to help manage stress. And no matter how much experience you and they have on the water, they encourage all of us to review the following boating safety rules yearly.
Josh Timmons, son of Billing
Supervisor Carol Timmons. Caleb Richardson, son of Apparatus Technician Steven Richardson. Rachel Barrs, daughter of Sericeman Terry Barrs. Lineman Cody Holden and Groundsman Jason Hughey. Apparatus Technician Steven Richardson. Lead Apparatus Technician Terry Dobson displays two red fish. Manager of Operations Darrell Tuten.
Be weather wise. Always check local weather conditions before departure. If a storm threatens, the wind picks up or there is a dramatic change in temperature when you are out on the water, play it safe and head for home. Be prepared for anything on the water. A pre-departure list of things to do and things to take is the best way to make sure nothing is overlooked. Use common sense. One of the most important components of boating safety is common sense. It includes being alert at all times, operating your boat at a safe speed, and steering clear of large vessels and watercraft. Designate an assistant skipper. Make sure more than one person on board is familiar with all aspects of the boat’s operations and handling in case the primary skipper becomes incapacitated.
Develop a float plan. A float plan should include the following: name, address and phone number of the trip leader; names and phone numbers of all passengers; type of boat and registration information; a detailed trip itinerary; and types of communication and signal equipment onboard. Leave the plan with a family member or staff at the marina/ park.
Make proper use of lifejackets. Most boating drowning victims were not wearing lifejackets. Make sure family and friends are assigned and fitted with a lifejacket prior to every departure. Reprinted with permission Curtis Condon/ Florida Currents Magazine July & August 2014
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TRI-COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. BOARD MEETING NOTES - April 14, 2014
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, April 14, 2014, in the Tri-County Electric headquarters office building located in Madison, FL. Reports to the Board included those of the Florida Electric Cooperative Association Board Meeting, Seminole Electric Cooperative Annual Meeting, Finance Committee, Policy Committee, Building and Land Committee, General Manager and Attorney. The Policy Committee recommended and the Board approved revised Policy 526, “Work Hours,” and discussed Policy 509, “Non-Smoking Areas and Facilities.” Action taken by the Board included the following: approval of the April 14, 2014, Board Agenda; the March 10, 2014,
Board Meeting minutes; and Consent Agenda items as written and recommended by the General Manager which included the WPCA for April 2014 as established by resolution; RUS Form 7 for February 2014; the list of new members for Feb. 24–March 30, 2014; Work and Accident Report for February 2014 along with the System Outage Report. Other items reported included the Cooperative’s right-of-way budget; plans for the Cooperative’s Annual Meeting to be held Sept. 20, 2014; and the District Meetings for District 7, 8 and 9, upcoming Strategic Planning Session and Legislative Conference.
Malcolm V. Page Albert Thomas, Jr. President Secretary-Treasurer
TRI-COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. BOARD MEETING NOTES - May 12, 2014
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, May 12, 2014, in the Tri-County Electric headquarters office building located in Madison, FL. Reports to the Board included those of the NRECA Legislative Conference, Seminole Electric Cooperative Board Meeting, Finance Committee, Policy Committee, Building and Land Committee, General Manager and Attorney. The Policy Committee recommended and the Board approved revised Policy 509, “Non-Smoking Areas and Facilities.” Action taken by the Board included the following: approval of employee wage and salary plan for 2014-2015; the May 12, 2014, Board Agenda; the April 14, 2014, Board Meeting
BOARD MEETINGS
Minutes; and Consent Agenda items as written and recommended by the General Manager which included the WPCA for May 2014 as established by resolution; RUS Form 7 for March 2014; the list of new members for March 31–April 27, 2014; Work and Accident Report for March 2014 along with the System Outage Report and acceptance of the bid of Sumpter Utilities for the Boyd substation upgrade project. Other items reported included the Strategic Planning Session held in April. The attorney updated the board on legal matters.
Malcolm V. Page Albert Thomas, Jr. President Secretary-Treasurer
Save the Date
The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of Tri‑County Electric Cooperative will be held the second Monday in each month at 7:00 p.m. in the central office building of the Cooperative located at 2862 West U.S. 90, approximately two (2) miles west of the city of Madison.
This Publication’s Inspirational Moment “Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.” Albert Einstein Page 10
2014 ANNUAL MEETING September 20, 2014 North Florida Community College Van H. Priest Auditorium Registration: 9 a.m. • Business Meeting: 10 a.m. Many prizes to be given away!
July & August 2014
Meet TCEC’s newest team members:
Name: Eileen Herndon Title: Executive Assistant to General Manager Hackett Eileen began working with Tri-County Electric March 10, 2014. She has more than 15 years of experience as a legal secretary and brings with her an extensive background working in the court system as a Deputy Clerk. When she is off the clock she enjoys watching motorcycle racing, reading, going to the beach and running. We are delighted to be working with Eileen.
Name: Wendell Williams Title: Manager of Finance Wendell began working with TCEC March 31, 2014. He has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. He also brings more than 25 years of experience auditing with some of the country’s most elite accounting firms, as well as having owned a CPA practice. When Wendell is not working he enjoys spending time with his grandsons, gardening and bicycling.
Energy Efficiency
Tip of the Month
When washing clothes, use less water by running full loads. In addition, approximately 80 percent of the energy used by washing machines heats water, so by using cold water and cold-water detergents, you can cut a load’s energy use in half. Source: U.S. Department of Energy
To Report Electrical Problems or Outages Please Call:
850-973-2285 or 1-800-999-2285 24-HOUR SERVICE THANK YOU
July & August 2014
Name: Josh Thomas Title: Apprentice First Class Lineman Josh began working in Tri-County Electric Cooperative’s Operations Department April 7, 2014. He has more than eight years of experience in the utility industry as a lineman. Off the clock Josh enjoys spending time with his family, hunting and fishing. Josh’s knowledge of line work and the territory will prove be a great asset to TCEC.
Tri-County Rural Living Vol. XVII No. VI July & August 2014 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 Vice President, D-1 Bobby Dodd D-2 Neal Brown D-3 Bobby Harper D-4 Catherine Bethea D-5 Gary Fulford D-6 Albert Thomas, Jr. Secretary-Treasurer, D-7 Malcolm V. Page President, 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 Michael Curtis, Madison Media Group Writer STAFF Jeff Brewer Manager – Engineering Darrell Tuten Manager – Operations George L. Webb Manager – Administration Wendell M. Williams Manager – Finance
Send CHANGE OF ADDRESS NOTICES to: Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. 2862 West US Hwy. 90 Madison, FL 32340
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TCEC is a proud supporter of Relay for Life. Look inside to see if your Lucky Number was chosen.
Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. 2862 West US Hwy. 90 Madison, FL 32340