Today in Mississippi May 2020 Local Pages

FOR MEMBERS OF ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OF MISSISSIPPI

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CENTRAL ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION A tradition of dependable, hometown service since 1937.

107 E. Main Street Carthage, MS 39051

Carthage: 601-267-5671 • Philadelphia: 601-656-2601 Rankin: 601-829-1201 • Sebastopol: 601-625-7422

May is Military Appreciation Month While recognizing Memorial Day this month, we hope you will join us in pausing to reflect on the sacrifices of our country’s veterans and their families. We are especially thankful for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we can enjoy the freedoms their service affords us in this great country of ours.

May is Military Appreciation Month, and in the words of John F. Kennedy, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”

At Central Electric Power Association, we are grateful to have veterans within our organization, and we are proud to serve veterans and their families within our local community.

Central Electric Power Association is part of a network of more than 900 electric cooperatives across the country that support and honor our nation’s veterans of all generations.

The Department of Defense is one of the largest energy consumers worldwide and the single largest energy consumer in the U.S. We, like other electric co-ops across the country, work closely with military installations, providing electricity and partnering on various projects.

Not only do we pause on Memorial Day to remember the sacrifice and service of those who gave all, but the month also holds several other military anniversaries and events, including Military Spouse Appreciation Day on May 8, and Armed Forces Day on May 16.

Central Electric Power Association is proud to be a part of the electric cooperative network that honors and supports veterans of all ages, ranks and branches of the military. Please join us in taking a moment to show your appreciation to a veteran — not just this month, but every month.

MONDAY, MAY 25 To those who courageously gave their lives,

THANK YOU!

12 TODAY | MAY 2020

Our business office will be closed in observance of Memorial Day. To report a power outage, please visit www.centralepa.com and click on Report an Outage or call 601-267-3043.

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Need to make payment arrangements?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, if you need to make payment arrangements for your electric bill, please contact your local CEPA office.

Carthage 601-267-5671

Philadelphia 601-656-2601

Sebastopol 601-625-7422

Rankin 601-829-1201

The health and safety of our members and employees is our top priority.

POWER at your

We know you are busy, so our website offers convenient, easy to use options at the click of a button. Visit centralepa.com today to feel the power at your fingertips.

Fingertips! www.centralepa.com

1.

See your payment history and account balances

2.

Receive email and text notifications for bill and payments

3.

Set up Autopay

4.

View your monthly usage

VIEW OUR OUTAGE MAP

REPORT AN OUTAGE

View current outages with just a click of a button through Central Electric’s outage map located under the QUICK LINKS at centralepa.com.

If the power goes out, report your outage online at centralepa.com QUICK LINKS. Make sure to keep your contact number up to date, and call from the number associated with your account for the greatest ease in reporting an outage.

PAY ONLINE

PAY BY PHONE You must have Central Electric Account Number, amount of bill, credit card, debit card or bank infomation

Register and make payments 24/7 online at centralepa.com.

Call 1-800-470-6507

centralepa.com MAY 2020 | TODAY 13

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 SAVING ENERGY Saves Money Looking for ways to save energy and money at home?

During the COVID-19 crisis, many homeowners may be concerned about higher utility bills because the family is home all day. Check out the seven things all homeowners should do to cost effectively lower their energy bills.

Install and set a programmable thermostat. Save an estimated 10 percent per year on heating and cooling costs by using a programmable thermostat.

Use sunlight to your advantage.

Choose window treatments that allow you to use natural light while reducing heat loss and gain.

Switch to ENERGY STAR appliances, fans and electronics.

Using ENERGY STAR certified products throughout your home could help you save significantly on energy costs per year.

Choose energy-saving lighting.

Replacing 5 of your home’s most frequently used lights with energyefficient ENERGY STAR bulbs can help save on energy costs.

Use an electronic power strip for your electronic equipment. Help reduce phantom loads — and save by plugging electronic devices into a power strip and turn it off when not in use.

Reduce energy for water heating.

Take simple steps — like lowering your water heater’s temperature and installing low-flow showerheads — to reduce your water heating bills.

Hire a professional to maintain your heating and cooling system. Check and replace your air filters regularly and arrange for annual maintenance with a qualified technician.

We are all in this together. Stay home. Stay safe. Save energy.

One thing that is certain in uncertain times – OUR COMMITMENT to you and the local communities 14 TODAY | MAY 2020

The little blue logo that changed efficiency standards Photo credit: U.S. Department of Energy

by Paul Wesslund The little blue (and sometimes black) logo with the star inside that you see on all sorts of appliances and electronics has changed the way we view savings through more efficient products.

The ENERGY STAR® program Photo credit: KitchenAid claims credit for reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions and for saving Americans $30 billion in energy costs. Analysts credit ENERGY STAR® with innovating the energy industry, as manufacturers set goals of making more energy efficient products than their competitors.

What ENERGY STAR® does is make it easy to know whether a product you’re thinking about buying is more energy efficient. Essentially, the program looks at the average energy use of each type of product and awards the ENERGY STAR® rating to top performers based on different criteria — a refrigerator needs to be 9 percent more energy efficient than the minimum efficiency standard; a computer needs to use 25 percent less electricity than conventional models and include a power-saving mode option when it’s not being used.

So, if the appliance or electronic device you’re purchasing includes the ENERGY STAR® logo, you know it’s among the most energy-efficient products available. That simplicity is the secret to the success of the program that is run by the federal Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The program’s effectiveness comes from a complex process of making sure the ENERGY STAR® logo is accurate and trusted. In fact, Americans bought more than 300 million ENERGY

STAR®-rated products in 2017 alone, and an ENERGY STAR® study found that three-fourths of U.S. households say the ENERGY STAR® label influences their purchases.

Today, more than 500 certified labs in 25 countries around the world test more than 1,500 products a year, along with surprise inspections, to manage a list of 60,000 product models. ENERGY STAR® runs seminars on how to meet its standards.

Those standards require that TVs must use 3 watts or less when switched off; light bulbs must use two-thirds less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and ENERGY STAR® home furnaces must be between 4 and 15 percent more efficient than standard furnaces.

ENERGY STAR® tests also require quality standards in addition to just energy efficiency. In general, products must have popular features, like internet connectivity for smart TVs. Light bulbs must last up to 15 times longer and produce 70 to 90 percent less heat than conventional bulbs.

In 2018, ENERGY STAR® tested 1,792 models, disqualifying 59 of them. Of the 858 different kinds of lighting and fans tested that year, 51 were disqualified. Of the 35 TVs tested, two were disqualified.

ENERGY STAR® has caught on because it has something for everybody — ways for consumers to save money; ways for businesses to promote their efficient products; online calculators for those wanting deep dives into finding the ideal energy use and for the rest of us, a simple little logo that tells us we’re buying one of the most energy-efficient products available.

MAY 2020 | TODAY 15

P.O. Box 188 • 340 Hopson Street • Lyon, MS 38645 662-624-8321 • Fax: 662-624-8327

www.coahomaepa.com cepa@coahomaepa.com

Continued support during this crisis By the time you receive this issue of Today in Mississippi, I hope we are all free of the confinements of the coronavirus pandemic. As I write this, I am hopeful that each of our members were affected only with the inconveniences and not the illness.

Over the past several weeks going back to mid-March, we have been diligent in keeping our employees protected through a variety of measures. As first responders and maintainers of the vital services of electricity, we have been made well aware of the consequences should our employees become quarantined.

I want to thank the members of the Board of Directors for their support of our emergency pandemic response plan. The Board has reached out in support of our employees and our safety measures. The Board has also been at the forefront of finding ways to ease the burden of our membership during this unprecedented time. The suspension of extension fees and disconnections for the most affected were put into place, as well as allowing partial payments. Our staff has been educating many of our members on the electronic payment options available to

them. They can use one of our kiosks, our website or our app free of any fees or additional charges. These are services we have always provided to make paying one’s bills more convenient.

Be assured your Association continues to address issues of concern on your behalf with our local, state, and national partners. We thank our power provider Cooperative Energy, our many vendors, our employees and their families, as well as all our fellow members for their patience during these trying times.

I pray each day we can all return to a sense of normalcy in our lives with a renewed appreciation for the simple things we share and the relationships we all cherish.

by W. Keith Hurt General Manager

MONDAY, MAY 25 To those who courageously gave their lives,

THANK YOU! Our business office will be closed in observance of Memorial Day. Dispatchers will remain on duty and crews will be on call throughout the holiday.

Call 662-624-8321 to report an outage.

The 2020 Census is upon us, and Coahoma members to participate as soon as possible in the Electric members should have already received 2020 Census, if you have not done so already. an invitation to respond to the questionnaire.

Responses can be conveniently logged by phone, The results of this once-a-decade event provides mail, online or in-person, and it only takes about an important snapshot of our country’s population. 10 minutes. While not only a privilege in our In turn, these results have country, responding is simple a meaningful impact on to do and confidential — and congressional representation it is Constitutional.

Responding to the 2020 Census is and how to allocate hundreds “Responding to the 2020 easy, safe and important, and it’s key to of billions of dollars in federal Census is easy, safe and shaping the future of your community. funding among communities important, and it’s key to shaping Census Bureau Director Steven Dillingham across the U.S. the future of your community,” These vital funds help support hospitals and Census Bureau Director Steven Dillingham said. health clinics, fire departments, disaster response “The 2020 Census will determine the number efforts, highways and infrastructure, school lunch of seats each state has in the U.S. House of programs, education programs such as Head Representatives, and it influences how hundreds of Start, college tuition assistance and so many more billions of dollars in public funds are allocated for critical programs and services essential to thriving critical public services like emergency response, communities. And in our own community, the schools, hospitals, roads and bridges over the results of the 2020 Census will have a direct impact next 10 years.” on the funding and planning of these types of The 2020 Census is more than a population services for us over the next 10 years. count — it’s a valuable opportunity to shape our We at Coahoma Electric encourage all of our community’s future!

Visit www.2020census.gov for more information.

MAY 2020 | TODAY 13

Where our members have the power Communicators: April Lollar & Merilee Sands For Today in Mississippi information, call 877-7MY-CEPA (1-877-769-2372) www.coastepa.com

A message from your CEO To our valued members, Our nation is facing a crisis like one we’ve never seen in any of our lifetimes. We know many families and businesses in our community are experiencing hardships due to COVID-19. In these uncertain times, we want you to know that our commitment to you will not fail. We have an obligation to ensure that we provide reliable electric service to your homes and businesses, that we keep your cooperative financially stable and, most importantly, that we continue to put the health and safety of our employees and our members above all else.

We are doing business a little differently these days. Normal practices and procedures must change as our situation changes, and we appreciate all of you for working with us to adapt to

these changes. Each decision we have made has been with our employees’ and members’ health and safety in mind. We want you to know that while the way we do things may change temporarily, the reason why do them will never change. Our purpose is to serve you — through good times, through storms and crises like this one, we will be there to light south Mississippi.

Thank you

by Ron Barnes President and CEO

For the medical professionals on the front line, caring for us all; for those making sure we have essential supplies in our homes; for the restaurant workers providing meals for our tables; for the first responders protecting our communities; for everyone working to ensure our health and safety, thank you. We can never express our gratitude for all you do.

12 TODAY | MAY 2020

100 PERCENT OF COAST ELECTRIC’S OPERATION ROUND UP funds to be used for energy assistance during COVID-19 crisis

TEMPORARY PROGRAM CHANGES TO HELP THOSE WHO NEED ENERGY ASSISTANCE To assist those served by Coast Electric in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the cooperative is making changes to the distribution of its Operation Round Up funds to bring immediate relief to those who need it most.

Operation Round Up is a program that rounds up the bills of participating Coast Electric members to the nearest dollar.

Contributions are used to fund programs that improve the quality of life in our communities. The program is designed to put 65 percent of donations into a community trust to fund grants for local charitable organizations and 10 percent is put into an endowment for future charitable giving. These funds are managed by the Gulf Coast Community Foundation. The remaining 25 percent of donations are used for residential energy assistance through the Share Your Blessings program managed by Catholic Charities of South Mississippi.

Coast Electric has decided to temporarily suspend future funding of Operation Round Up grants so 100 percent of donations can be used for energy assistance for those who are experiencing financial hardships due to COVID-19.

What you should do if you need energy assistance for your home or small business While energy assistance funds are usually only available for residential members, with more funds being allocated to energy

assistance at this time, Coast Electric is making funds available to qualifying commercial members.

Members seeking assistance paying their electric bills for their homes or businesses should contact Catholic Charities at 855-847-0555. Funds are available to qualifying Coast Electric members in Hancock, Harrison and Pearl River counties.

Our commitment to our community “It is out of concern for and commitment to our members and business communities that we serve that we come together to help those in need keep their businesses operational, a roof over their heads and power to their homes and families,” said Janell Nolan, Coast Electric’s Director of Community Development.

In the past 15 months, the Operation Round Up program has put almost half a million dollars into Hancock, Harrison and Pearl River counties through community grants. “We are proud of the work we’ve done so far and, at this time, when our community needs us the most, the best thing we can do is to put these funds into the hands of the people who are feeling the financial impact of this virus,” said Coast Electric President and CEO Ron Barnes. “This is what cooperatives like Coast Electric and programs like Operation Round Up are all about — people in our community coming together to help one another.”

Catholic Charities does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, religion, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation.

YOU can help!

Coast Electric members who are able and would like to make additional donations to Operation Round Up during this event can contact Coast Electric member service representatives at 877-769-2372 to let them know they want to give additional funds above and beyond their monthly Operation Round Up donation to help their friends and neighbors in need.

MAY 2020 | TODAY 13

Are you experiencing a financial hardship due to COVID-19?

What we are doing to help Coast Electric understands that many members have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 virus. As your local electric cooperative, we want to ease the burden as much as possible during this difficult time.

Coast Electric is not currently disconnecting service, so it is not necessary for members to call to make arrangements. If COVID-19 is causing a financial burden for you, please visit our COVID-19 information page on coastepa.com and fill out our COVID-19 hardship form. This form allows us to note your accounts so when we do begin making collections again, we will know who was affected by COVID-19 and can work with you. This form is for internal purposes only so that we may note accounts and does not constitute a payment arrangement with Coast Electric.

Members who need assistance should call Catholic Charities at 855-847-0555. At this time, 100 percent of Coast Electric’s Operation Round Up donations are going to Catholic Charities for energy assistance.

ONLINE RESOURCES Visit www.coastepa.com and go to our COVID-19 resource page to stay up to date with information about operation hours, procedure changes, safety precautions and more.

For parents who are homeschooling, we’ve added some fun activities for kids to do that teach them about energy efficiency and electrical safety!

MONDAY, MAY 25 To those who courageously gave their lives,

THANK YOU! Our employees will be observing Memorial Day. Dispatchers will remain on duty and crews will be on call throughout the holiday weekend.

Members can call 877-769-2372 or use the CE on the Go app to report outages.

Through good times and bad...

we are always here to light our communities!

14 TODAY | MAY 2020

COVID-19 and Energy efficiency Your questions answered

Q: My bill is higher than normal. Did you raise rates?

A: No, we did not raise rates. Coast Electric actually had a power cost decrease that began April 1. That decrease means that members are saving around $6 for every 1,000 kilowatt hours they use. To see how many kilowatt hours you typically use, you can check your Coast Electric bill or log on to your account at coastepa.com to view your use.

Members pay for the energy you use, so when your energy use is higher, your bill is higher. With more people being home during school and business hours because of the COVID-19 crisis, your energy use is higher and that means energy bills are higher. We encourage our members to manage energy use to lessen the financial impact that comes with high use.

Q: I am on the Time of Use rate and it would be so much easier to keep the winter peak hours of 6 a.m. – 8 a.m. Can we go back to those hours?

A: We understand your concerns about having more people at home during peak times when conservation is important and we want to make sure our TOU members understand why we changed our peak times as usual in April.

Those on our TOU rate are able to realize savings because when less energy is used during peak times, we decrease the need, and costs, for energy production. When less energy is generated, money is saved and we are able to pass those savings along to our members. However, if peak hours aren’t observed, that means more energy must be produced, we spend more and there are no savings to pass through to you.

Q: Is Time of Use still a good way to save?

A: Our Time of Use rate is a great opportunity for all members to use less and spend less. Remember, there are only 15 hours each week that are peak hours. Out of the 168 hours in a week, you are paying a lower rate for 153 of those hours. Of course, you do have to make sure you are doing what you can to reduce your use during peak hours (3 p.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Friday) or you could see increased energy costs.

Q: What can I do to decrease my energy use while my family is at home all day?

A: More people at home means more lights are on, TVs and gaming consoles are on, you are using cooktops and stoves during the day, etc. While it is likely your energy use will increase, here are some things we encourage you to do to manage that use as much as possible.

• Your heating and air system make up almost half of •

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your energy costs each month, so fight the urge to bump the AC down.

Programmable and smart thermostats are great tools, as they allow you to program the settings that offer you the most savings. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, try to set it and forget it.

We recommend an AC setting of 78 degrees in warmer weather. We understand that there is value in your comfort and understand that not everyone can keep a 78-degree setting in the heat, but remember that each degree offers you savings.

