Today in Mississippi August 2020 Local Pages

FOR MEMBERS OF ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OF MISSISSIPPI

GONE FISHING WITH THE KIDS

RIDING ON THE RAILROAD

A FOOTBALL LIFER

LOOKS BACK

AUGUST 2020

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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

Important Notice to all Central Electric Power Association Members Due to COVID-19, we were unable to hold our annual membership meeting in March. During that meeting we would have held an election for our board of directors.

In order to provide each Central Electric member an opportunity to vote in a director election, we will offer a vote by mail process.

An information sheet with “how-to-vote” details and the official ballot which was in effect for the March meeting will be mailed to all Central Electric members the week of August 10, 2020.

Also enclosed will be a self-addressed, postage paid envelope for members to return their ballot. Your official ballot must be received via mail no later than September 3, 2020.

The election results will be published in the October issue of Today in Mississippi.

In accordance with the laws of Mississippi and the bylaws of the association, members will elect three directors for three-year terms: one director from Attala County and two directors from Leake County.

Central Electric members who return their ballot will be eligible to win one of the following prizes: slow cooker, coffee maker, clock/radio, electric skillet, electric can opener, toaster, popcorn machine, ice cream machine, coffee percolator or iron. There will be 10 winners drawn from each of our four districts: Carthage, Philadelphia, Sebastopol and Rankin County.

The board, management and staff of Central Electric appreciate the patience and understanding of our membership during these challenging times and remind each of you to be safe.

CENTRAL ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION

WILL BE CLOSED Monday, September 7 in observance of To report a power outage, please visit www.centralepa.com and click on Report an Outage or call 601-267-3043.

12 TODAY | AUGUST 2020

10 tips on h w to shop smart for fruits and vegg es

National Wellness Month AUGUST 2020

Celebrate the season — use fresh vegetables and fruits that are in season.

Buy in bulk when items are on sale.

Don’t pay full price — check store ads and manufacturer’s coupons.

Save money with store brands.

Stick to your list — it will save you time and money.

Keep it simple — buy produce in its simplest form.

Try canned or frozen — choose items without syrup or added salt.

Get it fresh — plant a garden.

Buy small amounts frequently — keeps waste down, saving money.

Plan and cook smart — pre-cook foods in bulk, package and freeze.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Installing a smart power strip is a quick and easy way to start saving money while making your home more energy efficient. Smart power strips can actually cut power off to save energy since they are able to detect when a device is in standby mode.

THINK SAFETY! Reduce risk of transmission COVID-19 Carrier

Others

WE’RE BACK IN

Students will be out and about.

Please watch out for school buses and children at crosswalks. And observe school zones when school is in session.

Central Electric encourages our members to wear a mask in public places.

TOGETHER, WE WILL BEAT COVID-19.

AUGUST 2020 | TODAY 13

AUGUST IS

BACK TO SCHOOL

P.O. BOX 188 340 HOPSON STREET • LYON, MS 38645

662-624-8321 FAX: 662-624-8327

www.coahomaepa.com cepa@coahomaepa.com

Managing home energy use through a summer of social distancing

by Paul Wesslund energy users include a range of devices like small apIf you want to make the best use of your efforts pliances, exterior lights, outdoor grills and spa heaters. to save money on your energy bill, the U.S. Energy How COVID-19 is impacting energy use Information Administration (EIA) can show you Even with the recent disruptions to daily life during where to start. the COVID-19 pandemic, the advice to focus on Nearly half of the electricity Americans use in their heating and cooling to save energy holds up. EIA has homes, 43%, goes to heating and cooling air and started revising its energy use predictions for 2020, water. Nearly a third of our electric use, 31%, goes and because of business to running our heating and closures and social distancair conditioning systems. ing, they project that elecAnother 12% powers our tricity sales to commercial water heaters. and industrial customers will In second place for decline 6.5%. With more residential electricity use people staying home, you is a grab bag of appliances might expect residential and lighting. One-fifth of sales to increase, and they the electricity we use in our will, but not enough to homes goes to refrigeration overcome the weather. Even (6%), lighting (5%), clothes Even though many of us are spending more time at home due to with more people staydrying (4%), and TV and the COVID-19 pandemic, the Energy Information Administration ing home and using more video games (4%). projects that 2020 residential energy use will decline by 1.3%. But those projections may change depending on how quickly businessheating and air conditioning, That means if you want es reopen and Americans get back to work. If you’re looking to rethe weather is expected to to get the quickest and duce energy use, monitor how you cool and heat your home, which be mild enough that EIA biggest return on energy is where the biggest potential for saving energy lies. projects a 1.3% decline in savings, focus on how you residential electric sales this year. However, those use your heating and cooling system, and your water predictions could well be adjusted depending on how heater. That’s according to Keith Dennis, VP of conquickly businesses reopen, and whether they adopt sumer member engagement for the National Rural new ways of operating.

Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).

With so many unknowns in 2020 patterns of ener“Turning off an LED light bulb may come to mind gy use, EIA’s forecast tried to imagine what’s going when you think about saving energy,” he says. “But in on inside our homes in order to make their projecthe grand scheme of things, looking at EIA’s numbers, it’s adjusting your thermostat that’s going to make the tions for the year. Their May 2020 Short Term Energy Outlook says that as a result of the actions to control biggest difference.” the spread of COVID-19, use of household electronic Other appliances and devices consume even equipment will increase, and other uses of electricity, smaller shares of our total energy use. Eight percent such as cooking or water heating, may also increase. of residential electricity use comes from a combinaResidential air conditioning use during summer tion of computers, freezers, washing machines, months is also likely to increase. dishwashers and cooking appliances. Other home 12 TODAY | AUGUST 2020

Small adjustments for significant savings During summer months, setting your thermostat a few degrees higher than normal can make a significant difference in energy use. The Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher when possible. Consumers can achieve additional energy savings by investing in a smart or programmable thermostat.

In addition to monitoring your thermostat, Dennis suggests keeping an eye on another significant energy user, your water heater.

According to the Department of Energy, lowering your water heater temperature to 120 degrees is an easy way to save energy, and for every 10 degrees reduced, consumers can save 3% to 5% on water heating

costs. Dennis also recommends replacing an older, less efficient water heater with a newer, energy efficient model, which could pay for itself in the long run.

For persistently high energy bills, Dennis recommends contacting your local electric co-op for a more thorough evaluation of your home and how you use energy. Consumers can also find a wide range of additional ways to save energy at www.energystar.gov.

Small changes to energy use habits, like turning off lights when you leave a room or unplugging devices when not in use, can help you save. But to make the biggest difference in energy use — even during a global pandemic — pay attention to how you heat and cool your home. That’s where the biggest potential for saving energy lies.

WE’RE BACK IN

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Students will be out and about.

Please watch out for school buses and children at crosswalks. And observe school zones when school is in session.

Installing a smart power strip is a quick and easy way to start saving money while making your home more energy efficient.

Smart power strips can actually cut power off to save energy since they are able to detect when a device is in standby mode.

THINK SAFETY!

COAHOMA ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION

WILL BE CLOSED Monday, September 7 in observance of AUGUST 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 July was an exciting month as members began casting their votes on broadband service and registering for our Annual Meeting. You can vote and register online and in our offices until Aug. 20 or mail in the voting and proxy registration card that was mailed to your home to be received by Aug. 20. If you haven’t cast your vote or registered yet, there is still plenty of time for you to participate in your co-op’s process for electing leaders and deciding if we should take on new opportunities for our community.

While we love visiting with you in person, for your health and safety, I encourage you to register online this year. Our meeting will be a no-frills event with no booths, attendance prizes or giveaways, speeches, or refreshments. We are already looking forward to gathering as a group again next year.

I know the word “broadband” always creates interest from members, especially those in underserved areas who would like to see a reliable, affordable option available. With more people working from home and participating in distance learning, the need for high-speed internet service is more important than ever.

This is a serious issue in our state, which ranks among the lowest in the nation for internet service for residents. Your vote is needed

so we can decide if we will move forward with our research.

We know you are interested in the details — when, how fast and how much? Most of the answers to those questions will be determined if you vote that we move forward, and we appreciate your patience with our process. We know it’s a long one, but we have an obligation to ensure that everything we do is with your best interest in mind, and we won’t rush the process without completing our due diligence. I can tell you that our proposed pricing will be the best in the marketplace for the best service, with symmetrical speeds and no data caps. I can also tell you that you have a team of dedicated employees working for you, keeping the focus on you through all of this. That will never change.

For those of you who have questions about our meeting process or the broadband vote, I encourage you to visit www.coastepa.com.

by Ron Barnes President and CEO

ENSURE YOUR VOICE IS HEARD Vote on broadband and register your proxy one of three ways: 1

FILL OUT YOUR BROADBAND BALLOT AND PROXY THAT YOU GOT IN THE MAIL AND DROP IT IN THE MAIL TO BE RECEIVED BY AUGUST 20.

• Vote “yes” or “no” on the official broadband ballot.

&

• Register your proxy to elect your local board representatives by signing on the signature line provided.

• If you choose to have another member attend the meeting and vote on your behalf, check the box and write the name and member number of the person representing you in the space provided, then sign on the signature line provided.

The designated member must be in attendance at the meeting.

12 TODAY | AUGUST 2020

2

VOTE AND REGISTER ONLINE 8:00 A.M. JULY 13 UNTIL 10:00 A.M. AUGUST 20.

• Visit www.coastepa.com • Click “Cast your broadband vote and register your proxy” • Review candidate bios, meeting information and information on broadband vote and click “Continue with registration” • Enter your member number and billing zip code • Click the “Login” button • Follow the instructions

3

VOTE AND REGISTER IN ANY COAST ELECTRIC OFFICE BY AUGUST 20.

2020

ANNUAL MEETING

Coast Electric’s Annual Meeting will be held on Aug. 25 at 2 p.m. at the Robert J. Occhi Headquarters facility at Hwy. 603 in Kiln. Due to COVID-19 and CDC recommendations, our meeting will look a little different this year.

We will not have refreshments, booths, giveaways, regular presentations or any prize drawings at the meeting.

We will, however, offer every member who registers for the meeting additional opportunities to win electricity credits and will offer more credits than ever!

WHY SHOULD YOU REGISTER? At Coast Electric, we don’t have shareholders, we have members. As a member, you get to vote on the men and women who represent you on Coast Electric’s board of directors. That vote takes place every year at our Annual Meeting. This year, due to COVID-19, we understand that many members will not want to gather. If you don’t feel comfortable attending or your schedule won’t allow you to attend, you can register your proxy for the meeting.

WHAT IS A PROXY? Registering your proxy allows you to assign someone who will be at the meeting to vote on your behalf. You can

choose another member to vote for you or you can assign the board of directors to vote on your behalf.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF REGISTERING? By attending or registering for our Annual Meeting, you are taking an active role in your cooperative. You have a vote and a voice in how your co-op does business.

Attending or registering also gives you the opportunity to win electricity credits of up to $1,000! This year, we will not award any credits or prizes at the meeting but all of those who register will receive additional opportunities to receive credits. Drawings will be held Aug. 26.

WHO AM I VOTING FOR? When you are served by a cooperative like Coast Electric, we are led by members just like you who are part of our communities. Your board representatives are your friends and neighbors and are in touch with your needs. We want you to get to know the men and women who work for you as part of our board. Members will be voting on these three board representatives selected by the nominating committee at our upcoming Annual Meeting.

JAMES GINN

GORDON REDD

WILLIAM D. MOONEY

Representative for Hancock County, Position 3

Representative for Harrison County, Position 3

Representative for Pearl River County, Position 3

ELECTED TO BOARD IN 2002

ELECTED TO BOARD IN 2002

ELECTED TO BOARD IN 1986

Retired executive vice-president of Hancock Bank; Member of Central Bible Church, Bay St. Louis

Co-owner and president of Redd Pest Solutions; Member of Orange Grove Church of Christ

Retired partner in Sun Coast Business and Industrial Supplies; Member of Salem Baptist Church AUGUST 2020 | TODAY 13

MEETING AGENDA: 1. Report on the existence of a quorum 2. Reading of the notice of the meeting and proof of the due publication or mailing thereof, or the waiver(s) of notice of the meeting 3. Reading, or the waiver thereof, of unapproved minutes of previous meetings of the members and the taking of necessary action thereon 4. Presentation and consideration of reports of officers, directors and committees

(a) Receive report of Committee on Nominations (b) Secretary to present petitions filed and posted for

nominations of directors (c) Election of Directors for Position Three: Hancock,

Harrison and Pearl River counties 5. Unfinished business 6. New business 7. Adjournment

Due to COVID-19 and CDC recommendations, we will not have refreshments, booths, giveaways, regular presentations or any prize drawings at the meeting. We will, however, offer every member who registers for the meeting additional opportunities to win electricity credits and will offer more credits than ever!

BROADBAND VOTE In addition to electing your board of directors, we are also asking you to cast your vote to amend our Certificate of Consolidation to allow us to offer broadband, should we find it is in the best interest of our members and community.

WHAT IS BROADBAND SERVICE? Broadband provides consumers with a link to the internet, including voice, data, video and email services. The connection Coast Electric is considering would be through a fiber optic connection, which many believe provides the fastest and most reliable broadband service to consumers. Coast Electric would need to extend fiber across areas of its system, mostly on its own poles, to provide that fiber access to consumers.

WILL COAST ELECTRIC MEMBERS FINANCE BROADBAND SERVICES? The state law that allows electric cooperatives to enter the broadband business states that there can be no cross subsidization between the electric co-op and broadband subsidiary. No costs for this project will be borne by the electric

14 TODAY | AUGUST 2020

co-op or its members. Ultimately, the cost will be borne by the customers of the broadband company. Since we are a not-forprofit electric utility, we have access to low-cost financing and can take a longer approach to payback. Our proposed pricing will be the best in the marketplace for the best service, with symmetrical speeds and no data caps.

