Tri-County Rural Living Newsletter

TRI-COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Tri-County Rural Living

Your

Cooperative is

Ready for

Storm Season ... Are

you?

General Manager Hackett’s Preparedness Guarantee Storm Safety Kit Checklist Life of a Lineman: Restoring Your Electricity Questions Answered About Lightning & Downed Power Lines May & June 2014 Vol. 17 • No. 5

A

Your Cooperative is Ready for Storm Season ... Are you?

Message from the Desk of General Manager Julius Hackett

at this time, the North Florida area is faced Every year with the possibility of a potentially destructive

hurricane season. Although the hurricane storm season begins on June 1 and continues through Nov. 30, your Cooperative has been preparing well in advance of the season.

We maintain aggressive right-of-way programs that include scheduled side trimming, mowing, and the removal of dangerous trees that can damage primary voltage power lines. Contingency plans are updated and the resulting electric system storm hardening projects are implemented throughout the year. Historical power outages are reviewed and additional resources are assigned to areas of the service territory that did not meet our service reliability targets. And finally we wrap up with annual major storm drills so that we can assess areas of vulnerability and be better prepared and know what to do in case we are hit with a major storm event.

You are encouraged to get your household prepared for the upcoming storm season. Power outages are inevitable and being prepared will keep you and your family safe.

During an outage, our crews work to restore power to the greatest number of people first. After transmission and distribution lines are fixed, the crews begin fixing problems in smaller neighborhoods or problems at individual homes. It is possible for members to be without power for several days during the severe weather events.

You can begin your preparations by making sure you have flashlights, battery-powered lanterns, and other sources of light.

Check batteries in flashlights and radios and make sure you have plenty of medicine, first-aid supplies and baby items on hand.

Storm Safety Kit Drinking water & food Blankets, pillows & clothing Basic first-aid supplies Prescriptions Basic toiletries Flashlights Battery-operated radio Battery-operated clock

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If you have a well, draw an emergency water supply in case power to electric water pumps is interrupted. Also, stock up on bottled water, non-perishable food items and have an alternate location you can go during an extended outage if you have special needs.

It is also a good idea to provide us with your updated phone number(s) so that we can quickly process your power outage report and keep you up to date with power restoration efforts in your area.

If you have medically essential life-support equipment in your home, please provide us with an updated medical essential form that is required to be certified annually by a physician. The form is available at our local offices and on our website, www.tcec. com. As a reminder, enrollment in this service does not guarantee uninterrupted electric service and we cannot assure any preferential treatment during major outages. Participants are reminded to take precautions as needed.

Your Cooperative is committed to supplying its members with dependable and safe power during all kinds of weather.

We realize that hurricanes or other major storm events are not pleasant experiences. Yet, staying safe and calm can make it an easier one.

To help you get through a storm, especially when a power outage is the result, have a storm kit prepared.

Keep the kit in a cool, dry place, and make sure all members of the family know where it is.

Extra supply of batteries Phone Cash and credit cards Emergency numbers Important documents (in a waterproof container) Toys, books & games Baby supplies Pet supplies

May & June 2014

In

Energy Efficiency: Managing Your Electricity Use your windows instead of using air conditioning to allow the breeze to cool your home.

today’s economy, people across the United States have become increasingly aware of conserving every day resources and adopting new routines to help save money. While electricity has become a service we cannot imagine living without, using your electricity more effectively and efficiently will lead to savings on your monthly electric bill.

By applying energy-saving tips around your home, you are not only saving money by conserving power, but you are also helping Tri-County Electric Cooperative plan for the future demand of our members. Conserving electricity could also delay the need for future generating facilities. Here are some tips you can try in your home.

Fans Using ceiling fans replaces the need to lower the cooling temperature in your home. Also, use your kitchen exhaust fan after cooking for approximately 20 minutes to help remove any excess humidity.

Lighting Replacing your incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lighting (CFL) and/or light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs can save you time and money.

CFLs can last up to six years longer than incandescent bulbs, saving you from constant bulb replacement. CFLs are ENERGY STAR qualified, which makes the bulbs run cooler, keeping your home comfortable.

Temperature Settings The temperature setting in your home plays a substantial role in your energy consumption. When setting your thermostat, for every degree above 78 degrees, you will see up to a four percent savings. In the evening, try to raise your thermostat a few degrees and use your ceiling fan throughout the night.