After your HVAC system, water heaters are the biggest energy users in your home. Water heater timers can help ensure your system isn’t heating water all day but, instead, heats water at the times when you need it most. Water heater timers are especially helpful for members on our Time of Use rate when trying to avoid peak hours.

Washing clothes in cold water will also help reduce energy use.

Members on our Time of Use rate should avoid peak hours by moving activities like laundry and cooking to off-peak times and by setting timers to reflect peak hours. Whether it’s your thermostat, water heater timer or pool pump or any other item in your home that you have on an automatic timer.

In milder spring weather, use ceiling fans instead of your AC if possible. Remember, though, that fans cool you, not the room, so turn them off when you leave the room.

Grill outside if the weather is nice or use items like crock pots and instant pots if you need to cook during peak hours.

Regularly change out air filters.

Unplug to recharge. Get outside and enjoy the spring weather.

MAY 2020 | TODAY 15

Delta Electric’s new IVR phone number is 662-743-4425 – USE IT ANY TIME 24/7

✓GET ACCOUNT INFO ✓MAKE A PAYMENT ✓REPORT AN OUTAGE ✓MAKE AN ARRANGEMENT

Financial assistance available to individuals and small businesses from the U.S. Government

We realize that this is a very uncertain time in our country, and we encourage you to do everything you can to keep your family safe and healthy. As a service to our Members, we want to pass on certain information from the U.S. Government that can benefit individuals and businesses. We want you to be aware of what is available to you.

Under the Families First Act Coronavirus Response

Individuals • Recovery rebates of up to $1,200 for singles, $1,200 for heads of households and $2,400 for married couples filing jointly — plus $500 per qualifying child — subject to incomebased phaseouts starting at $75,000, $122,500 and $150,000, respectively • Expansion of unemployment benefits, including for self-employed and gig-economy workers

Act (FFCRA), two types of paid employee leave have been expanded or established. Please visit www.dol. gov/newsroom/releases/whd/whd20200401 for complete information.

Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), a $2.2 trillion bill, there are generous and unprecedented provisions for individuals and businesses.

Businesses and Employers • Retention tax credit for eligible employers that continue to pay employee wages while their operations are fully or partially suspended as a result of certain COVID-19 related government orders • Deferral of the employer portion of payments of certain payroll taxes • Modification of net operating loss (NOL) and limitation on losses rules

• Waiver of the 10 percent penalty on COVID-19 related early distributions from IRAs, 401(k)s and certain other retirement plans

• Modification of the deduction limitation on business interest

• Waiver of required minimum distribution rules for IRAs, 401(k)s and certain other retirement plans

• Qualified improvement property technical correction, allowing qualifying interior improvements of buildings to be immediately expensed rather than depreciated over 15 years

• Expansion of charitable contribution tax deductions

• Expansion of the ways the Small Business Administration (SBA) can help small businesses

• Exclusion for certain employer payments of student loans Please visit https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/top-priorities/cares-act/assistance-for-small-businesses for more information on how the CARES Act can provide assistance to small businesses through the SBA with the Paycheck Protection Program.

12 TODAY | MAY 2020

7

DELTA ELECTRIC Members to Receive Refunds

TOTALING

$ 4,838,311

On May 8, 2020, Delta Electric Power Association will mail refund checks to Members, as the cooperative has done for the past 31 years. These capital credit refund checks will be mailed to all Members who received a bill from Delta Electric during the years 1990, 1997 and 2019.

The operating margin refund will be 100 percent of 1997 operating margins along with approximately 13.5 percent of 2019 operating margins.

“In addition, we are pleased to announce that 100 percent of 1990 nonoperating margins in the amount of $338,311 will be included in this refund,” General Manager David O’Bryan said. Delta Electric’s nonoperating margins consist solely of margin allocations from Cooperative Energy, Delta Electric’s generation

and transmission cooperative, headquartered in Hattiesburg.

Any unpaid bills will be recovered prior to issuance of the checks.

Since 1989, when the first capital credit refunds were made, and including this year’s refund, Delta Electric has returned to Members a total of over $65 million. Unlike an investor-owned utility, which is operated for profit, Delta Electric is a cooperative and does not operate on a profit basis. Each bill a Member pays goes toward the funding of the cooperative. All revenue is used to operate, maintain and improve the cooperative for the benefit of its Members. Any revenue received in excess of expenses is allocated back to Members for future retirement.

Remote payment options for Delta Electric customers At the time of this writing, our Delta Electric office locations were still closed to the public because of an effort to protect our Members and employees during the coronavirus pandemic. We apologize for any inconvenience you may experience, and we sincerely appreciate everyone’s patience during this uncertain time.

We want to remind our customers of the many convenient ways that you can pay your electric bill remotely during this time: Pay your bill by phone 24/7 by calling 662-743-4425 Pay your bill online 24/7 at www.deltaepa.com Pay your bill by Smart App 24/7 available in the Apple or Google App Stores Pay your bill 24/7 at one of our External Payment Drop Boxes located at: 1700 Highway 82 West, Greenwood 605 North Applegate, Winona 603 Highway 82 East, Indianola 353 Yale Street Extended, Cleveland

Pay your bill by mail: P.O. Box 9399, Greenwood, MS 38930 Call for assistance or use our online portal to set up your electric account on a recurring automatic payment schedule that has no convenience fee: Bank Draft by requesting a Bank Draft Authorization Form Auto Pay by credit/debit card for residential customers If you need assistance with making a payment, please contact your local Delta Electric office at one of the following numbers during business hours, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Greenwood: 662-453-6352 Winona: 662-283-2544 Indianola: 662-887-1652 Cleveland: 662-843-5441

MAY 2020 | TODAY 13

CONTACT INFORMATION 601-425-2535 • www.dixieepa.com @DixieElectricMS

@DixieEPA

@dixie_electric

“Powering communities and empowering lives” Dixie Electric is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

Cooperation through crises: tornadoes and the coronavirus As we all deal with the new realities brought on by the coronavirus, I want to assure you that your local electric cooperative is here to help you. We have an Emergency Plan that has served us well in a variety of circumstances, including the new coronavirus crisis and the destructive tornadoes that came through on Easter Sunday.

These two crisis situations have created some unique and challenging circumstances. We have followed our Emergency Plan in restoring power to our members while trying to maintain social distancing as much as possible. Serving our members and empowering them to rebuild their homes and lives remain our mission. Discussion on the Easter Sunday tornadoes is on pages 16 and 17 of this magazine.

We thought you might want to know some of the steps we have taken in order to keep your power flowing during the COVID-19 crisis. We’ve closed our lobbies to help prevent the spread of germs. Instead, we are encouraging members to use pay online at dixieepa.com, the SmartHub mobile app, phone payment options or to mail in your payment. Drive-through windows at our three office locations remain open to serve you as well.

We’ve divided departments into shifts or separated their duties for storm recovery, so they can practice social distancing even when in the office. If you call, the phones will be answered as always.

We have also separated our line crews from other employees and even from each other; this is challenging when we are rebuilding after the tornadoes but have worked well under normal circumstances. Our servicemen are receiving their work through mobile devices, which is technology we’ve used for a while, so they can head to the job site without coming to the office. New routines are in place for contractors working on our system in order to keep them away from employees.

Our management team and board are meeting to fine-tune this plan. We are in contact with the other electric cooperatives in our state, with Cooperative Energy, and our statewide association Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi, which in turn is working closely with our national association, the state legislature, governor’s office and MEMA, the state’s emergency management agency.

Our focus here is on doing our part to keep life as normal as possible through this situation and beyond. We are all in this together and will get through it together.

by Randy Smith General Manager

MONDAY, MAY 25

To those who courageously gave their lives,

THANK YOU! Our employees will be observing Memorial Day and our offices will be closed. Servicemen will remain on duty, and crews will be on call throughout the holiday weekend.

Please call 888-465-9209 to report outages.

12 TODAY | MAY 2020

*CORONAVIRUS PRECAUTIONS* Dixie Electric office lobbies remain closed Dixie Electric closed its office lobbies to the public on Monday, March 23, until further notice due to the coronavirus outbreak. The health and well-being of the members and employees are a priority.

Dixie Electric encourages its members to pay their bills by:

• • • • •

using the SmartHub mobile app visiting dixieepa.com and clicking “My Account” calling 601-425-2535; press 2 mailing in a payment using the drive-through windows or kiosks at the offices

Any member who needs to start or stop service can call (601) 425-2535 in Laurel, 583-1131 in Petal or 735-2072 in Waynesboro to handle those needs over the phone or make an appointment.

INSPECTION NOTICE Dixie Electric’s wholesale power provider, Cooperative Energy, has contracted Osmose Utilities to conduct wood pole inspections on their transmission lines beginning in April.

The inspection process involves a small crew traveling from pole to pole on the rightsof-way in a utility terrain vehicle (UTV). The crews’ trucks will be marked with the Osmose Utility logo and signage identifying them as a Cooperative Energy contractor.

Crews will be working in the following counties in the Dixie Electric service territory: Forrest, Jones and Wayne.

MAY 2020 | TODAY 13

Dixie Electric receives Spark Award for 2019 Annual Meeting Dixie Electric earned a Spark Award from the Public Relations Association of Mississippi, Pine Belt Chapter for its communication planning to increase voting in the 2019 Annual Membership Meeting.

Voting, for the board of directors, increased due to the use of different approaches to encourage participation, including online voting, a colorful engaging mailer, an attention getter on the envelope, a community service donation and a consistent social media campaign.

For the 2020 board elections and membership meeting, Dixie Electric plans to continue to offer multiple ways to vote and participate in the meeting.

One of the judges commented, “They used elements that appealed to various components of their audience. The change in message delivery through direct mail hit the mark. Those who attended the meeting were more likely to be interested in energy savings and a health fair. The younger audience was engaged through social media with the community engagement component. All were good, successful ideas.”

Communication Manager Lydia Walters and Community Relations Coordinator Pollyanna Magee received the award on behalf of Dixie Electric at the PRAM banquet held at the end of February.

Maintaining reliable service Right-of-way clearing projects underway Dixie Electric Power Association clears trees, limbs and underbrush from the area around and below the power lines, called the right-of-way.

Right-of-way clearing decreases the number of outages and reduces the risk of someone coming in contact with the power lines. Clearing the right-of-way protects individuals from the hazards of electricity and makes power restoration quicker and safer for both Dixie Electric’s members and personnel.

West Waynesboro substation: Waynesboro, Big Creek, Dyess Bridge, Clara and Shubuta

Buckatunna substation: Winchester, Buckatunna, Progress, Chicora and Denham

14 TODAY | MAY 2020

Notice of Dixie Electric’s Director Qualification Period Candidates seeking election to represent Districts 2 or 7 on the board of directors for Dixie Electric must visit Dixie Electric’s headquarters office at 1863 Highway 184, Laurel, Miss., and obtain a Director Qualification Packet during business hours between June 1 and July 31.

Please contact Melinda Padgett at 601-425-2535 or dixieelectric@dixieepa.com to set up a time.

The forms and petitions in the packet must be completed and returned by close of business on

July 31, 2020.

MAY IS ELECTRICAL SAFETY MONTH

4 COMMON CULPRITS OF ELECTRICAL FIRES Outdated wiring and overloaded circuits are the most common causes of electrical fires.

Check the following areas of your home to ensure your home’s electrical safety is up to par.

Electrical outlets: Faulty electrical outlets are a leading cause of home fires. As outlets age, so do the wires behind them that you can’t see. Any loose, damaged or warm-to-thetouch outlets should be repaired or replaced.

Overloaded cords and outlets: Extension cords are not permanent solutions. If your big-screen TV, home theater system and other electronics are plugged into one extension cord, it’s time to call an electrician and install additional outlets.

Electrical wiring: Outdated wiring is another common cause of electrical fires. Frequently tripped breakers, flickering lights and burning smells are clear warning signs. If your home is more than 20 years old, it may not be able to handle today’s increased power load. If you suspect your home’s wiring is outdated, leave this one to the pros and contact a qualified electrician.

Old appliances: Older appliances are more likely to have loose or damaged wiring, which means they’re more likely to catch fire. Check older appliances for damage and determine if it’s time to upgrade or replace. Also check to ensure you’re using appliance-grade outlets. A qualified electrician can help with installation.

Dixie Electric

celebrates veterans

May is National Military Appreciation Month Adron Presley is a Dixie Electric serviceman and started his career with the cooperative shortly after his six years in the United States Marine Corps.

Following his high school graduation in 1993, Presley joined the Marine Corps and spent six years in the 1st Battalion 6th Marine Infantry Division. Though he was not a wartime veteran, he was classified as a combat veteran and saw much conflict while traveling to 27 foreign countries during his military service.

Presley got out of the military in 1999 and started his career with Dixie Electric in 2000.

“I love what I do,” Presley said, “I couldn’t think of anything

different that I’d want to do. I love being outside and dealing with the members. When the members call you, they are wanting your help. That’s what I like about it. That’s why I went into the military, to do my part in helping this country.”

Presley lives in Laurel with his wife, Johanna, and their daughter Madalyn who is 13.

“I grew up in the Myrick Community and now I live in the Powers community,” Presley said. “I was born and raised on Dixie Electric’s system.”

Dixie Electric would like to thank Adron for his dedicated service to the United States and to Dixie Electric.

MAY 2020 | TODAY 15

Tornadoes and thunderstorms strike on Easter and cause

by Lydia Walters On Easter Sunday, April 12, a long-track tornado and thunderstorms brought destruction to Dixie Electric’s service area. Many individuals lost their homes, and sadly, some lost loved ones. Northwest Jones, Covington and Jasper counties were the worst hit areas, but there were power outages related to these storms in all seven counties that Dixie Electric serves.

At the height of the outages on Sunday night, more than 7,000 members lost power. On Monday morning, approxi16 TODAY | MAY 2020

mately 2,000 members remained without power. These were in the worst affected areas where more than 340 power poles were broken or damaged.

“Initially, we hoped to get power restored in two to three days. As we completed damage assessments on Monday, we quickly realized that this restoration process was better defined as a rebuilding project in some areas,” General Manager Randy Smith said.

Operations Manager Pat McCarthy, who has worked at Dixie Electric for more

than 40 years, says this is some of the worst damage to Dixie Electric’s system he has ever seen.

“Several miles of our electric system were completely gone and had to be rebuilt. Building a mile of power line normally takes a month. We were tasked with rebuilding several miles of the system in a matter of days,” McCarthy said.

Dixie Electric’s line workers received assistance from neighboring electric cooperatives Singing River Electric, East Mississippi Electric and Coast Electric.

In addition, crews from MDR Powerline Construction company assisted with restoration. Right-for-way crews from Bush Construction, B-Line, Welch Contract Service and Taylor Construction cleared trees and debris from the power lines.

Dixie Electric’s restoration process was tied closely with wholesale power provider Cooperative Energy. Cooperative Energy’s transmission system, that delivers electricity to Dixie Electric, sustained damage during the storms and tornadoes on Sunday, April 12. An aerial patrol plane and crews on the ground immediately began to assess damage to the system as restoration efforts began.

The storm caused 18 of the cooperative’s high voltage transmission lines to go out of service due to damage to the lines, the lines’ support structures and associated equipment. The storm damaged 44 structures, leaving 51 transmission

poles broken and others leaning or need of repair. Additionally, debris on the lines and fallen trees also contributed to the outages.

Damage to the transmission system directly impacted the following Dixie Electric substations: West Moselle Substation, which was restored at 6:08 p.m. on April 12, and the Hebron Substation, which was restored at 11:23 a.m. on April 13.

The management and board of Dixie Electric would like to thank the community for their outpouring of support and understanding as Dixie Electric’s team worked to rebuild and restore electric service to members.

Editor’s note: At the time of Today in Mississippi going to press, the restoration process was still underway, so this is still a developing story. For example, the number of broken poles is likely to climb.

MAY 2020 | TODAY 17

For After-Hours Outages, Call 601-581-8600 DeKalb 601-743-2641

Louisville 662-773-5741

Quitman 601-776-6271

Member owned. Locally operated. That’s the cooperative difference.

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR CEO

Our world has changed, but we haven’t

As I write this article today, we are all dealing with the new realities brought on by the coronavirus. Let me assure you that East Mississippi Electric Power Association is here to serve you.

We’ve always had an emergency Plan that has served us well through a variety of challenges, from ice storms to tornadoes to hurricanes. As this new type of crisis began unfolding, our leadership team quickly updated our plan with a special emphasis on ensuring we could continue to provide the reliable electric service you expect from EMEPA while still protecting our employees, their families and the communities we serve.

So far, that is exactly what has happened. We know that after a sufficient supply of food and water, electricity is the No. 1 thing you need to maintain some sense of normalcy as we hunker down in our homes. With that in mind, keeping the power flowing is job No. 1 for everyone involved in maintaining your electric cooperative system.

Let me share some of the steps we have taken to keep you “empowered.” We’ve closed our lobbies to prevent the spread of germs. Instead, we are encouraging members to use our free smartphone app, online and phone payment options, bank draft, kiosks, drop box and the “good old” U.S. Postal Service to pay bills.