WHY IS THE BOARD REQUESTING WE VOTE NOW? For Coast Electric to move forward with broadband planning, members must vote to ratify changes to the Certificate of Consolidation that would allow the cooperative to determine if offering broadband service is feasible. No further discussions can be made until the amendment proposed by the board is approved by the membership.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? Visit https://coastepa.com/my-co-op/cebroadband/. Keep in mind that many of the details about pricing, implementation, areas of service, etc., will be determined if members vote “yes� and we can continue our research.

How to register

UN-OFFICIAL BALLOT AND PROXY ALL VOTES AND PROXY CARDS MUST BE RECEIVED BY AUGUST 20, 2020.

UN-OFFICIAL BALLOT

BROADBAND: If you would like Coast Electric to consider offering high-speed internet service, select “YES”.

If you do not think Coast Electric should offer high-speed internet service, select “NO”.

UN-OFFICIAL PROXY

If you would like to appoint the board as your proxy, simply sign and date the signature line below.

If you would like to appoint someone you know who will be in attendance at our 2020 Annual Meeting to represent you with their vote, CHECK THIS BOX. If you would like to assign the board as your proxy, you do not need to check this box.

E L

P M

PROXY:

A S

NOTE: You MUST know your proxy’s member number for your registration to be valid. If you do not check this box, the board will serve as your proxy.

REMEMBER:

You MUST sign your card for it to be valid and counted. * This sample proxy is not valid and will not be counted if mailed in. You must register online, in a Coast Electric office or by mailing in the card that was sent to your home.

REGISTRATION AVAILABLE FROM HOME For your health and safety, you can register online, in our offices or by mailing in the Annual Meeting registration card sent to your home. If you do attend, we ask that you practice safe social distancing and wear a mask.

AUGUST 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

Here are 10 tips for responding to the 2020 Census By law, the U.S. government is required to count the number of people living in the United States every 10 years.

Getting an accurate count is important because census numbers impact daily life in the United States in many ways.

For example, census data is often used to determine how much federal funding is allocated for important projects and services that benefit local communities. The census also plays a vital role in our nation’s system of government by determining how many representatives will be sent to Congress from each state.

Because getting an accurate count is so important, the process is designed to be fast, easy, and safe. On average, it takes no more than 10 minutes to answer the questions on the census.

Here are 10 quick tips to help you to respond and it should take just a few minutes: 1. If you don’t regularly check the mail, please do so now. By now, most households have received at least one invite to respond to the 2020 Census, which includes instructions for how to respond online, by phone, or by mail.

2. Even if you don’t get an invitation in the mail, you can go online at 2020census.gov and respond now. You don’t have to wait for the paper questionnaire to arrive either.

3. Your name isn’t on it. The invitation will be addressed to “Resident” — that’s you (and everyone in your household). Don’t throw it out just because your name isn’t on it. But do be aware of scam and fraud mail.

4. Determine how you will respond: online, by phone, or by mail. If you want to answer on paper, you can. Paper questionnaires are arriving by mail to households that haven’t yet responded.

5. Responding online is easy. Your invitation includes a Census ID number. But if you lose it, you can use your address. You can go online on any device including a 12 TODAY | AUGUST 2020

laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Remember: If you respond online, you must complete the census in one sitting.

You will not have the ability to save your progress and come back to finish.

6. You can respond in English and 12 different languages online and by phone. There will be a drop-down menu online, or a special phone number on your invitation. Other languages are: Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Russian, Arabic, Tagalog, Polish, French, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, and Japanese. The Census Bureau also offers webpages and guides in 59 non-English languages, including American Sign Language, and guides in Braille and large print.

7. On the paper questionnaire use blue or black ink – no pencils! You can write in the margins, though, if you need space. Be sure to return the questionnaire in the envelope provided. If you lost it, return it to: U.S. Census Bureau, National Processing Center, 1201 E 10th Street, Jeffersonville, IN 47132.

8. Figure out who is “Person 1/Head of Household.” If you’re the only person in your home, then you are Person 1. If more than one person lives in your home, Person 1 is generally someone whose name is on the mortgage or rental agreement and who is over age 15.

9. Count everyone who lives in your home — including children. Count everyone who lives and sleeps in your home most of the time, including relatives, friends and others. Learn more about who to count and special circumstances for specific groups of people such as military. If more than 10 people live in your home, respond online at 2020census.gov where there is plenty of space.

10. Respond as soon as you can. Respond on your own now to avoid a visit from a census taker later this year.

Learn more at 2020census.gov.

7

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING POSTCARD BILLING Delta Electric will be switching all postcard billed customers to a statement bill effective with the billing date of August 7, 2020. This change will bring added benefits to those currently on postcard billing, as follows:

PAYMENT COUPON RETURN ENVELOPE PRIVACY PRINT AND VIEW STATEMENTS ON CUSTOMER PORTAL IMPORTANT MESSAGES MULTIPLE ACCOUNTS (SAME BILLING DATE) ON ONE STATEMENT E-BILL (ELECTRONIC BILLING) By taking part in E-BILL, a customer gets an electronic copy of their bill delivered to their email address on the day it is billed. If you are interested in E-BILL, please contact your local Delta Electric office.

WE’RE BACK IN

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Students will be out and about.

Please watch out for school buses and children at crosswalks. And observe school zones when school is in session.

Installing a smart power strip is a quick and easy way to start saving money while making your home more energy efficient.

Smart power strips can actually cut power off to save energy since they are able to detect when a device is in standby mode.

THINK SAFETY!

DELTA ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION

WILL BE CLOSED Monday, September 7 in observance of

AUGUST 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.

We’re your trusted energy advisor Utility scams are common because consumers are understandably anxious about the disruption to their electric service, especially during the summer months. Second, new products and services in the energy industry provide an opening for scammers to provide misleading information or shoddy products and services.

Avoid phone scams A common phone scam typically begins with a phone number that appears to be from a valid utility company. The scammer will claim you have a past due account and threaten to disconnect service or take legal action. The scammer will typically demand that you use a prepaid debit card or money order, often within a very short, urgent time frame to pay the “past due” amount.

You can combat this scam by being aware of the status of your account. Never give your banking or personal information over the phone to someone you did not call. If you have a question or concern about your energy bill, call us directly at 601-425-2535 or check your up-to-date account information at dixieepa.com/MyAccount or use the free SmartHub app. Do not use the phone number given by the scammer. Please check with us before you give your information.

primary goal could be making a sale and moving on to the next prospect.

Dixie Electric can offer a candid assessment to determine whether rooftop solar is right for you. After all, our bottom line is not directly tied to the sale of a product or service. We take a more objective view of how to achieve energy and cost savings for our members, and that may or may or may not include rooftop solar. Call our engineering department before you make your final decision about a solar installation because you don’t want to over buy, and you’ll need to fill out an interconnection agreement.

In this ever-changing environment, it’s important to remember you have a trusted energy advisor — your local electric cooperative. We are a community-focused organization that works to efficiently deliver affordable, reliable and safe energy to our members.

Remember, we’re just one call or click away, so please reach out with any questions about your electric service or bills — we’re here to help.

Use trusted sources If you’re considering solar for your home, make sure you are working with a reputable company. Because this is still an emerging industry with evolving technology, there have been numerous pop-up companies in the market to make a quick buck.

Representatives of rooftop solar companies may have more sales experience than knowledge of the energy industry, and their

2020 CREDENTIALS AND ELECTIONS COMMITTEE MEMBERS Andy Dial Ben Cole Barbara McLaurin Mark Waller

James Walley F.M. Harrington Kevin Shows

The Credentials and Elections Committee verifies candidate qualifications for Dixie Electric’s board of director elections and oversees the voting process.

by Randy Smith General Manager

There’s so many easy payment options

It’s easy as: 1 Pay online at dixieepa.com.

2 3

Use the SmartHub app.

Visit the Payment Kiosk at our local offices 24/7. Flip over your bill stub and use the bar code at the kiosk for quick and easy service.

Small adjustments for

SIGNIFICANT SAVINGS

by Paul Wesslund During summer months, setting your thermostat a few degrees higher than normal can make a significant difference in energy use. The Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher when possible. Consumers can achieve additional energy savings by investing in a smart or programmable thermostat.

In addition to monitoring your thermostat, Keith Dennis, VP of consumer member engagement for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), suggests keeping an eye on another significant energy user, your water heater. According to the Department of Energy, lowering your water heater temperature to 120 degrees is an easy way to save energy, and for every 10 degrees reduced, consumers can save 3% to 5% on water heating costs. Dennis also recommends replacing an older, less efficient water heater with a newer, energy efficient model, which could pay for itself in the long run.

For persistently high energy bills, contact Dixie Electric or visit dixieepa.com/MyAccount for more information on how you use energy.

Consumers can also find a wide range of additional ways to save energy at www.energystar.gov. Small changes to energy use habits, like turning off lights when you leave a room or unplugging devices when not in use, can help you save. But to make the biggest difference in energy use — even during a global pandemic — pay attention to how you heat and cool your home. That’s where the biggest potential for saving energy lies.

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:

DIXIE ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION

WILL BE CLOSED Monday, September 7 in observance of

Waynesboro, Big Creek, Dyess Bridge, Clara and Shubuta

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

Burr Creek substation: Moselle, Union and Ellisville

Servicemen will remain on duty.

Please call 888-465-9209 or use the SmartHub app to report outages.

While recovering from tornado damage, choose

COMFORT ADVANTAGE for a lifetime of cost saving.

by Lydia Walters for energy efficient Easter Sunday should construction for new have been a joyous day homes or an upgrade to a with afternoon egg heat pump in an existing hunts and time spent home. with family. Instead, “The Comfort an EF-4 tornado rolled Advantage program through Covington, is a great option for Jones and Jasper our members who are counties on Sunday, building homes now, April 12.

The Pickerings new home on Morning Star Road is about 1,900 square feet, which is about the same size as their previous one, but will be much more energy efficient with spray foam especially those that J.T. and June insulation, energy efficient windows and a heat pump. are recovering from the Pickering were in their recent tornadoes,” Energy home on Morning Advisor and Safety Star Road in west Manager Joe Donald said.

Jones County when The Pickering home the tornado with wind met the Comfort speeds up to 195 miles Advantage Plus standards, per hour destroyed their which means they have house. a 15 SEER or higher On that Sunday In a spare bedroom closet, J.T. Pickering had The Pickerings chose ENERGY STAR heat pump. In addition afternoon, J.T. and the walls and ceiling reinforced for a storm appliances which helped them reach the to the efficient heating June were watching shelter in their home.

Comfort Advantage Plus energy efficiency certification for their new home. and cooling system, J.T. the television closely explained that they chose blown-in foam insulation. This is an for weather reports. When the reports said it was heading excellent choice because it provides energy savings for the life their direction, J.T. looked out and saw the “blackest sky.” They of the home. grabbed old baseball helmets and sheltered in their bedroom The Comfort Advantage standards are a great guide closet. for energy efficient construction, and they are not difficult “We weren’t in there long. Our ears popped, and it was over,” to achieve. They key is to sign up for the program before Pickering said. The first thing they saw when they emerged construction begins and follow the standards as you make from their closet was a door facing laying on their bed. There decisions about the building materials and appliances in were trees down everywhere, pink insulation scattered across their property, and the windows were blown out across the back your new home. Comfort Advantage requires the home to be inspected during the building process. of their home. The couple’s 1,900 square foot home, which was For more information, visit dixieepa.com and click on built by J.T. and his uncle in 1973, was a total loss. Quickly after Comfort Advantage. If you would like to sign up, please do the storm, J.T. was able to hire contractor Ronnie Hill and begin so at any of Dixie Electric’s three office locations; simply ask a constructing a new home. member service representative, and be sure to sign up early in “When we originally built this house, we used hand saws and the building process. hammers. Now you can build a house a lot faster with power tools,” Pickering said.

The new home is similar in size to the original one but is much more energy efficient because the Pickerings built their new home to the Comfort Advantage standards provided by Dixie Electric. Comfort Advantage offers financial incentives 14 TODAY | AUGUST 2020

KATRINA 15 Remembering

YEARS LATER

A story of recovery and strength

by Lydia Walters Cooperative Energy, formerly South Mississippi Electric, is Dixie On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina entered Dixie Electric Electric’s wholesale power provider. Most of their generators were Power Association’s service area, bringing 100 mile per hour offline because there was no electric load to serve. As distribution winds, spawning tornadoes and snapping large trees. All of Dixie cooperatives, like Dixie Electric, rebuilt power lines, the generators Electric’s 35,568 meters lost power due to transmission and could slowly be brought back to full capacity. This was a tedious distribution lines being damaged or destroyed by this violent balancing act that went on behind the scenes for a couple of weather system. weeks to restore electric service across south Hurricane Katrina continues to be KATRINA BY THE NUMBERS Mississippi. one of the worst natural disasters to The days that followed Hurricane Katrina strike the United States. All the homes were difficult; however, even among the and businesses south of Interstate 20 in devastation, there was hope. More than 1,100Mississippi lost electric power. At no time TOTAL COST line workers came to assist Dixie Electric with previously had local residents experienced of power restoration power restoration. Crews from other electric the entire southern half of the state cooperatives, line construction contractors without electricity. and right-of-way clearing crews along with the “Until we got to work, I don’t think we employees of Dixie Electric worked in extremely realized how severe it [Hurricane Katrina’s hot weather for 21 straight days to restore devastation] really was. . . . I never in my electric service to members. life had seen Jones County completely total number of South Mississippi has a strong sense of dark,” Line Construction Supervisor served on the system; all lost power community. Many of the visiting line workers Tommy Ulmer explained. Ulmer was a were impressed by the offers of food and journeyman lineman at the time Hurricane refreshments by the members, who were the Katrina struck. total very individuals affected by Katrina.