Look for the Energy Star When shopping for new appliances or electronics, it is important to look for the ENERGY STAR label. This label represents products that are energyefficient and reduce energy consumption. Also, look for ENERGY STAR qualified doors, windows, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units.

Cooperative employee Kevin Pryor is available to perform free energy audits; simply contact your member services office to make an appointment.

Windows Keep windows and doors closed while the air conditioning is on in your home. On sunny, summer days, close the blinds or curtains to keep out any sunlight that may be adding heat to each room. As the days get cooler, open

Frozen Mixed Berry Pie Ingredients: 1 (14 oz.) can Eagle Brand® Sweetened Condensed Milk or 1 (14 oz.) can Eagle Brand® Low Fat Sweetened Condensed Milk 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1½ to 2 cups assorted fresh berries (raspberries, blueberries, blackberries) 1 (8 oz.) container frozen light whipped topping, thawed 1 (8- or 9-inch) prepared graham cracker or baked pie crust Directions: 1. Mix together sweetened condensed milk and lemon juice in large bowl until well combined. Mix in berries. Fold in whipped topping. Spoon mixture into crust.

2. Freeze 5 hours or until set. Let stand 30 to 40 minutes before serving. Garnish as desired.

Yield 8 to 10 servings

May & June 2014

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UNCLAIMED CAPITAL CREDIT REFUNDS Help Us Return Money to These Members

TCEC is attempting to locate members who have unclaimed capital credit refunds. Checks mailed to the last address on file for these members have been returned by the Post Office. If you can provide a current address or phone number or the name of an heir

(if the party is deceased) for a member listed below, please write or call Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc., 2862 West US 90, Madison, FL 32340, 1-800-999-2285 or (850) 973-2285. Thank you for your assistance.

Albanese Mary - Estate Allen, Billie Anderson, Darin Anderson, Harold Arden, Dennis Atkins, Rosetta Bailey, Wallace Baker, Randy Barnes, Mark Beach, Gertrude Beal, Larry Beech Island Farm Beggs, A P Bell, Gloria Bentley Nursery Betnley, Wallace Bishop, Rex C Blackshear, Isreal Blanton, Laura Ann Boebert, Robert Bradley, Joe Sefos Brock, Peggy Broom, Clyde Brundrett, William Buckhalter, Linda Cabbage Grove Mining Co Capo, David Carlyle, W Boyd Chasteen, Homer E Chiarelli, William Chotiner, Seymour Corbin, Lisa Crews, James & June Cruce, Carol Crundwell, Gary Daniels, E R Davis, Harl R

Hicks, Pearl Hitchcock, Charles Holt, Thadious W Holton, Caron Horbinski, John Howard, James Hutcheson, Mae Hyde, David Isreal, Rhonda Johnson, Bonita Johnson, Dorothy D Johnson, James Jones, Willie Joseph, Shirley K & C Farms Kimbrell, Dale Knight, June Krause, Lawrence Landon, Juanita Lee, Sarah & Jack Long, Florence Malicoate, Otis Mangum, Alisa Manzano, Bruce Mathis, Eddie McAfee, Charles McCall, Debra McCaskey, Carl McDougale, Troy McElvey, Hugh H McFarlin, Gary McLeod, Roswell Melder, Michael Merritt, Ronnie Miller, Albert Miller, Dale Moore, Edgar

Davis, Tracy Degnan, James Dixon, Donald Dixon, Lillian Dravo Basic Materials Drum, Charlotte Duty, Arnold Sr. Econfina Sportsmens Assoc Farmer, Glenda Fast Lane Kennels Fiffia, Willie Fletcher, D L & Mary Olsen Gibson, James Ernest Sr Gipson, Juanita Gipson, Shirley Granthum, David Griner, P Groover, Charlie Grubbs, Tom Gruber, Lisa Grummer, Philip Gutshall, Hunter Hadden, Thomas Hale, Bruce Hall, Helen Hamilton, Audrie Lee Hamilton, Bill Hampton, Mary Kay Hampton, Theola Harrington, Edward Harris, Elizabeth Harris, Willie James Hartsock, Phillip Hastings, William Haygood, Garry O Hendley, Carolyn Herndon, Kenneth