We’ve divided our employees into three groups. A core group has manned the offices. A second group is working from home and the remaining group is responding from home on staggered shifts to ensure social distancing. Our goal is to keep 12 TODAY | MAY 2020

our employees healthy and able to respond to anything that arises while also keeping our members safe.

The leadership team and board are meeting constantly to fine-tune our plan. We are in constant contact with the other electric cooperatives in Mississippi and with the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi office, which in turn is working closely with our national association, the state legislature, Gov. Tate Reeves and other emergency personel across the state and nation.

So far, it is working well and everyone has adapted to the new norm. That’s because we’ve adapted before. During a crisis situation, EMEPA employees always shine. It’s kind of like gold that has been tested by fire…stronger and more resilient!

Our focus is on doing our part to keep your life as normal as possible through this situation and beyond. The cooperative way of doing business has brought us this far, and the cooperative way will help us through this crisis.

All the best to everyone. Stay healthy, stay home and when this is defeated we will celebrate together the cooperative way!

by Randy Carroll CEO — East Mississippi Electric Power Association

Our commitment to you One thing that is certain in uncertain times — our commitment to you and the communities we serve. EMEPA is here to provide you with the reliable electric service you expect while still protecting our employees, their families and our communities.

Beginning March 15, disconnections for non-payment were suspended for 60 days.

However, members will still be responsible for those bills. If you need to discuss bill payment options, please call us at 601-581-8600.

While our lobbies are closed to the public until further notice, we continue to serve you and encourage alternative payment options such as those detailed below.

PAY BY DRAFT Sign up for automated draft using either a checking or credit card account.

PAY ONLINE Make payments online 24/7 at EMEPA.com PAY BY KIOSK Make payments 24/7 at the payment kiosks located at each of EMEPA’s four office locations.

PAY BY PHONE Call 601-581-8600 for 24/7 secure credit card or e-check payments.

PAY BY APP Make payments 24/7 from your mobile device with EMEPA’s free app.

PAY BY TEXT Text PAY to 352667 (after setting up a payment profile and opting into text alerts at EMEPA.com).

PAY BY MAIL Mail a check or money order along with your bill payment stub.

Please visit EMEPA.com or call 601-581-8600 for additional information on each available payment option.

Stay healthy, stay home and we will get through this together — the cooperative way!

MAY 2020 | TODAY 13

May is Military Appreciation Month While recognizing Memorial Day this month, we hope you will join us in pausing to reflect on the sacrifices of our country’s military and their families. We are especially thankful for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we can enjoy the freedoms their service affords us in this great country of ours.

May is Military Appreciation Month, and in the words of John F. Kennedy, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”

At East Mississippi Electric Power Association, we are grateful to have veterans within our organization, and we are proud to serve military families within our local community.

East Mississippi Electric Power Association is part of a network of more than 900 electric cooperatives across the country that support and honor our nation’s veterans of all generations.

The Department of Defense is one of the largest energy consumers worldwide and the single largest energy consumer in the U.S. We, like other electric co-ops across the country, work closely with military installations, providing electricity and partnering on various projects.

Not only do we pause on Memorial Day to remember the sacrifice and service of those who gave all, but the month also holds several other military anniversaries and events, including Military Spouse Appreciation Day on May 8, and Armed Forces Day on May 16.

East Mississippi Electric Power Association is proud to be a part of the electric cooperative network that honors and supports veterans of all ages, ranks and branches of the military.

Please join us in taking a moment to show your appreciation to our military — not just this month, but every month.

MONDAY, MAY 25

To those who courageously gave their lives,

THANK YOU!

14 TODAY | MAY 2020

MAY IS ELECTRICAL SAFETY MONTH

4 COMMON CULPRITS OF ELECTRICAL FIRES Outdated wiring and overloaded circuits are the most common causes of electrical fires.

Check the following areas of your home to ensure your home’s electrical safety is up to par.

Electrical outlets: Faulty electrical outlets are a leading cause of home fires. As outlets age, so do the wires behind them that you can’t see. Any loose, damaged or warm-to-thetouch outlets should be repaired or replaced.

Overloaded cords and outlets: Extension cords are not permanent solutions. If your big-screen TV, home theater system and other electronics are plugged into one extension cord, it’s time to call an electrician and install additional outlets.

Electrical wiring: Outdated wiring is another common cause of electrical fires. Frequently tripped breakers, flickering lights and burning smells are clear warning signs. If your home is more than 20 years old, it may not be able to handle today’s increased power load.

If you suspect your home’s wiring is outdated, leave this one to the pros and contact a qualified electrician.

Old appliances: Older appliances are more likely to have loose or damaged wiring, which means they’re more likely to catch fire. Check older appliances for damage and determine if it’s time to upgrade or replace. Also check to ensure you’re using appliance-grade outlets. A qualified electrician can help with installation.

l a u n n A h t 7 r o f s p e r EMEPA p

E R U C A R O F T O SHO RESCHEDULED

East Mississippi Electric Power Association’s 7th Annual Shoot For A Cure has been rescheduled for Thursday, May 28 and Friday, May 29 at Binachi Shooting Sports in Lauderdale County.

EMEPA employees and supporters raised over $20,000 for the American Cancer Society and the Anderson Cancer Center’s Cancer Patient Benevolence Fund through this premier fundraising event in 2019 with hopes to raise even more in 2020.

In addition to the Shoot For A Cure event, EMEPA will be raffling off a Glock G43X 9mm handgun donated by Thomas Gun and Pawn and a Ruger 10/22 rifle donated by Rock House Gun and Pawn. Tickets are $1 and can be purchased at any EMEPA office.

For more information on Shoot For A Cure or to register a team or sponsor, contact Margaret Brewer at 601-581-8602 or mbrewer@emepa.com.

MAY 2020 | TODAY 15

BOARD OF DIRECTORS: John E. “Jay” Gilliland Jr., President • Johnny Johnson, Vice President Mike Banks, Secretary/Treasurer • Bill Bell • Kenneth Seitz • Ernest H. “Bud” Tumlinson • Marty Crowder

4-County adapting to change; still working for you The world has undergone some fundamental changes over the last few weeks. We are seeing things we never, ever believed would happen. COVID-19 has caused us all to change the way we live, work and even think. Here at 4-County, it has meant working a little differently as we try to keep members and employees safe and healthy.

As an electric cooperative, we are an essential business. Keeping the lights on is even more important since many people are at home all day, every day during the quarantine.

Spring is usually a time of severe weather in Mississippi as evidenced by the storms that rolled through on Easter Sunday. So, making sure our crews are ready to respond is even more important. To make sure we are at as full strength as possible, in early April we began staggering our crews’ workdays to limit their exposure. While this may slow down some of our usual daily work, it helps to make sure that if, and when weather hits, we are ready to react so our members will continue to experience the great service they expect. This service, I’m happy to say, was on full display as we restored power in the aftermath of the Easter storms. Thank you 4-County team!

Another thing I am very proud of is that a lot of things 4-County had already put in place through the years ended up helping us through these tough times. That’s especially true of our use of technology and our range of payment options. Members can continue to do business with us without having to come to the office. New accounts can be set up online. All other business can also be conducted online, over the phone or through a drive through. Payments can be made at kiosks across the service territory or can also be made online, over the phone or through a

12 TODAY | MAY 2020

smart device.

Our maintenance men were already able to start work from home without having to come into the office and we were able to quickly adapt in other areas to the same system. All of this means we were uniquely situated to continue our core business processes with little or no interruption for our employees or our members.

Besides the changes brought on by the pandemic, there is obviously a lot of stress and uncertainty. Many people are out of work or working reduced schedules. Many businesses are closed. It is something unprecedented in recent memory for this country and I want to assure each and every one of you that we understand what a difficult time this is for many people. I also want to assure you that we will work with each one of our members to find a payment program or make an arrangement when possible to help lighten the economic burden brought on by COVID-19.

Another issue of importance is our broadband survey. At press time, we didn’t have a final tally but the response has been good and I thank those of you who took the time to participate. I look forward to sharing the totals with you all and seeing where we go.

I don’t know what the future looks like, but I do know this. 4-County will work hard to continue to serve our members to the utmost of our ability. We take pride in what we do and we think that pride shows each and every day.

by Brian Clark CEO/General Manager

HERE’S AN IDEA Efficiency tips for outdoor shops and barns There are many benefits to having an energy efficient outdoor shop or barn. Aside from saving energy, an efficient outdoor building can keep the environment around your structure healthy and safe; save money on your water bill; keep your animals happier and healthier; and save you from costly structural repairs.

Whether you are looking to build a new structure, or make changes to an existing structure, there are many ways you can make your outdoor shop or barn more energy efficient.

Are you planning to build a new structure on your property? Follow these tips to achieve energy efficiency: • Location matters. If possible, carefully consider where you build your shop or barn. Consider drainage, sun exposure and how the building may affect your neighbors.

• Start with a sustainable design plan. A sustainable design plan, according to the U.S. General Services Administration, includes the ability to use environmentally preferable products; protect and conserve water; enhance indoor environmental quality; and optimize operational and maintenance practices.

• If you are hiring a contractor to help build your structure, make sure you look for companies who specialize in energy efficient practices.

• Choose efficient building methods. Pole barns offer reliable shelter without costly excavation, concrete foundations or general site disruption.

4-County annual meeting will be held online this year 4-County Electric Power Association officials are asking members to participate in the co-op’s Annual Meeting June 4 by watching the event online.

Co-op officials, following state and national safety guidelines for dealing with the COVID-19 virus, made the tough call to have the meeting online.

“In an effort to exercise safety precautions for our members in the wake of COVID-19, we have decided to have this year’s annual meeting online. Members will still be able to vote for board positions by proxy or online. And we’ll also give away our annual meeting prizes,” 4-County CEO Brian Clark said.

The meeting will be streamed live on 4-County’s Facebook page, YouTube and, possibly, on the co-op’s website, too. As the event gets closer, 4-County will continue to provide members via Facebook and the 4-County website instructions on how to participate in the annual meeting. Again, the annual meeting grand prize truck giveaway will be part of the meeting. Also, 10 $100 electric credits will be given away. The entire membership will be eligible for all prizes.

The business portion of the meeting is set for noon. Financial and management reports, along with the election of two Association directors, will be given. Incumbent directors Mike Banks of Macon for District 4, Noxubee County; and Bill Bell of Noxubee County for District 7, At-Large, are up for Mike Banks reelection.

The current board members’ names were placed in nomination by the Association’s nominating committee at its March 18 meeting.

In accordance with the Association’s bylaws, the candidates’ names were placed in nomination for election to three-year terms, beginning June 4 at the cooperative’s annual membership meeting.

Ballot/proxies will be mailed by May 5 to all 4-County members. The deadline for returning ballot/proxies is noon on May 29, six days prior to the annual membership meeting, June 4, at noon.

Cooperative members also have the option to go online to cast votes for board of directors. Online voting will work just like the paper ballot members Bill Bell receive in the mail every year, but instead of using the mail, they will be able to cast their votes via the Internet. When the annual meeting notice and ballot arrives at member homes this month, it will include instructions on how to cast a vote online instead of returning a paper ballot.

The online voting option features easy-to-use instructions and candidate biographies and has the option to alert members when their votes have been successfully submitted for counting. Members may receive an election reminder by e-mail.

Members returning their proxy/ballots may qualify to win valuable prizes.

Those returning their proxy/ballots (by mail, proxy or online voting) may qualify to win one of three credits for electricity.

For more information on the 4-County annual meeting, call 1-800-431-1544 and ask for the marketing department.

4-County Electric Power Association Annual Meeting Thursday, June 4, 2020

ONLINE In concern for our members and employees, this year’s 4-County Annual Meeting will be held ONLINE. Business portions of the meeting and the awarding of prizes will still take place. The meeting will be streamed live on the 4-County Facebook page and possibly on the 4-County website. More information on how to participate will follow. If you have questions now, please call

1-800-431-1544 and ask for the marketing department.

Here’s a snapshot of this year’s ONLINE ANNUAL MEETING: • Business Meeting - Noon (includes Financial and Business Reports, Election of Directors) • Door Prizes will be announced (includes the chance to win one of 10 $100 credits for electricity, one of three $1,000 electric credits, and the chance to win the Grand Prize, a retired 4-County Fleet Truck!

• Meeting will be adjourned upon completion of previously listed events

MAY 2020 | TODAY 13

May is Military Appreciation Month While recognizing Memorial Day this month, we hope you will join us in pausing to reflect on the sacrifices of our country’s veterans and their families. We are especially thankful for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we can enjoy the freedoms their service affords us in this great country of ours.

May is Military Appreciation Month, and in the words of John F. Kennedy, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live them.”

4-County Electric Power Association is honored to serve and maintain the electric distribution system at Columbus Air Force Base. Our daily interaction with these brave men and women is a true highlight of our working schedule. We Salute You! We also salute our members and employees who have served this great country of ours. We are grateful for these heroes who live in our local communities.

4-County is part of a network of more than 900 electric

cooperatives across the country that support and honor our nation’s veterans of all generations.

The Department of Defense is one of the largest energy consumers worldwide and the single largest energy consumer in the U.S. We, like other electric co-ops across the country, work closely with military installations, providing electricity and collaborating on various projects.

Not only do we pause on Memorial Day to remember the sacrifice and service of those who gave all, but the month also holds several other military anniversaries and events, including Military Spouse Appreciation Day on May 8 and Armed Forces Day on May 16.

4-County is proud to be a part of the electric cooperative network that honors and supports veterans of all ages, ranks and branches of the military. Please join us in taking a moment to show your appreciation to a veteran – not just this month, but every month.

To those who courageously gave their lives,

THANK YOU! 4-County Electric will be closed MONDAY, MAY 25

14 TODAY | MAY 2020

4-County Electric Power Association salutes its military veterans. Seven 4-County employees have served or are serving the United States of America Derek Dawkins

Glen Ledbetter

Derek, a nine-year veteran of 4-County, has also served his country as a member of the Air National Guard.

Derek, who lives in Macon, serves 4-County as a Journeyman Lineman.

An 18-year veteran of 4-County, Glen also served his country as a member of the United States Army National Guard. Glen, who lives in Columbus, serves 4-County as Crew Leader.

Bob Edwards

Chris Moore

Bob, a 34-year veteran of 4-County, has served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps.

Bob, who lives in West Point, serves 4-County as Meter Services Supervisor.

An 11-year veteran of 4-County, Chris serves his country as a member of the United States Air National Guard. He is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom. Chris, who lives in Columbus, serves 4-County as a Journeyman Lineman.

Al Ellis

Cliff Wall

A 35-year veteran of 4-County, Al also served his country as a member of the United States Army and United States Army Reserves. He is a veteran of Operation Desert Storm.

Al, who lives in Starkville, serves 4-County as Lead Apparatus Mechanic.

A 43-year veteran of 4-County, Cliff also served his country as a member of the United States Army National Guard. Cliff, who lives in Starkville, is Manager of Consumer Services.

Joe Faulkner Joe, a 14-year veteran of 4-County, has served his country as a member of the United States Army and is continuing to serve as a member of the United States Army Reserves. He is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Joe, who lives in West Point, serves 4-County as a Journeyman Lineman.

MAY 2020 | TODAY 15

COVID-19 causes temporary changes at co-op The COVID-19 virus has disrupted the way our country does business. 4-County Electric Power Association, with its thoughts squarely on the safety of its members and employees, is no different.

Things may be a little different, but 4-County is still working for its members! Co-op officials are continuing to do everything they can to ensure safe, reliable and efficient electricity to its members. That will not change.

But, officials explain, some things will be handled a little different for the foreseeable future. Here’s what you need to know: • 4-County lobbies are closed for business. Office drive-through services, however, remain open. Some administrative services are being handled by employees working from home. A variety of member/co-op interface payment and service options are available, including online, telephone, bank draft and Prepay programs.

• Line crews continue to work. Often, the crews are staggering their visits to the office and warehouses to avoid congregating during this period of social distancing. Assignments and business are being completed by video conferencing, e-mail and other options.

• 4-County officials, in support of the co-op’s membership, are following the recommendation of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, other agencies and the Tennessee Valley Authority, voluntarily agreed to suspend disconnecting mem-

bers for non-payment through May 15, 2020. This situation is fluid and this deadline could be extended. However, 4-County officials want members to understand that their bills will have to be paid.

In summary: • This is NOT a waiver and does not eliminate a member’s bill.

• Billing cycles will remain unchanged. At the end of the grace period, any accounts with unpaid balances will be subject to disconnect.

• 4-County officials recommend that members make an attempt to stay current with their payments.

• Co-op members will continue to receive reminders of amount owed and the due date.

• 4-County officials will work with members on payment arrangements, as possible.

• The 4-County Annual Meeting, June 4, will be held ONLINE. (See article on page 13.).

• Office lobbies will remain closed for business, pending safety protocol information from state and federal officials. 4-County leadership is keeping abreast of the latest guidelines.