“These were long and trying days, number of In many ways, Hurricane Katrina defines south but our employees stayed focused on Mississippi. Even 15 years later, time is often rebuilding our system and recovering referred to as before or after Katrina. Continuing from Hurricane Katrina,” General Manager who came to assist to remember Hurricane Katrina for Mississippians Randy Smith said. Smith worked as a distribution engineer in 2005. “It is important because it is a testimony to the [restoration] was different. We were resilience and spirit of the residents who number of putting up lines and nothing was coming experienced it.

DAYS TO on because all of the generators were down.”

$

45

million

35,568 METERS

1,100 LINE WORKERS

21

RE-ENERGIZE the system

AUGUST 2020 | TODAY 15

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

We need to hear from you Each August, all East Mississippi Electric Power Association Members receive notice of the Annual Meeting and proxy. This year, broadband services will be on the agenda.

In June 2020, your EMEPA Board of Directors voted to amend EMEPA’s Certificate of Incorporation to expand EMEPA’s purpose to include broadband services. The Board also authorized the creation of East Mississippi Connect, LLC, an affiliate of EMEPA, which will offer the broadband services. As an EMEPA Member, you are asked to ratify these decisions. Your voice and your vote counts; and you will play an especially critical role in our ability to begin offering high-speed broadband service to our communities!

You may vote on the broadband question by signing and returning your proxy card to EMEPA, or while in attendance at the meeting on Saturday, October 3, 2020. You will be eligible to win one of two $500 electricity credits per county by returning your proxy. The credits will be awarded through a random drawing conducted by Mark Biggs, CPA, of the independent accounting firm of Wilson & Biggs of Ridgeland.

We believe greater broadband availability in our service area benefits our members substantially, including improvements in quality of life, economic development, education opportunities, health-care benefits and economic growth. Additionally, by

connecting our substations and office with fiber optic cable, we will create a truly smart grid that will provide us with more automation capabilities, ultimately increasing the reliability of our electric service to you.

This endeavor falls in line with our mission to deliver energy to empower lives. Broadband is the electricity of the 1930s and 1940s. Remember, in 1930, fewer than 10% of farms had access to electricity. Much like we did with electricity in 1938, we’re going to provide real, affordable broadband to our members.

Preliminary planning is underway for the first phase of construction for a fiber-to-the-home broadband network, but we need your vote in order to move forward!

For more information on our plans for bringing broadband service to our communities, visit EMEPA.com/Broadband or East Mississippi Connect on Facebook and Twitter. For more information on EMEPA’s 82nd Annual Meeting, visit EMEPA.com/AnnualMeeting.

by Randy Carroll CEO — East Mississippi Electric Power Association

2020 ANNUAL MEETING PROXY A Member may appoint a proxy to vote for the Member at the Annual Meeting if the Member does not plan to attend.

EMEPA Board of Directors as Proxy: A Member may appoint the EMEPA Board of Directors as the Member’s proxy by signing and dating the appropriate lines on the Proxy card and returning it to EMEPA. If the Member appoints the Board to cast the Member’s votes, leave the “Representative’s Name and Account Number” lines BLANK. Other Proxy: To appoint a proxy other than the EMEPA Board of Directors, complete the “Representative’s Name and Account Number” lines and return the card to EMEPA. The proxy must attend the Annual Meeting to cast the Member’s votes.

Election of Board of Directors: All proxies designating the EMEPA Board of Directors as proxy will be voted for the directors nominated by the Credentials Committee.

12 TODAY | AUGUST 2020

Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation, i.e. Broadband: At the Annual Meeting, Members will be asked to ratify amending EMEPA’s Certificate of Incorporation. The changes allow EMEPA to establish East Mississippi Connect, LLC as an affiliate to offer broadband services. You can indicate your support for broadband by marking YES on the proxy card.

Remember to appoint a proxy, either the Board or someone else, to cast your vote on this issue and return the Proxy card to EMEPA. The proposed amended Certificate of Incorporation can be found at EMEPA.com/AnnualMeeting.

Additional information about the rules relating to proxies can be found at EMEPA.com/AnnualMeeting. Each Member may return only one proxy. Proxies are available at each EMEPA office if yours is lost or misplaced.

EMEPA 82ND ANNUAL MEETING EMEPA 82nd Annual Meeting Saturday, October 3, 2020 10 a.m.

EMEPA Auditorium 2128 Highway 39 North Meridian, MS 39302

EMEPA will conduct the meeting subject to applicable CDC, federal, state, and local guidelines, rules and requirements. More information will be made available and you may contact 601-581-8624 or visit EMEPA.com/AnnualMeeting for updated information.

EMEPA partners with TVA

to donate $5,000 to United Way of East Mississippi East Mississippi Electric Power Association is proud to announce that it has partnered with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to award $5,000 to United Way of East Mississippi (UWEM) to support their efforts in providing needed resources to partner agencies working in direct response to the ongoing pandemic.

UWEM has partnered with local non-profit agencies such as Wesley House and Multi-County Community Service Agency to support efforts in providing needed resources during this time.

For more information on the efforts of UWEM, visit www.uwem.org.

From left: Derron Radcliff, United Way of East Mississippi executive director; Josh Wooten, TVA customer service manager and Julie Boles, EMEPA director of marketing and Communication.

AUGUST 2020 | TODAY 13

EMEPA raises $29,000 for cancer research and patient support East Mississippi Electric Power Association employees and supporters came together at Camp Binachi in Lauderdale County in June to raise more than $29,000 to help fund research and patient support programs for the countless people battling cancer. Despite the unprecedented challenges brought on by COVID-19, this year’s event was a tremendous success.

The 7th Annual Shoot For A Cure clay-shooting event raised needed funds for the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life as well as Anderson Cancer Center’s Cancer Patient Benevolence Fund.

“Through Shoot For A Cure, we are able to support research to find a cure for cancer while also directly benefit cancer patients in our local communities,” said EMEPA Chief Executive Officer Randy Carroll.

American Cancer Society ® 14 TODAY | AUGUST 2020

Thank you to our 7th Annual Shoot For A Cure sponsors: • A&B Electric Co., Inc. • Arkansas Electric Cooperative Inc. • Auto Parts Center • B&B Electrical & Utility Contractors • Benefits Management Group, Inc. • CoBank • Cooperative Energy • Cornerstone Dental Care • D&H Construction and Cabinetry • dataVoice International • Davidson Hauling, Inc. • Deanco Auction Co. • Delta Directional • Ed Chaney Tire Pros • Electric Cooperative of MS • EMEPA Board of Directors • Fulton Line Service • Futura Systems, Inc. • Garner Lumley Electric Supply • Gresco • Heblon Heating & Cooling • Howard Industries • Stuart C. Irby • Justin Brewer, Farm Bureau • Kacey Bailey • Landis + Gyr

• Mastec • Meridian Coca-Cola • Mississippi Food Services • Mississippi Power • MS-TN Transformers, Inc. • Newell Paper Company • Osmose • Piggly Wiggly of Collinsville & Stonewall • Prime Developers Inc. • SEDC • Slay Steel Inc. • Southern Cleaning Services of Meridian, Inc. • Southern Clearing, LLC • Southern Tire Mart • Stella Jones • Storm Services LLC • T&Z Hydraulic Service • The Citizens Bank • The Service Company • Thomasson Company • TransArmour Solutions • Waters International Trucks • Woodall Electric • X-Treme Truck Accessories

THANK YOU Thomas Gun and Pawn in Meridian for donating a Clock G43X 9mm handgun and Rock House Gun & Pawn in Meridian for donating a Ruger 10/22 rifle

RAFFLED AT THE 7TH ANNUAL SHOOT FOR A CURE EVENT

EAST MISSISSIPPI ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION

WILL BE CLOSED Monday, September 7 in observance of

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

Realm of possibilities surround broadband decision As these words are being written, 4-County is on the cusp of a brave new world. Your Association has applied for grant money through the Mississippi Electric Cooperatives Broadband COVID-19 Grant Program Fund. That fund, established by state lawmakers in July, is designed to help electric cooperatives with projects to provide broadband to rural areas of Mississippi. Our local lawmakers supported this effort and so did the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Government Relations team and, in the end, some $65 million has been made available. As the name of the fund shows, the pandemic has shown a need for access to broadband especially in those far-flung areas who don’t have many — or any — options. I’d like to thank all of our lawmakers who worked to make this fund a reality. It shows their dedication to all of their constituents and their support of 4-County that they made it a priority this session to make money available to help solve this issue.

Unfortunately, at press time, we had not yet found out whether we received a grant. But we did apply for the full limit of $6 million with the plan of doing up to three pilot projects. According to the rules of the grant, projects must be done in areas that are considered underserved or unserved in terms of broadband availability. 4-County will match the state grant.

The next big step is the vote we are currently holding to change our Certificate of Incorporation. This is really just a housecleaning issue; we want to be as sure as we can that we are doing everything properly to begin our broadband pilot and, possibly, an eventual roll out to all members.

This vote doesn’t require a quorum, but it does require that 60% of those voting vote yes. I encourage all of you to return a ballot or proxy by Aug. 21.

The big question is what this means for broadband across the whole service territory and right now, honestly, the answer is “we don’t know.” If we get the funding, this pilot project obviously gets us started. It may be that it serves as a first step to broadband across the service territory. We are still working on that answer. In the meantime, we are hoping to move forward with this initial project because, at the very least, it will provide a service to some of our members who truly need it. Soon, we should also have final results from our broadband survey conducted by Mississippi State’s Social Science Research Center. Initial returns show that about 65% of the membership supports moving ahead with a broadband project.

Of course, we will continue to communicate details of our pilot projects and our broadband project as a whole. We look forward to our journey forward, whatever it might eventually look like. As always, we welcome your questions, concerns and input. Please feel free to email us at broadband@4county.org or call us at 1-800-431-1544.

by Brian Clark CEO/General Manager

12 TODAY | AUGUST 2020

HERE’S AN IDEA Are you grounded?

GFCI outlets can help!

Did you know there are different types of electrical outlets? Each are designed for different purposes; however, there is one specific type that stands high above the rest — the ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet. GFCIs have saved thousands of lives and cut the number of electrocutions in half since the 1970s. If your home lacks GFCI outlets, don’t fret — you can learn how to “get grounded.”

GFCIs are the most efficient outlet in protecting from electrical shock. If it senses a loss of current, the outlet switches off power to that circuit. These devices can either be installed in your electrical system or built into a power cord. The third hole at the bottom of the outlet is known as the “ground” slot, and it monitors electrical currents that flow through the left “neutral” slot and the right “hot” slot on each outlet. A GFCI can react faster than a blink of an eye to any imbalance of power by immediately shutting off the electrical current. These outlets are now a requirement in all places where water could potentially come into contact with electrical products such as bathrooms, garages, outdoors and kitchens. GFCIs are not exclusive to three-prong outlets. They can be installed into standard outlets, and there are even portable devices available when installation is not practical.

GFCIs should be tested at least once a month to ensure they are working effectively. The first step you need to take is to test an item, such as a lamp, that visibly powers on when plugged in. Push the “reset” button to prepare the outlet then push the “test” button. Did your lamp turn off? If it did, the GFCI is working properly. Now, hit the “reset” button once again to power it back on. If your lamp did not power off, then you should contact a certified electrician to correct the problem.

Next time you have a free moment, take the time to look around your house. If you’re not “grounded,” consider updating your electrical outlets to GFCIs. Sources: Electrical Safety Foundation International, Consumer Product Safety Commission

Update

4-County broadband picture gets clearer Things are happening in the broadband arena for 4-County.

The Association has applied for grants under the recentlyenacted Mississippi Electric Cooperatives Broadband COVID-19 Grant Program Fund. That fund, established by the legislature in July, earmarked $65 million in potential funding for state electric cooperatives to help deploy broadband to their members.

The grants are capped at $6 million per cooperative, must be matched by the cooperative and must be used in areas that are considered unserved or underserved.

At press time, the grant awards had not been announced, but 4-County has requested $6 million to be used for building up to three limited pilot projects in rural areas of the service territory. If the co-op receives the grant, details about it will be announced here and in other media outlets. If 4-County gets the MS CARES grant, it is a step that may help the co-op provide broadband to all members, but that is not a guarantee. A full rollout across the service territory is being considered, but the Association has not made a final decision.

In the meantime, to make sure we are following all legal requirements, 4-County needs to amend our Certificate of Incorporation. That certificate, issued in the 1930’s and based on the Mississippi law that enabled electric cooperatives to operate in the state, needs to be updated to allow 4-County to create a subsidiary company to provide Broadband to members.

4-County members will receive a ballot in the mail. Members are encouraged to cast their votes. To pass the measure, the coop needs 60% approval from those who cast votes. The results will be announced at the Special Called Meeting of the Members Wednesday, Sept. 9, 10 a.m., at the 4-County Corporate Center.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the meeting will be streamed online and will not be open to the public. Ballots must be received by close of business on Friday, Aug. 21, to be counted. The firm of Watkins, Ward and Stafford will tabulate and certify the results of the vote.

SAMPLE BALLOT The Board of Directors has put forth a resolution to amend the Association’s Certification of Incorporation to allow 4-County to offer broadband services and to update the Association’s primary place of business.

