Today in Mississippi December 2023 Local Pages

FOR MEMBERS OF ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OF MISSISSIPPI

VISITING ALL

82 COUNTIES DECEMBER

2023

SPICING UP THE GARDEN

CHILI FOR CHILLY

DAYS AND NIGHTS

News and Notes

Cooperative Energy expands solar portfolio at Delta’s Edge Cooperative Energy recently celebrated the continued growth of its solar portfolio at Delta’s Edge — the cooperative’s newest utility-scale solar site.

The 637-acre site, located in Carroll County six miles east of Greenwood, uses 250,152 panels to produce 100MW of electricity. The electricity is then delivered across the state, powering homes and businesses with environmentally friendly renewable energy.

“Delta’s Edge represents a significant commitment to our Member systems and their consumer-members who have expressed a desire for more green energy where it makes good economic sense,” Cooperative Energy President and CEO Jeff C. Bowman said in a news release.

As a deep south state, Mississippi is geographically situated to receive an abundance of sunlight. Bowman said expanding solar generation also makes sense because it enables the cooperative to diversify its energy generation portfolio while lessening the cost impact on Members.

“Our mission is to provide our Members with reliable and affordable energy,” Bowman said. “Our Members have asked us to look for opportunities to add more renewable energy to our generation mix without negatively affecting reliability or affordability, and the Delta’s Edge facility meets those goals.”

The site utilizes bifacial crystalline panels, which are mounted on trackers that enable the panels to rotate with the sun for maximum solar absorption. At its peak, the panels will convert enough sunlight into electricity to power 13,500 homes and businesses. Cooperative Energy has a 15-year power-purchase agreement with Cubico to purchase all the electricity produced by the site.

NRECA WARNS OF ELECTRICITY SHORTAGES IN WINTER ASSESSMENT More than half of the United States is at risk of electricity shortages this winter due to regional generation shortfalls, increased demand for power, and potential fuel delivery challenges during sustained cold weather events, the North American Electric Reliability Corp. says.

NERC’s Winter Reliability Assessment released Nov. 8, “again shows that our nation faces looming grid reliability challenges while demand for electricity continues to soar,” said NRECA CEO Jim Matheson.

“That’s unacceptable and should be cause for concern for all Americans.”

John Moura, NERC’s director of reliability assessment and performance analysis, cited uncertain performance of renewable generation and increased seasonal demand for natural gas as factors raising concern over the grid’s vulnerability during winter weather.

Cooperative Energy entered into an agreement with Renewable Energy Systems (RES) for the Delta’s Edge project in September 2018. RES designed and began development of the project and secured investors for the lifetime of the facility. Cubico Buffalo Holdings I, LLC, acquired the Delta’s Edge facility in December 2020 and began construction soon after. The project hired 50 local workers and employed seven subcontractors in and around Carroll County.

“There is not enough gas pipeline to serve all the generation in certain areas,” Moura said.

NERC analysts cited several potential performance weaknesses impacting grid operators and transmission associations including the Tennessee Valley Authority, PJM and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas.

“Areas at elevated risks extend over two-thirds of the continent,” said Mark Olson, NERC’s manager of reliability assessments. He cautioned that natural gas generation could be threatened by fuel supply issues during prolonged cold snaps, and coal-based generation can also face operational issues and unscheduled outages during winter peaks.

“About one-third of the natural gas outages that occurred during Winter Storm Elliott were due to fuel shortages,” said Moura. “In Texas, during Winter Storm Uri, there were production shortages caused by frozen wellheads.”

NERC’s report warned of rolling blackouts similar to those experienced last winter in the Southeast and portions of the Northeast and expressed concern about potential reserve shortages impacting consumers in Texas served by ERCOT. NERC analysts also noted that SERC Reliability Corp., which oversees generation and transmission across TVA’s service territory and includes the Carolinas and several central states, could be plagued by electricity shortages due to increased demand with little change in available supply.

NRECA is urging policymakers to recognize that their decisions can impact grid reliability, increase chances of rolling blackouts, and hurt the nation’s economy.

“Policies like the Environmental Protection Agency’s recent power plant proposal will magnify today’s reliability challenges with grave consequences for an already stressed grid,” said Matheson. “I don’t think EPA thought about electric reliability as it drafted this rule.”– NRECA

2023 | DECEMBER 5

“Improving the quality of life for all those we touch.”

Season of giving ALL YEAR ROUND

The Christmas season is finally here. It’s a time of giving and spreading joy.

But giving back reminds me of the many good things we have right here in our community and why it’s so important to spread the good as far as we can, especially to the most vulnerable in our local area.

I’m also reminded of how wonderful our community is and what a big impact we can have when we work together.

When you are a member of 4-County, you help us spread the good throughout the year. Through our 4-County Foundation, your donations help local non-profit organizations.

When you “round up” your monthly bill from 4-County and donate to this fund, you’re making a big difference in someone’s life. You are helping to meet an immediate, critical need, but just as importantly, you are telling this person the community cares.

Over the years, our community-focused programs, food donations and other giving projects have supported local schools, non-profit organizations and young people, fed hungry families, and assisted communities in need with a variety of worthy projects.

You’ve likely heard me say that the cooperative principle “concern for community” is part of 4-County’s DNA. It defines who we are as an organization. When we first brought electricity to this community 85 years ago, the quality of life improved. And, today, we’re bringing our members high-speed internet service with FASTnet. But other things also need to be addressed and through the years, this co-op has been at the forefront of bringing improvements to the quality of life in this community. It’s why we created The 4-County Foundation.

IDEA

HERE’S AN

To date, with your help, we’ve collected over $ 2.1 million and awarded a little over $ 2 million back to local families and individuals through this program. Ninety-three percent of our members participate in our Operation Round Up program. And across the country, more than 350 electric co-ops have an Operation Round Up program, and together, we’ve raised millions for local communities. This shows that small donations from electric co-ops like ours, over time, can collectively make a big impact.

4-County also participates in the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour, where we take our community’s brightest young people to Washington, D.C. for a week-long immersion to experience democracy in action.

Ultimately, the larger community benefits from these programs because of you and your neighbors.

As a local cooperative, we have a stake in this community. We hope you will think of 4-County as more than your energy provider, but also as a catalyst for good in our community. For more information on the 4-County Foundation, call 1-800-431-1544.

I hope all our members have a joyous Christmas season. May it be merry and bright! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from your 4-County family!

by Brian Clark CEO/General Manager

Warm Neighbors gives warm feeling Helping others may give you the warmest feeling you get this chilly winter season. ‘Warm Neighbors’ is a special project that gives 4-County members an avenue to help their neighbors. The ‘Warm Neighbors’ fund was created to assist 4-County members who find themselves in a one-time emergency situation, such as an unexpected hospitalization, a job layoff, or the loss of the family breadwinner.

By paying $1 extra on your 4-County electric bill, you will buy a dollar’s worth of electricity for the home of a neighbor who needs it in the nine-county area served by 4-County.

Administered by the Salvation Army, in cooperation with 4-County and area United Way agencies, Warm Neighbors funding comes solely from the voluntary contributions of 4-County members.

To participate in Warm Neighbors, contact 4-County at 1-800-431-1544.

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Safe Décor for a Happy Holiday Season It’s almost time to deck those halls! Statistics show that home fires and electrical accidents typically increase during winter months, so keep these holiday lighting tips in mind for a safe holiday season.

Carefully inspect all electrical decorations before you use them.

Cracked or damaged sockets and/ or loose or exposed wires can cause serious shock or start a fire.

Consider purchasing LED lights, which use less energy and run cooler than traditional incandescent lights.

Never mount or support light strings in a way that might damage the cord’s insulation.

Make sure that cords are not pinched in doors, windows, or under heavy furniture, which could damage the cord’s insulation.

Always unplug electrical decorations before replacing bulbs or fuses.

OFF

Turn off all indoor and outdoor electrical decorations before leaving home or going to sleep.