• Again, the safety of our members and employees is 4-County’s utmost concern.

Please call 1-800-431-1544 with questions

4-County collecting broadband survey responses 4-County Electric Power Association recently offered its members an additional way to add their voices to the co-op’s deliberations on whether or not to offer broadband service.

The co-op, which has actively sought opinions on the matter from its members, attached a survey as part of a wrap-around to 4-County’s April Today in Mississippi magazine. At press time, 4-County officials were continuing to collect and tabulate those survey results.

As part of the survey process, members completing the questionnaire qualified to win one of three prizes: a retired 4-County fleet truck, a $500 electric credit or an electric yard tool package. Co-op officials will announce winners when the survey counts are complete.

The cooperative is considering offering fiber optic broadband service to its membership. While reliable, affordable high-speed internet is something that could have a transformative impact to 4-County’s service area, the project would require a substan16 TODAY | MAY 2020

tial financial investment by the electric cooperative. The majority of financing for a broadband project (estimated at about $110 million) would be done through 4-County. That means that if the project is unsuccessful, all 4-County members would be financially impacted.

4-County officials will not consider survey responses as a binding vote on the matter, rather a way for the co-op to gauge member interest in a potential project. Member responses were limited to one survey per household.

“We appreciate the 4-County member response to this survey.

We are in the process of collecting and reading all surveys,” 4-County CEO Brian Clark said. “If you have more to say, you can e-mail us at broadband@4county.org. We’ll be glad to answer any questions or respond to any comments you might have on the subject. We appreciate 4-County members and thank you for your valuable input.”

For more information, call 1-800-431-1544.

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Docher solves mechanical puzzles Growing up in Columbus, Clint Docher always enjoyed the ins and outs of making things work.

It was much like solving a puzzle, the 4-County vehicle technician explained. “My father always had a vehicle maintenance shop. I would always go out and watch him when I was younger.

Eventually, I learned enough to take some of the load off of him. It came natural to me,” Docher said.

The 14-year co-op veteran is a graduate of Waukesha Technical College where he completed a two-year electrical and hydraulics program. He also finished a one-year vehicle technician program at Holmes Community College.

He and his wife, Billie Jean, live in Columbus. They have three sons and a daughter, and five grandchildren. When he’s away

‘Warm Neighbors’ gives warm feeling

Interested in helping your neighbors during these challenging times? One way you can help is by participating in 4-County Electric Power Association’s Warm Neighbors program.

“Warm Neighbors” is a special project that gives 4-County consumer/members an avenue to help their neighbors. The “Warm Neighbors” fund was created to assist 4-County members who find themselves in a one-time emergency situation, such as an unexpected hospitalization, a job layoff or the loss of the breadwinner. Many 4-County members find themselves in need during the COVID-19 crisis.

By paying $1 extra on your 4-County electric bill, you will buy a dollar’s worth of electricity for the home of a neighbor in need in the eight-county area served by 4-County. Administered by the Salvation Army, in cooperation with 4-County and area United Way agencies, “Warm Neighbors” funding comes solely from the voluntary contributions of 4-County members. To participate in “Warm Neighbors,” contact your local 4-County office this month.

For more information, call 1-800-431-1544 and ask for the 4-County marketing department.

from work, he does much of the same kind of work. His work is his hobby and his hobby is his work. “PaPa,” as Clint is often referred as, spends much of his free time making go-karts for the grandchildren. He began this hobby about a year ago.

The process begins with a pile of parts, and Clint puts the pieces together. He does the bodywork, engine work, installs the safety equipment and paints the quick-moving recreational vehicles. “I get a lot of enjoyment watching them ride.”

Clint naturally attributes his interest in vehicle maintenance to his father. “I followed in his footsteps. It’s in my blood,” he said. Clint’s youngest son is also a chip off the old block, studying diesel maintenance at East Mississippi Community College.

Prior to 4-County, Clint worked for American State Equipment in Wisconsin and as shop foreman for Columbus Transmission.

Clint enjoys his part in making sure 4-County members have electricity. “Working on the vehicle units makes me feel like part of the power reliability team. We take care of these vehicles so the line workers can take care of the members’ needs.”

What does he like about working at 4-County? “Wow,” he said.

“We’re like a big family. You can feel it.”

Statement of nondiscrimination

4-County Electric Power Association complies with 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, age or handicap 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 Brian Davis, manager of human resources and training. 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 to the Secretary, U.S. Department of Agriculture; Washington, D.C., 20250. Complaints may be filed within 180 days after the alleged discrimination. Confidentiality will be maintained to the fullest extent possible.

MAY 2020 | TODAY 17

MEP Contact Information: P: 3027 Highway 98 West • Summit, MS 39666 M: P.O. Box 747 • McComb, MS 39649

TO REPORT OUTAGES:

601-684-4011 Visit us online at www.MEPCoop.com Follow us on FaceBook and Twitter

Pay by Phone: 1-877-779-7740

Our operations may have changed temporarily, but our commitment to our members is still priority As a critical service provider for our local communities, Magnolia Electric Power (MEP) is aware of what must be done to provide as few interruptions to your electric power as possible.

During this time of the coronavirus pandemic, MEP wants our members to know we have always taken the proper steps to continue to provide the service you expect.

We started with postponing our Annual Meeting, Darrell Smith which was set for March 26. Our Annual Meeting General Manager regularly draws more than 200 people in attendance. When government officials asked for crowds to not assemble, we heeded their words.

To further our efforts to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and to ensure that our employees and members stay healthy, MEP closed its lobby on March 19.

At that time, we moved our inside work force to half-staff to minimize the number of people in the building, while still providing services to our members. Our cashiers have been working the drive-through window each and every workday during normal business hours. Our billing specialists continue working the phones and mail.

Our New Services Department, also at half-staff, has been processing information that has been passed along through the drive-through.

The department is also taking new applicants either through email or phone.

The outside linemen workforce has also been staggered in their times arriving to work in an attempt to keep contact minimal, yet they continue to report to the field for work.

Although we may have limited our face-to-face contact with everyone, we want our members to know we are still operating every day in the most efficient manner possible during these trying times.

Operating Procedures Our drive-through window has remained open to take payments and conduct other business as needed and will remain so until this crisis has passed. Members can always call the office at 601-684-4011 at any time.

Due to the circumstances surrounding the coronavirus, MEP has not been disconnecting members for non-payment during this time.

However, there is some important information regarding this deferral our members should be aware of:

• This is NOT a waiver and does not eliminate your bill.

• At the end of this emergency crisis, your bill for your electricity use will be due.

• We recommend that members make an attempt to stay current with your payments.

• You will continue to receive reminders about the amount owed and the due date.

• If you find you need to make and arrangement to pay, please contact the office.

If you find that you do need to pay a bill, here are easy and fee options to pay while limiting your contact with others:

• Drive-through window • Drop box at MEP • Kiosk (three locations, MEP office, Tylertown, Liberty) • Accepting payments by mail • Accepting phone payments (877-779-7740) • SmartHub (Download in Apple and Google App stores) • MEP website (MEPcoop.com) As always, MEP has appreciated the understanding of our members that the health and safety of everyone is a top priority as we have taken any and all precautionary steps so that we can better serve you during this time of national crisis.

Thank you

For the medical professionals on the front line, caring for us all; for those making sure we have essential supplies in our homes; for the restaurant workers providing meals for our tables; for the first responders protecting our communities; for everyone working to ensure our health and safety, thank you. We can never express our gratitude for all you do.

May is Military Appreciation Month

THANK YOU TO OUR OWN LOCAL VETERANS

John Lee U.S. Army Magnolia Electric Power Maintenance Supervisor

Kendall Holmes U.S.Navy Magnolia Electric Power Line Superintendant

Photo Lost to e Hurrican Katrina Wayne Peters U.S. Air Force Magnolia Electric Power Meter Technician

Dorneail Magee U.S. Army Magnolia Electric Power Senior Lineman

MONDAY, MAY 25

To those who courageously gave their lives,

THANK YOU! Our business office will be closed in observance of the holiday.

Dispatchers will remain on duty and crews will be on call throughout the holiday weekend.

To report an outage, call 601-684-4011 or report it by the Smarthub app.

Devastating tornado hits Walthall and Lawrence counties Between the coronavirus and a massive tornado on the ground with 150 mph winds, Easter Sunday 2020 will be one that will stay in everyone’s memories for quite a while.

Despite already battling the coronavirus (COVID-19) that had settled in our small area of Mississippi in mid-March, Magnolia Electric Power’s linemen had to face the destruction of what has been declared an EF-3 tornado beginning Sunday, April 12, 2020.

As they are known to do, the linemen responded when called upon.

Initial outage numbers were not necessarily high, topping out at around 2,000, but the devastation from the twister caused power restoration to go into a fourth day.

By 5:30 p.m. on Monday, April 13, MEP reported 122 outages.

Most were located in the hardest hit area of our service territory – the Manning’s Crossing/Highway 27/Sartinville area on the Walthall/Lawrence county line. MEP crews and 14 TODAY | MAY 2020

contract crews continued to work and stopped around 9 p.m.

Monday night so that they could get some rest. Because of their diligence, the crews were able to reduce the outage number down to 45 by the time they called it a night.

On Tuesday, April 14, the crews reported early to work and went about trying to restore power to the remaining homes that could receive power. Because the crews’ work contained broken poles, power restoration was slow. The crews focused on Devon Road, Dee Toney Road, East Sartinville Road or the close proximity of those three roads.

At 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15, MEP restored the last of the meters that could safely receive power.

As always, MEP appreciates our members’ patience during such a time of crisis. We also appreciated that members gave our line crews space to work due to the coronavirus, respecting the social distancing rule.

MAY 2020 | TODAY 15

AMORY – P.O. BOX 300 • 50408 GREENBRIAR ROAD • AMORY, MS CALEDONIA – 746 MAIN STREET • CALEDONIA, MS

662-256-2962 662-356-4100

May is Military Appreciation Month While recognizing Memorial Day this month, we hope you will join us in pausing to reflect on the sacrifices of our country’s veterans and their families. We are especially thankful for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we can enjoy the freedoms their service affords us in this great country of ours.

May is Military Appreciation Month, and in the words of John F. Kennedy, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”

At Monroe County Electric Power Association, we are grateful to have veterans within our organization, and we are proud to serve veterans and their families within our local community.

Monroe County Electric Power Association is part of a network of more than 900 electric cooperatives across the country that support and honor our nation’s veterans of all generations.

The Department of Defense is one of the largest energy consumers worldwide and the single largest energy consumer in the U.S. We, like other electric co-ops across the country, work closely with military installations, providing electricity and partnering on various projects.

Not only do we pause on Memorial Day to remember the sacrifice and service of those who gave all, but the month also holds several other military anniversaries and events, including Military Spouse Appreciation Day on May 8, and Armed Forces Day on May 16.

Monroe County Electric Power Association is proud to be a part of the electric cooperative network that honors and supports veterans of all ages, ranks and branches of the military.

Please join us in taking a moment to show your appreciation to a veteran — not just this month, but every month.

MONDAY, MAY 25

To those who courageously gave their lives,

THANK YOU!

12 TODAY | MAY 2020

MAY IS ELECTRICAL SAFETY MONTH

4 COMMON CULPRITS OF ELECTRICAL FIRES Outdated wiring and overloaded circuits are the most common causes of electrical fires.

Check the following areas of your home to ensure your home’s electrical safety is up to par.

Electrical outlets: Faulty electrical outlets are a leading cause of home fires. As outlets age, so do the wires behind them that you can’t see. Any loose, damaged or warm-to-thetouch outlets should be repaired or replaced.

Overloaded cords and outlets: Extension cords are not permanent solutions. If your big-screen TV, home theater system and other electronics are plugged into one extension cord, it’s time to call an electrician and install additional outlets.

Electrical wiring: Outdated wiring is another common cause of electrical fires. Frequently tripped breakers, flickering lights and burning smells are clear warning signs. If your home is more than 20 years old, it may not be able to handle today’s increased power load.

If you suspect your home’s wiring is outdated, leave this one to the pros and contact a qualified electrician.

Old appliances: Older appliances are more likely to have loose or damaged wiring, which means they’re more likely to catch fire. Check older appliances for damage and determine if it’s time to upgrade or replace. Also check to ensure you’re using appliance-grade outlets. A qualified electrician can help with installation.

One thing that is certain in uncertain times — OUR COMMITMENT to you and the local communities

MAY 2020 | TODAY 13

For more information about Today in Mississippi, contact Michael Bellipanni at 662-895-2151.

northcentralelectric.com

NorthcentralEC

@Northcentral_EC

@Northcentral_EC

A message from your CEO

Helping in times of crises is what our communities do best The year 2020 has not gone as planned to this point. That could be considered the understatement of the century.

On January 11, I woke before dawn to stretch my knee (recovering from knee replacement surgery). I found it odd for the temperature to be nearly 70 degrees. As that crossed my mind, a tornado crossed our communities. Northcentral Electric Cooperative and many of our neighbors found themselves in an immediate state of distress with millions of dollars in damage inflicted in a matter of minutes.

Nine Saturdays later, Governor Tate Reeves declared a State of Emergency in Mississippi in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Once again, Northcentral and the community we serve found ourselves in a difficult situation. An environment with people unemployed, depleted resources and personal isolation was our new reality.

Quite often difficult situations arise — some we can plan on, others we cannot. What matters is how we react. As dawn

arrived in January, the true realization of the tornado’s damage was revealed. Immediately needs and damages were assessed, and our community got to work. People checked on their neighbors and gave what they could. Whether it was Northcentral crews clearing debris and restoring power, local restaurants providing meals or community members coming together to tarp roofs and clear driveways. In a time of true need we show our true colors, and what I saw was inspiring. At Northcentral Electric Cooperative it is rewarding to see the cooperative spirit not only at our place of business but in our community as well.

As we transition from late spring to summer, I am hoping to get some of these issues behind us. I’ll be happy to see all our employees together as opposed to working staggered shifts to enhance social distancing. I look forward to seeing our members occupying our lobby once again. I hope I can soon watch storms develop on radar and not worry about virus exposure on top of all the other risks involved in storm restoration. If other cooperatives experience storm damage, I want to feel comfortable sending help to those areas, and likewise if we are in need.

I hope that Northcentral Connect can have a high-speed internet service in operation by late summer so those working and being educated from home have adequate and reliable service. Lastly, I want to stand close to people again.

The challenges of the first quarter of 2020 have been difficult, but the reaction and response has been promising. Our actions have shown that we are indeed “our brother’s keeper.”

In the meantime, I’ll continue stretching my knee (it’s doing great), eating local with curbside delivery (they fed us during the storm) and washing my hands.

Y’all stay safe, be careful and check on those that need checking on.

by Kevin Doddridge General Manager/CEO

12 TODAY | MAY 2020

Jaggers wins national award for LeBonheur project

by Elissa Fulton Each year, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) recognizes its communicators that have done outstanding work and projects throughout the calendar year. With more than 900 electric cooperatives across the nation, the competition is intense.

Justin Jaggers has been with Northcentral Electric Cooperative for three years and brings with him unique talents from his time as a local news reporter. Jaggers also has a deep love for music and charity which helped him to launch the Musicians for LeBonheur project while he was still in college.

Northcentral’s CEO Kevin Doddridge, a music lover himself, understood how Northcentral’s involvement in a local music project could be rewarding not only for LeBonheur Children’s Hospital, but also for the employees at the cooperative.

Michael Bellipanni, director of marketing and business development agreed. “It would be easy for us as a Justin Jaggers business to just write a check and support a non-profit,” he said. “But to gather music, support the music scene and bring a little bit of joy to those who are having to go to LeBonheur Hospital, it gives us more satisfaction in what we are doing. Our employees have had immense fulfillment from working with these children and all those who have worked so hard to raise money for them.”

Jaggers submitted all of the materials for the project to the NRECA Spotlight on Excellence committee in November. He sent a documentary he made with the DeSoto Career Technical Center students, an article that ran in the September 2019 issue of Today in Mississippi, the Musicians for LeBonheur 2020 album, the website and all

of the promotional materials. Northcentral was informed in late March that Jaggers and Northcentral had won national recognition.

“It’s amazing that we are able to expand this project in some way every year,” Jaggers said.

“Having Northcentral involved has made this project even better. It’s so cool to have the employees sharing in this experience. When I started working at the cooperative, I saw that they do a lot of community and charity work, and I was so thankful that Kevin and Michael were music fans and were interested in supporting the Musicians for LeBonheur project.

It’s been really cool to see the Northcentral employees involved and experience firsthand how music affects people; and that’s what this project is all about. I’ve never been more proud of an award that I have won — getting recognition from my peers and communicators within NRECA — because it’s a lot of work.

We were competing with every cooperative in the United States, but I think it was just a unique enough project to capture the judges’ attention.”

The “Healing Music” documentary is available on Amazon Prime and proceeds go to benefit LeBonheur Children’s Hospital. For more information or to purchase the album, visit musiciansforlebonheur.com.