YES, I approve amending the Certification of Incorporation NO, I do not approve the Certification of Incorporation (Please clearly mark one box) SIGNED X__________________________________________ DATE ___________________________________________ Signee certifies that they hold either an individual or joint membership and is member or spouse of member whose name is affixed to this ballot or is duly authorized to vote this ballot if name affixed is that of a business or church, etc.

AUGUST 2020 | TODAY 13

by Brad Barr Fifteen years have come and gone, but the memories remain forever.

“It’s not something I’ll soon forget. I can tell you that,” said 4-County’s Harold Tallent.

Hurricane Katrina swept through Mississippi Aug. 29-30, 2005, leaving devastation in its wake.

4-County linemen accounts of the Gulf Coast then were telling: a soft breeze ruffling a tattered American flag flying proudly on a makeshift pole, a sailboat resting precariously in a foreign harbor amidst a stand of hardwood trees and a once picturesque boulevard with steps leading to nowhere.

Scenes like these were commonplace along the Mississippi Gulf Coast in 2005 in the days, weeks and months following a whirling mass of wind, waves and rain known as Hurricane Katrina. A picture may be worth a thousand words but viewing the devastation along the Mississippi Gulf Coast spoke volumes, according to a group of 4-County employees that saw it firsthand. Thousands of people lost their homes, hundreds lost their lives and almost everyone in the United States of America felt a loss of some kind or another.

Today, the Mississippi Gulf Coast has rebounded. Lives, infrastructure and a sense of community have risen from storm debris. And while those destructive images remain, 14 TODAY | AUGUST 2020

there are other memories, too: Emergency response workers rescuing those in need. Food and water delivered by the truckloads.

And linemen working to get the lights back on.

But before trekking to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, 4-County crews had a mess of their own to clean up.

Hurricane Katrina swept into the 4-County service area in the evening hours of Aug. 29, uprooting trees, knocking limbs onto power lines, breaking poles and even causing some flooding. Heavy winds, with sustained blasts of 35 to 50 miles per hour and gusts of up to 75 miles per hour, plagued 4-County’s service territory until the early morning hours of Aug. 30.

In the storm’s aftermath, cooperative officials were faced with the task of restoring power to nearly 33,000 consumers.

4-County crews responded quickly and power was restored to virtually all members on Sept. 3.

After restoring power to its own members, 4-County sent two 13-man crews to assist Singing River Electric Power Association and Coast Electric Power Association with power restoration efforts along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Virtual energy audits available One of 4-County’s key missions is finding ways to serve members better, especially through technology. That’s why 4-County Electric Power Association is proud to announce a new technological partnership with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). A new virtual energy audit program will help members get information on their homes’ energy use faster without exposing them or 4-County employees to health risks associated with COVID-19.

Usually, when a member needs an energy audit, often for an eScore or for a high power use issue, a 4-County energy advisor visits the home and conducts a thorough inspection of heating and cooling, appliances, lighting, windows, insulation and weatherization. The advisor then prepares a report for the member, telling him/her what’s good and not so good about the home’s energy efficiency and power use.

But, with pandemic concerns, an in-person visit might not be the best option. Now, if a member has a smart phone or tablet, 4-County can conduct an in-depth virtual audit.

4-County Energy Advisor Junior Eads recently conducted the co-op’s first virtual audit and he’s a big fan. “It is pretty amazing what we can do. The member uses their phone to show us their house.

I follow on my laptop and guide them through what we need. We take pictures of everything, just like when I do a physical audit,” Eads said.

“It is just like we were there. I can see everything I need to see and give the member the same advice I would if I had actually been at their house,” he added.

Like all 4-County energy audits, virtual audits are free and available to any residential member with a smart device who wants energy efficiency or energy use advice. 4-County members who would like to find out more about virtual — or traditional — energy audits or other programs can call 1-800-431-1544 and ask for Eads, Ronnie Vernon or Sheila Smith, or visit our webpage at www.4county.org.

Farm workers urged to reap safely It can be an exciting and exhausting time, the culmination of a season of hard work. However, the rush to harvest can also yield tragic outcomes.

Each year, dozens of farm workers are killed and hundreds are injured in accidents involving power lines and electrical equipment.

“Things people see every day can fade from view and in the busyness of harvest time, it’s easy for farm workers to forget about the power lines overhead,” says Richard McCracken of the Safe Electricity Advisory Board.

“But failure to notice can be a deadly oversight.”

Review with all workers the farm activities that take place around power lines. Inspect the height of farm equipment to determine clearance.

Keep equipment at least 10 feet away from power lines — above, below and to the side — a 360-degree rule.

“Always lower grain augers before moving them, even if it’s only a few feet,” says Bob Aherin, PhD, CSP and University of Illinois Professor and Agricultural Safety and Health Program Leader. “Variables like wind, uneven ground, shifting weight or other conditions can combine to create an unexpected result. Also use extreme caution when raising the bed of a grain truck.”

Farm workers should take these steps to ensure a safer harvest season: • Use care when raising augers or the bed of grain trucks around power lines.

• Use a spotter when operating large machinery near power lines.

Do not let the spotter touch the machinery while it is being moved anywhere near power lines.

• As with any outdoor work, be careful not to raise any equipment such as ladders, poles or rods into power lines. Remember, nonmetallic materials such as lumber, tree limbs, ropes and hay will conduct electricity depending on dampness, dust and dirt contamination.

16 TODAY | AUGUST 2020

• Never attempt to raise or move a power line to clear a path.

• Don’t use metal poles to break up bridged grain inside bins.

Know where and how to shut off the power in an emergency.

• Use qualified electricians for work on drying equipment and other farm electrical systems.

Operators of farm equipment or vehicles must also know what to do if the vehicles come in contact with a power line: stay on the equipment, warn others to stay away and call 911. Do not get off the equipment until the utility crew says it is safe to do so.

“If the power line is energized and you step outside, touching the vehicle and ground, your body becomes the path and electrocution is the result,” Aherin said. “Even if a power line has landed on the ground, the potential for the area nearby to be energized still exists. Stay inside the vehicle unless there’s fire or imminent risk of fire.”

If this is the case, jump off the equipment with your feet together, without touching the ground and vehicle at the same time. Then, still keeping your feet together, hop to safety as you leave the area.

Once you get away from the equipment, never attempt to get back on or even touch the equipment. Some electrocutions have occurred after the operator dismounts and, realizing nothing has happened, tries to get back on the equipment.

It is very important that all farm workers and seasonal employees are informed of electrical hazards and trained in proper procedures to avoid injury.

For more information on farm electrical safety, visit SafeElectricity.org.

Safe Electricity is the safety outreach program of the Energy Education Council, a non-profit organization with more than 400 electric cooperative members and many others who share the mission of creating a safer, smarter world.

E S

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Living by example is Cole Morgan’s way every day

Cole Morgan is a man of few words.

Actions, he believes, speak much louder than words.

“I’m a doer. I like to get things done,” the 4-County Apprentice Lineman 4 explained.

He gets things done at 4-County Electric Power Association by serving on Wyatt Pumphrey’s Corporate Center crew.

The Webster County resident is a graduate of East Webster High School.

Cole attended East Central Community College (ECCC) on a football scholarship, where he played defensive end for the Warriors. What did he enjoy about football? “The camaraderie and competition,” he answered.

After his football career, Cole graduated from ECCC’s Lineman Training Program. And prior to 4-County, Cole worked as a journeyman for Chain Electric, a contract firm based in Hattiesburg that was doing work in Alabama.

He began his 4-County career in November 2019.

When Cole’s not working at the co-op, he can usually be found near the water — wherever he can wet a hook. “I enjoy fishing. It can be fresh water or saltwater fishing. I recently went deep sea fishing. We caught all kinds of fish. I just enjoy being with my fishing buddies in the great outdoors,” he said. “It’s always exciting to see what’s at the end of your line.”

And it’s always exciting to be a lineman, Cole said. “Being a lineman is not for everyone. But it is for me. I enjoy the different challenges every day.”

He especially enjoys providing an essential service to local communities. “I like the fact that I’m helping people live their daily lives.”

Like many co-op employees have said before him, Cole appreciates the family atmosphere at 4-County. “Everybody wishes you a good morning. We’re a real team. We’ve got a lot of support here.”

The quiet, hard-working guy just cherishes being a lineman. “I’m just glad to be here.”

Sign up for Bank Draft today Get paid to make your life easier. 4-County Electric Power Association will give you $25 to pay your bill by Automatic Bank Draft.

Bank Draft is easy and saves you from having to mail in your payment or driving to a Service Center each month. So do yourself — and your wallet — a favor and sign up for Bank Draft today.

Members who sign up for Automatic Bank Draft

will receive a $25 credit to their electric bill. To keep the credit, members must remain on the Automatic Bank Draft program for 12 consecutive months. Members who have previously been on the Bank Draft program within the past 12 months are not eligible to receive the $25 credit.

For more information, visit www.4county.org or your local 4-County office and get started.

Hunt receives engineering scholarship Brady Hunt, a junior chemical engineering student from Starkville, has received a $2,500 scholarship from the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Foundation (ECMF).

ECMF officials present the award to engineering students who are in their junior or senior years of study.

Brady, the son of Denton and Deena Hunt, said he is honored to receive the prestigious scholarship.

“This award will be put to good use. I’m very thankful and blessed,” Brady said.

AUGUST 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

Managing home energy use through a summer of social distancing

by Paul Wesslund advice to focus on heating and cooling of things, looking at EIA’s numbers, it’s If you want to make the best use to save energy holds up. EIA has started adjusting your thermostat that’s going to of your efforts to save money on your revising its energy use predictions for make the biggest difference.” energy bill, the U.S. Energy Information Other appliances and devices consume 2020, and because of business closures Administration (EIA) can show you even smaller shares of our total energy use. and social distancing, they project that where to start. electricity sales to commercial and Nearly half of the electricity industrial customers will decline Americans use in their homes, 6.5%. With more people staying 43%, goes to heating and cooling home, you might expect residential air and water. Nearly a third of our sales to increase, and they will, electric use, 31%, goes to running but not enough to overcome the our heating and air conditioning weather. Even with more people systems. Another 12% powers our staying home and using more water heaters. heating and air conditioning, the In second place for residential weather is expected to be mild electricity use is a grab bag of enough that EIA projects a 1.3% appliances and lighting. One-fifth Even though many of us are spending more time at home due to decline in residential electric of the electricity we use in our the COVID-19 pandemic, the Energy Information Administration projects that 2020 residential energy use will decline by 1.3%. sales this year. However, those homes goes to refrigeration (6%), But those projections may change depending on how quickly predictions could well be adjusted lighting (5%), clothes drying (4%), businesses reopen and Americans get back to work. If you’re depending on how quickly and TV and video games (4%). looking to reduce energy use, monitor how you cool and heat your home, which is where the biggest potential for saving energy lies. businesses reopen, and whether That means if you want to get Eight percent of residential electricity use they adopt new ways of operating. the quickest and biggest return on energy With so many unknowns in 2020 savings, focus on how you use your heating comes from a combination of computers, freezers, washing machines, dishwashers patterns of energy use, EIA’s forecast and cooling system, and your water and cooking appliances. Other home tried to imagine what’s going on inside heater. That’s according to Keith Dennis, energy users include a range of devices like our homes in order to make their VP of consumer member engagement for projections for the year. Their May 2020 small appliances, exterior lights, outdoor the National Rural Electric Cooperative Short Term Energy Outlook says that as a Association (NRECA). grills and spa heaters. result of the actions to control the spread How COVID-19 is impacting energy use “Turning off an LED light bulb may Even with the recent disruptions to daily of COVID-19, use of household electronic come to mind when you think about saving life during the COVID-19 pandemic, the equipment will increase, and other uses energy,” he says. “But in the grand scheme 12 TODAY | AUGUST 2020

of electricity, such as cooking or water heating, may also increase. Residential air conditioning use during summer months is also likely to increase.

Small adjustments for significant savings During summer months, setting your thermostat a few degrees higher than normal can make a significant difference in energy use. The Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher when possible.

Consumers can achieve additional energy savings by investing in a smart or programmable thermostat.

In addition to monitoring your thermostat, Dennis suggests keeping an eye on another significant energy user, your water heater.

According to the Department of Energy, lowering your water heater temperature to 120 degrees is an easy way to save energy, and for every 10 degrees reduced, consumers can save 3% to 5% on water heating costs. Dennis also recommends replacing an older, less efficient water heater with a newer, energy efficient model, which could pay for itself in the long run.

For persistently high energy bills, Dennis recommends contacting Magnolia Electric Power for a more thorough evaluation of your home and how you use energy. Consumers can also find a wide range of additional ways to save energy at www.energystar.gov.

Small changes to energy use habits, like turning off lights when you leave a room or unplugging devices when not in use, can help you save. But to make the biggest difference in energy use — even during a global pandemic — pay attention to how you heat and cool your home. That’s where the biggest potential for saving energy lies.

ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT AT YOUR FINGERTIPS!

SmartHub lets you manage all aspects of your Magnolia Electric Power account.

SmartHub provides the tools you need to manage your accounts with mobile and Web apps fully intregrated with Magnolia Electric Power. SmartHub delivers account information, daily usage, mobile payments and more in a secure environment.

SmartHub allows you to: • Pay My Bill • View Service Request • View Billing History • Report An Outage

The two-way communication available with SmartHub allows you to notify Magnolia Electric Power of account issues and power outages, while providing us a way to let you know when your bill is available and your power outages have been restored.

• Get Help • Setup automatic notifications • Check your Usage

MANAGE My Account

WEBSITE VERSION Visit www.MEPCoop.com Click on MANAGE My Account.

This will direct you to our SmartHub site.

MAGNOLIA ELECTRIC POWER’S BUSINESS OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 IN OBSERVANCE OF

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.