Musser, Edward Obremski, Frank Pennywork Homes Phipps, John Potter, Joe Prather, Lois Pyle, Thomas Rajwani, Al Reams, Virginia Redifer, Hantz Reed, Retta Riggins, Lizzie Robinson, Steven Rogers, Dorothy Rooks, Bonnie Salmela, Jack Sandburg, Bob Sands, Sheldon Schaak, William & Cindy Schaefer, Ricky Scott, Larry Skelton, James Stafford, Flora Starling, Levy Steinhatchee Cable TV Testa, Tomas Thompkins, Sammy Tomlinson, Clarence Tovar, Luis Tyson, Larry Vizcarro, Eulogio Waldo, Don Wood, Kenny Yates, Matt Zink, Charles F

HOLIDAY CLOSINGS All Tri-County Electric Cooperative offices will be closed Monday, May 26, 2014, in observance of Memorial Day and Friday, July 4, 2014, in observance of Independence Day. We will have standby crews available if needed. Please see “To Report Electrical Problems or Outages� on Page 11 in this issue if you need to report an outage or other major electrical problem on these two days.

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May & June 2014

The Life of a Lineman

before the sun, pour They wake steaming cups of coffee, and

kiss their families goodbye. After swinging by the office to get the day’s orders, 22 men climb into their trucks and head out. Our lineworkers form a solid team with one job: to deliver safe, reliable electricity. But that job can change in a million ways when rough weather steps in.

We often take power—and the men and women who provide it—for granted. Let’s take a moment and stand in their boots.

Linemen have to work safely, smart, and efficiently—all while 40 feet in the air wearing sturdy, thick rubber gloves. On a typical day, TCEC lineworkers maintain electrical distribution lines or build service to new homes and businesses in Madison, Jefferson and Taylor counties. They have a lot on their plates. But when our dispatch center calls crews with a problem, everything else takes a backseat.

Power restoration takes precedence on a lineworker’s to-do list. These brave men are always on call. We have crews standing by to serve you 24 hours a day, in the middle

of the night or wee hours of the morning, weekends and holidays.

Can you imagine getting a call at 3 a.m. telling you to work outside during bad weather? Not many people are willing to face storms. Our lineworkers face harsh elements daily, all to serve you.

Lineworkers also focus on safety; the lives of coworkers are on the line. Job safety is important to everyone, no matter your occupation. But for lineworkers, there can be no slip ups or careless actions.

Mistakes can cost a limb or life. That’s one of the reasons lineman form a brotherhood.

When you put your life in the hands of coworkers every day, they become more than colleagues. They’re family.

That sense of family extends to electric co-ops across the nation. One of our principles is cooperation among cooperatives. We help other co-ops in their time of need, and they extend that service to us, too. It’s reassuring to know if a severe storm strikes, a national team of lineworkers stand ready to answer the call.

These highly skilled men light our

Serviceman Bobby Lundy faithfully serves the Steinhatchee area. homes and businesses every day. They endure harsh weather and long hours, all to make our lives better. Today (and every day), please take a moment to thank them. Tri-County Electric Cooperative’s 22 lineworkers, along with other Cooperative lineworkers, are the heart of the Cooperative.

Linemen have to work safely and efficiently—all while 40 feet in the air wearing sturdy, thick rubber gloves.

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:

May & June 2014

18849001

18088002

86216006001

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Electrical Safety During and After Storms

Lightning Q:

Q:

A:

A:

What should I do if I am caught outside during a lightning storm?

Follow these outdoor lightning safety tips to help keep yourself safe when you can’t seek shelter inside: • Move to a low point.

Lightning hits the tallest available object, so get down low in a crouched position if you are in an exposed area.

• Stay away from trees.

• Avoid metal. Don’t hold onto metal items like bats, golf clubs, fishing rods, tennis rackets or tools. Stay away from metal sheds, clotheslines, poles and fences.

• Stay away from water, including pools, lakes, puddles, and anything damp, like grass.

• Don’t stand close to other people. Spread out.

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The storm is still raging outside. Are we safe from lightning if we stay inside the house?

Follow these indoor lightning safety tips to help keep your family safe inside while it’s storming outside: • To avoid lightning strikes, stay away from windows and doors.

• If possible, unplug electronic equipment before the storm arrives. Avoid contact with electrical equipment and cords during storms.