Bellipanni added, “Northcentral Electric Cooperative is proud to be a part of this project that positively impacts the community and brings joy to children battling illnesses. We realize how much work goes into overseeing a project like this and we congratulate Justin Jaggers on this monumental achievement.”

MAY 2020 | TODAY 13

“Flattening the Curve” of your utility bill

Monthly Bill

by Justin Jaggers “Flattening the curve” is a phrase we hear all too often these days. With many Mississippians working from home, or worse, not able to work due the pandemic of COVID-19, many are looking for stability in their lives. Northcentral Electric Cooperative is hoping to help our members find stability in their utility bill.

It’s May, and that means that temperatures outside will be going up. We’ve also had kids home more since schools have closed. A lot of parents have had to stay home to either work or provide care for their family members. Families are also cooking at home more. This, unfortunately, equates to increased electrical use; and increased electrical use leads to increased bills. In response to these fluctuating temperatures and unexpected changes, Northcentral Electric Cooperative offers Levelized Billing.

Levelized Billing offers a more uniform monthly amount when it comes to your utility bill. If you look at your bill for the past 12 months, you’ll see fluctuating amounts depending on the amount of electricity your household consumes. Think about those summer months that have required increased use of the air conditioner; it may be significantly higher than a fall month where you left the windows open. Levelized billing offers an alternative.

With Levelized Billing, Northcentral will add up all of the bills you’ve paid over 12 months and divide that total by 12.

That number is what you’ll pay each month, instead of seeing substantial increases and decreases in your bill. Let’s look at an Bill Based on Electric Usage January $ 174.00 February $ 158.00 March $ 148.00 April $ 120.00 May $ 106.00 June $ 193.00 July $ 240.00

August September October November December TOTAL

$ 191.00 $ 220.00 $ 190.00 $ 133.00 $ 158.00 $ 2,031.00

example of annual bills for a four-bedroom, two-bathroom home: So, you can see that the summer months mean a larger bill for this family. However, with Levelized Billing, we take that total of 14 TODAY | MAY 2020

$2,031.00 and divide that by 12. The family can now pay $169.25 every month; instead of budgeting a different amount for those warmer months.

Northcentral Electric Cooperative also wants our members to know that electrical use is evaluated each month to keep this total accurate. If our example family increases their use, Northcentral will adjust that new total to get the new average for the year. The same goes for if the family uses less electricity; the average amount would go down if they exercised electricity conservation.

Does Levelized Billing sound right for you? Members interested in taking advantage of this program needs to be a Northcentral member for at least 12 months. If you and your family feel that you can benefit from Levelized Billing, give us a call at 800-325-8925, and one of our customer service representatives will be happy to assist you.

We have an app for that!

Northcentral has an app that lets you pay your bill with your smartphone keep up with multiple accounts view your bill review your billing history track your use

Apps for iPhone, iPad and Android are available to download and they’re free!

Search in Apple App Store or Google Play Store for Northcentral.

OTHER FEATURES AVAILABLE • Sign up to receive email or text notifications • Great for PayMyWay customers

t!

MAY IS ELECTRICAL SAFETY MONTH

4 COMMON CULPRITS OF ELECTRICAL FIRES Outdated wiring and overloaded circuits are the most common causes of electrical fires.

Check the following areas of your home to ensure your home’s electrical safety is up to par.

Electrical outlets:

Faulty electrical outlets are a leading cause of home fires. As outlets age, so do the wires behind them that you can’t see. Any loose, damaged or warm-tothe-touch outlets should be repaired or replaced.

Electrical wiring:

Outdated wiring is another common cause of electrical fires. Frequently tripped breakers, flickering lights and burning smells are clear warning signs. If your home is more than 20 years old, it may not be able to handle today’s increased power load. If you suspect your home’s wiring is outdated, leave this one to the pros and contact a qualified electrician.

Overloaded cords and outlets: Extension cords are not permanent solutions. If your big-screen TV, home theater system and other electronics are plugged into one extension cord, it’s time to call an electrician and install additional outlets.

Old appliances:

Older appliances are more likely to have loose or damaged wiring, which means they’re more likely to catch fire. Check older appliances for damage and determine if it’s time to upgrade or replace. Also check to ensure you’re using appliance-grade outlets. A qualified electrician can help with installation.

MAY 2020 | TODAY 15

NEMEPA BUSINESS ALTERED — SERVICE STILL THE SAME When dealing with a pandemic, the way you do business changes. Here is an update on some of the changes here at North East Mississippi Electric Power Association.

Our priority has been to keep our members and employees safe. This allows us to continue to serve you! The recommendation from the CDC for everyone in the country has been to practice “social distancing,” which means to stay away from groups of people and stay at least six feet apart. One way for us to comply was to hold all staff meetings online instead of in person. We have conducted these meetings using the Zoom app.

Another way to help lessen the danger of this health crisis is by limiting the exposure of our employees to one another. We divided our workforce into two teams and are alternating days on and off. For our employees that work closely and ride together, they will remain with the same person until the crisis ends.

A change to our normal routine is how we get information to our employees. Normally, we would have an employee meeting before they head out to a jobsite. Now, our crews gather supplies for the day and head directly to the jobsite.

We also have had Oxford Urgent Care on site to do employee temperature screenings before they can report to 12 12 TODAY | MAY 2020 TODAY | MAY 2020

work. We have had no employee with a temperature or any symptoms of COVID-19.

NEMEPA is still open and conducting business. Members can pay their bill, connect service and disconnect service. Even though our lobby is closed, there are several options for our members to pay their bill. Members can go to www.nemepa.org and use the member portal or they can use our mobile app. Bank drafts and e-checks can be done online. And, as always, you can call our office at 662-234-6331.

Debuting this month is a service called “Check-Out.” It’s as simple as going to our website, clicking on the Check-Out banner, and receiving a bar code. You can take a screenshot of your bar code or print it out.

Then take the barcode to any Dollar General, CVS Pharmacy or Family Dollar and give the bar code and CASH payment to the cashier.

The cashier will not have any information about your NEMEPA electric bill so they will not be able to tell you how much you owe.

Due to the pandemic, NEMEPA has suspended disconnects for non-pay until further notice; however, members will still owe the bill accrued during this time. We recommend you pay what you can now to avoid a large bill later. We are working with our members whose income has been interrupted by COVID-19.

STORMS

ON EASTER SUNDAY Keith Hayward General Manager/CEO

Easter 2020 will definitely be one to remember! Not just because of COVID-19, but also the bad weather. We have not seen this much destruction to our power system since the 2011 tornadoes. I would like to thank our members for their patience and support while our crews worked diligently to restore power.

I would also like to thank our employees for their hard work and dedication, but above all, being SAFE in the process.

MAY 2020 | TODAY 13

NE Sparc Update Brittany Woods B214 Fiber Zone nears completion North East fiber crews are nearing completion of fiber for Brittany Woods Zone B214. This circuit includes members along County Road 217, County Road 405 and Highway 6 to County Road 417. Within weeks, fiber should be complete in those areas and ready for check-out with home installations beginning in June.

As a result, beginning the week of April 20, members who have pre-registered for service in the Brittany Woods B214 Zone will receive an email with instructions that the zone has moved from pre-registration to in-service. Once the email is received, our members can visit nesparc.com and register for either of our awesome broadband internet packages and/ or NE Sparc’s state-of-the-art Voice over Internet (VoIP) telephone option.

After registration is complete, a NE Sparc member service representative will contact the member to set up account information. Scheduling of home installations will follow.

We are working hard to get additional zones up and going soon. Fiber construction continues along Highway 6 and adjoining roads from Oxford to Thaxton. These zones include Lafayette Springs B224 and Lafayette Springs B244. So far, more than 100 miles of fiber strand and 30 miles of fiber have been installed in those areas.

What’s the process for acquiring broadband service?

Step 1: Pre-register for service All zones within North East’s service territory are currently in pre-registration. Visit nesparc.com and input your name, email and service address for us to contact you.

Step 2: Register for service Once fiber construction for your zone nears completion, we will contact you through the email information you entered in Step 1. At this time, you will be instructed to register for service. Members within your zone will have the ability to choose the internet and voice package of your choice.

Step 3: Accounts set up After you register for service, a NE Sparc member service representative will contact you to set up account information.

Step 4: Scheduling of installation After your account set-up is complete, our fiber installation partner will contact you to schedule your service drop and in-home installation.

Step 5: Installation Our fiber partner, National-On-Demand, will send a crew to your house to install the fiber from our fiber enclosure to a location near the meter base on the side of your house. Once this is complete, a home installer will visit your home to install the remaining fiber and start up and test the Wi-Fi equipment in your home.

What’s a Fiber Zone?

A Fiber Zone is a geographic region or footprint that generally follows North East power lines. Our fiber system is being designed and built according to zones.

We use zones in order to design a system that is robust and that can effectively serve the members within each fiber zone’s boundary. North East, along with all of SERVING PEOPLE ACROSS RURAL COMMUNITIES its fiber partners, are in the process of designing and constructing several zones as part of Phase I of the total project. We are working very hard to get fiber installed as quickly as possible for each zone in Phase I.

SERVING PEOPLE ACROSS RURAL COMMUNITIES

The little blue logo that changed efficiency standards Photo credit: U.S. Department of Energy

by Paul Wesslund The little blue (and sometimes black) logo with the star inside that you see on all sorts of appliances and electronics has changed the way we view savings through more efficient products.

The ENERGY STAR® program Photo credit: KitchenAid claims credit for reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions and for saving Americans $30 billion in energy costs. Analysts credit ENERGY STAR® with innovating the energy industry, as manufacturers set goals of making more energy efficient products than their competitors.

What ENERGY STAR® does is make it easy to know whether a product you’re thinking about buying is more energy efficient. Essentially, the program looks at the average energy use of each type of product and awards the ENERGY STAR® rating to top performers based on different criteria — a refrigerator needs to be 9 percent more energy efficient than the minimum efficiency standard; a computer needs to use 25 percent less electricity than conventional models and include a power-saving mode option when it’s not being used.

So, if the appliance or electronic device you’re purchasing includes the ENERGY STAR® logo, you know it’s among the most energy-efficient products available. That simplicity is the secret to the success of the program that is run by the federal Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The program’s effectiveness comes from a complex process of making sure the ENERGY STAR® logo is accurate and trusted. In fact, Americans bought more than 300 million ENERGY

STAR®-rated products in 2017 alone, and an ENERGY STAR® study found that three-fourths of U.S. households say the ENERGY STAR® label influences their purchases.

Today, more than 500 certified labs in 25 countries around the world test more than 1,500 products a year, along with surprise inspections, to manage a list of 60,000 product models. ENERGY STAR® runs seminars on how to meet its standards.

Those standards require that TVs must use 3 watts or less when switched off; light bulbs must use two-thirds less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and ENERGY STAR® home furnaces must be between 4 and 15 percent more efficient than standard furnaces.

ENERGY STAR® tests also require quality standards in addition to just energy efficiency. In general, products must have popular features, like internet connectivity for smart TVs. Light bulbs must last up to 15 times longer and produce 70 to 90 percent less heat than conventional bulbs.

In 2018, ENERGY STAR® tested 1,792 models, disqualifying 59 of them. Of the 858 different kinds of lighting and fans tested that year, 51 were disqualified. Of the 35 TVs tested, two were disqualified.

ENERGY STAR® has caught on because it has something for everybody — ways for consumers to save money; ways for businesses to promote their efficient products; online calculators for those wanting deep dives into finding the ideal energy use and for the rest of us, a simple little logo that tells us we’re buying one of the most energy-efficient products available.

MAY 2020 | TODAY 15

CONTACT INFORMATION: PONTOTOC P.O. Drawer 718 • 12 South Main Street, Pontotoc, MS 38863

662-489-3211 • Fax: 662-489-5156 BRUCE P.O. Box 415 • 129 South Newberger Street, Bruce, MS 38915

662-983-2727 • Fax: 662-983-1335

Pontotoc Electric employees practice trades, preach the Word

by Jennifer Johnson been a tremendous help to me. I’m talking Most weekdays, you’ll find Terrance Barnhill about some good, Godly men who talk about and J. T. Pennington trimming right-of-way the Lord all the time. Terrance and I talk a lot. along Pontotoc Electric’s service territory while We have burdens on our heart that we can’t Phillip Brackett, a journeyman lineman and really share with anyone else. We face some of district foreman, leads line crew workers on the same things.” their daily assignments. But come Sundays, Barnhill agreed with that. “J. T. and I get these men wear a different hat: ministers of along great and know what it’s like to be in the gospel. the ministry.”

Pennington, pastor at Hebron Baptist Church Brackett, who works at a different location, in Pontotoc, said he was raised in church and said he is encouraged by employees at his always felt a call to ministry. “I was saved in worksite in Bruce who sometimes bring prayer 1994, and for two or three years after I really concerns to him. “I’m glad they feel like they felt the call to preach. I ran from it pretty hard can come to me.” but finally surrendered to the call in 1998 when Occasionally, the men say they take time out I was a senior in high school.” to relax and recharge. Barnhill enjoys fishing, Barnhill, pastor at Crossroads Outreach in while Pennington and his brother spend Pontotoc, said he too could identify with trying time in the spring making turkey, duck, and Right-of-Way Trimmer/Laborer to pull away from that call. “I started out as a other game calls. Brackett, also a hunter and Terrance Barnhill helper in the church, but I ran from it. I felt the fisherman, likes to work in his yard. urge to start preaching back in 2005, but I didn’t actually start Just as Barnhill, Brackett, and Pennington are each different preaching until 2010.” people, so are their choices of favorite scripture passages or Brackett started out as a deacon at Bridges Chapel in Pittsboro. books of the Bible. Barnhill said he loves the gospel of John He said he received the call but thought he was supposed to because it shows the love of God to His people. Brackett said serve on the deacon board. “Even after becoming a deacon, the John 15:7 and Philippians 4:13 are special to him, adding both call never stopped, and two years later I entered the ministry.” verses are especially meaningful to him in light of the coronavirus All three men admitted it can be a struggle to make time for pandemic in the United States at this time.

Bible study, sermon preparation, visiting with church members, Pennington immediately named the book of Ruth, which and family time, but each one said they believe divine providence he said he “absolutely loves.” He said the account of the allows everything to fall into place and receive the time it requires. kinsman redeemer fascinates him as he “saw Ruth and she had Brackett, who also works part-time as a police officer for the no idea about him but he knew all about her and loved her Town of Bruce, said it’s hard to explain how it all comes together. unconditionally. That is how I see my life and how God feels “I really don’t see how there can be time for all I have to do, but about me.”

God just works it out. I know I could not make this all happen on He named Romans as another favorite because “it is jam my own.” Barnhill echoed Brackett’s sentiments. “I do lose sleep packed with how our lives were and what God can do in spite over it sometimes, but God always makes a way.” of what we are and what we do.”

The men say camaraderie within their work group has been a Pennington said he is grateful for the opportunity to work for tremendous blessing to them. Pennington said he’s proud to be a Pontotoc Electric and believes he’s doing ministry no matter part of the right-of-way team as he walks the road of the where he is. “A lot of my sermons come from the cab of the bi-vocational pastor. “Members of our right-of-way team have tractor.”

MAY IS ELECTRICAL SAFETY MONTH

Above: Right-of-Way Trimmer/Laborer J. T. Pennington Above Right: Bruce District Foreman Phillip Brackett (far right) leads a crew of workers, such as this group of employees who traveled out of state to assist with storm damage repairs.

Pontotoc Electric offers multiple options for paying bills/requesting service At press time, Pontotoc Electric was operating with our office buildings and warehouses closed to the public due to the coronavirus pandemic. That doesn’t mean we’re not doing business ­— we understand you may have a need to contact us or pay your power bill. The list below offers options on how to make a payment or get the service additions or changes you may need.

FOR PAYMENTS: • Online at pepa.com (Customers should protect themselves from scams by only using pepa.com. Pontotoc Electric provides the online payment option through its official website to offer convenience to its customers while safeguarding their information and processing their payments in a timely manner.)

• Automatic bank draft (Call our office to discuss set up.)

• Drive-thru window at our Bruce office at 129 South Newberger Street

• Night deposit box (Checked frequently throughout the day.)

• NEW! Walk-up window located at 12 South Main Street, Pontotoc — for customers who physically come to the office and need cashier assistance

• Call us at 662-489-3211 (Pontotoc) or 662-983-2727 (Bruce)

FOR SERVICE:

• Automated phone payments at 866-865-4137

• Mail to us at:

Pontotoc Electric P.O. Box 718 Pontotoc, MS 38863

Cashier Charity Vandiver assists a customer at Pontotoc Electric’s new walk-up payment window at the office at 12 South Main Street in Pontotoc. Crew members at Pontotoc Electric constructed the window for customers who come to the building and need cashier assistance, such as change from a cash payment or requesting a payment receipt.

• Call in your service requests, and we’ll create your paperwork and bring it curbside at our office for signatures -or-

Pontotoc Electric P.O. Box 415 Bruce, MS 38915

Pontotoc Electric appreciates the opportunity to serve you.