AUGUST 2020 | TODAY 13

AUGUST IS

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

662-256-2962 662-356-4100

Managing home energy use through a summer of social distancing

by Paul Wesslund energy users include a range of devices like small apIf you want to make the best use of your efforts pliances, exterior lights, outdoor grills and spa heaters. to save money on your energy bill, the U.S. Energy How COVID-19 is impacting energy use Information Administration (EIA) can show you Even with the recent disruptions to daily life during where to start. the COVID-19 pandemic, the advice to focus on Nearly half of the electricity Americans use in their heating and cooling to save energy holds up. EIA has homes, 43%, goes to heating and cooling air and started revising its energy use predictions for 2020, water. Nearly a third of our electric use, 31%, goes and because of business to running our heating and closures and social distancair conditioning systems. ing, they project that elecAnother 12% powers our tricity sales to commercial water heaters. and industrial customers will In second place for decline 6.5%. With more residential electricity use people staying home, you is a grab bag of appliances might expect residential and lighting. One-fifth of sales to increase, and they the electricity we use in our will, but not enough to homes goes to refrigeration overcome the weather. Even (6%), lighting (5%), clothes Even though many of us are spending more time at home due to with more people staydrying (4%), and TV and the COVID-19 pandemic, the Energy Information Administration ing home and using more video games (4%). projects that 2020 residential energy use will decline by 1.3%.

But those projections may change depending on how quickly heating and air conditioning, That means if you want businesses reopen and Americans get back to work. If you’re the weather is expected to to get the quickest and looking to reduce energy use, monitor how you cool and heat your be mild enough that EIA biggest return on energy home, which is where the biggest potential for saving energy lies. projects a 1.3% decline in savings, focus on how you residential electric sales this year. However, those use your heating and cooling system, and your water predictions could well be adjusted depending on how heater. That’s according to Keith Dennis, VP of conquickly businesses reopen, and whether they adopt sumer member engagement for the National Rural new ways of operating.

Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).

With so many unknowns in 2020 patterns of ener“Turning off an LED light bulb may come to mind gy use, EIA’s forecast tried to imagine what’s going when you think about saving energy,” he says. “But in on inside our homes in order to make their projecthe grand scheme of things, looking at EIA’s numbers, it’s adjusting your thermostat that’s going to make the tions for the year. Their May 2020 Short Term Energy Outlook says that as a result of the actions to control biggest difference.” the spread of COVID-19, use of household electronic Other appliances and devices consume even equipment will increase, and other uses of electricity, smaller shares of our total energy use. Eight percent such as cooking or water heating, may also increase. of residential electricity use comes from a combinaResidential air conditioning use during summer tion of computers, freezers, washing machines, months is also likely to increase. dishwashers and cooking appliances. Other home 12 TODAY | AUGUST 2020

Small adjustments for significant savings During summer months, setting your thermostat a few degrees higher than normal can make a significant difference in energy use. The Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher when possible. Consumers can achieve additional energy savings by investing in a smart or programmable thermostat.

In addition to monitoring your thermostat, Dennis suggests keeping an eye on another significant energy user, your water heater.

According to the Department of Energy, lowering your water heater temperature to 120 degrees is an easy way to save energy, and for every 10 degrees reduced, consumers can save 3% to 5% on water heating

costs. Dennis also recommends replacing an older, less efficient water heater with a newer, energy efficient model, which could pay for itself in the long run.

For persistently high energy bills, Dennis recommends contacting your local electric co-op for a more thorough evaluation of your home and how you use energy. Consumers can also find a wide range of additional ways to save energy at www.energystar.gov.

Small changes to energy use habits, like turning off lights when you leave a room or unplugging devices when not in use, can help you save. But to make the biggest difference in energy use — even during a global pandemic — pay attention to how you heat and cool your home. That’s where the biggest potential for saving energy lies.

WE’RE BACK IN

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Students will be out and about.

Please watch out for school buses and children at crosswalks. And observe school zones when school is in session.

Installing a smart power strip is a quick and easy way to start saving money while making your home more energy efficient.

Smart power strips can actually cut power off to save energy since they are able to detect when a device is in standby mode.

THINK SAFETY!

MONROE COUNTY ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION

WILL BE CLOSED Monday, September 7 in observance of

AUGUST 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

One certainty is our commitment It’s August and our community is going on five months of uncertainty relative to COVID-19, return to school issues and the general landscape of what the future holds. One thing that we can be certain of is the heat. We’ve had some record setting heat in July, and August doesn’t appear to be much better.

Even with stable rates, these hot days will cause energy consumption to increase and the bills that come along with it. For energy saving tips check out our website at northcentralelectric.com.

Another certainty is Northcentral’s fiber-to-the-home project.

We’re extremely excited about the technologies Northcentral and its members may be able to access when this buildout is complete. Automated meter reading, voltage control and other smart grid applications are but a few of the potential costsaving and reliability-enhancing technologies that we hope to make available. Also included will be high speed internet service offered through our affiliate company, Northcentral Connect.

Our first phase of this complex project has been engineered, and we are preparing for material procurement and construction.

Hopefully, in October, those residents and businesses west and north of Byhalia will see construction and installations begin.

Soon, we will be providing information where you can see when broadband will be coming to your area and give timeframes for installs, as well as plans and pricing.

Uncertain times are difficult, but we at Northcentral Electric Cooperative are driven to continue to provide those products and services to enhance the quality of life for our membership and our community.

Stay cool and be safe.

by Kevin Doddridge General Manager/CEO

NORTHCENTRAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

SAVE THE DATE

WILL BE CLOSED Monday, September 7 in observance of

ANNUAL MEETING Wednesday, October 28, 2020 at 2 p.m.

Northcentral Auditorium 4600 Northcentral Way Olive Branch, MS 38654 Annual report to the Membership Board Elections Updates on Northcentral Connect All members are encouraged to participate!

12 TODAY | AUGUST 2020

Fiber huts making their appearance

by Justin Jaggers Driving around Interstate 22 and MS-309, you may have noticed something new around Northcentral’s Byhalia substation.

A small, nondescript building was recently set by crane onto a permanent foundation. This is the first of many fiber huts being installed across the Northcentral service area. Think of it as a command post for our new broadband affiliate, Northcentral Connect. Another fiber hut was also set outside of our office in Olive Branch in July.

These fiber huts will appear around most of our substations in order to roll out the high-speed internet service that Northcentral Electric Cooperative has been teasing for months now. We know the excitement is building for this new service. Hundreds of members have sent emails, left comments on our social media and called our Customer Service Department hoping for updates on progress with Northcentral Connect.

The July podcast of Northcentral Nfused included the

Substation Supervisor Barry Williams secures the structure.

announcement from Northcentral CEO/General Manager Kevin Doddridge that A new fiber hut is placed on its foundation at the first areas Northcentral’s headquarters. served will be around the town of Byhalia. “What we hope to have with Northcentral Connect will be a fiber-to-the-home product. We hope to build two phases, with construction hopefully beginning in October,” Doddridge said in the podcast. “Northcentral wants the members to know that we are working harder than ever to offer this service as quickly as we can. We have received several messages that members are working from home and they need this service. It’s coming.”

The newest addition to the Byhalia substation property.

Technical Service Coordinator Russell Pennington oversees the fiber hut placement.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY Installing a smart power strip is a quick and easy way to start saving money while making your home more energy efficient.

Smart power strips can actually cut power off to save energy since they are able to detect when a device is in standby mode.

AUGUST 2020 | TODAY 13

Representatives of the Community Foundation, Maddox Foundation and Northcentral present donations to Sally Williams and Darlene Cunningham of Healing Hearts Child Advocacy Center.

CONCERN FOR COMMUNITY BRINGS PARTNERS TOGETHER

by Justin Jaggers At this point in 2020, we have all been affected by COVID-19 in one way or another. It has been a hindrance on some aspect of our everyday life, whether big or small. You know someone who has had it. You are constantly reminding yourself to grab a mask and probably have a container of hand sanitizer within reach. You may take a little longer in a grocery aisle to give those around you the necessary six feet of space. Maybe you’re not able to see your coworkers in person, or worse, experiencing the loss of a job.

It’s easy to get caught up in the frustration of this pandemic and how it affects us and those close to us. So much so, to the point where we may have unintentionally thought less about the people in the periphery. Causes, organizations and people that we support with our time, our gifts and our talents have also been hit hard by the pandemic. Times like these highlight Northcentral’s responsibilities in the 7th Cooperative Principle, Concern for Community.

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) recently announced the establishment of their COVID-19 Community Care Fund, which helps local power companies meet needs in their communities by providing matching funds for local initiatives addressing hardships created by the pandemic.

“The far-reaching impact of this pandemic on our communities is a call to action for organizations like us with resources and partnerships to address immediate and future needs,” said Kevin Doddridge, Northcentral General Manager and CEO. “As a rate-regulated utility, we are limited in how we can respond to needs of this magnitude. Because we know our communities best, TVA has given us flexibility to identify opportunities that

have a significant impact and address specific challenges our members face during this pandemic.”

The Northcentral Electric Cooperative Board of Directors quickly approved a $15,000 donation that would be matched by TVA to begin the initiative.

“We saw an opportunity with this fund to tap into our partnership with the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi and their generous donors to further multiply the fund with other matching grants,” stated Michael Bellipanni, director of marketing and business development.

The Maddox Foundation and the Community Foundation’s FEED Fund were the first to step up with matching grants. Team Waste also quickly answered the call.

“The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi is pleased to partner with Northcentral Electric, TVA, the Maddox Foundation, Team Waste, the Walton Family Foundation and over 100 donors who have supported our FEED Northwest Mississippi Fund,” said CFNM President and CEO, Keith Fulcher. “As of July 6, a total of $308,000 has been granted to non-profits throughout the 11-county region we serve. The matching grants we have available maximize the philanthropic efforts in meeting the needs of those most impacted by COVID-19.”

Thanks to these combined efforts, several non-profit organizations will receive the help they need to serve their respective causes during one of the most trying times this century. In the months of June and July, the partnership began deploying grant funds in Northcentral’s service area.

SACRED HEART SOUTHERN MISSIONS On June 17, Sacred Heart Southern Missions was presented checks totaling $10,000 to fund food initiatives and provide emergency aid to families in the area. “We have been hit with Robin Hurdle of the Maddox Foundation, along with Kevin Doddridge and Michael Bellipanni with Northcentral present a grant to Laura Grisham of Sacred Heart Southern Missions.

lots of needs,” says Laura Grisham, communications manager for Sacred Heart. “A good part of the grant will be used for emergency financial assistance for families in DeSoto and Marshall counties and help pay for supplies for the Garden Cafe and summer feeding programs.” Currently, Sacred Heart runs a soup kitchen on Tuesdays and Thursdays with contactless COVID-19 pickups for those in need. Sacred Heart also facilitates a monthly mobile food pantry from the Mid-South Food Bank.

NORTH MISSISSIPPI COMMUNITY RESEARCH, TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER North Mississippi Community Research, Training and Development Center (NMCRTD) operates Feeding Hearts food pantry in Victoria and coordinates several mobile food distributions across Marshall County. They recently received $24,000 from the joint charity initiative that will fund the purchase of a new commercial walk-in freezer. The new equipment will allow for long-term storage of perishable foods which enables them to accept more donations. Many families took on new challenges by having children home 24-hours-a-day starting in March.

Groups like Sacred Heart and NMCRTD have been hit with a bigger demand as many families relied on up to two meals a day coming from the public school systems.

Grant checks are presented to George Zinn and Delia Reid with North Mississippi Community Research, Training and Development.

HEARTS AND HANDS MINISTRIES Many are not only experiencing physical hunger during these times, but also a spiritual one. Hearts and Hands Ministries in Byhalia is serving residents in Marshall County with both. The partnership recently presented a $3,000 donation to Hearts and Hand Ministries, which will enable the ministry to continue providing food, clothing and prayer during a time of lean giving.

HEALING HEARTS CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER Most of us have been sheltering in place with our families where we feel safest. But what about families who may be in danger at home? A very special group in our community is providing advocacy services to victims of child abuse in DeSoto and Tate counties. That’s just part of the mission of Healing Hearts Child Advocacy Center.

On the first afternoon in July, Northcentral Electric Cooperative, along with TVA, the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi and the Maddox Foundation, gave another group of checks in the name of charity. Thanks to the matching grants, Healing Hearts received $5,000 to continue their work in helping with the physical and emotional recovery of child abuse.

On the surface, it may seem like Healing Hearts is just another social services organization. But there’s so much more involved in the fight against child abuse that you may not immediately recognize.

“Right now, we’re all in hiding. We don’t see each other as much anymore and predators and abusers thrive on that. They stay hidden,” said Sally Williams, executive director of Healing Hearts. “Children aren’t in school, so we don’t have the bus drivers, the classmates, teachers, guidance counselors or the coaches out there to help us report when a child is in danger.

These victims are hidden from our everyday life.”

With the recent developments in the pandemic and the threat of extended emergency precautions, Healing Hearts is now facing a new challenge in their mission.

Donations from area non-profit organizations go toward getting technology in the hands of victims and their families. “Some of these families don’t have regular access to a car, so we get them gift codes for companies like Uber and Lyft just so they can make their appointments or go to the pharmacy,” said Williams.

Williams’s experience with abuse victims began when she was a court administrator for Mississippi’s 17th District Circuit Court (DeSoto, Panola, Tallahatchie, Tate and Yalobusha counties).

She has also worked with organizations like the March of Dimes before beginning her work with Healing Hearts.

The Maddox Foundation recognized the need to step up and help when schools and safe places for families started to close down. “There’s no other place for [child abuse victims] to go that I’m aware of. These problems and this abuse didn’t stop because of COVID,” said the foundation’s president, Robin Hurdle.