• Avoid contact with water and plumbing, including sinks, baths and faucets.

Q:

Am I safer in or out of my car during a lightning storm?

A:

Do not leave your vehicle during a thunderstorm. A vehicle is considered safe during a thunderstorm if it is fully enclosed with a metal top such as a hard-topped car, minivan, bus, truck, etc. While inside a safe vehicle do not use electronic devices, such as radio communications.

Q:

Is there any sort of warning before lightning strikes?

A:

Not necessarily, but sometimes. If you feel a tingling sensation or your hair stands on end, lightning may be about to strike. Do not lie down. Instead, crouch down, tuck your head, and cover your ears.

Q:

What should I do if I encounter a lightning storm while driving in my car?

Q:

A:

A:

Slow down and use extra caution. If possible, pull off the road into a safe area.

Can I talk on the telephone during an electrical storm?

Use corded telephones only for emergencies.

You can use cordless or cellular phones.

May & June 2014

Frequently Asked Questions To help protect you from storm-related electrical hazards, the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) and Tri-County Electric Cooperative have provided answers to common storm safety questions about lightning and power lines.

power lines Q:

Q:

Q:

A:

What if a power line comes down onto my car or I didn’t see it until I’ve driven into it?

A:

A:

What should I do if I encounter a downed power line?

If you see a downed power line, move at least 10 feet away from the line and anything touching it. The human body is a ready conductor of electricity.

The proper way to move away from the line is to shuffle away with small steps, keeping your feet together and on the ground at all times. This will minimize the potential for a strong electric shock.

Electricity wants to move from a high voltage zone to a low voltage zone—and it could do that through your body.

If you are in your car and it is in contact with the downed line, stay in your car.

Tell others to stay away from your vehicle.

If you must leave your car because it’s on fire, jump out of the vehicle with both feet together and avoid contact with the live car and the ground at the same time. This way you avoid being the path of electricity from the car to the earth. Shuffle away from the car.

Q:

Q:

A:

A:

What should I do if I see a downed power line in the street while I am driving my car?

Do not drive over downed power lines.

May & June 2014

What can I do to help someone who has come in contact with a downed power line?

If you see someone who is in direct or indirect contact with the downed line, do not touch the person. You could become the next victim.

Call 911 instead.

Is a downed power line still dangerous if it has come down in water, like a pool or pond?

Water is a good conductor of electricity.

Any amount of water—even a puddle—could become energized. Be careful not to touch water—or anything in contact with the water—near where there is a downed power line.

Q:

Can I use something that is not metal to try to move a downed power line myself?

A:

Do not attempt to move a downed power line or anything in contact with the line by using another object such as a broom or stick. Even non-conductive materials like wood or cloth, if slightly wet, can conduct electricity and then electrocute you.

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Beware of scammers posing as your utility company

Scam

artists are at it again!

A number of utility customers in the Taylor County area have received calls from scammers who claim to be the Cooperative’s collection agent. The caller claims the customer’s bill is overdue and asks for bank information, or to make payment by purchasing a reloadable card (a/k/a green dot card) at a local drug or convenience store. If refused, they threaten disconnection. Please be aware that your Cooperative does not do business in this manner.

What to do If you receive a phone call from a person representing themselves as a TriCounty Electric Cooperative employee and you suspect a scam, hang up. Do not give the caller any personal information. Be especially protective of your social security number, bank and credit card numbers, and driver’s license number. No one from TCEC will ever request confidential information

unless you call us first.

Legitimate companies will not call or send an email asking for your account number or password, so keep your account information to yourself. Do not trust caller ID to let you know where a caller is located.

Because scammers may use Internet calling technology, the area code you see may not reflect where the call is from. Jot down the person’s name, then hang up and call our office at (850) 973-2285 or 1-800-999-2285 to verify the call.

If someone appears at your door claiming to represent TCEC, you can call us to verify the visit. Never let anyone into your home unless you have scheduled an appointment. The TCEC logo should appear on clothing and vehicles. Our employees also have ID badges. If you suspect someone is impersonating a TriCounty Electric Cooperative employee, do not let them into your home and call the police immediately.

Cooperative members should be aware and know that these phone calls are not valid. Members can safely make payments through the Cooperative’s website or by calling us. Our main headquarters office in Madison, FL, is open 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. on weekdays.