MAY 2020 | TODAY 13

Notice to Pontotoc Electric Power Association members about broadband project discontinuance After careful and long deliberations, the Board of Directors of Pontotoc Electric Power Association has voted to discontinue the fiber-to-the-home project at this time. The astronomical cost for such a project, estimated to be between 43 and 48 million dollars, is not currently feasible for the cooperative.

Pontotoc Electric has commissioned three separate feasibility studies, of which the first showed only a marginal cost recovery and the second and third showed the project not to be feasible

at all. The Board’s first consideration is to provide reliable electric service to its members and to protect the financial integrity of the Association.

The Board of Directors will continue to monitor developments affecting the broadband industry. If future developments enhance the ability of Pontotoc Electric to offer fiber-to-thehome, the project will be reevaluated.

Results of Pontotoc Electric Broadband Survey Total surveys received were 2,538 out of approximately 16,400 that were sent Do you presently have internet service at any speed from any cable based internet provider, excluding satellite provided service?

Yes 998 No 1511 Do you presently live in an area where satellite-based internet is your only available option?

Yes 1319 No 1141 Do you live in an area where fiber optic cable is located nearby, but the owner of the fiber optic cable system is unwilling to provide residential or small business internet service at a reasonable cost?

Yes 545 No 863 Don’t know 1084 Have you actually contacted an existing communications company requesting high-speed residential internet service and been told that it was unavailable in your area, or you would be charged thousands of dollars to run fiber optic cable to your home or business?

Yes 1349 No 1139 Do you presently subscribe to internet service from any internet provider, including satellite service?

Yes, cable 573 Yes, cell phone 740 Yes, satellite 412 Yes, wireless 327 No 416

How satisfied are you with your current provider’s quality of service, not considering price?

Very satisfied 153 Mostly satisfied 353 Somewhat satisfied 436 Less than desirable 359 Somewhat dissatisfied 162 Very dissatisfied 577 Presently do not have internet service 333 How satisfied are you with the price of your current internet service?

Slightly high priced 626 Fairly priced 551 Too high priced 788 Presently do not have internet service 405 What do you approximately pay per month for your present internet service, not including TV cable or internet telephone? $40 or less 269 $50 283 $60 292 $70 255 $80 198 $90 137 $100 to $140 329 $150 or more 130 Does your present internet provider offer other services along with the internet service, such as TV cable and telephone No 773 Cable TV 612 Telephone 573 Other 47 What type of location are you completing for this survey? (check all that apply) Residential 2436 Business 57 Industrial 2 Church 14 Not-for-profit 8 School 1

If yes, which of the following internet providers do you currently use?

As a member of Pontotoc Electric Power Association, would you be willing to offer the electric None 194 MaxxSouth Broadband 401 system as collateral on a potential loan amount of approximately $47 million in order to build the AT&T 853 Frontier 36 fiber optic broadband system?

Bruce Telephone Company 99 C Spire 134 Yes 1661 No 590 Hughes Net 200 Viasat 134 Mobile Hot Spot 76 Point Broadband 43 Other 112 If Pontotoc Electric chose to offer one gigabit per second upload and download speed internet What is your approximate current download speed?

Less than 10 Mbps 352 0 to 40 Mbps 371 50 Mbps 96 100 Mbps 112 500 Mbps 23 1 Gbps 35 Unknown – fast 342 Unknown – slow 781 14 TODAY | MAY 2020

service at $80 per month, including the modem but not including tax, would you be very likely to subscribe for this service?

Definitely yes 1076 Probably yes 564 Depends on the price of the competition 470 Probably not 191 Definitely not 136 Just not interested in receiving internet service 61

Would you prefer Pontotoc Electric to offer one package of one gigabit per second service at an ‘average price’ of $80 per month; or offer several different packages ranging from 50 megabits per second at $50 per month, 100 mbps at $60 per month, 500 mbps at $80 per month, and one gigabit per second at $110 per month?

One package 620 Multiple packages 1629 What are some of the main reasons you would want internet service? (check all that apply) Electronic mail 1707 College online courses 840 High school classes 494 Social media 1740 Tele-medicine 500 Online personal shopping 1874 Online business purchases 771 Online bill payments 1787 Information research 1695 Discussion groups 485 Self-improvement education 700 Electronic newspapers and magazines 947 Work from home 985 Interactive games 870 Music / videos / YouTube 1542 Job hunting 490 Home security 1110 If ‘smartphone’ technology made tremendous improvements in coverage and speed in the future, how likely would you be to move away from ‘landline’ internet service, much in the same way some people have discontinued their ‘landline’ telephones for cell phones?

I would discontinue ‘landline’ internet service immediately. 438 I would gradually move away from ‘landline’ internet service. 107 I am unsure – it would depend on how much smartphone technology improved. 787 I would still have ‘landline’ internet service in addition to my portable device. 970 If you chose to subscribe to internet service from Pontotoc Electric, would you be interested in purchasing home telephone service from Pontotoc Electric at an additional cost of $30 per month?

Yes 683 No 1711 In which county do you receive electric service?

Calhoun 175 Chickasaw 2 Lee 0 Lafayette 5 Pontotoc 2065 Union 262 If you live within a municipality, please identify which one?

Algoma 63 Bruce 33 Ecru 72 Pittsboro 4 Pontotoc 422 Sherman 1 Toccopola 11 I live outside of a municipality 1917

Reasons for Discontinuing Fiber-to-the-Home Project Some of the main reasons the Board of Directors decided to discontinue the fiber-to-the-home project at this time are given below.

• Feasibility Studies

Pontotoc Electric commissioned three feasibility studies with three different companies. The first feasibility study found that the broadband project would be only marginally feasible, assuming that we achieved a 43 percent take rate, and then only after a period of 22 years. The second and the third feasibility studies found the project would never be economically feasible, meaning that the system would have to be financially subsidized for its entire operation.

• Competition

Our feasibility studies showed that between 70 and 75 percent of our service territory already had the availability of adequate land-based internet providers, through means of fiber optic cable, copper cable, or high-frequency radio signals. Some of these providers offer very good service, and some may be less that desirable for today’s needs, but at least some type of service was available. The present providers are also constantly bettering and expanding their present systems to retain their present customers and attract new customers.

• Cost

Our feasibility studies indicate that the initial cost to serve all of our service territory would be between 43 and 48 million dollars, and after paying interest on the loan and ongoing operating costs would be a total of 75 million dollars.

• New Technology

There are companies that presently plan to launch several low-orbiting satellites over the southern United States in the Year 2020, which have the potential of offering exceptional service, and would bring additional competition for a fiber-based system, and possibly do what cell phones have done to land-line telephones.

• State Law

There are two issues that we see as a challenge in the present state law. First, our subsidiary broadband company, by state law, must develop a plan to provide for service to all of our electric members even in areas where good service is already provided by one or more existing broadband providers. The members do not have to subscribe to the service, but we have to make it available to them just because it is a requirement of the state broadband law that applies to rural electric cooperatives, but not other commercial broadband providers. Second, the state law says that electric cooperatives may enter into the broadband business through a subsidiary company, but only as long as the project is determined to be financially feasible, which our feasibility studies show that it is not feasible.

• Grant Money

Although there are a lot of comments on social media that say that there is an abundance of federal grant money available for Mississippi, our feasibility studies show that there is a very limited amount of grant money for Pontotoc Electric’s service territory. The amount of grant money available for rural broadband is based on present adequate broadband coverage. The better the area has coverage, the less grant money is available. Our first feasibility study showed that Pontotoc Electric could receive up to 3.5 million dollars, spread over a ten-year period. The second feasibility study showed somewhere between 1.2 and 1.9 million dollars, spread over a ten-year period. The third feasibility study showed a maximum of 4 million dollars, but again spread over a ten-year period. Any of these amounts would help, but even $400,000 per year is not much compared to the total projected cost.

The Directors fully understand that many of our members wanted to see Pontotoc Electric provide a fiber-to-the-home project, and we deeply appreciate the confidence placed in us by wanting Pontotoc Electric to be their internet service provider. However, before taking such a risky financial venture, we must have confidence that the project will be a success for the long term. Our first mission has always been to provide very reliable electric service to our members at a reasonable cost, and we do not feel that we can risk the financial integrity of the power system by entering into this project based on the present model and available funding. If federal funding and circumstances were to change in the future to make a fiber-to-the-home project more feasible, it will be reevaluated at a later date.

Pontotoc and Bruce crews assist Tallahatchie Valley with storm damage Pontotoc Electric line crew employees from Bruce and Pontotoc headed for Batesville on Wednesday, April 15. The teams were assisting Tallahatchie Valley Electric Power Association after that area received storm damage on Easter Sunday.

Reaching out with the

Helping Hands Program

At some point in our lives, we can all use a little extra help. With the current coronavirus pandemic, that statement may be particularly true.

Pontotoc Electric customers in need of assistance with paying their electric bills may complete an application for Helping Hands at their local Lift, Inc. office to learn if they qualify for this program.

For more information about receiving assistance, please contact Lift, Inc. at the following numbers: Bruce crew left to right: Billy Jack Stewart, Wes Hillhouse, John Fleming, Phillip Brackett, and Jimmy Moore.

Pontotoc crew left to right: Jackie Swords, Jacob Beard, Brandon Jenkins, Dalton Hall, and Cody Laster.

16 TODAY | MAY 2020

PONTOTOC COUNTY 662-489-7329 CALHOUN COUNTY 662-412-2222 Pontotoc Electric’s Helping Hands Fund provides a way for our members to be a part of helping others in the community who need emergency assistance in paying their electric bills. Donations made into the Helping Hands Fund stay right here in the Pontotoc Electric service area. Donations collected from this program are deposited with LIFT, Inc., which receives requests for financial assistance. LIFT, Inc. then distributes funds to individuals who qualify.

In 2019, the Helping Hands fund provided $2,716.83 in assistance, making a difference in the lives of families in our area. Donating is easy. On your Pontotoc Electric bill, locate the box that says, “Yes, I would like to contribute to Helping Hands.” Write in the amount of your donation, and then write out your payment to include the donation. Donations may be mailed with your payment, or you may donate at our offices (drive-thru window in Bruce or walk-up window in Pontotoc) if you prefer to pay your bill in person.

Participation in the Helping Hands program is entirely voluntary, and your participation in the program may be discontinued at any time at your request.

.

MAY IS MILITARY APPRECIATION MONTH

Pontotoc Electric

Thank You

for your service

PEPA Meterman Tommy Pegues served in the United States Army from 1978-2010 and retired as an E-8 Master Sergeant.

PEPA Retiree and Part-Time Office Employee Matelon Ferguson was in the National Guard for six years.

His rank was an E-6 Sergeant.

Pontotoc Electric Power Association will be closed Monday, May 25, 2020, in observance of Memorial Day.

Purchasing Agent Tom Hill held the rank of E-6 Staff Sergeant in the National Guard.

To report power outages or emergencies, please call 662-489-6711 (Pontotoc) or 662-983-2727 (Bruce). A Pontotoc Electric dispatcher is on duty 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

.

Strawberry Salad

Blueberry Crunch

Jeanna Sorto,

Brenda Barton,

1 can strawberry pie filling 1 can sweetened condensed milk 1 medium can crushed pineapple, drained 1 c. chopped pecans 12 oz. cool whip

1 3/4 c. flour 2 sticks oleo, softened 1 c. chopped pecans 1/2 c. sugar

Combine all ingredients. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Mix flour, oleo, and pecans and press into oblong baking dish.

Bake at 325 degrees until lightly browned. Let cool. Combine sugar, cream cheese, and cool whip and spread over cooled crust.

Top with pie filling. Store in refrigerator. Note: Other varieties of pie filling may also be used.

MAY 2020 | TODAY 17

Assistant Manager of Accounting

PEPA Retiree

8 oz. cream cheese 8 oz. cool whip 1 can blueberry pie filling

Columbia: 601-736-2666 Hattiesburg: 601-264-2458

Purvis: 601-794-8051 Wiggins: 601-928-7277

To pay bills or report outages:

855-2PRVEPA (855-277-8372) Visit us online at www.PRVEPA.com Member owned. Locally operated. That’s the cooperative difference.

THE GENERAL MANAGER’S MESSAGE

Finding a sense of normalcy We have been here before. Almost 15 years ago, Mississippians battled through one of the most difficult times of our lives, Hurricane Katrina. Pearl River Valley Electric’s service territory of over 6,000 miles of lines were left devastated. Mississippians stood in lines for hours for gas, water and food. Curfews were enforced and school was delayed indefinitely. We have been here before.

Now, we face a new threat in the form of a virus called COVID-19. We can’t see it, but it is never-the-less disruptive to our daily lives. We have been told to stay at home and not socialize, to even stay away from church. Shelves have been picked clean of food, water and basic necessities. All school classes and sports have been cancelled indefinitely. There is fear and distrust. We have been here before.

Since our inception, Pearl River Valley Electric and our sister cooperatives have become used to overcoming difficult odds.

After Hurricane Katrina, our employees set to work repairing our entire service territory, which took decades to rebuild. Now, with COVID-19, our goal and our challenge are to maintain a sense of normalcy for our members. We have been dedicated to working hard to make sure that your electric service is not something you have to worry about during this difficult time. As word of the outbreak spread, I immediately put in place an action plan to ensure reliable service for our members. At PRVEPA we are a family, but I realized we needed to temporarily change our mindset. We have separated departments, line crews and servicemen whenever possible. Employees who were used to eating lunch together and

socializing during breaks, are now quarantined in their offices. This was done to stop the spread of COVID-19 in case it made its way to our offices.

One of the most difficult decisions I’ve had to make in my time as general manager of Pearl River Valley Electric was to close our lobbies. This was done strictly to avoid the spread of COVID-19. It was especially hard for our customer service representatives who enjoy meeting and talking to you every day. In addition, we have suspended energy audits and our Comfort Advantage program.

We hate that this prevents us from interacting with our members, and we look forward to reconnecting with you after the pandemic has passed.

I hope that you will understand my actions to combat the coronavirus pandemic. While we don’t like having to distance ourselves from our members, we realize the importance of playing our part during this time. Please remember that, like Hurricane Katrina, COVID-19 will pass and we will emerge stronger, smarter and more thankful for what we have in our lives. We have been here before, and we will overcome this latest obstacle.

by Randy Wallace General Manager

Devastating Easter storms and tornadoes caused 2,200 outages throughout Pearl River Valley Electric’s 12 county service area.

Pearl River Valley Electric linemen worked long hours replacing approximately 100 broken poles. Assistance was provided by all of our district offices, Coast EPA and contract crews.

MONDAY, MAY 25 To those who courageously gave their lives,

THANK YOU! All Pearl River Valley Electric offices will be closed in observance of Memorial Day. Dispatchers will be available. Report outages by calling 855-2PRVEPA.

12 TODAY | MAY 2020

ages ea. ing y all

MAY IS ELECTRICAL SAFETY MONTH

4 COMMON CULPRITS OF ELECTRICAL FIRES Outdated wiring and overloaded circuits are the most common causes of electrical fires.

Check the following areas of your home to ensure your home’s electrical safety is up to par.

Electrical outlets: Faulty electrical outlets are a leading cause in home fires. As outlets age, so do the wires behind them that you can’t see. Any loose, damaged or warmto-the-touch outlets should be repaired or replaced.

Overloaded cords and outlets: Extension cords are not permanent solutions. If your big-screen TV, home theater system and other electronics are plugged into one extension cord, it’s time to call an electrician and install additional outlets.

Electrical wiring: Outdated wiring is another common cause of electrical fires. Frequently tripped breakers, flickering lights and burning smells are clear warning signs. If your home is more than 20 years old, it may not be able to handle today’s increased power load. If you suspect your home’s wiring is outdated, leave this one to the pros and contact a qualified electrician.

Old appliances: Older appliances are more likely to have loose or damaged wiring, which means they’re more likely to catch fire. Check older appliances for damage and determine if it’s time to upgrade or replace. Also check to ensure you’re using appliance-grade outlets. A qualified electrician can help with installation.

Inspection Notice Pearl River Valley Electric’s wholesale power provider, Cooperative Energy, has contracted Osmose Utilities to conduct wood pole inspections on their transmission lines beginning in April. The inspection process involves a small crew travelling from pole to pole on the rights-of-way in a utility terrain vehicle (UTV). The crews’ trucks will be marked with the Osmose Utility logo and signage identifying them as a Cooperative Energy contractor.

Crews will be working in the following counties in the Pearl River Valley Electric service territory: Forrest, Lamar and Marion

All inspections will conclude in September.

May is a month set aside for us to honor the women who made us who we are today — our mothers, or as most of us in Mississippi call them, our Mamas. Many of us can easily recall valuable life lessons passed down throughout the years and their gentle, guiding hand that led us down the right path. Some were blessed to have Mamas that became like great big grizzly bears if someone messed with their “baby.” Cheerleaders without uniforms, they picked us up when life knocked us down.

They did without so we could have what we needed.

Holding us high, they protected us from so many things we knew nothing about.