Healing Hearts Child Advocacy Center doesn’t just help victims of abuse. The center also offers training for anyone who wants to put a stop to child abuse through their Stewards of Children program. “It’s heartbreaking. It doesn’t always start with strangers. Usually the perpetrators are the people that children know and trust, from the moms or dads to the family members to the caretakers. It’s extremely sad, and there are heart wrenching stories,” Williams explained. “This job has opened my eyes to the statistics and the stories.”

Right now, Healing Hearts needs members of the community to step up and be able to recognize the signs of child abuse and know what to do. “What we need now is people on the front lines who know what to do,” said Williams. “To take the ‘mask’ off, so to speak,” Hurdle added.

If you would like to learn more about Healing Hearts Child Advocacy Center, or if you know a child or family that may benefit from their help, please visit healingheartscac.org.

Currently, there are 11 facilities like Healing Hearts in the state of Mississippi. So even if a child isn’t in the area, there is a place where they can get help. In mid-July, these facilities are reopening their centers for visitors and families to better serve those affected by child abuse.

The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi, along with Northcentral Electric Cooperative, is working to continue to solicit matching gifts and plan on funding grants as long as they can. If you or someone you know is interested in making a tax-deductible donation to the Northcentral Community Care Fund, please contact the Community Foundation at 662-449-5002 or visit cfnm.org. Eligible non-profits and agencies may also make grant requests by contacting the foundation.

AUGUST 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

Herndon finds focus in crafting from Creation bowls and vases from exotic woods such as Madagascar Ebony,

by Jennifer Johnson Wenge Bloodwood, Purple Heart, and Zebra Wood. The woods For some folks, hobbies can go from a fun activity to a come from suppliers in Africa, Central America, and South money-making side job. For Pontotoc Electric Member America.

Greg Herndon of Pontotoc, his wood working crafts play more Herndon created a wooden cradle when his first grandson of a therapeutic role. “It’s basically my psychiatrist. When I’m was born. More recently, he completed another sentimental working in my woodshop, I have to concentrate on what I’m doing. I can’t be thinking about anything else. When I turn that project for the grands: a complete chess set for Gunnar and Gibson, who Herndon says are “really pretty good at the drill on, my mind has to be totally on that. It’s much like our game” and are part of a chess team at their school. Between spiritual life. We have to have a focused mindset.” the board and all the individual pieces, Herndon said it took Herndon, pastor of Valley Grove Baptist Church in the Furrs about 20 hours of work to finish. Herndon said daughter-incommunity and an employee of the National Association of law Meghan assured him the set would be something the boys State Departments of Agriculture, said he got started with would cherish for life. woodworking after seeing a friend at a restaurant 10 years ago.

“I ran into Zack Stewart in New Albany, and he showed me a Lately, Herndon has branched out with his hobby. He and vase he had made. I asked him to teach me, and he told me if good friend and retired pastor Rex Ard work together awhile I was serious, I’d go out and buy a lathe. Well, I found one for each week to create wooden yard signs, squirrel feeders, $75, and I bought some tools. I think he realized I really was serious so he invited me to his shop. We turned a solid cherry bowl that day, and I’m still doing it today.”

Five years ago, Herndon started turning pens on his lathe. He had another friend in Oxford who was making them and once again, he asked for a lesson on creating them himself.

He’s made a number of wooden pens, including some he makes from deer antlers. The process usually takes about two hours, excluding the drying time for the glue. The antlers come from deer he’s harvested for food, and some are given to him by friends. He said he’s gifted a lot of pens to family and friends. A couple of Christmases ago, he made a pen for each of the deacons at Valley Grove. He’s also partial to making A wooden bowl crafted pens that have an American eagle design at the top, as

by Greg Herndon sits on a kitchen counter in his home. well as an American flag on the clip.

Pens aren’t the only popular item among those who purchase or receive his crafts. Herndon said he creates A wooden bowl crafted by Greg Herndon 12 TODAY | AUGUST 2020

picture frames in the shape of the state of Mississippi, and nativity scenes. At the nudging of wife Beverly, Herndon plans to soon try his hand at making wooden candlesticks.

Between pastoring and preaching, pulling statistical farm data at his other job, being a husband and father, and spending time with his three grandchildren, Herndon’s days can be pretty full. An occasional turkey hunt is something he enjoys, but an opportunity to retreat to the familiar smell of wood and glue gives him a few moments to reflect and clear his head. “I do connect with God here. It’s taking the resources God has given us and crafting things out of His creation.”

Visit Greg Herndon on Facebook for more information about his wood crafting projects. He’s also available at grghrndn@gmail.com.

Right: A finished deer antler pen.

Left: A close-up of the top portion of the special patriotic pen.

Above: Grandsons Gunnar (left) and Gibson (right) were excited to see the wooden chess board Herndon made for them.

Above left: Herndon’s son Evan holds a finished squirrel feeder, one of the newest items Herndon and friend Rex Ard have been making.

Left: Herndon drills a hole in a deer antler as part of the pen-making process.

AUGUST 2020 | TODAY 13

Pontotoc Electric Apprentice Linemen earn new title

Pontotoc Electric Power Association WILL BE CLOSED Monday, September 7 in observance of

Congratulations to Pontotoc Electric Apprentice Linemen Wes Hillhouse and Mason Tutor, who recently passed their testing in the lineman apprenticeship program. They both earned the title of “Lineman.”

To report 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.

We appreciate their hard work and dedication!

.

Mediterranean Salad

Peach Cobbler with Splenda

Michal Pennington,

Jeanna Sorto,

PEPA General Accounting Clerk

PEPA Assistant Manager of Accounting

3/4 cup chicken broth 1 cup uncooked couscous 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained) 1 – 14 oz. jar marinated artichoke hearts (drained) 1 can black olives (drained) 1 can green olives (drained) 3 green onions, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 cup feta cheese 2 tablespoons chopped basil 1/8 cup finely chopped parsley Optional: grape tomatoes cut in half

1/2 cup Splenda for baking 1 cup self-rising flour 1 cup milk

Bring chicken broth to a boil. Stir in couscous and remove from heat. Keep covered for about five to 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Stir all ingredients together and refrigerate.

14 TODAY | AUGUST 2020

1 stick margarine 1 egg

Mix and pour into dish. Pour one large can of peaches in mixture. Cook at 350 for one hour.

by Susan Collins-Smith Farm-raised catfish is popular on dining tables all over the country, and it’s an important agricultural commodity in Mississippi.

In fact, August is National Catfish Month — a time to celebrate the food, the industry and its importance to the economy.

When people think of cooking catfish, they think about deep-frying. But that’s just one way to enjoy this versatile fish.

“Enjoying fried catfish occasionally can be part of a nutritious diet, but catfish can be seasoned and cooked many ways,” said Qula Madkin, Extension instructor and registered dietitian with the Mississippi State University Extension Service. “I encourage people to try some different recipes to add to their family favorites.”

Broiling, grilling and baking all can be ways to enjoy catfish with less added fat. “Panfrying uses oil but not as much as deep-frying,” she said.

Summer is a great time to try out this grilled catfish recipe from the Catfish Institute.

INDUSTRY FACTS Mississippi catfish farmers lead the nation in production, growing more than half of U.S. farm-raised catfish on 35,300 acres.

In 2019, the state’s catfish industry had a production value of $226 million, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistical Service. Here are a few more interesting industry facts: • The commercial, farm-raised catfish industry began in the U.S. in the 1960s but expanded quickly in the 1980s and 1990s.

• Ninety-four percent of the nation’s production acreage is located in Mississippi, Alabama and Arkansas.

• Mississippi is ranked No. 1 in volume of production and has held this spot since the late 1980s.

• Production takes place in two areas of the state: the Delta and east-central Mississippi.

• Delta ponds are filled with water from the Mississippi River alluvial aquifer from wells ranging from 50 to 250 feet deep.

Ponds in east central Mississippi are filled by pumping water from nearby streams or other surface water.

• Catfish is the largest single species in terms of aquacultural production in the U.S. Other species of U.S. farm-raised fish and seafood include trout, tilapia, salmon and shrimp.

INGREDIENTS 4 U.S. farm-raised catfish fillets ½ fresh lemon per fillet Salt and pepper to taste CITRUS SAUCE Juice and zest of 1 lime Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 orange 6 ounces pineapple juice ½ cup brown sugar 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped ¼ teaspoon salt Preheat grill.

To make citrus sauce, combine all ingredients in a small saucepan. Bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes.

Place catfish in shallow dish and squeeze ½ fresh lemon over each. Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let sit 5 minutes.

Place catfish fillets on grill skin side up for 3 to 4 minutes.

Flip over and grill 2 to 3 more minutes.

Transfer catfish to serving plate and spoon warmed citrus sauce over fillets.

Serves 4 Find more recipes on the Catfish Institute website at https://www.uscatfish.com/recipes.

Susan Collins-Smith is a writer for the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

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.

Crews now inspecting PRVEPA’s power poles Pearl River Valley Electric maintains more than 6,000 miles of line and more than 100,000 power poles. Our utility poles reach into every corner of our 12-county service area and form the backbone of our infrastructure. In order to maintain our high level of service, our poles must be able to support the weight of power, phone, and cable lines and withstand the effects of extreme winds and weather.

Over the years, power poles can become susceptible to decay and pests. As a result, they slowly deteriorate and can fall or

break during high winds, resulting in power outages. In addition, decayed poles can pose a safety hazard for our linemen and the general public.

For these reasons, Pearl River Valley Electric has developed a systematic inspection program so that every pole is inspected for decay or other damage on a regular cycle. Poles that show signs of decay or aging are treated with environmentally safe preservatives to inhibit the decaying process and prevent further deterioration. Poles that are found to be unsafe are replaced.

OSMOSE crews are in the field To assist in its pole inspection and maintenance program, PRVEPA has contracted with OSMOSE Utilities Services, Incorporated. A nationally recognized company, OSMOSE has been in the wood preserving business since the 1930s and has inspected and retreated poles for PRVEPA for over 30 years.

OSMOSE personnel began inspecting the Association’s poles in August and will continue through December 2020. A map of the inspection areas is here.

For a more detailed map of this year’s pole inspection areas, please visit www.

PRVEPA.com and click on the “Pole Inspection” tab at the top of the home page.

COVINGTON

JEFFERSON_DAVIS LAWRENCE

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2.5

5

10 Miles

Pearl River Valley EPA 2020 POLE INSPECTIONS

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98 £ ¤

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MARION 11 £ ¤

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98 £ ¤

LAMAR

98 £ ¤

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49 FORREST

PERRY 98 £ ¤

WALTHALL

WASHINGTON PARISH

11 £ ¤

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GEORGE PEARL_RIVER 49 £ ¤ STONE

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Jackson

Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin, USGS, Intermap, INCREMENT P, NRCan, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), Esri Korea, Esri (Thailand), NGCC, (c) OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community

12 TODAY | AUGUST 2020

Map

Members to receive nearly $6.9 million in capital credit refunds Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association is pleased to once again announce that members will be receiving annual patronage capital refunds in August.

Patronage capital, or capital credits, represents members’ investment in their not-for-profit electric cooperative. Each year, rates are set so that the Association has enough funding to operate throughout the year, and any year-end revenue above the cost of providing electric service is assigned to members as margins based on their share of electricity use. A portion of those margins is then refunded to members each August. This year, Pearl River Valley Electric’s board of directors has authorized $6.5 million be returned to members.

In addition, our wholesale power provider Cooperative Energy, which is a cooperative owned by PRVEPA and 10 other electric power associations, also returns capital credits. Those credits, totaling $367,938, will be returned to applicable PRVEPA members, increasing the total amount returned for 2019 to $6,867,938.

“Capital credit refunds are one of the many benefits of being a member-owner of a not-for-profit electric provider,” said Randy Wallace, general manager. “Our members share in the cost of

Join Pearl River Valley Electric on Facebook and Twitter

doing business as well as any returns.”

While investor-owned utilities return a portion of any profits back to their investors, electric cooperatives assign margins to member-consumers as capital credits and pay them when the co-op’s financial condition permits.

“Pearl River Valley Electric remains very sound financially,” Wallace continued. “This is now the 57th year since 1963 that we have returned a portion of our margins back to members, totaling nearly $58 million overall. That’s one of the best records of any rural electric cooperative in the nation, and we’re very proud of it.”

Members receive a share of the patronage refunds based on their annual electric use. Each qualifying active member will receive their refund as credit applied to their power bill mailed in August. For inactive members who qualify, checks will be mailed in September.

In addition to annual patronage refunds for members, Pearl River Valley Electric also offers discounted capital credit refunds to the estates of deceased members and to former members. A total of more than $15.6 million has been distributed overall through these programs, including more than $837,000 in 2019.

Pearl River Valley Electric is now on social media. We are excited to share information about your electric cooperative along with keeping you informed during large scale outages. Like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter to get updates about your electric cooperative. In addition, we will provide energy efficiency, storm preparedness and safety tips. The sites will not be monitored 24/7, so please refrain from posting outage information or inquiring about issues that require immediate attention. If you have an immediate concern, please call us at 855-2PRVEPA.

Applications for Community College Scholars program due August 7, 2020 • Applications are available at PRVEPA offices and at www.PRVEPA.com.

• Completed applications must be postmarked or emailed by August 7.

• Scholarship recipients must be a PRVEPA member, spouse or child of a member participating in the Round Up program.

• Recipients must be full time (12 hours or more per semester) freshmen students enrolled in academic or career-technical programs.

• Scholarship funds will be credited to each student’s college account — no checks will be issued to individuals.