Source: Electrical Safety Foundation International

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FOR

making Christmas shine brighter Employees and members of 4-County Electric Power Association and FASTnet are working to make Christmas better and brighter for area children by taking part in the Toys for Tots program.

Toys for Tots, a charitable organization offered through the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, has maintained a partnership with 4-County the last 11 holiday seasons. Last year, employees and members dug deep and collected nearly 300 toys for distribution in 4-County’s service area.

“This is a great Christmas project,” said 4-County Communications Coordinator Brad Barr. “We’re always excited to team up with the Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots project. A lot of children identified by Toys for Tots wouldn’t have the same Christmas experience without the help of this charitable organization and organizations like 4-County.”

Toys for Tots drop-off boxes will be located in 4-County offices this month through Dec. 14. “All we ask is that you drop off a new, unwrapped toy in one of the boxes located in the 4-County office nearest you,” Barr explained.

Again, the deadline for dropping off toys is Dec. 14. Toys for Tots personnel will pick up the items by the end of that day.

Call Barr at 1-800-431-1544 for more information about the Toys for Tots project. (Note: Special arrangements to pick up toy donations can also be made by calling Brad.)

4-County enacts rate adjustment 4-County Electric Power Association this week enacted a slight increase to their electric rates. The move, which will be about a 1.5% increase, comes on the heels of a rate increase from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in October.

4-County CEO Brian Clark says that while the Association has been able to successfully avoid an overall increase over the past decade, the time has finally come. “Through a combination of efforts, we’ve been able to avoid raising our rates for several years. We were even able to absorb a 2016 rate increase from TVA and not pass it on to our members.

That move alone has saved our members more than $10 million dollars to date,” Clark said. Clark pointed to other money saving measures the Cooperative has undertaken including reducing employee headcount through attrition, using technology to provide more efficient and less costly service, and developing and implementing many financially prudent internal processes and decisions. “Unfortunately, many of the same pressures that caused the TVA increase are also at work here in our service territory. We’re seeing a big rise in interest rates and our costs for doing business are just skyrocketing. Basic things like poles, wire and transformers are extremely expensive right now. The cost to replace a bucket truck is staggering. And that’s if you can even get them. The wait time for a lot of these things is now months instead of days or weeks,” Clark noted.

The 4-County increase will mean roughly an extra $2.27 a month to the average residential electric bill. Combined with the

October TVA increase of 4.5%, the total effect will be about $5.90 a month to the average residential member. Another way to look at it is that the new average residential cost per kilowatt hour (kWh) will be 13.8 cents. Currently the national average is 15.93 cents a kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

That, according to Clark, is still a pretty good bargain. “Our power costs here compare very favorably to the rest of the country. Over the last 5 years the average cost of most common consumer goods across the country — including gas, milk, and bread — have risen over 5.5 % compared to about 4.6% for power,” Clark stressed.

One of the impacts driving these changes for both 4-County and TVA is growth. “We’re seeing exceptional growth in our service territory. We’re adding load every year, especially with larger commercial members. That’s great, but it also means we’ve got to make additions to our system.

TVA is seeing the same thing with unexpected growth across the Valley. They’ve got to quickly add generation to meet all our needs. So, it is a double-edged sword. People want to live here, companies want to locate here, but we’ve got to be able to serve all of them,” said Clark. At the end of the day, Clark says that the reasons for a rate increase are not as important as the impact on the members. “It doesn’t matter if you are a huge manufacturer or an elderly person living alone, when costs go up, it’s a big deal. Everyone at 4-County, from our Board to our employees, is committed to keeping costs as low as possible now and in the future. Our goal is to again go as long as we can without having another rate adjustment.”

HAPPY NEW YEAR 4-County offices will be closed Monday, Dec. 25, and Tuesday, Dec. 26, in celebration of the Christmas holiday, and Monday, Jan. 1, in observance of New Year’s Day. A dispatcher will be on hand, 1-800-431-1544, to handle emergencies.

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EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Williams provides service with a smile Madonna Williams starts her conversations with a smile and ends them the same way. “I enjoy working with our members and coming up with an agreeable resolution,” said the 4-County member service representative. “I want them to be happy at the end of our conversation.”

The Artesia native is a “people person” and feels she is wellsuited for her job. “I appreciate the opportunity to daily assist 4-County members with their inquiries.”

Madonna has worked at the cooperative for nearly a year. Prior to 4-County, she worked for Triangle Federal Credit Union for 10 years as a customer service representative and assistant head teller.

Madonna lives in the New Hope community with her husband of 16 years, Toriano. She has two children: Damian Brown, 20, and Megan Williams, 16. She attends Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Millport, Alabama.

She is a graduate of West Lowndes High School and studied business administration at East Mississippi Community College. At 4-County, Madonna serves on the 4-County Activities Committee.

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In her spare time, she enjoys cooking. “My husband is my tastetester,” she said. “Even if he doesn’t like it, he still eats it,” she said with a laugh.

Choosing the proper seasonings is an important decision in her cooking. “I’m more of a spice person. Texture is also important.”

Madonna also enjoys spending time with family, in the great outdoors. “I’m a country girl, at heart. I like to ride four-wheelers.

And I like to fish. My grandfather taught me how,” she said.

Her home away from home has a definite family atmosphere, too.

“Everyone makes you feel welcome here at 4-County. It’s a team approach. We’re all there for each other,” she explained.

As a 4-County employee, Madonna said, you are part of a vital service to the community. “It’s a job that has a variety of opportunities to help others and to grow personally.”

The cooperative has a positive impact on the nine counties it serves, Madonna said. “I really appreciate our commitment to community service,” she said, referencing the co-op’s volunteer efforts and the 4-County Foundation. “You don’t find that just anywhere.”

CENTRAL ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION

A tradition of dependable, hometown service since 1937 CARTHAGE: 601-267-5671 | PHILADELPHIA: 601-656-2601 | RANKIN: 601-829-1201 | SEBASTOPOL: 601-625-7422

107 EAST MAIN STREET • CARTHAGE, MS 39051

CENTRAL ELECTRIC WILL HOLD ITS

M A R C H 19, 2024 AT T H E C A RT H AG E C O L I S E U M In accordance with the laws of the State of Mississippi and the bylaws of the Association, three directors will be elected for three year terms. Members will elect one director from Neshoba County, one director from Rankin County, and one director from Scott County.

SECTION 4.04. Nominations (a) It shall be the duty of the Board to appoint, not less than sixty (60) days nor more than ninety (90) days before the date of a meeting of the members at which Board members are to be elected, a Committee on Nominations consisting of three (3) members who shall be selected from the given areas from which Board members are to be elected so as to insure equitable representation. No existing Cooperative employees, agents, officers, directors or known candidates for director, and close relatives (as hereinafter defined) or members of the same household of existing Cooperative employees, agents, officers, directors or known candidates for director may serve on such committees. The committee shall receive and consider any suggestion as to nominees submitted in writing by members of the Cooperative consistent with these bylaws. The committee, keeping in mind the principle of equitable representation, shall prepare a list of nominations for Board members, and submit its list to the Secretary not less than thirty (30) days nor more than sixty (60) days before the date of the annual meeting. (b) Any fifty (50) or more members who are in good standing, are from the given area from which a Board member is to be elected, and acting together, may nominate a Director candidate for the area by petition. Any such petition for nomination must be submitted on a form designated and provided by the Cooperative. Each member signing such petition shall place thereon the date of signing, address, account number and service location of the member.

Such nominations made by petition, if any, shall be delivered to the Secretary not less than forty-five (45) days nor more than sixty (60) days before the date of the annual meeting. Such nominations shall be posted by the Secretary at the same place where the list of

nominations made by the Committee on Nominations is posted.