As we grow older and hopefully wiser, we often look through the window of our own childhood and recognize that our Mamas were doing the very best they knew how to do. Not all were born to pearls and heels; many worked hard jobs for minimum pay to make life easier for us. They were our backup going into the fight, so we did not have to fight alone. For better, or worse, Mamas are the hands that first cradled us, and they are the hands that shape our lives and our very souls.

Today, Southern Pine celebrates all Mamas across Mississippi. Young, old, rich, poor, black, white, it does not matter to a child. What matters is that you brought us into the world and did the best you could to help 12 TODAY | MAY 2020

us grow. We have grateful hearts for our own Mamas, grandmothers and the women who take care of children that are not their own other than through heart strings.

May this month be filled with blessings that mean the most to you.

Bringing the Power of electricity pales in comparison to the power of our Mamas. You are always the light that brings us back home. Thank you.

Becky Williamson and Jeri Landry

Sandra Knight and Denise Cleveland

Kristal Davis and Melvina Moore

“If they love you, they will hold you up safely, above their swirling waters, and sometimes that means you’ll never know what they endured...”

Jenny Thames and Mandy Stanley

Mitch Albom

Margie Blackwell and Tommy Blackwell

Randy Jackson and Doris Jackson

Janice Bryant and Steve Bryant

Vanessa Estes and Brenda Mitchell

MAY 2020 | TODAY 13

MEET SOUTHERN PINE EMPLOYEE:

MOSES L. MOORE

Moses L. Moore has been a valuable member of the Southern Pine team for 27 years. Starting out on the right-of-way crew, Moses has served our members as a journeyman lineman for the past 18 years and works in our New Hebron District.

Moses, and his wife, Juanita, live in New Hebron and have been married for 40 years. They have one son, Teruko, and two grandchildren, Haley and Edwin. Moses and Juanita are active members of Taylor Hill Missionary Baptist Church where he serves the congregation as a deacon.

His grandchildren, Haley and Edwin are his pride and joy and he loves spending time with them no matter what they’re doing, but he especially likes riding ATVs with them. He also enjoys spending time with all his family, working with his cows and growing beautiful knock-out roses.

Any of his fellow coworkers will tell you that no matter where you see Moses, he always has a smile and a good attitude. According to Moses, the best part of working at Southern Pine is that it is truly a family and the employees really come together like a family. His favorite thing about working at SPE is all the smiles he receives every day from his work family.

When asked what he’s most thankful for, the answer came easy to Moses ­— God, his wife and his family. And what would Moses want everyone to know about him the most? He simply said, “I love the Lord.”

14 TODAY | MAY 2020

According to Moses, the best part of working at Southern Pine is that it is truly a family and the employees really come together like a family.

MEET YOUR DIRECTOR:

MARCUS E. MARTIN RANKIN COUNTY

Southern Pine Electric Cooperative board member, Marcus E. Martin, represents 15,876 members in Rankin County, Marcus is a graduate of Puckett High School, Hinds Community College, University of Southern Mississippi, and Jackson School of Law. As the oldest son of the nine children born to Maggie and George Martin, Marcus joined the United States Air Guard while studying and playing baseball at Hinds Community College. The following year, Marcus entered active service with the United States Air Force where he earned the coveted triple rating as a pilot, navigator, and air craft observer. He flew in the back seat of an F-89 Interceptor in Iceland, and for four years, he was in Strategic Air Command flying the KC 135 and refueling B-52 bombers. While on active duty, Marcus completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Southern Mississippi with a Bachelor of Arts in History.

After a fulfilling season in the Air Force and achieving the rank of Captain, Marcus returned to Brandon and the Mississippi Air National Guard flying the C121 Constellation. Also, upon his return to Brandon, he began a career as an agent for Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company. He enjoyed the many people he was privileged to meet and help during his time with the company. In the evenings, he attended Jackson School of Law and became a member of the Mississippi Bar in 1966.

Marcus has always enjoyed the challenge of a new business venture. In his early years, he was an active Charolais cattle farmer. He contributed to the Mississippi Charolais Association by serving as its president and many other offices, and he was a director of the National Charolais Association. In 1975, Marcus joined with five men to establish Covington County Bank and served as director of the bank. Surprisingly, he cites his most important work experience as selling boiled peanuts on the streets of Crestview, Florida for 10 cents a bag when he was in elementary school.

Currently, Marcus practices law in Brandon, in the areas of wills, real estate matters and probate.

Marcus is enthralled by history, geography, and

understanding how things work. Consequently, he has thoroughly enjoyed studying the transmission of electrical power and the many facets of the services offered by Southern Pine. He is always searching for ways to help our members and make life better for them.

Marcus is a widower having been preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Mimi Hanna Martin. He has two adult children and four grandchildren. Marcus is a member of Brandon Baptist Church where he is a member of the choir and a former deacon.

Marcus has thoroughly enjoyed studying the transmission of electrical power and the many facets of the services offered by Southern Pine.

MAY 2020 | TODAY 15

ENGINEERING AN

OUTAGE RESTORATION Identifying that a power outage has occurred is the first step in outage restoration. Southern Pine Electric’s method of outage notification is a direct result of a telephone call from a member. The interactive voice response system automatically detects the incoming telephone number and links the telephone number to the member’s account. If the power outage option is chosen, within seconds, the member’s outage shows up on the cooperative’s outage maps.

Automated outage maps have been a game changer in the way large restorations are worked. Before the automated outage maps, tickets were printed for dispatchers to call out over the radio, which was extremely inefficient. In 2013, the company began actively using an outage management system which tracked outages and predicted de-energized devices. This system was integrated with the company’s electronic mapping system allowing graphical images representing power outages to be laid on top of an electronic map. The final step was to make the technology mobile so that the linemen in the field can see exactly what the engineers and operators in the office see.

The system isn’t without challenges. A cellular telephone signal is needed for the automated systems to communicate from the trucks. SPE’s engineers are constantly working on solutions to overcome the challenges caused by lack of cell service, such as the map freezing up when service is unavailable. When a truck comes back into cell coverage the map is then updated. This all sounds simple, but countless hours of work by our engineering department go into solving these types of issues.

One of the recent projects the engineering department has been working on includes installing intelligent electronic devices in the substations. These devices will automatically detect when an overcurrent protective device has opened, de-energizing a line. A signal is automatically transmitted back to the computer system at the office which is integrated with the outage management system. A power outage in near real-time 16 TODAY | MAY 2020

Screen Shot of Southern Pine’s Outage Map

is instantly plotted on the map. It also verifies the exact device which opened, speeding up the response time and reducing the restoration time.

These engineering systems are the latest technologies in the electric power industry and Southern Pine is fortunate to have this technology. We are also grateful for our team of innovative engineers who work with our outstanding linemen to reduce the duration of outages. Together, the engineering team and the linemen work every day to improve the quality of life for our members, and to continue bringing the power.

by Jim Jordan, PE

Jim Jordan is Southern Pine’s VP of Engineering

THE POWER OF

PREPARATION Many of our members faced major damages during the tornadoes that hit our area on Easter and Southern Pine’s system did as well. These events can cause prolonged outages, but typical outages tend to be much shorter in duration. Whether it’s an extended outage due to a severe weather event, or a shorter outage because of a technical issue, we hope you will be prepared. If you are like many of us, you are probably scrambling for candles, flashlights, battery chargers and other necessities when outages occur.

The power of preparation can save a lot of stress, worry and headache when the next outage occurs.

An Outage Preparation Kit is a must-have item in Mississippi where severe weather systems occur regularly. Here’s what you need to be safe, prepared and comfortable during times of outage:

1.

Flashlights & Candles — These are essential to light the way for safety.

2. First Aid Kit — Many first aid kits are available at retailers, or you can make your own (visit redcross.org to find essential contents of a first aid kit).

3. Water — Always have more water than you think you may need.

4. Non-Perishable Food — Some examples are crackers, trail mix, protein and breakfast bars, canned foods and other pantry items.

5. Medications — Adequate supplies of medications can be a lifesaver during an outage, particularly in extended outages.

6. Hygiene Products — Baby wipes, hand sanitizer and deodorant will be your friend in an extended outage.

7. Batteries & Batter-Powered Chargers — Make sure to include all types of batteries.

8. Battery-Powered Radio — This is crucial for staying updated on emergency-related progress when all else fails.

9. Sleeping Bags & Blankets — When the power is off, particularly in cold weather, you’ll be thankful for the extra blankets.

10. Books, Board Games, Playing Cards — Boredom can be one of the most frustrating things in an outage, particularly for children. Make sure you have plenty of entertainment items in your kit.

Southern Pine Electric believes there is power in preparation, so start building your Outage Preparation Kit today and be prepared for tomorrow.

MAY 2020 | TODAY 17

P.O. Box 5 • 18671 Highway 61 • Lorman, MS 39096 601-437-3611 • 800-287-8564 • Fax: 601-437-8736 • Email: info@swepa.coop

Adams • Amite • Claiborne • Copiah • Franklin Hinds • Jefferson • Lincoln • Wilkinson Southwest Electric is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

southwestelectric.coop

Southwest Electric

SWElectricCoop

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May is Military Appreciation Month While recognizing Memorial Day this month, we hope you will join us in pausing to reflect on the sacrifices of our country’s veterans and their families. We are especially thankful for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we can enjoy the freedoms their service affords us in this great country of ours.

May is Military Appreciation Month, and in the words of John F. Kennedy, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”

At Southwest Electric, we are grateful to have veterans within our organization, and we are proud to serve veterans and their families within our local community.

Southwest Electric is part of a network of more than 900

electric cooperatives across the country that support and honor our nation’s veterans of all generations.

Not only do we pause on Memorial Day to remember the sacrifice and service of those who gave all, but the month also holds several other military anniversaries and events, including Military Spouse Appreciation Day on May 8, and Armed Forces Day on May 16.

Southwest Electric is proud to be a part of the electric cooperative network that honors and supports veterans of all ages, ranks and branches of the military. Please join us in taking a moment to show your appreciation to a veteran — not just this month, but every month.

Memorial Day is MONDAY, MAY 25

To those who courageously gave their lives,

THANK YOU! Our business office will be closed in observance of Memorial Day. Dispatchers will remain on duty and crews will be on call throughout the holiday weekend.

Use our SmartHub app or call 800-287-8564 in case of a power outage or emergency.

12 TODAY | MAY 2020

MAY IS ELECTRICAL SAFETY MONTH

4 COMMON CULPRITS OF ELECTRICAL FIRES Outdated wiring and overloaded circuits are the most common causes of electrical fires.

Check the following areas of your home to ensure your home’s electrical safety is up to par.

Electrical outlets: Faulty electrical outlets are a leading cause of home fires. As outlets age, so do the wires behind them that you can’t see. Any loose, damaged or warm-to-thetouch outlets should be repaired or replaced.

Overloaded cords and outlets: Extension cords are not permanent solutions. If your big-screen TV, home theater system and other electronics are plugged into one extension cord, it’s time to call an electrician and install additional outlets.

Electrical wiring: Outdated wiring is another common cause of electrical fires. Frequently tripped breakers, flickering lights and burning smells are clear warning signs. If your home is more than 20 years old, it may not be able to handle today’s increased power load.

If you suspect your home’s wiring is outdated, leave this one to the pros and contact a qualified electrician.

Old appliances: Older appliances are more likely to have loose or damaged wiring, which means they’re more likely to catch fire. Check older appliances for damage and determine if it’s time to upgrade or replace. Also check to ensure you’re using appliance-grade outlets. A qualified electrician can help with installation.

Thank you for being a Southwest Electric Member.

We are praying for your well-being and safety.

As we work through these difficult times, please continue to follow the CDC guidelines so we can

stop the spread.

Wishing all moms a Happy Mother’s Day

Two Easy Energy Saving Tips REPLACE THE FILTER EVERY MONTH Change it out, even if it doesn’t look dirty.

Any buildup reduces the amount of air the system draws in.

KNOW THE BEST TEMPERATURE The optimal temperature for cost savings is 78 degrees during the summer.

MAY 2020 | TODAY 13

BRIAN HUGHEY

General Manager & CEO

Energy Tips

LORRI FREEMAN, APR Manager of Public Relations AMANDA PARKER Public Relations Specialist

Bringing power and energy services to local communities

For more information, call 601-947-4211, 228-497-1313 or visit singingriver.com. @singingriverelectric @SRECooperative SRE is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR CEO

Working to safely provide power to members

The last two months have been a huge challenge for our members and the communities we serve. For many, this disruption in our lives has caused anxiety, illness, additional responsibilities and/or financial hardship.

As a member-owned electric cooperative, we have and will continue to look out for the best interest of our Brian Hughey membership by providing General Manager & CEO safe, reliable and affordable electricity, especially during times like these.

Our employees have also felt the stresses of combating this illness but have stepped up to the challenge. I wanted to take a moment to share with you some of their accomplishments during this pandemic. As an essential service

12 TODAY | MAY 2020

provider, Singing River Electric must continue to provide reliable electric service to our membership. Much of our employees’ dayto-day work must occur on job sites or within the walls of our offices; however, our team has made physical and technological strides to allow for many office employees to work from home to protect their safety and that of our members. Crews are also working modified and staggered schedules to further protect their safety. Even with these adjustments, SRE employees have continued to respond to all new service requests in a timely manner.

Our newly adjusted employee schedule was challenged in late March as a tornado caused damage in George County. As outage reports streamed into SRE’s outage management system, servicemen discovered 14 broken poles across the county. As expected, crews from each of our districts responded in a timely manner to make needed repairs and restore power to nearly 2,400 members. I would like to thank our employees for a job well done, even during stressful times.

Hopefully, the COVID-19 pandemic is on the downslope and things get back to normal (or a new normal) in the coming days. Please continue to adhere to CDC safeguarding guidance to help prevent the spread of viruses.

Utilize resources on our website to assist where needed to help manage your bill payments.

And know that we are here to assist you, whether by phone, drive-up window, mobile app or website. Our priority is safely providing dependable and exceptional electric service to you.

Nick DeAngelo Manager of Energy Services deangelo@singingriver.com

Increased energy use We hope this month’s magazine finds you and your family well. As we have sheltered in place due to COVID-19 for much of March and April, you may have noticed your family’s energy use rising. You may not know, however, that you have access to a free tool that can help — the SmartHub mobile app.

An important feature of our SmartHub app is the ability to view daily and weekly electricity use.

This allows you to monitor your energy use and make changes mid-month to reduce energy costs and manage your bill.

For instance, if you have a programmable thermostat that was typically set for 80 degrees while you are away but during the shelterin-place period with family home was lowered to a more comfortable setting, you will see increased energy use during that time period.

Referencing the SmartHub app daily will allow you to monitor your energy use and make adjustments when possible. This could result in lower electricity bills.

Please take advantage of the many calculators, tips and tools available at singingriver.com/ways-tosave or a call at 601-947-4211 or 228-497-1313 to speak to one of our representatives.

Visit singingriver.com or energystar.gov for more tips.

A

ANNUAL MEETING SET FOR JUNE 25 Watch for proxy/notice in the mail

Singing River Electric’s 2020 annual membership meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 25. At this time, we are planning to hold an in-person meeting; however, that could change if COVID-19 stay-at-home measures are extended. Please monitor our website at singingriver.com and our social media posts on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for updates.

Credentials and Election Committee - Clockwise from left: Milton Driskell, Obie Wells, Linda Eckford, Richard Fleming and Marvin Blankinchip. (Not pictured — Phil Busby.)

The membership meeting will be held at our headquarters office located at 11187 Old 63 South in Lucedale. Registration begins at 4:30 p.m., and the meeting will begin at 6 p.m.

The meeting’s business section will include the cooperative’s financial, management and board reports, as well as the board of directors election. SRE has a 10-person board of directors elected from the membership in three geographic districts.

Each year, one director post from each district is up for election.

Every three years, District 3 has two director posts open.

Directors are elected for a three-year period. Directors are listed along with the geographic district descriptions at singingriver.com/my-coop.

Nominations for election to the board of directors are made by petition. Interested members must acquire signatures of 25 SRE members on a form provided by the cooperative.

Applicants must complete and return a director candidate packet to the Lucedale office and be certified by the Credentials and Election Committee before being placed on the ballot. The deadline for nomination by petition to be placed on the 2020 Annual Meeting notice was February 28, 2020.

This deadline and a notice for nominations was placed in the December 2019 and January/February 2020 issues of the Today in Mississippi member publication.

This year’s candidates include: District 1, Post 2 – Robert Steele; District 2, Post 2 – Roy Grafe; and District 3, Post 2 – Kristal Sisson. The slate of nominees was approved by SRE members serving on the Credentials and Election Committee.

According to the cooperative bylaws, the candidates’ names were placed in the nomination for election to a three-year term beginning June 25 at the cooperative’s annual meeting.

To conduct business at the annual meeting, a quorum of at least 10 percent of the membership is necessary. The quorum is derived by adding the number of members present at the meeting, the valid online votes, and the number of valid proxies received.