• Scholarships should be awarded by the end of September. Students must be enrolled in good standing at the time funds are released to the colleges.

Funded by members who are rounding up their monthly bills, these scholarships are intended to assist students who will attend a Mississippi community college as a freshman this fall.

More information is available at www.PRVEPA.com.

AUGUST 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

Reaction during tough times As we continue to navigate challenges associated with COVID-19, I wanted to reflect back 15 years to one of the biggest challenges for members and employees of Singing River Electric. As we think back to the morning of Brian Hughey August 29, 2005, most of us General Manager & CEO can remember exactly where we were and what we were doing. While we had seen more than our share of storms through the years, Hurricane Katrina brought a previously unmatched water surge to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. By mid-morning on August 29, we were all experiencing some of the most concerning times of our lives. Many of us grew up near the banks of our rivers or within a few blocks of the Gulf of Mexico and had seen significant roadway and yard flooding through the years. But by 9 a.m., we all knew this was much different than anything we had ever experienced.

Some homes and properties were left with major damage while others were wiped clean with nothing left behind. While many in our communities began repairs on their homes and property, employees of Singing River Electric checked on the safety of their families and reported to work. As employees arrived that evening, the scene around our offices was eerily quiet. We all knew the significance of what had occurred and the resulting challenge that laid ahead. Looking back on it, from an employee perspective, this may have been our finest hour.

What took place over the next two weeks was 12 TODAY | AUGUST 2020

nothing short of amazing!

All of Singing River Electric’s 64,870 meters were left without power, and several hundred of those were washed away with the storm. Our number of first responders grew from 180 to over 1,000 employees within the first few days of the power restoration. We received mutual aid support from 69 electric cooperatives across 14 states. Our employees stood strong the entire time until power was restored to the last meter 13 days following landfall. Many employees did not return home during this two-week period for various reasons, some too sad to discuss. While Hurricane Katrina was unprecedented, the team effort of our employees and others proved to be equally as impressive.

I’m certain our communities will make it through the ongoing pandemic just like we made it through Hurricane Katrina 15 years ago.

Nick DeAngelo Manager of Energy Services deangelo@singingriver.com

No-cost energy tips for clothes drying An inexpensive way to save on your power bill this summer is to avoid running your clothes dryer during the hottest parts of the day.

Running the dryer creates two issues that your air conditioner must address. First, the residual heat from the dryer used to dry the clothes acts as radiant heat that must be removed from the home by your air conditioning system. The second, and most impactful, is the air being pulled through the dryer to dry clothes comes from inside your home, thus creating a cycle that creates a burden on your home’s cooling system.

On a related note, verify that the exhaust hose (hopefully) connected to the back of your dryer is lent-free for proper ventilation. These are a few no-cost ways to save on your energy bill this summer.

For more tips, see singingriver.com/ways-to-save.

Trent Robertson, Director of Greene County Emergency Management, accepts the Singing River Electric NHN Grant check.

Supporting first responders SRE NHN Grant assists Greene County Emergency Management NHN Community Grants Neighbors Helping Neighbors (NHN) Community Grants help Singing River Electric merge efforts with the hard work of those within our communities.

Since the program’s inception in 2001, $297,836 has been awarded to local non-profits in local communities.

Greene County Emergency Management recently received a $1,000 Singing River Electric Neighbors Helping Neighbors Community Grant. The funds purchased personal protective equipment for local first responders to assist with their COVID-19 protection needs. The dedication and commitment of these first responders serving their neighbors in south Mississippi is greatly appreciated.

For more information on SRE NHN Community Grants and how to apply, visit singingriver.com/my-community. Grants for up to $2,500 are awarded to non-profits in SRE’s service area three times a year in January, May and September.

How is my power restored?

In order to restore power to many people quickly, utilities follow a pretty standard restoration plan. First, transmission lines that carry high-voltage electricity to substations are checked for damage, while other employees scout storm-affected areas to assess damage. Employees are pre-assigned areas to speed restoration.

Hospitals are given high priority when possible, and restorations work out from the substations towards your home.

For more information, see the Storm Ready Fact Sheet available at singingriver.com/storm-and-outage.

What is the fastest way to report an outage?

Using the SmartHub mobile app can speed restoration time by directly entering your outage information into our system.

Dispatch is then able to assign your power outage for faster repairs.

Download the SmartHub app at singingriver.com/smarthub.

AUGUST 2020 | TODAY 13

crews restore power following Tropical Storm Cristobal With nearly 60 mile per hour winds, Tropical Storm Cristobal made an early-season Gulf of Mexico landing along the northern Gulf Coast. Singing River Electric crews responded by working into the night and through the next day to make full restorations.

Crews replaced nine broken poles and five transformers while restoring power to 10,385 meters or nearly 14% of the co-op membership.

“Thanks to our dedicated and trained employees, we were able to respond quickly,” said Singing River Electric General Manager and CEO Brian Hughey. “This storm and the spring tornadoes have demonstrated the value of our preparations and planning.

We remain storm ready 12 months of the year.”

14 TODAY | AUGUST 2020

AUGUST 2020 | TODAY 15

BRINGING THE POWER WWW.SOU THERN PIN E.COOP | P.O. BOX 60 | 1349 1 H WY. 28 | TAYLO R SVIL L E, MS 39 16 8 | 800.231 .524 0

Southern Pine Members Deserve Our Best

by Jan Collins conveniences we desire. We each must decide what we are willing Over the past few months, Southern Pine’s social media sites to compromise and “trade-off” in order to enjoy the benefits of have all focused on our members, who they are, where they live rural Mississippi. Do the benefits of living in the country outweigh and work and how they pull together when bad weather and the benefits of living in a metropolitan area? That is something the storms of life strike. Living mostly in rural areas, all of us are that only you can decide. familiar with Mississippi’s temperamental weather, and the someMost of us over a certain age who grew up in a remote location times-tough consequences of living in remote areas. We drive extra can recall having two television channels that would play clearly miles to buy groceries, see the doctor, and take care of our busiwithout static during good weather. Programs of choice were ness needs. We also experience more weather outages because of “Little House on the Prairie,” “Bonanza” and “Gunsmoke,” and trees and rough terrain than our friends living in towns and cities.

I was content with those choices because I did not know there Working in member services, I often hear that some inveswas anything else available. Today, we are bombarded by choices tor-owned utility providers can restore power outages faster than for television programs, telephone services, internet providers, a rural co-op. I don’t disagree with that assumption as they do not grocery store delivery options, and the list goes on and on, that face the same obstacles that we endure as a rural provider. For the requires you to be connected and to have most part, their lines run in municipal areas electricity. You only need to open Facebook, with paved streets and roads, and easy acTwitter or turn on the television or radio to cess to damage. By comparison, one of our We at Southern Pine realize people have countless options on just outages may meander for miles through a about everything today. We want the best marsh with no roadway. We have approxibelieve that everyone of all options and we want them right now. mately six houses per mile of line, whereas should have all There are hundreds of campaigns and adthey may have 30 or 40. It is much easier conveniences no matter vertisements telling us we are much worse to restore power in a condensed area to a where they live. off because we do not have the latest and lot of people than in a remote area covergreatest. Are they right? ing many more miles of line. We are very The answer depends on your perspective and what is important proud of our crews and the tremendous job that they do when the to you. Those of us who live in rural areas have made the decipower goes out. sion to enjoy country life, even if it means we must sacrifice other Serving members that choose to live in rural areas is what conveniences. But the bottom line is, we would not want to live we committed to do 82 years ago and that is still our goal. We anywhere else in the world. It is our home and our way of life. recognize that serving rural areas has many more challenges than We at Southern Pine believe that everyone should have all conserving an established area in a centralized location. We know our veniences no matter where they live. Realistically, we realize that business and we know that you deserve great service from us. We because we choose to live in the country, power outages will occur do not take that commitment lightly and pledge to work hard for from the weather, vehicle accidents involving poles, equipment you wherever you need us. failures, animals and the list goes on and on. It is a fact of life that No matter where we live, we all would like quick access to our Southern Pine deals with every day; however, we promise to do all doctor, dentist, bank and grocery store. With technology changwithin our power to keep outages from occurring and to restore ing daily, most of us need strong internet, cell-phone service and your power quickly when Mother Nature roars through. You are home security. Yet, because we live in the country with open fields our member and you deserve no less than our best as we Bring and fresh air, less crime, and are readily connected with nature, the Power to rural Mississippi. sunshine, and trees, it is difficult in many places to have the other 12 TODAY | AUGUST 2020

G R 0

Heather, Jon, Ava, Andrew White

AUGUST 2020 | TODAY 13

WHAT CAUSES THOSE

OUTAGES & BLINKS? Living in Mississippi, we all know that strong weather systems can cause outages.

Tornadoes, hurricanes, or severe storms can wreak havoc on lines and poles.

Those pesky critters can cause issues as well.

Squirrels, birds and other animals can cause blinks or outages.

Trees and vegetation can cause issues. That’s why clear rights-of-way are a priority. Additionally, equipment is never fail-safe even in the best of circumstances. Issues will occur, and that’s why our crews are ready at a moment’s notice.

14 TODAY | AUGUST 2020

l r . r k .

e y t f d a .

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: Lisa Boone’s voice is calming and friendly as she politely talks with members day in and day out.

With her Southern drawl she ends each call with “you’re welcome” like only Lisa can, adding just the right touch of charm. You would be hard-pressed to find a member or a coworker with a bad thing to say about her because as kind as her voice sounds, it is simply a reflection of who she is.

She has been a member of the Southern Pine family for 23 years and has served as a cashier, a dispatcher and a work order clerk before assuming her current role as Taylorsville district office supervisor 10 years ago.

Lisa says she is most thankful for “God, family, and Southern Pine” and that is pretty evident in how she works and how she interacts with everyone around her. She goes on to add that Southern Pine is a wonderful place to work and everyone is like family. Lisa proves that every day.

“Lisa’s top priority is providing quality service to our members in every aspect of her role here at Southern Pine. Some may not know, but one of Lisa’s vital roles is to coordinate outage calls after hours. No matter what time of day, Lisa is ready to support Southern Pine however she can,” said Kristen Thorne, manager of member services.

She always has a positive attitude and represents Southern Pine well when working with members or with her coworkers, said Thorne, adding that Lisa exemplifies the true cooperative spirit.

LISA BOONE

“Lisa’s top priority is providing quality service to our members in every aspect of her role here at Southern Pine.”

According to Lisa Clark, member services representative, Lisa is flexible and treats everyone the same.

She added, Lisa is always the first to arrive and makes excellent sweet tea, which she makes regularly for her team.

Lisa said the one thing that stands out in her memories of her time with Southern Pine is the time after Hurricane Katrina. She was dispatching in the Brandon office at the time and she said the calls and requests were flying in. “Working for days on end to restore service and take care of the members was chaotic and like a whirlwind, but we just came together and did it,” Lisa said.

She is the mother of three children, Justin Boone, Gene Boone, and Paula Pettis and is married to her husband of 31 years, Ken. They are the proud grandparents of six grandchildren, Trenton and Hannah Boone, Delton and Chase Boone, and Charlie and Lucy Pettis. Lisa is a member of Homewood Baptist Church.

In her spare time, Lisa loves spending time with her family and camping.

AUGUST 2020 | TODAY 15

MEMBER SERVICES:

IT’S OUR PLEASURE What comes to mind when you hear member services? For most of us, our first thoughts are probably the tools and services offered by Southern Pine to help us manage our bill, like automatic bank draft, levelized billing, telephone payment system or the website. For some, it may be things like MyPower, where you can access your account information, pay your bill, view your daily usage and much more. Others may think about our mobile website and outage viewer. However, member services means so much more than the things we offer.

Member services at Southern Pine is a team of dedicated professionals whose common goal is to help you with whatever you need. With over 584 years of combined service, this team knows what it takes to provide you with the best experience possible and they do that because they really care.

Our member services team treats you like a neighbor and a friend because that is what you are to us. We live here, we work here, our children go to school here and we worship here. This is our home too and we want you to always feel at home when you visit Southern Pine. Our district offices are staffed with friendly, hometown folks who really do want to serve you. Everything at South-

DISTRICT OFFICES

• TAYLORSVILLE: 601-785-6511 or 800-231-5240 • HATTIESBURG: 601-264-0185 • NEWTON: 601-683-2200 or 800-698-9573 • NEW HEBRON: 601-694-2711 or 800-698-9571 • BRANDON: 601-824-7070 or 800-698-9574

16 TODAY | AUGUST 2020

ern Pine starts and ends with the member services team, and they are experts at what they do.

According to Kristen Thorne, manager of member services, the department’s singular goal is to help the members with whatever they need and show them just how important our members are to us. “Every day our team works with members in person at our district offices, on the phones and virtually on so many different needs and requests,” said Thorne. “Our members are our sole priority and we want every member to leave happy with the service they’ve received.”

The member services team is always looking for new and innovative technology that can be used to enhance your experience, but will never lose that personal connection to our members that we value because, after all, you are Southern Pine. As a member-owned electric cooperative, members, employees and board members all play a role in the success of Southern Pine. Your role is the most vital because without members we would not have a purpose!

Serving you by providing reliable, affordable electricity is what we do. Exceptional member service is what we strive for every single day because serving you is truly our pleasure.

Headquarters: From L to R are Candace Keen, Kristen Thorne, Ramona Walters, Kim Lyles, Margaret Banks, Heather White and Lee McCrory. Not pictured: Mary K. Norris

New Hebron: From L to R are Renee McCool, Trish Berry, Krystal Davis, Becky Williamson, Cindy Kahn and Kacey Johnson.

Taylorsville: From L to R are Lisa Clark, Lacey Adcock, Carolyn Wilson, Teresa Quinn, Lisa Boone, Renee Robertson and Kim Jones.