A member may not make more than one (1) nomination by petition for each vacancy. If a member signs more than one petition for a director vacancy, then the signature of the member bearing the latest date of signing by the member will be considered and any previously dated signature by the member on any other petition(s) will be deemed invalid, null and void. If a member signs more than one petition on the same date, all signatures of the member bearing the same date of signing will be deemed invalid, null and void. (c) The Secretary shall prepare and post at the principal office of the Cooperative at least twenty (20) days before the meeting a list of nominations for Board members. The Secretary shall be responsible for mailing with the notice of the meeting or separately, but at least ten (10) days before the date of the meeting, a statement of the number of Board members to be elected and the counties they will be elected from and represent, and the name and address of each of the candidates nominated by the Committee on Nominations or by petition.

A report from the Committee of Nominations, along with proxies, ballots and other annual meeting information will be mailed to members in February 2024. As a member-owner of Central Electric Power Association, you have a right to participate in the annual meeting to hear the latest cooperative news and to elect the board of directors.

Mark your calendar for March 19, 2024, and plan to attend Central Electric’s annual meeting at the Carthage Coliseum on Highway 16 in Carthage.

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Merry Christmas & HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM OUR CO-OP FAMILY TO YOURS, WISHING YOU A HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON AND A JOYOUS NEW YEAR. Central Electric Power Association will be closed Dec. 22 and 25 for Christmas and Jan. 1 for New Years.

To report an outage, please visit www.centralepa.com and click on Report An Outage, call 601-267-3043, or text the word OUT to 866-846-5671 if you are enrolled in the outage texting service.

A dispatcher is on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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Celebrating s ar e y 50

Wanniese Whitehead Central Electric Power Association congratulates you on 50 years of dedicated service!

October 16, 1973 to October 16, 2023

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FOR INTEGRATING SMART HOME TECH

by Michael Leitman

Once something pursued by only the most tech savvy of consumers, smart home technologies are becoming increasingly common to enhance home convenience, comfort, and safety.

Smart technologies have proliferated as the “internet of things” have grown to include home security and safety systems, lighting, entertainment, HVAC systems, and even appliances.

Consumers are interested in a variety of technology combinations and uses for their homes, but regardless of the applications, here are three key tips to keep in mind when integrating smart technologies into your home.

Ensure that various devices can talk to each other. This might seem like a no-brainer, but ensuring compatibility is vital to ensuring that convenience is not overcome by annoyance. One way of ensuring compatibility is choosing a single brand for as many applications as possible. Those pursuing several smart technologies might also look into investing in a central hub to coordinate and control various devices. Many of the hubs available today offer additional features of their own, doubling as speakers, routers, or displays. One major consideration for all these technologies is a fast and reliable internet and Wi-Fi connection.

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Enable all security measures to prevent hacking. Adding smart devices to your home can increase the surface area that bad actors can use to hack equipment, increasing the importance of common-sense cybersecurity measures. Choosing smart devices with built in security features and ensuring that these features are all turned on is an important step to reduce these risks. It is also important to replace default usernames and passwords with strong unique versions, enabling dual and/or biometric authentication and keeping your device software up to date through patches. Finally, if you are controlling your home devices from your phone, tablet, or laptop, do not do so while using unsecured public Wi-Fi networks.

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Look for technologies to help control and manage home energy use. Smart home technologies can be a great way to control and manage home energy use. If you are looking into home automation, devices like smart thermostats, grid controllable water heaters, and schedulable or motion-controlled indoor and outdoor lighting can be smart ways to save money on your electric bill.

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Michael Leitman writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

P.O. BOX 188 • LYON, MS 38645 662-624-8321 • FAX 662-624-8327 • www.coahomaepa.com • cepa@coahomaepa.com

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as m t is r h C y r r e M a Wising you ctric Power Association Coahoma Ele from

Bylaws outline procedure for Annual Meeting Coahoma Electric Power Association will hold its Annual Meeting of the Membership at 10 a.m. Thursday , Feb. 8, 2024, at Coahoma Electric’s Headquarters multipurpose room at 3355 Rudyard-Jonestown Rd, Coahoma, MS 38617.

This new location is approximately 1 mile North of Coahoma County Airport on Highway 61. The following is an excerpt from the association’s bylaws pertaining to the Annual Meeting of the Membership.

ARTICLE III

Meeting of Members • Section 3.01. Annual Meeting.

For the purposes of electing Directors, hearing and passing upon reports covering the previous fiscal year, and transacting such other business as may properly come before the meeting, the annual meeting of the Members shall be held on the second Thursday of February of each year, at such place in Coahoma County, Mississippi, and beginning at such hour, as the Board of Directors shall, from year to year, fix; PROVIDED, that, for cause sufficient, the Board of Directors may fix a different date for such annual meeting not more than thirty (30) days prior or subsequent to the day otherwise established for such meeting. Failure to hold the annual meeting at the designated time and place shall not work a forfeiture or dissolution of the Association.

• Section 3.02. Special Meetings.

Special meetings of the Members may be called by a majority of the Board of Directors, or upon written petition submitted to the Board of Directors signed by at least three hundred (300) Members; any such petition(s) shall be submitted on forms provided by the Association, and the same shall be signed, completed and verified in the same manner as are petitions submitted under Section 4.04 of these Bylaws.

Special meetings shall be held at such place within Coahoma County, Mississippi, on such date, and at such hour as the Board of Directors shall fix and determine, and the Association’s Secretary shall cause notice of any such meetings to be given as hereinafter provided.

• Section 3.03. Notice of Members’ Meetings.

Written or printed notice stating the place, day and hour of the meeting and, in the case of a special meeting or of an annual meeting at which business requiring special notice is to be transacted, the purpose or purposes of the meeting shall be delivered to each Member not less than fifteen (15) days nor more than twenty-five (25) days prior to the date of the meeting, either personally, by mail, or electronically, by or at the direction of the Association’s Secretary, or by the directors or members calling the meeting. Written notice of any meeting at which the Association’s certificate of incorporation will be voted on by the Members must be sent to the Members at least

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thirty (30) days prior to the date of the meeting, and shall identify and describe the purpose of the amendment. If Directors are to be elected at such meeting, the notice of Members’ meeting shall include a statement of the members of the Board of Directors to be elected as provided in Section 4.04. Unless specified in such notice of meeting, no matter may be acted upon at such meeting. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the United States mail, addressed to the Member at his or her address as it appears on the records of the Association, with postage thereon prepaid. The failure of any Member to receive such notice shall not invalidate any action which may be taken by the Members at any such meeting.

• Section 3.04. Quorum.

Three hundred (300) Members shall constitute a quorum at any regular or special meeting of Members. This number shall be arrived at by adding the number of Members present in person at the meeting to the number of Members represented at that meeting by valid proxies filed as provided by these Bylaws. If less than a quorum is present at any meeting of Members, the officer of the Association who is presiding at the meeting may, at the time stated in the notice and without a motion, declare the meeting adjourned and closed or he may hold the meeting open for not longer than thirty (30) minutes to see if a quorum is present within that time; and the meeting shall automatically be adjourned and closed if a quorum shall not be present at the end of said thirty (30) minute period. The Members present at a meeting at which a quorum is not present shall not have the power to take any kind of action, including, but not by way of limitations, adjourning said meeting to another time or place.

• Section 3.05. Voting.

Each Member who is not in a status of suspension, as provided for in Section 2.01, shall be entitled to only one vote upon each matter submitted to a vote at any meeting of the Members. A Member may vote at any such meeting either in person or by proxy. At a meeting of the Members where Directors are to be elected, all Members present in person or by proxy may cast one (1) vote for each Director to be elected; each Member may vote his or her own vote plus those proxies executed in such Member’s favor, pursuant to Section 3.06 and 3.07 of these Bylaws. Voting by Members other than Members who are natural persons shall be allowed upon the presentation to the

Association, prior to or upon registration at each Member meeting, of satisfactory evidence entitling the person presenting same to vote. At all meetings of the Members, all questions shall be decided by a majority of the Members voting thereon, except as otherwise provided by law or by the Association’s Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws or any amendment(s) thereto. Members may not cumulate their votes.

lost, stolen, or destroyed, the Association shall furnish such Member with a replacement proxy form upon request, provided that the Member executes a revocation of the lost, stolen or destroyed form, to be witnessed by an employee of the Association. Blank proxy forms will not be distributed in bulk to any Member. Designation of proxies shall be upon forms prescribed by the Board of Directors and furnished by the Association and no other forms shall be recognized or accepted.