Finally, please warn relatives, friends and neighbors who may be susceptible to these types of scams.

2014 YOUTH TOUR Tri-County Electric will be sponsoring five exceptional students on a trip to Washington, D.C., June 14–19, 2014. This year the students chosen to represent TCEC are Courtney Bailey, Deonte McGee and Lane Peavy from Madison County High School, and Anthony Carter and Ashley Wallace from Taylor County High School. The student selections are based on a number of factors, including class performance, community service, leadership and their ability to make a difference in their communities.

The Washington Youth Tour is an outstanding opportunity for these students to meet with state and national leaders, explore our nation’s capital and visit all the major sights of Washington, D.C. The students will also get together with students from other states and discuss their views while learning about history, government and careers in public service.

More than 1500 young people from across the nation gather in Washington, D.C., each year for this event.

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May & June 2014

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; 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. e. No member may hold more than one (1) membership in the Cooperative, and no membership shall be transferable. 3. 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 By-Laws of the Cooperative.

QUALIFICATIONS OR ELIGIBILITY TO SERVE AS A TRUSTEE 1. To serve as a Trustee of the Cooperative, a person must: Be a natural person; a member in good standing of the cooperative without any disconnections for non-payment of utility services within last five years; a bona fide full-time resident of the district which member plans to represent for at least 12 months preceding nomination; is not related to a current trustee as defined in the Conflict of Interest Board Policy; has not been previously removed as a trustee, or has not resigned as a trustee while a proceeding to remove member was pending; has not been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a felony or first degree misdemeanor; has been subjected to a criminal background check and credit check; 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; has the capacity to enter into legally binding contracts; 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

May & June 2014

to serve the best interests of the cooperative; annually complete and sign a conflict-of-interest certification and disclosure form; and 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 or at the Annual Meeting of the members of the Cooperative. 2. Not less than thirty (30) days nor more than sixty (60) days before any meeting of the members of the Cooperative at which Trustees are to be elected, a separate meeting of the members of each district comprising a part of the territory served by the Cooperative shall be called at a suitable place in each district for the purpose of selecting two (2) persons as candidates for Trustee to represent the members located within such district. If more than one candidate is nominated, the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes shall be declared the official candidates of the district. The names of the candidates selected at the District Meeting as the official candidates for each district shall be placed in nomination for the office of Trustee of such district by the Secretary of the Cooperative at the next meeting of the members of the Cooperative at which Trustees are to be elected. At such meeting of the members, additional nominations for Trustee for a particular district may be made from the floor, provided that the person making such additional nomination must reside in the same voting district as the person whom the member desires to nominate as a candidate for Trustee; and provided further, that any member desiring to make an additional nomination for trustee from the floor must, at least fifteen (15) days prior to an Annual or Special Meeting of the members at which trustees are to be elected, file at the Main Headquarters Building of the Cooperative in Madison County, Florida, with the Secretary of the cooperative or a person designated in writing by the Secretary of the Cooperative, a written statement of the intention of such member to make such additional nomination from the floor and list in such written statement the name of the member he intends to nominate from the floor. 3. After all nominations are made, an election is held by printed or xeroxed ballots, with the names of the candidates arranged by districts. Each member of the Cooperative present at the meeting is entitled to vote for one (1) candidate from the district in which the member receives service. 1. No voting by mail or proxy is permitted; 2. Each member is entitled to only one (1) vote; 3. For a joint membership (allowed only for a husband and wife), the vote of either separately or both jointly shall constitute one (1) joint vote. 4. The candidate from each district receiving the highest number of votes is elected Trustee from such district.

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TRI-COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. BOARD MEETING NOTES - feb. 10, 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, Feb. 10, 2014, in the TriCounty Electric headquarters office building located in Madison, FL. Reports to the Board included those of the Florida Electric Cooperative Association Board Meeting, Finance Committee, Policy Committee, Building and Land Committee, General Manager and Attorney. The Policy Committee recommended the Board take proposed revised Policy 503, “Personal Leave,” home and study for possible action at the March 2014 board meeting.