Annual meeting notices and proxies will be mailed on Tuesday, May 12, to all members. The deadline for voting online and returning proxies is Tuesday, June 16, at close of business. Your participation in director elections counts toward the quorum needed to hold and do business at the meeting. It is crucially important that we receive your online vote or proxy in order to reach our quorum this year and complete the business of the annual meeting, especially in the event that COVID-19 restrictions force this meeting to be rescheduled or live-streamed with no in-person attendees.

If COVID-19 stay-at-home restrictions are lifted, any SRE member may vote in person at the June 25 membership meeting. Members can also vote online or by proxy. Each member is entitled to one vote regardless of the number of accounts in the member’s name. A proxy may be assigned to either another SRE member, including a member of the current board of directors, or appointed to the board as a whole. A member can vote up to 200 assigned proxies at any membership meeting. The presence of a member at the meeting, or in the case of a joint membership, the presence of a spouse shall revoke the proxy. All proxies must be received by SRE’s Lucedale office by close of business on June 16.

Members returning their proxy, voting online as well as those who attend the meeting, will qualify to win up to $500 cash. Those attending the annual meeting will be eligible for attendance prizes.

, Lucedale,

P.O. Box 767

i, 39452

Mississipp

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AND RE ance to w EDIATELY xy for a ch M ro p r IM u N yo E turn ANT: OP Vote or re IMPORT

2020 Annual Membership Meeting Notice

Thursday, June 25 11187 Old 63 South, Lucedale

Registration opens at 4:30 p.m.

Meeting begins at 6:00 p.m.

$

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SRE Member

Five-Hundred &

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June 25 500.00

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THERE ARE THREE WAYS TO PARTICIPATE:

IN PERSON, BY PROXY AND ONLINE Eight members who vote online or return their proxies by the June 16 deadline will be selected to receive a $250 CASH prize.

One member who votes online or returns the proxy by the deadline will receive a special grand prize2020 of $500 |CASH! MAY TODAY

13

THIS IS NOT A DRILL

Singing River Electric crews quickly restore power following George County tornado Weather resources These resources are helpful during weather emergencies:

• MEMA app • WLOX-TV 13 Weather app

You can also follow several Facebook pages, including:

• Singing River Electric • MS Emergency Management • U.S. Weather Service Mobile, AL

• U.S. Weather Service New Orleans, LA

• U.S. Weather Service Jackson, MS 14 TODAY | MAY 2020

In the midst of social distancing and a COVID-19 virus stay-at-home order, Mother Nature decided to kick things up a bit. About 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 31, cell phones began alerting those in the George County area of the approaching storm and tornado warning. Within minutes, an EF-1 tornado tore an eight-mile path of destruction in southeast George County.

As Singing River Electric personnel assessed damage, they found 14 broken power poles scattered across the county. Crews from all SRE offices responded to restore power to nearly 2,400 members. Damage to homes, vehicles and other structures were observed.

“We had just begun to modify crew schedules to protect employees and the community from the virus when this happened,” said Singing River Electric CEO Brian Hughey. “This was our first test of the new schedules, and our employees responded quickly, as expected, to get the job done.”

Right-of-way contract crews cut trees off of power lines, and SRE crews worked to restore power to all who could safely receive it before the end of the day.

See story about Easter severe weather s and tornadoe on page 17.

Singing River Electric responds to COVID-19 CONSERVE WHILE YOU What started out as an action plan for both members and employees including sanitizing offices, quickly changed to lobby closures and figuring out how to equip employees to assist members from their homes.

“Our plan adapted quickly as the Coronavirus spread across the country and stay-at-home measures were put in place in Mississippi,” said CEO Brian Hughey.

Drive-up windows continued to serve members, and communication increased on additional contact-free service options including phone service, the SmartHub mobile app and website located at singingriver.com. Crews and employees were placed on modified work schedules to protect their health and the safety and those in the community.

“Our priority is and always will be the safety of our members and employees,” Hughey stated. “Singing River Electric has been successful in rapidly adjusting both internal and external processes while maintaining a high-level of electric and member service, even with the challenges of social distancing for members and employees alike.”

Singing River Electric family members, employees and retirees worked quickly to sew homemade masks for local healthcare workers. SRE retiree Carole Merritt, Grace Allgood, daughter of SRE foreman Gary Allgood, Tonette Mills, mother of SRE engineer Drew Mills and SRE’s Nikki Stork all took to their sewing machines to help those working at area hospitals.

“My granddaughter works at Forrest General Hospital, and they don’t have enough masks,” said Merritt. “It breaks my heart to know they’re on the front lines and having to deal with these shortages.”

Merritt sent her masks to Greene County and Forrest General hospitals. Grace Allgood loves to sew and is happy to help in this time of need. Her masks went to Singing River Health System and its Regional Cancer Center. Nikki Stork’s masks benefitted the VA Hospital in Biloxi, while Tonnette Mills made masks for our very own SRE member service representatives, as well as friends and family.

Singing River Electric thanks everyone who has worked to support our healthcare workers and first responders during the pandemic.

SRE Retiree Carole Merritt

Families have been quarantined at home due to illness or staying home to prevent it, and all of that adds up to increased energy use. Singing River Electric has worked to educate members during March and April with Facebook posts sharing energy tips with the slogan, “Conserve while you #flattenthecurve.”

“We knew members would be using their phones while home and that Facebook and other social media platforms could be a good communication tool,” said SRE manager of public relations Lorri Freeman.

The tips are easy to follow including ideas like grilling outdoors, turning off lights and ceiling fans when you leave the room, and turning off the AC and opening windows to take advantage of cooler mornings.

“The concept was shared with other Mississippi electric cooperatives and used throughout the state to encourage electric cooperative members to conserve at home,” said Freeman.

To see the tips, like us on Facebook and Instagram at Singing River Electric and follow us on Twitter at SRECooperative.

Honoring healthcare workers

Singing River Electric offices displayed ribbons as part of the Blue Ribbon Initiative to honor healthcare workers and other first responders during the COVID-19 crisis. The headquarters office in Lucedale also displayed lights in the shape of a heart. The actions were meant to support those in local communities who were working on the frontlines and servicing those in our communities that were fighting the Coronavirus.

EASTER TORNADOES AND SEVERE WEATHER TEAR THROUGH THE STATE CAUSING IMMENSE DAMAGE

Singing River Electric crews worked through the night on Sunday, April 12, to restore power locally to nearly 3,000 homes and businesses. Severe weather and multiple tornadoes cut across the state causing loss of life and damage to hundreds of homes and businesses. Power was restored to all but one outage along the river in Greene County by the next morning.

As crews worked Monday morning, April 13, to restore those members in Greene County, a SRE six-man crew left to assist the Moss community in Jones County served

by Dixie Electric Power Association.

This sister electric cooperative just north of SRE serves Jones, Covington and Jasper counties, which were some of the hardest hit in Mississippi. At the height of destruction, Dixie Electric had more

than 7,000 meters out and more than 200 broken power poles. The National Weather Service in Jackson confirmed the area had been hit by a two-mile wide, long-track EF4 tornado. The widest tornado in the history of the state.

On Tuesday, April 14, three SRE crews with 14 men and seven trucks returned to the stricken Moss community to resume restoration work. SRE continued to switch out crews daily during the week as requested to help Dixie Electric in their rebuilding process.

For more information on tornado restoration efforts, see Singing River Electric and Dixie Electric’s Facebook pages or visit their websites at singingriver.com and dixieepa.com.

meet your sre board Singing River Electric is led by memberconsumers like you who understand and listen to the community. Our 10-member board of directors is elected by the membership to serve a three-year term.

Singing River Electric board members (left to right): Ron Wilson, Ralph Hicks and Robert Steele.

Singing River Electric board members (left to right): Roy Grafe, Howard Davis and Travis Baxter.

MAY 2020 | TODAY 17

FOR AFTER-HOURS OUTAGES, CALL

866-897-7250 HOLLANDALE

BELZONI

(662) 827-2262

(662) 247-1909

GREENVILLE

ROLLING FORK

(662) 334-9543

(662) 873-4233

SERVING MORE THAN 12,600 ELECTRIC METERS IN FIVE DELTA COUNTIES

Sow,Grow,Know,Show

t three Delta a s r e d a r g h t if F hant well: c is h t w o n k ls schoo The Garden Cha t To reap a harvest, we must SOW. It takes love to make things GROW. Our roots are strong and this we KNOW. When our blossoms start to SHOW.

It’s how they start and end their daily garden sessions with the Delta EATS (Edible Agriculture Teaching Students) school garden program at Hollandale’s Sanders Elementary, Leland’s Edna Scott Elementary and Shaw’s McEvans Elementary.

Students of these schools and their families are going “old school” by learning how to grow their own food through the Delta EATS program and its activities. A garden has always been a place that teaches as much about planting fruits, flowers and vegetables as it does the lessons of a successful life.

Ryan Betz, Delta EATS project director, who oversees the program, has seen firsthand the transformation on how the students view food and its connection to healthy living. “It’s amazing to see how excited the students become throughout the year” said Betz, “as they become owners of their learning and food choices.” Betz adds that the garden taste-testing and cooking demonstrations are the activities where the students’ learning is connected to real-world experience.

The program is a huge hit because Betz and the Delta EATS 12 TODAY | MAY 2020

team spend much time designing activities tied to the state curriculum in core subjects while developing a strong relationship with the students through daily garden activities, family garden nights including harvesting crops and cooking, a take-home garden newsletter called Turnip the Beets, It’s Delta EATS that include home gardening tips and social media outlets Facebook and Instagram. The team is partnering with Mississippi State’s Extension Service for students to participate in a 4-H garden club after-school program.

“I like how beautiful the garden is”, explains Laderricaka, a former 5th grader, “Yes, we plant all sorts of things, but it means so much more to me because it’s planted from the heart, and it’s special because you know you grew it yourself!”

Even with the COVID-19 disruption to the school year, the Delta

EATS team is supplying take-home garden kits and social media videos to help the students and their families with at-home activities like “Try It Tuesdays” and other tutorials. Weekly newsletters posted to Facebook are chalked full of at home gardening tips.

During the pandemic, the EATS staff is also harvesting and delivering fresh produce to the students’ families who submit orders on what produce is available.

The biggest take-away for the students who have participated in the program is keeping a garden and growing your own food is a way to provide for yourself and your family, no matter what!

Sow,Grow,Know,Show!

Delta EATS, a project of the Delta Health Alliance, is working to educate students and families in gardening to create self-reliance food sources. At each location, the Delta EATS team (Delta EATS program manager, education coordinator, AmeriCorps FoodCorps and DeltaCorps service member and Delta State University Dietetic Interns) work with school administration and classroom teachers, food service and cafeteria staff. Delta EATS is spearheading a larger farm-to-school network that includes Mississippi Farm-To-School, Mississippi State University Extension Service, USDA, Footprint Farms, Rexburg Produce, LLC, Lowe’s and Delta Hands for Hope. The Delta EATS Network is bringing together local farmers and school district food services.

MAY 2020 | TODAY 15

Contact Information: 2255 Gordon Avenue • Yazoo City, MS 39194 Mail: P.O. Box 8 • Yazoo City, MS 39194

TO REPORT OUTAGES:

662-746-4251 Visit us online at www.yazoovalley.com Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

Pay by Phone: 1-866-484-4277

May is Military Appreciation Month While recognizing Memorial Day this month, we hope you will join us in pausing to reflect on the sacrifices of our country’s veterans and their families. We are especially thankful for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we can enjoy the freedoms their service affords us in this great country of ours.

May is Military Appreciation Month, and in the words of John F. Kennedy, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”

At Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association, we are grateful to have veterans within our organization, and we are proud to serve veterans and their families within our local community.

Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association is part of a network of more than 900 electric cooperatives across the country that support and honor our nation’s veterans of all generations.

The Department of Defense is one of the largest energy consumers worldwide and the single largest energy consumer in the U.S. We, like other electric co-ops across the country, work closely with military installations, providing electricity and partnering on various projects.

Not only do we pause on Memorial Day to remember the sacrifice and service of those who gave all, but the month also holds several other military anniversaries and events, including Military Spouse Appreciation Day on May 8, and Armed Forces Day on May 16.

Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association is proud to be a part of the electric cooperative network that honors and supports veterans of all ages, ranks and branches of the military. Please join us in taking a moment to show your appreciation to a veteran — not just this month, but every month.

MONDAY, MAY 25

To those who courageously gave their lives,

THANK YOU! Our employees will be observing Memorial Day and our offices will be closed. Dispatchers will remain on duty and crews will be on call throughout the holiday weekend.

Please call 662-746-4251 to report outages.

12 TODAY | MAY 2020

c

MAY IS ELECTRICAL SAFETY MONTH

4 COMMON CULPRITS OF ELECTRICAL FIRES Outdated wiring and overloaded circuits are the most common causes of electrical fires.

Check the following areas of your home to ensure your home’s electrical safety is up to par.

Electrical outlets: Faulty electrical outlets are a leading cause of home fires. As outlets age, so do the wires behind them that you can’t see. Any loose, damaged or warm-to-thetouch outlets should be repaired or replaced.

Overloaded cords and outlets: Extension cords are not permanent solutions. If your big-screen TV, home theater system and other electronics are plugged into one extension cord, it’s time to call an electrician and install additional outlets.

Electrical wiring: Outdated wiring is another common cause of electrical fires. Frequently tripped breakers, flickering lights and burning smells are clear warning signs. If your home is more than 20 years old, it may not be able to handle today’s increased power load. If you suspect your home’s wiring is outdated, leave this one to the pros and contact a qualified electrician.

Old appliances: Older appliances are more likely to have loose or damaged wiring, which means they’re more likely to catch fire. Check older appliances for damage and determine if it’s time to upgrade or replace. Also check to ensure you’re using appliance-grade outlets. A qualified electrician can help with installation.

One thing that is certain in uncertain times – OUR COMMITMENT to you and the local communities

MAY 2020 | TODAY 13

Tornado and thunderstorms strike on Easter Sunday

Clockwise from left: McKinnley Skipper prepares the worksite for line work near Perry Creek Road and Scarlett Road in Satartia.

Wade O’Briant, Reggie Green, Cory Chamblee and Eddie Earl Douglas worked at the Salavation Army Camp near Lexington after Easter storms left the camp without power.

John Symon, McKinnley Skipper and Josh Norquist prepare to repair a line in Satartia after strong winds leveled trees on Easter Sunday.

John Symon repairing a line in Satartia after strong Easter thunderstorms.

On Easter Sunday, April 12, an early afternoon tornado and late afternoon and evening thunderstorms brought destruction to Yazoo Valley Electric’s service area. Holmes, Humphreys, Issaquena, Sharkey, Warren and Yazoo counties all had power outages related to these storms.

At the height of the outages on Sunday night, more than 3,000 members lost power. On Monday morning, approximately 1,200 members remained without power.

“Nearly a decade after the EF-4 tornado struck our service area in 2010, we saw more violent weather come through our communities on Easter Sunday,” General Manager Ron White said. “Our team works hard to restore power in times like these. In the midst of these violent weather events, and with our communities dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, we know we can get through anything as a community. We handle it the cooperative way!”

14 TODAY | MAY 2020

Because of widespread outages across the state and the social distancing measures in place, line workers were not able to assist from neighboring electric cooperatives as usual, which has put added pressure on our staff and line workers.

In addition, Monday, April 13, was National Lineman Appreciation Day. Our team worked tirelessly through the night and into Monday to restore power to our members. For that, we thank each and every one of them.

The management and board of Yazoo Valley Electric would like to thank the community for their outpouring of support and understanding as Yazoo Valley Electric’s team worked to rebuild and restore electric service to members.

Editor’s note: At the time of Today in Mississippi going to press, the restoration process was still underway, so this is still a developing story.

10

Years later We turned on a light and hope came with it.

On April 24, 2010, a violent and deadly EF-4 tornado traveled nearly 150 miles until it pounded Yazoo City with all its might. Many homes, churches and businesses were destroyed and four Yazooans lost their lives on that deadly day.

All hope seemed lost, but citizens came together quickly and were determined to rebuild our town.

Former Gov. Haley Barbour and his wife Marsha Barbour were key figures in helping our community recover, as Yazoo is where they call home.

Yazoo City’s landscape still looks a little different when you drive into town, but the faith and determination of its citizens has never wavered.

General Manager Ron White wrote in “Blown Away,” a book published by the Yazoo Herald in the months that followed the storm, “The afternoon of April 24, 2010, will be etched in the memory of every Yazooan for a very long time.”

According to White, the tornado broke more than 350 utility poles and wiped out approximately 20 miles of Yazoo Valley’s electrical system across Issaquena, Warren, Yazoo and Holmes counties. Nearly 200 line workers and right-of-way clearing personnel from 13 Mississippi electric cooperatives came to our aid, and Yazoo Valley repaired its system in seven days.

Then and now, our commitment will always be to our members. Ten years later, we are proud that we didn’t lose hope and that so many came together to help on that day and the days, weeks and months that followed.

We will always remember those who were lost, and we promise to always keep our commitment to our communities and most importantly, to you — our members!

Source: Blown Away, The Storm That Changed Yazoo Forever, Published by The Yazoo Herald.

MAY 2020 | TODAY 15