• Section 3.06. Proxies.

At all meetings of the Members, a Member may vote by proxy ARTICLE IV executed in writing and signed by the Member, subject to the provisions hereinafter set forth, provided, however, any Member • Section 4.04. Committee on Nominations. intending to vote by proxy must file the executed proxy at the (a) It shall be the duty of the Board of Directors to appoint, no less Association’s headquarters by the close of business on the later of than forty (40) calendar days nor more than ninety (90) calendar the Monday preceding the annual or special meeting or three (3) days before the date of the meeting of the Members at which business days prior to such meeting. A Member may personally Directors are to be elected, a Committee on Nominations consisting deliver his or her proxy to the said of not less than five (5) nor more than offices of the Association or mail the eleven (11) Members who shall be proxy by United States Mail, postage selected with consideration being given prepaid, addressed to the Secretary, to provide geographic representation Coahoma Electric Power Association, of the Association’s service area. No P. O. Box 188, Lyon, Mississippi, 38645. existing Association employees, agents, COAHOMA ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION If the proxy is sent by mail, the date of officers, Directors or known candidates its receipt in the Association’s office for Director, and close relatives (as at the above address shall be its filing hereinafter defined) or members of the date. The proxy must have entered same household of existing association thereon the name and account number employees, agents, officers, Directors or Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024 of the member appointed to vote the known candidates for Director may serve at 10 a.m. proxy. No proxy shall be voted at any on such committee. The Committee Coahoma Electric’s Headquarters • Coahoma, MS meeting of the Members unless it shall on Nominations shall receive and Members of Coahoma EPA’s designate the particular meeting at consider any suggestion as to nominees which it is to be voted, and no proxy submitted by Members. The Committee Committee on Nominations shall be voted at any meeting other on Nominations shall meet at a time Reggie Hibbler Harvey B. Rodgers Jr. than the one so designated, or any and place set by the Board of Directors.

Hamp Bass Dina Wilson adjournment of such meeting. No The Committee on Nominations shall Robert A. Boyce Tommy Sides proxy shall be voted by anyone except prepare and post at the principal office William Peal a Member. A Member may appoint any of the Association at least thirty-five (35) other individual Member to vote his calendar days before the meeting a list of or her proxy, or a Member may appoint the individual members of nominations for Directors. The Secretary must mail with the notice the Board of Directors, collectively, to vote said proxy. No Member of the meeting or separately a statement of the number of Directors shall vote as proxy for more than fifty (50) Members at any meeting to be elected and the names and addresses of the candidates of the Members. In the event an individual Member is appointed to nominated by the Committee on Nominations. vote as proxy for more than fifty (50) other Members, such proxies (b) Nominations By Petition. Any fifty (50) Members acting together in excess of fifty (50) shall be assigned to the Board of Directors for may make a nomination by petition and the Secretary shall post such voting; and the proxies so assigned and those proxies appointing nomination at the same place where the list of nominations by the the individual members of the Board of Directors shall be voted Committee on Nominations is posted. Any petition for nomination according to the will of a majority of the Board of Directors. The shall be submitted on a form designated and provided by the presence of a Member at a meeting of the Members shall revoke a Association. Each Member signing such petition shall place thereon proxy theretofore executed by that Member, and such Member shall the date of signing, address and account number of the Member. The be entitled to vote at such meeting in the same manner and with the Secretary shall mail with the notice of the meeting or separately a same effect as if the proxy had not been executed. In case of a joint statement of the number of board members to be elected and the membership, a proxy may be executed by either spouse. The timely names of candidates nominated by the committees and the names presence of either spouse at a meeting of the Members shall revoke a of candidates nominated by petition, if any. Nominations made by proxy theretofore executed by either of them and such joint Member petition, if any, received by the close of business at least 90 calendar (or Members) shall be entitled to vote at such meeting in the same days before the annual meeting shall be included on the official ballot. manner and with the same effect as if a proxy had not been executed. No petition may contain more than one nominee.

A standard proxy form shall be used which identifies the Member (c) Notwithstanding anything in this Section, failure to comply by name and Member number, in order to assure authenticity and with any of the provisions of this Section shall not affect in any facilitate the tabulation of votes. If the proxy form of a Member is manner whatsoever the validity of any election of Directors.

Notice to Members

ANNUAL MEETING OF MEMBERS

2023 | DECEMBER

17

Coahoma Electric linemen complete Transformer Training School

Pictured left to right, Browning Earp, Jack Wells, Hays Stubbs, Dayton Sparks and Colton Hitchcock were awarded a Certificate of Completion from Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi for completing Transformer Training School.

2023 Lineman of the Year

A HAPPY NEW YEAR Our offices will be closed Monday, Dec. 25, and Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023, in observance of Christmas. We will reopen on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023.

The Clarksdale Exchange Club recognized Coahoma Electric lineman Clyde Ray, pictured right, as a 2023 Lineman of the Year. Clyde is a crew leader with 26 years of service for Coahoma Electric. The other recipient, Dylan Doss, is pictured left and works for Clarksdale Public Utilities.

18 DECEMBER | 2023

Our offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 1, in observance of New Year’s Day. We will reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024.

FOR TODAY IN MISSISSIPPI INFORMATION, CALL 877-769-2372

Where our members have the power

WWW.COASTELECTRIC.COOP

Communicators: April Lollar, Merilee Sands & Sarah Belk

Empowering COMMITTED TO

OUR COMMUNITY

Celebrating the holidays and ringing in a new year spark a sense of renewed hope and optimism about the future. For me, it’s a time to reflect on where we are and where we’re going. At the heart of this reflection, I think about ways we can better serve you, the members of our cooperative.

Our team is always looking ahead, exploring ways to innovate and utilize new technologies to improve our services.

As our nation increasingly relies on electricity to power the economy, keeping the lights on has never been more important.

We’re committed to powering — and empowering — our community at a cost local families and businesses can afford.

We’ve seen the price of materials and power generation increase over the past several months. To combat inflated material costs and high contract and equipment costs, prices will increase for our members. Starting Jan. 1, our members will see an increase of around 4-6% on their monthly bills.

As a not-for-profit cooperative, I want to assure you that we will only pass through the increased costs and do not profit from this increase. Our board of directors and management team only make decisions like these after careful study and consideration. You can view our rate schedules and learn more about the charges that make up your monthly bill on www.coastelectric.coop.

We are committed to doing all we can to lessen the impact of higher costs on our members. For example, we have a procurement system in place that ensures we are receiving materials and goods that are not only high quality, but a good price. We adopt new technologies that make our system more reliable and efficient. We have a right of way plan that has

decreased outages and lowered costs. In every department, every employee is focused on managing expenses for our members.

The cost of generating power is the main factor in this increase. We work with Cooperative Energy, the company that generates power for Coast Electric and other Mississippi cooperatives, to get the best price for the power we deliver to your homes and businesses.

Although the cost of delivering reliable, affordable power to your homes has increased, electricity is still the best value around. The price of everyday items has gone up dramatically over the years. We can see that when we visit the grocery store. The cost of eggs, milk and other staples have increased exponentially. While electricity costs have gone up, increases have been small when compared to other goods and services.

Electricity is also one of the only items that allows you to have some control over what you spend.