Action taken by the Board included the following: approval of the Feb. 10, 2014, Board Agenda; the Jan. 13, 2014, Board Meeting minutes; and Consent Agenda items as written and recommended by the General Manager which included the WPCA for February 2014 as established by resolution; RUS Form 7 for December 2013; the list of new members for Dec. 23, 2013–Jan. 26, 2014; Work and Accident Report for December 2013 along with the System Outage Report. Other action taken by the Board included the following: adoption of the rate adjustment based on the Cost of Service Study prepared by Mike Leverett, Jr., Energy Economics Consulting Corporation, with an effective date of April 1, 2014; approval of Work Orders (RUS Forms 219); authorization for the General

Manager to enter into an agreement with Suwannee River Water Management District for the transmittal of electric consumption data and approval of the bid from Waukesha Electric Systems for purchase of the Boyd substation transformer. Other items reported included events and activities of the North Florida Economic Development Partnership, Exede Program of National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative, disposal of several Cooperative vehicles, upcoming hearing in the Ancient Oaks dispute and upcoming events and meetings.

Malcolm V. Page Albert Thomas, Jr. President Secretary-Treasurer

BOARD MEETINGS 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.

TRI-COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. BOARD MEETING NOTES - march 10, 2014

With

all trustees, key Cooperative personnel, guests, auditor and the attorney present, the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. was held on Monday, March 10, 2014, in the TriCounty Electric headquarters office building located in Madison, FL. Reports to the Board included those of the Seminole Electric

Energy Efficiency

Tip of the Month

These days, it may be easier to trim your refrigerator’s energy use than it is to trim your waistline. Consider this energy-saving and maintenance regimen to keep your refrigerator in shape. Set the refrigerator temperature above 37 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure door seals are in place and are snug when closed. And keep outside coils unobstructed and clean; dirty ones could overwork the unit’s compressor.

Source: Energy.gov

Page 10

Cooperative, Board Meeting, Audit Committee, Finance Committee, Policy Committee, Building and Land Committee, General Manager and Attorney. The Policy Committee recommended and the Board approved revised Policy 503, “Personal Leave.” Action taken by the Board included the following: approval of the March 10, 2014, Board Agenda; the Feb. 10, 2014, Board Meeting minutes; and Consent Agenda items as written and recommended by the General Manager which included the WPCA for March 2014 as established by resolution; RUS Form 7 for January 2014; the list of new members for Jan. 27–Feb. 23, 2014; Work and Accident Report for January 2014 along with the System Outage Report.

Other action taken by the Board included the following: acceptance of the 2013 audit and approval to engage the services of Nichols, Cauley & Associates, LLC to perform the Cooperative’s audit for an additional year; authorization for the electric receivable accounts for the fourth quarter 2013, which appears to be uncollectible, for the appropriate accounting designation. The auditor reviewed a copy of IRS Form 990 & Questionnaire with the Board. Other items reported included the NRECA Annual Meeting held March 2–5, 2014; discussion of Policy 526, “Work Hours,” and preparation for the upcoming Annual Meeting. The attorney briefed the Board on the Steinhatchee Ancient Oaks hearing.

Malcolm V. Page Albert Thomas, Jr. President Secretary-Treasurer May & June 2014

How Americans Use Energy How Energy NewAmericans data from theUse U.S. Energy

Administration shows that NewInformation data from the U.S. Energy Information heating andshows cooling stillheating accounts forcooling the Administration that and amount electricity consumption still largest accounts for theoflargest amount of electricity in American homes.

But as we use consumption in American homes. But more as we use and more electronic gadgets, that more and more electronic gadgets, that segment segment closing the gap. is closing theisgap.

34.6% Appliances, electronics, and lighting

47.7% Space heating and cooling

17.7% Water heating

Source: U.S.U.S. Energy Information Administration Source: Energy Information Administration

This Publication’s Inspirational Moment “But as it is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”

1 Corinthians 2:9 (KJV)

To Report Electrical Problems or Outages Please Call:

850-973-2285 or 1-800-999-2285 24-HOUR SERVICE THANK YOU

May & June 2014

congratulations, Jason Hughey

Congratulations to Jason Hughey, TCEC groundsman, and Kasey Tuten on the birth of their son, Waylon Jase Hughey, who was born on Nov. 18, 2013, and weighed 5 pounds 5 ounces. TCEC wishes them the best of luck and success as they begin this new phase of family life.

Tri-County Rural Living Vol. XVII No. V May & June 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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Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. 2862 West US Hwy. 90 Madison, FL 32340

Being prepared for stormy weather...