Brandon: From L to R are (front row) Kayla Ponder, Vonda Moore, Vickey Letchworth, (back row) Suzanne Easterling, Wanda Allen, Monica Rent and Stacey Powers

Newton: From L to R are Charlotte Griffin, Betty Horton, Denise Cleveland, Ginger McMillan, Richelle Smith and Brandy McNeil.

Hattiesburg: From L to R are Mandy Stanley, Casey Clingan, Karen Moseley and DeDee Taylor.

AUGUST 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

sw_electric_coop

Fourteen employees advance in

Lineman Apprenticeship Program Southwest Electric has joined other cooperatives from around Mississippi in implementing a Lineman Apprenticeship Program to educate and train our linemen in the proper and safe procedures for line work. Each level in the program requires completion of 2,000 hours worked, six workbooks, a test on each workbook, a final exam covering all six workbooks and a field proficiency test.

Every new lineman must participate in the program. Throughout

the year, as linemen progress in the program, we highlight their accomplishments in our magazine. This rigorous program requires studying and testing in addition to their regular work schedule and outages. Since late 2019, the linemen shown below have finished their indicated program level and are working on the next level.

Program Levels Journeyman Lineman

1st Class Lineman

Bruce Butler

Evan Newell

Riley Carson

Jake Knight 2nd Class Lineman

3rd Class Lineman

Wesley Brown

Jarret Dyer

TJ Floyd

Cory Alderman

Nick Delaughter

Apprentice I

Apprentice II

Steven King

Taylor Hollowell Marvin Toliver

12 TODAY | AUGUST 2020

Thomas Good

Justin Morgan

Pictured from left: Kevin Bonds, Stephanie Knotts, Deb McGee, Tanya Mohawk, Jeremy Smith, Tina Strittman and Mary Kitchens

We want to take this opportunity to thank Mary Kitchens and Tanya Mohawk of Mississippi’s Toughest Kids Foundation for arranging a tour of Camp Kamassa on June 24. Southwest Electric was able to deliver over 150 books and 20 paintings that were donated for their library and cabins. Thank you to everyone who contributed.

6

EASY WAYS to save $ this summer

Caulk or weatherstrip windows and doors

Monitor your Usage on the App SMART MANAGEMENT. SMART LIFE. SMART HUB.

Just tap: 1. Usage 2. Account

Turn thermostat up 1-2 degrees

3. Date

Close blinds or curtains southwestelectric.coop/smarthub

Grill outdoors

(if more than one)

See how much you use each hour and even how it relates to the outside temperature.

SOUTHWEST ELECTRIC WILL BE CLOSED Monday, September 7 in observance of

Use fans when in the room Change air filter once a month

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.

AUGUST 2020 | TODAY 13

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

Twin County retires Capital Credits Twin County Electric Power Association (TCEPA) has retired $1,338,808.72 in capital credits during July 2020 as authorized by its Board of Directors. Qualifying members can enjoy the benefits of being part of a member-owned electric cooperative.

“2020 has been a difficult year for so many of our members,” stated Tim Perkins, TCEPA General Manager. “Our main focus is on our members and quality services we can provide. We are delighted that we can give back especially during this time.”

Capital Credit Q & A WHAT IS A CAPITAL CREDIT? Twin County Electric keeps a history of how much electricity members used and paid for throughout the year. At the end of the year, financial statements show whether revenue exceeded costs and resulted in a positive operating margin. TCEPA allocates the margins to members as capital credits based upon their use of electricity during the year. Twin County’s Board of Directors and employees try to ensure that TCEPA’s financial strength allows capital credits to be paid.

As a member-owner of Twin County Electric, you share the profits of the cooperative. As a non-profit electric cooperative, Twin County Electric allocates its annual operating margins, or profits, to members receiving service during that particular year.

At the close of each fiscal year, these margins are allocated back to the membership. It is based on the dollar amount of electric service each member paid for that year compared to the total electric service paid for by all members. Those allocations are called capital credits. Capital credits are used by Twin County Electric for operating capital and retired (paid 12 TODAY | AUGUST 2020

back to our members) when the financial position of Twin County Electric permits and bylaw provisions are met.

HOW DO I QUALIFY FOR CAPITAL CREDITS? As a member-owner of TCEPA, your capital credits start accruing once you start paying your monthly bill for power used through Twin County Electric. If you have multiple accounts, your dollars are combined and assigned to one member number. This allows you to receive one check once the retirement process begins.

WHAT YEARS WERE RETIRED IN 2020?

The years retired are 1989, 40% of 1990, and 27% of 2019’s operating margin.

WHAT IF I NO LONGER HAVE TWIN COUNTY SERVICE? You will still receive a capital credit refund if you were a Twin County Electric member during the years being retired.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I QUALIFIED FOR A CHECK? Call the Twin County Electric office at 662-827-2262.

I SHOULD HAVE RECEIVED A CHECK, BUT I DIDN’T. WHAT HAPPENED? You may not have received a check for a few reasons: • Your account didn’t have any margins in the year(s) that we are currently retiring.

• We may have mailed the check, but it was returned to us marked as “undeliverable.” If you haven’t updated your address with us since you had service with us, then please contact us at 662-827-2262.

WHAT IF I HAVE MOVED FROM THE AREA BEFORE MY CAPITAL CREDITS RETIRED? It is important to notify Twin County Electric of your current address. If you need to update your address, you can email customerservice@twincoepa.com or call your local Twin County Electric office or 662-827-2262.

WHAT IF A MEMBER IS DECEASED WHEN CAPITAL CREDITS ARE RETIRED? If an estate exists, the capital credits will be distributed based on your wishes. However, without an estate, the distribution can go to a surviving spouse or your children. The surviving family member will need to complete an affidavit and have their signature notarized in order to qualify. For more information, contact the Twin County Electric office at 662-827.2262.

Twin County Electric’s Annual Meeting

POSTPONED

Twin County Electric Power Association’s (TCEPA) annual meeting of members scheduled for Sept. 22, 2020 has been postponed until a later date. TCEPA’s Board of Directors held their monthly meeting on July 21, 2020 and voted to postpone the annual meeting of members due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Governor Tate Reeves’ Executive Order 1509 that restricts gatherings in Washington, Humphreys and Sharkey counties.

During TCEPA’s August meeting, the board will review any current state-wide executive mandates and discuss a possible date for the annual meeting.

Pursuant to Twin County Electric’s bylaws, any 15 Members in Good Standing as of the Record Date may nominate a Member

in Good Standing to run for Twin County Electric’s Board of Directors using a form provided by Twin County Electric and filed at Twin County Electric’s Hollandale office not less than 45 days prior to date of the annual meeting. All persons nominated to run for Twin County Electric’s Board of Directors are required to submit a questionnaire and consent to a criminal background check simultaneously with the filing of their petition.

Any member of Twin County Electric may obtain a complete copy of its bylaws at Twin County Electric’s offices in Hollandale, Belzoni, Rolling Fork or Greenville, or by visiting www.twincoepa.com.

Twin County Electric partners with Community Foundation of Washington County, Extra Table, Hollandale Economic and Community Development Foundation, Stop-N-Shop, and Nutrien Ag Solutions to distribute 300 food boxes through the CFWC and the Delta Volunteer Hub’s COVID-19 Community Relief Fund to Hollandale residents in need. TCEPA will team up again with the CFWC and Hollandale Rotary Club for a second distribution in August.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY Installing a smart power strip is a quick and easy way to start saving money while making your home more energy efficient.

Smart power strips can actually cut power off to save energy since they are able to detect when a device is in standby mode.

TWIN COUNTY ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION

WILL BE CLOSED Monday, September 7 in observance of

P.O. BOX 8 • 2255 GORDON ST. YAZOO, MS 39194 FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK

TWITTER

662-746-4251 — OFFICE & REPORT OUTAGES 866-484-4277 — PAY BY PHONE VISIT US ONLINE @ WWW.YAZOOVALLEY.COM

Back to School

Electric co-ops are continually learning to improve service for members It’s a new school year and kids of all ages are getting ready for a different type of learning! From kindergarten through college, students attend school to gain knowledge about a broad variety of subjects and learn new skills that will prepare them for the future. In a similar vein, Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association is continually learning in order to advance technology that improves electric service, reliability, safety and in turn, enhances quality of life for the members we serve in our local communities.

Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association keeps abreast of industry trends because the energy sector is rapidly changing.

Innovations in technology and energy types are fueling demand for more options. On the consumer front, people are looking for more ways to manage their energy use with smart technologies.

Consumers expect more convenient payment methods — whether through automatic bill pay, pre-pay, online or in person.

Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association has all of these great payment options and more.

We’re working to help sift through the options for our members in ways that benefit the greater community. At the same time, we never lose sight of the top priority — providing safe, reliable and affordable electricity.

Technology improves operational efficiency

For example, automated meter reading (AMR) is the technology of automatically collecting energy consumption data and transferring it from the electric meter to the co-op.

Because this information can be collected remotely, it enhances our system’s efficiency, helps control costs and improves work processes.

Similar to AMR, there is another technology called advanced metering infrastructure (AMI). This is an integrated system of smart meters, communications networks and data management systems that enables two-way communication between utilities and consumers. In the event of an outage, AMI helps to distinguish between events that impact a single home or multiple outages. This is critical because resolving either 12 TODAY | AUGUST 2020

issue is a very different process. The two-way communication is integral to AMI because it provides a means to verify that power has been restored after an outage. The latest metering technology However, one of the biggest benefits from improved technologies, especially for outages caused by extreme weather is pinpointing the outage location, which helps to reduce risk for crews out on the road during severe weather events.

In addition to providing essential information during major outages, Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association analyzes AMI data for anomalies including faults, damaged meters or energy theft. Detecting these problems early helps our cooperative save money and improve reliability for the whole community.

THINK SAFETY!

WE’RE BACK IN

Students will be out and about.

Please watch out for school buses and children at crosswalks. And observe school zones when school is in session.

ES

COM

Managing home energy use through a summer of social distancing

by Paul Wesslund those predictions could well be adjusted depending on how If you want to make the best use of your efforts to save money quickly businesses reopen, and whether they adopt new ways on your energy bill, the U.S. Energy Information Administration of operating.

(EIA) can show you where to start.

With so many unknowns in 2020 patterns of energy use, EIA’s Nearly half of the electricity Americans use in their homes, 43%, forecast tried to imagine what’s going on inside our homes goes to heating and cooling air and water. Nearly a third of our in order to make their projections for the year. Their May 2020 electric use, 31%, goes to running our heating and air conditioning Short Term Energy Outlook says that as a result of the actions to systems. Another 12% powers our water heaters. control the spread of COVID-19, use In second place for residential of household electronic equipment electricity use is a grab bag of will increase, and other uses of appliances and lighting. One-fifth electricity, such as cooking or of the electricity we use in our water heating, may also increase. homes goes to refrigeration (6%), Residential air conditioning use lighting (5%), clothes drying (4%), during summer months is also and TV and video games (4%). likely to increase.

That means if you want to get Small adjustments for significant the quickest and biggest return on savings energy savings, focus on how you During summer months, use your heating and cooling syssetting your thermostat a few tem, and your water heater. That’s degrees higher than normal can according to Keith Dennis, VP of Even though many of us are spending more time at home due to make a significant difference in consumer member engagement the COVID-19 pandemic, the Energy Information Administration projects that 2020 residential energy use will decline by 1.3%. But energy use. The Department of for the National Rural Electric those projections may change depending on how quickly businesses Energy recommends setting your Cooperative Association (NRECA). reopen and Americans get back to work. If you’re looking to reduce thermostat to 78 degrees or “Turning off an LED light bulb energy use, monitor how you cool and heat your home, which is higher when possible. Consumers may come to mind when you think where the biggest potential for saving energy lies. can achieve additional energy about saving energy,” he says. “But savings by investing in a smart or programmable thermostat. in the grand scheme of things, looking at EIA’s numbers, In addition to monitoring your thermostat, Dennis suggests it’s adjusting your thermostat that’s going to make the keeping an eye on another significant energy user, your water biggest difference.” heater.

Other appliances and devices consume even smaller shares According to the Department of Energy, lowering your of our total energy use. Eight percent of residential electricity water heater temperature to 120 degrees is an easy way to use comes from a combination of computers, freezers, washing save energy, and for every 10 degrees reduced, consumers can machines, dishwashers and cooking appliances. Other home save 3% to 5% on water heating costs. Dennis also recommends energy users include a range of devices like small appliances, replacing an older, less efficient water heater with a newer, energy exterior lights, outdoor grills and spa heaters. efficient model, which could pay for itself in the long run.

How COVID-19 is impacting energy use For persistently high energy bills, Dennis recommends Even with the recent disruptions to daily life during the COVID-19 pandemic, the advice to focus on heating and cooling to contacting Yazoo Valley Electric for a more thorough evaluation of your home and how you use energy. Consumers can also save energy holds up. EIA has started revising its energy use find a wide range of additional ways to save energy at predictions for 2020, and because of business closures and www.energystar.gov. social distancing, they project that electricity sales to commercial Small changes to energy use habits, like turning off lights when and industrial customers will decline 6.5%. With more people stayyou leave a room or unplugging devices when not in use, can help ing home, you might expect residential sales to increase, and they you save. But to make the biggest difference in energy use — even will, but not enough to overcome the weather. Even with more people staying home and using more heating and air conditioning, during a global pandemic — pay attention to how you heat and cool your home. That’s where the biggest potential for saving the weather is expected to be mild enough that EIA projects a energy lies.

1.3% decline in residential electric sales this year. However, AUGUST 2020 | TODAY 13