As we celebrate the Christmas season and turn our focus to 2024, Coast Electric will continue working to provide the reliable, affordable electricity you expect and deserve — for today and tomorrow. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

by Ron Barnes President and CEO

2023 | DECEMBER

15

ANNUAL MEETING

HIGHLIGHTS We would like to thank all those who attended our Annual Meeting as well as those who registered by proxy. Your participation in our meeting and election process are critical to co-op success.

DIRECTOR ELECTIONS

At Coast Electric’s Annual Meeting on Nov. 2, three members were elected as directors for Position Three and received the following votes:

Paul D. Guichet, Hancock County – 10,273 William D. Mooney, Pearl River County – 10,273 Gordon Redd Jr., Harrison County – 10,273

CAPITAL CREDITS

Coast Electric President and CEO Ron Barnes announced at the cooperative’s 2023 Annual Meeting that the cooperative will retire $6,088,374 in capital credits to its members. Checks are scheduled to be mailed to eligible current and former members in December.

By the end of 2023, Coast Electric will have paid more than $93 million in capital credit retirements to current and former members.

What are capital credits?

Member-owned cooperatives are not-forprofit organizations operated for the benefit of their members. In general, if there are revenues from electric services in excess of operating costs and expenses, those funds are credited to a member’s capital account based on their patronage. Such funds, which are also called ‘capital credits,’ are the life blood that enables cooperatives to satisfy the future growth and power needs of its members.

Capital credits represent a critical source of equity for Coast Electric. Since a cooperative’s members are also the people it serves, capital credits reflect each member’s ownership in, and contribution of capital to, the cooperative.

16 DECEMBER | 2023

Where does the money come from?

Each member is allocated capital credits based on how much energy they obtain from the cooperative. The more energy a member purchases, the greater the amount of capital credit allocated to the member’s account. At the end of each year, Coast Electric subtracts operating costs and expenses from operating revenue collected during the year. This difference is called margins, which are allocated to the members on the basis of patronage.

How does capital credit retirement work?

Any member who has purchased electricity from Coast Electric during the time being retired is eligible to receive a capital credit check. The minimum retirement check that will be mailed to members is $10. If a member’s retirement is under the $10 minimum, the allocated capital credits will remain in their account until the retired balance exceeds $10. At that point, a check will be distributed during the next retirement period.

Members who have questions about their capital credit accounts may visit https://coastelectric.coop/capital-credits/.

PRIZE WINNERS

Congratulations to our members who won credits on their electric bills by either attending our Annual Meeting or registering online, in one of our offices or by mail.

$100 Bill Credit Winners Belinda Rodgers George Ruschak Michael Dickinson Gloria Smotherman Francis Adams

Marvin May Beau Underwood Ronald Hode Linda Byrd Ronald Thompson

Regina Luxich Lynne Grimes Vickie Hariel Ronald Breland Alan Weatherford

$50 Home Depot Gift Cards David Malley Caleb Smith

$25 Walmart Gift Cards

provided by Arkansas Electric Cooperatives Candace Harper Marcia Jones

Attendance Grand Prize Winners $250 Coast Electric Bill Credit • Marilyn Sefton $500 Coast Electric Bill Credit • James Manning $1,000 Coast Electric Bill Credit • Theresa Wilson

Proxy Registration Grand Prize Winners $250 Coast Electric Bill Credit • Billee Busche $500 Coast Electric Bill Credit • Debra Barnes $1,000 Coast Electric Bill Credit • Gerald Darby

DID YOU MISS IT?

No worries! Our meeting was recorded and is available on our YouTube channel. Search for Coast Electric.

GIVING BACK Coast Electric members give over $1,336,551.06 million to our community through Operation Round Up

At Coast Electric’s Annual Meeting in November, it was announced that a total of $1,336,551.06 has been granted to local charitable organizations since Coast Electric began rounding up participating members’ bills in December of 2018. Members’ contributions fund grants for charitable organizations that make our community a better place to live.

Besides reaching over $1.3 million in total grants, the Community Trust Committee also reviewed 41 grant applications and approved 15 for a total of $107,317 for this round of grants alone.

The 15 organizations receiving grants are: • Disability Connection • Picayune Carver Culture Center, Inc. • Exodus Project 21 • Alice Moseley Folk Art Museum • Friends of the Animal Shelter in Hancock County • Little Free Library Ltd. • United Way of South Mississippi • Picayune Main Street, Inc. • Junior Auxiliary of Gulfport, Inc. • Pine Grove Volunteer Fire Department • Rotary Club of Picayune • Sav-A-Life of the MS Gulf Coast dba Women’s Resource Center • WOW WOMEN OF WISDOM, INC. • Christ Church • Poplarville Area Chamber of Commerce

Join us at our Picayune office on Dec. 8 for an energy fair!

Check @CoastElectric on Facebook for details.

CONTEST

Coast Electric wants you to reduce your energy use and see savings on your energy costs. Each month, you will have an opportunity to register to win a prize that will help you reduce the energy consumption in your home. All you have to do is visit www.coastelectric.coop and fill out our entry form. It only takes a few seconds, and you could win a prize that helps you save!

Congratulations to LaShon Sellers, the winner of our October Reduce Your Use prize!

Community Trust Committee

The Community Trust Committee is made up of Coast Electric members.

Committee members review Operation Round Up grant submissions after they are vetted by the Gulf Coast Community Foundation and determine which organizations will receive grants that will make lasting, positive impacts in our local community.

A HAPPY NEW YEAR

Hancock County Advisory/Community Trust Committee Members • Blake Travis • Ronnie Breland • Duane Wilson

From our co-op family to yours, wishing you a happy holiday season and a joyous new year.

Harrison County Advisory/Community Trust Committee Members • Fred Hoff • Valerie Underwood • Padrick Dennis

Coast Electric and CoastConnect will be closed Dec. 25 and 26 for Christmas and Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day.

Pearl River County Advisory/Community Trust Committee Members • Candace Harper • Caleb Smith • Cody Cuevas

Coast Electric dispatchers will be on duty and crews will be on call during the holidays. CoastConnect subscribers can access 24/7 tech support at www.CoastConnect.com.

18 DECEMBER | 2023

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

DELTA’S EDGE

solar site commissioned

Cooperative Energy celebrated on Oct. 30 the continued growth of its solar portfolio at Delta’s Edge — the cooperative’s newest utility-scale solar site.

The 637-acre site, located in Carroll County six miles east of Greenwood, uses 250,152 panels to produce 100MW of electricity. The electricity is then delivered across the state, powering homes and businesses with environmentally friendly renewable energy.

Members of Delta Electric, Cubico, Cooperative Energy, statewide officials, and invited guests gathered at the Delta’s Edge site to celebrate the solar site dispatchment into commercial operation this fall.

“Delta’s Edge represents a significant commitment to our member systems and their consumer-members who have expressed a desire for more green energy where it makes good economic sense,” Cooperative Energy President and CEO Jeff C. Bowman said.

As a deep south state, Mississippi is geographically situated to receive an abundance of sunlight. Bowman said expanding solar generation also makes sense because it enables the cooperative to diversify its energy generation portfolio while lessening the cost impact on members. “Our mission is to provide our members with reliable and affordable energy,” Bowman said. “Our members have asked us to look for opportunities to add more renewable energy to our generation mix without negatively affecting reliability or affordability, and the Delta’s Edge facility meets those goals.”

The site utilizes bifacial crystalline panels, which are mounted on trackers that enable the panels to rotate with the sun for maximum solar absorption. At its peak, the panels will convert enough sunlight into electricity to power 13,500

homes and businesses. Cooperative Energy has a 15-year power-purchase agreement with Cubico to purchase all the electricity produced by the site.

Cooperative Energy entered into an agreement with Renewable Energy Systems (RES) for the Delta’s Edge project in September 2018. RES designed and began development of the project and secured investors for the lifetime of the facility. Cubico Buffalo Holdings I, LLC, acquired the Delta’s Edge facility in December 2020 and began construction soon after. The project hired 50 local workers and employed seven subcontractors in and around Carroll County.

David O’Bryan, general manager of Delta Electric Power Association headquartered in Greenwood, said, “We are very pleased with the economic benefits this project brought to the Greenwood trade area, and Carroll County specifically. Delta’s Edge created hundreds of construction jobs, and also permanent jobs along with the associated property tax benefits.”

“As a member of Cooperative Energy, Delta Electric is appreciative of the cooperative’s efforts to bring additional solar energy on a large scale to our Delta Electric consumer-members,” said O’Bryan. “Our consumer-members in East Leflore County and Carroll County — along with those of the other 10 Member systems served by Cooperative Energy — will long benefit from the renewable energy generated by this large 100MW solar facility.”

Cooperative Energy’s solar portfolio has drastically grown in recent years.

The cooperative approved its first member-owned residential solar system in 2010. Today, nearly 900 residential and commercial systems are connected to Cooperative Energy, capable of producing 8,417 kWac. The cooperative also owns nine 100kW solar sites located throughout the members’ service territories across the state. Cooperative Energy has another long-term power-purchase agreement for all electricity produced at MS Solar 3, a 52 MW site located in Lamar County near Sumrall.

“Growing our investment in affordable solar energy advances our commitment to the nearly one million Mississippians we serve. Delta’s Edge provides our consumer-members with emissions-free energy by employing the most advanced solar technology available,” added Bowman.

Sign up now for unlimited data and no contract!

DELightSpeed.coop 662-477-1975 or info@delightspeed.coop

2023 | DECEMBER

15

HOW

The U.S. power grid is often considered one of the largest machines in the world. As demand for energy continues to grow, electric utilities across the nation are encouraging energy consumers to save by making small changes to daily energy habits.

by Miranda Boutelle

What does “peak energy time” mean, and why should I use less energy at home?

“Beat the peak” has become a unified message among Mississippi’s electric cooperatives as the demand for electricity grows year after year.

Your electric co-op must deliver around-the-clock electricity to power your life.

To understand why it is so important for everyone to use less energy when there is high demand for electricity, known as peak times, let’s start with the complex system that delivers electricity to your home.

The U.S. power grid is often considered one of the largest machines in the world. Some could argue it is our country’s greatest achievement because reliable electricity has become essential to our daily lives and our economy.

The U.S. has three main interconnected power grids: the Eastern Interconnection, the Western Interconnection, and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. Each interconnection has regional balancing authorities, which are organizations that ensure electricity supply constantly matches electricity demand.

16 DECEMBER | 2023

To conserve energy, start with manageable changes around your house. Instead of running your dishwasher after dinner during peak hours, start it right before bed.

The interconnections are powered by electric generation in various sources, including hydropower, nuclear, coal, gas, wind, solar, and more. Some of these generation sources can supply power constantly or be ramped up or down depending on demand, while others supply intermittent power. The energy produced by these sources connects to the grid and moves along transmission lines that allow power to travel long distances.

Your electric co-op is known as a distribution utility, which operates the power infrastructure connecting transmission lines to the distribution power lines that bring electricity to your home.

This whole system and the more than 2 million people who operate it are continually working behind the scenes, so we can take advantage of a 24/7 supply of electricity at the flip of a switch.

Throughout the day, demand for power supply fluctuates. If supply and demand fall out of balance, local or widespread blackouts can occur.

To maintain reliable power, especially during peak times, there must be enough power supply to equal demand.

Due to supply and demand, the cost to buy power is higher during peak times. Peak times vary across the country but are typically in the morning as we start our day and, in the evening, when we return home.

The demand for power increases every year. The U.S. Energy Information Administration projects residential consumption of purchased electricity will increase between about 14% and 22% from 2022 to 2050. Industrial, transportation, and commercial consumption are also projected to experience increased demand.

As generation, transmission and distribution utilities work to increase production and maintain and protect our grid, it’s important for all of us to take steps to use less energy every day.

In turn, it will help you save on your monthly electric bill.

To beat the peak, think about how you can use less energy in the morning and evening. Start with the area that uses the most energy by adjusting your thermostat during peak hours, either up or down a few degrees depending on the season. A smart thermostat can do this for you automatically.

How can you use less energy during peak times? Consider delaying when you’d usually run large appliances, such as your washer and dryer, to off peak hours.

Are there certain appliances or devices you can wait to run until after peak hours? For example, start the dishwasher or dryer before you go to bed. If you have an electric vehicle, program it to charge overnight instead of right when you return home in the evening. Smart power strips ensure your devices are not pulling power when they are turned off. These devices work well for TVs and gaming devices.

If you have appliances that are 10 years old or older, consider replacing them with new, efficient ENERGY STAR®-rated appliances. Your electric cooperative may have rebates to help lower the initial cost.

By embracing energy conservation, we can all make small changes that have a big impact on our community and the intricate system that powers our lives. To learn more about your local peak times and how you can use less energy, contact your electric co-op.

Miranda Boutelle is the chief operating officer at Efficiency Services Group in Oregon.

2023 | DECEMBER

17

Mississippi’s Electric Cooperatives

Mississippi families and businesses expect the lights to stay on at a cost they can afford. But that’s no longer a guarantee. Nine states saw rolling blackouts last December as the demand for electricity exceeded available supply.

Electric cooperatives are working towards meaningful solutions to address the reliability challenges spreading across the nation. Policymakers should recognize that the electrification of the economy, disorderly retirement and insufficient replacement of existing generation, permitting challenges, supply chain shortages, and the availability of natural gas all impact the reliability of the electric grid.

18 DECEMBER | 2023

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

dixieepa.com | defastlink.net | prepared.dixieepa.com | 601-425-2535 dixieepa.com

@DixieElectricMS

@DixieEPA

@dixie_electric

What's in a tagline When you think about Dixie Electric and its identity, two things will likely come to your mind: where you pay your electric bill and who you call when your power is out. But we strive to be much more than your local utility provider; we want to make a difference in this place we call home.

For several years, we’ve adopted a tagline on our marketing platforms titled Membership Matters. The idea behind this campaign was not only to remind our members that they are indeed members and not just customers but also to instill the knowledge of how being a member of an electric cooperative matters in the lives and growth of our communities. As the holiday season is upon us and 2023 comes to an end, I thought I might recap a few ways your Dixie Electric membership mattered this year.

We had another active year supporting our local food pantries and several school programs that provide children with enough food to last them through the weekend who otherwise may not have access to it. Food insecurity remains a significant problem in many communities, and by providing resources and assistance to local food banks, we contribute to the welfare of our neighbors and help strengthen our community.

Our efforts in supporting our foster community are also dear to our employees. We are thankful for our foster families who provide children who have likely experienced difficult circumstances with love, support, and a chance at a brighter future. It’s been an honor to be a champion for our foster kids and parents within our communities, providing resources and encouragement in their time of need.

We’ve continued to impact the youth in our community through several different programs, including our Cooperative Youth Leaders program. We believe providing today’s youth with leadership skills is crucial because it equips them with the ability to take initiative, make positive decisions, and inspire others, empowering them to

become responsible, confident, and capable individuals who can drive positive change in their communities and society.

Lastly, we continue to support our local economic development agencies in different initiatives to foster growth in our communities.

A thriving local economy contributes to financial stability for our members and demonstrates a vested interest in the region’s growth and prosperity.

When DE Fastlink came to be, we felt the tagline Connection Matters paired well with Membership Matters. Connection, by definition, is a relationship in which a person, thing, or idea is linked or associated with something else. We are not only able to connect your home with fast and reliable high-speed internet, but we are also able to provide access to a multitude of possibilities by bridging the digital gap for our members. We’ve enabled our members to stay in touch with loved ones, access educational opportunities, provide support for small rural businesses, work remotely, and engage with the broader world.

This year, we’ve tackled challenges and celebrated victories, all while staying true to our mission of powering communities and empowering the lives of our members. I want to end by taking this opportunity to thank you for your membership, and wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I pray this special time is filled with family and joy. I eagerly anticipate 2024 as we light the way forward, together.

by Randy Smith General Manager

Merry Christmas & HAPPY NEW YEAR Offices will be closed Dec. 25 and 26 for Christmas and Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day.

Call 601-425-2535 or use the SmartHub app to report a power outage or emergency. Servicemen are on call.

Celebrating 1938

2023

YEARS OF

Membership

by Amanda Mills On Saturday, Oct. 21, Dixie Electric held its annual meeting in person and virtually at dixieepa.com, celebrating 85 years of membership. Dixie Electric hosts its annual meeting to engage with its members, provide updates on the cooperative's activities, and allow members to participate in decision-making processes, such as electing board members and discussing important issues related to the cooperative's operation.

Opportunities for voting in the annual board elections began online in late August and by mail-in balloting in September. With the new addition of a SmartHub prompt, online voting increased this year by over 800 votes. More than 6,500 members participated in the board elections this year, continuing a trend of strong voter participation.

For each vote cast or proxy submitted, Dixie Electric’s board of directors agreed to donate $1 to be divided equally among the Christian Food Mission in Laurel, Petal Children’s Task Force, and

the Samaritan Closet and Pantry in Waynesboro. Each of these beneficiaries will receive a donation of $2,190.

At the annual meeting, Allen Sledge, Sr., and Dale McKee were re-elected to serve on the board of directors. General Manager Randy Smith gave a brief overview of the cooperative, including the impressive progress of DE Fastlink. He also discussed the $1.29 million capital credit retirement and recapped our year of community service efforts.

Members who participated in the annual board elections were also placed into several drawings with the opportunity to win up to a $500 credit on their power bill. A detailed list of prize winners for each district can be found below.

Dixie Electric is thankful for its members’ active participation in its recent annual board elections. Your involvement is crucial in shaping the future of our cooperative.

2023 Annual Meeting Prize Winners OVERALL WINNER ($500 BILL CREDIT) Bonnie Powe, Waynesboro ONLINE WINNER ($250 BILL CREDIT)

16 NOVEMBER | 2022 Smith, Laurel Hubert

DISTRICT WINNERS ($250 BILL CREDITS EACH) District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7

David Walker, Petal Coley Hanson, Petal Clara McCann, Hattiesburg Carl Hull, Laurel Richard Skjeveland, Laurel Danny Malone, Waynesboro Linda Dunn, Waynesboro

Jingle ALL THE WAY TO

Electrical Safety LIGHTING UP YOUR HOLIDAYS WITH SPARKLING TIPS

by Amanda Mills

The holiday season is here, and it's time to deck the halls with boughs of holly and twinkle lights! But hold on to your Santa hat; we want to make sure your Christmas stays as merry as ever! As you embark on your quest to transform your home into a winter wonderland, remember that electrical safety during the holidays is a must. Let's dive into some jolly electrical safety tips that will ensure your Christmas celebrations are full of cheer and free from shocking surprises.

Check Your Sparkle

Decorations Need Their Space

Before you unleash your inner Clark Griswold, give your holiday lights, extension cords, and decorations a once-over. Be on the lookout for frayed or exposed wires. Damaged sockets and loose or exposed wires can cause serious shock or start a fire.

Don't let your holiday decorations cozy up to flammable materials like curtains or drapes. Also, secure cords that are hanging or placed on the ground.

It's All About Location, Location, Location Just like in real estate, where you put your lights matters. Outdoor lights are like the superheroes of the lighting world, built to withstand the elements. Indoor lights, on the other hand, are a little more delicate. Indoor lights won't cut it in the great outdoors. Don't make them weather a storm; they're not cut out for that. Also, when stringing holiday lights, never mount or support light strings in a way that might damage the cord’s insulation.

No Outlet Overload Holiday decorations typically require additional plug ins. Resist the urge to plug everything in into one outlet. Overloading can lead to overheating. Use power strips with built-in circuit breakers to keep things under control.

Unplug When It's Time for Sugarplum Dreams When you're not there to enjoy your twinkling lights, do the responsible thing – unplug them! Turn off and unplug your dazzling display when you're out and about or when it's bedtime. This simple act can prevent electrical fires. Invest in timers to help you remember this simple step.

Switch to LED and You'll be Merry Indeed!

Upgrade to LED lights for a safer and more energy-efficient holiday glow. They're like the VIP section of the lighting world.

They're cooler (in the temperature sense), they use less energy, and they last longer. It's an illuminating decision, we promise.

Get a Professional to Check Twice If you're a holiday decorating enthusiast and your house could compete with the Griswold's, it might be wise to call in a professional electrician for a safety check. They can make sure everything is Merry for your epic light show.

The holiday season is your time to shine, and with these electrically safe tips, you'll be twinkling with confidence. So, jingle all the way to a safe and spectacular Christmas season with your family, friends, and an abundance of glittering lights. Safety is your best holiday ornament.

2023 | DECEMBER

17

Check Energy Efficiency off your Christmas list

While making your list and checking it twice, be sure to keep energy-efficiency at the top of your list!

Check for the ENERGY STAR label when

Keep cozy this holiday season with blankets

purchasing new gadgets and appliances this

and additional clothing instead of raising the

holiday season.

thermostat or using an electric space heater.

When lighting your home for the holidays, opt

While Christmas shopping, pick up caulk

for LED lights, which consume up to 80% less

or weatherstrips to seal leaks around doors

energy and last significantly longer.

and windows.

THEY’RE BEGGING FOR

FASTER INTERNET THIS CHRISTMAS

It can be doggone frustrating to deal with the hassles of too-slow internet, like videos that buffer and Zoom calls that freeze up — especially during the busy Christmas season. So, we have a suggestion. Switch to faster speeds from DE Fastlink, and everyone in your household (two-legged or four-legged) will be much happier. Choose from speeds up to 1 Gig with no data caps, no hidden fees and no contracts! Best of all, we’re local!

Speed you need. Service you deserve.

GET YOUR PAWS ON A HIGHER SPEED NOW CLEARING TREES AND LIMBS FOR RELIABLE SERVICE 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.

CLEARING PROJECTS UNDERWAY

Cleo Sub: Cleo, Poole Creek, Mill Creek, Strengthford, Myrick West Richton: Richton, Runnelstown, New Augusta, Corinth, Ovett

18 DECEMBER | 2023

Cornerstone Group © 2023

DON’T FUR-GET TO CALL 833-521-3278 OR VISIT DEFASTLINK.NET.

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Celebrating 2023:

A year of challenge and success A MESSAGE FROM YOUR CEO As 2023 ends, I find myself looking back at what our East Mississippi Electric Power Association team accomplished this year. We bounced back quickly from numerous storms, completed the broadband network construction, connected over 13,000 members to high-speed internet service, continued to recover from the loss of dedicated employees, welcomed new employees on board, and worked to grow as a team.

Storms are not anything new for us. We plan each year to be able to respond with the needed personnel, materials, and equipment to recover quickly, efficiently, and safely. This year, materials and equipment increased the challenge. Many of the items we use every day as well as in storms have doubled in cost while taking twice as long to be delivered. It takes staying on top of inventory levels and energy use trends to ensure we have what we need.

The buildout of our fiber-to-the-home network was completed two years ahead of schedule while maintaining budget. A five-year project was completed in 36 months allowing over 13,000 members access to high-speed internet connections. The success seen by Mississippi cooperatives is being discussed and applauded nationwide as many states are just beginning the process.

We lost some good people to other organizations, retirements, and personal accidents. While we hold on to fond memories of these special team members, new employees joined our team.

Each brings new energy, talents, and dedication to advance our goal of serving our members.

Each day in the life of EMEPA brings change. We can dread the changes or embrace them and move forward with our mission to deliver services that enhance our members’ lifestyles. The vision of building pathways for community success is strong among our employees. As we close 2023 and begin 2024, be assured we are here to serve you for many years to come.

by Randy Carroll CEO — East Mississippi Electric Power Association

&

HAPPY NEW YEAR

From our co-op family to yours, wishing you a happy holiday season and a joyous new year.

East Mississippi Electric Power Association will be closed Friday, Dec. 22, and Monday, Dec. 25, for Christmas and Monday, Jan. 1, for New Year’s Day. 2023 | DECEMBER

15

RETIREMENT OF

$2.2 MILLION IN CAPITAL CREDITS on the way to members

East Mississippi Electric Power Association’s Board of Directors is retiring more than $2.2 million in capital credits for the year 1993.

The retirement amount is set by the board on a 30year rotation and depends on the cooperative’s financial condition and strategic plan for growth and operations. The capital credits are among the many member benefits that set EMEPA apart.

“As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, we belong to the communities we serve, so any excess revenues are shared back with the members,” said East CEO Randy Carroll. “Our business model is set to provide the lowest possible rates for our members throughout the year without excess after

16 DECEMBER | 2023

operational expenses are paid. These margins are allocated to members receiving service during the year.”

EMEPA uses capital credits to invest in the operations of the cooperative, including purchasing bucket trucks, poles, and wire, among other items. This reduces the need for loans and related expenses and benefits members by helping keep power costs low.

“These decisions are not made to satisfy invisible investors or generate profits, but to serve our members and our communities,” said Carroll. “It is all part of what makes cooperative membership different.”

To learn more about Capital Credits, visit EMEPA.com/ AboutEMEPA/CapitalCredits.

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COMPETITION TOUGH,

five leaders honored In a two-day competition, that began with Cooperative University and concluded with an interview session, five students out of 25 high school students were chosen to represent Magnolia Electric Power in the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi (ECM), Cooperative Leaders Workshop in Jackson in February 2024 and the National Youth Leadership trip to Washington, D.C. in June 2024.

Twenty-five students were invited to attend the local competition.

After the first day, at Cooperative University where the students were judged on leadership skills, 11 students moved forward in the competition to the interview round.

“The 25 nominees who began the competition were selected by their school counselors from schools in the Magnolia Electric Power service area,” said Lucy Shell, Magnolia Electric manager of member services and communications.

“Fifty percent of the participant’s score comes from Cooperative University, and the other 50 percent comes from their interview held the second day,” she said.

Following the interview process, five students scored high and were selected to attend the Leadership Seminar in Jackson and the trip to Washington, D.C. The top five choices by the judges over the two day period were: Mya Edwards of Brookhaven High School; Ann Elise Gatlin of

Parklane Academy; Emme Barrett of Brookhaven Academy; Trent Owens of Brookhaven High School, and Ariyana Simmons of North Pike High School.

Edwards, Gatlin, Barrett, Owens, and Simmons will represent Magnolia Electric Power on both trips and have a chance to compete to be a delegate for the National Youth Leadership Council and win a $1,000 scholarship.

During the state youth workshop, students will tour the Mississippi State Capitol, meet with legislators, and visit the legislative galleries where they will see debates on legislation. They will learn about electric cooperatives, hear dynamic speakers, and take part in several group exercises aimed at building cooperation, trust, and leadership skills.

Then, Edwards, Gatlin, Barrett, Owens, and Simmons will travel to Washington, D.C. in June to tour the nation’s capital.

A nominee is chosen by their school counselor based on leadership qualities and community service. Also, a nominee’s parents or guardians must be a member of Magnolia Electric Power.

“Each year, we tell our nominees that they should know that they are already winners when they come in the door because they were chosen by their schools as leaders in their communities,” Shell said. “Their commitment to make the world better is already being noticed.”

2024 Cooperative Youth Leaders

Mya Edwards

Brookhaven High School

Ann Elise Gatlin Parklane Academy

Emme Barrett

Brookhaven Academy

Trent Owens

Brookhaven High School

Ariyana Simmons North Pike High School

cooperative University interviewees

Savannah Arnold

Franklin Co. High School

Molly Charles Parklane Academy

Anna Claire Close Enterprise High School

Hunter Turner

Lawrence Co. High School

Molly Young

Amite School Center

Hannah Taylor Parklane Academy

cooperative University A time to learn about leadership and the cooperative business model Magnolia Electric Power welcomed 22 young leaders from across MEP’s service area competing for two trips — one to a leadership workshop in Jackson as well as a week-long, all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. The MEP Youth Leadership Program invited 25 nominees to the MEP headquarters for the competition that was held on October 26 and 27. Twenty-two students, along with their parents and a few school officials, attended the workshop.

Cooperative University is a one-day event which included: a Youth Tour Overview, a Magnolia Electric Power Overview, Meet a Lineman, a Get-To-Know-You session, and a talk from our State Legislators,” said Manager of Member Services and Communications Lucy Shell.

“We also included a learning session on how electricity gets to your home with our ‘Generation and Transmission’ talk, followed by a hands-on building activity.”

“The program is geared to teach the future leaders of our numerous local communities a little bit about the cooperative business model and work on some of their leadership skills even at this first level,” Shell said. “We try to bring education along with fun leadership games to the students who attend.”

“We were excited to have seven of our state legislators take time from their busy schedules to come and talk with our students,” Shell said. “The students listened as Senators Kelvin Butler and Jason

16 DECEMBER | 2023

Barrett and Representatives Angela Cockerham, Becky Currie, Vince Mangold, Sam Mimms, and Daryl Porter spoke to them and gave them a question-and-answer time.”

The group had lunch, which was followed by more leadership training, a chance to “meet a lineman,” a tour of our operations department, and a chance to see MEP’s newest technology, Shell said.

Other speakers included: Shell, MEP retiree Lineman/Serviceman Tony Martin, MEP Engineer Perry Clark, and Lydia Walters, Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi (ECM).

Those who attended Cooperative University included: Addi Hawn, Alexa McCaa, Anna Claire Close, Ann Elise Gatlin, Ariyana Simmons, Caden Seay, Cambrie Wallace, Christina McNeil, Emme Barrett, Hannah Taylor, Hunter Turner, Jack Welch-Dick, Janaya Jackson, John Thomas Bass, Kaelyn Young, Karter Smith, Maddie Miller, Molly Charles, Molly Young, Mya Edwards, Savannah Arnold, and Trent Owens.

Parents of the school nominees and counselors/officials are also invited to attend the day. Many of the parents come and learn at the event, too.

The students were judged during the Cooperative University and at the conclusion of the event, 11 students moved forward in the competition to the interview round. Then five students were picked to represent the co-op.

2023 | DECEMBER

17

Merry Christmas & HAPPY NEW YEAR

The Magnolia Electric Power business office will be closed Dec. 25 and 26 for Christmas and Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day. MEP Linemen will be on call. To report a power outage, call 601-684-4011 or use the SmartHub app.

18 DECEMBER | 2023

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FOR INTEGRATING SMART HOME TECH

by Michael Leitman

The holiday season is just around the corner and soon, festive music will flood the airwaves, sparkling lights and Once something pursued by only the most tech savvy of consumers, smart home technologies are becoming increasingly decorations will adorn homes and businesses, and good tidings will abound. common to enhance home convenience, comfort, and safety.

The holidays also bring a frenzy of decorating, cooking and family gatherings, and amid the hectic hustle and bustle, Smart technologies have proliferated as the “internet of things” have grown to include home security and safety systems, you may receive higher-than-usual energy bills. lighting, entertainment, HVAC systems, and even appliances.

Keeping this in mind, I thought this month would be a good time to remind Monroe County members of some efficiency tips to help lower your monthly energy use.

Consumers are interested in a variety of technology combinations and uses for their homes, but regardless of the applications, here are three key tips to keep in mind when integrating smart technologies into your home.

Ensure that various devices can talk to each other. This might seem like a no-brainer, but ensuring compatibility is vital to ensuring that convenience is not overcome by annoyance. One way of ensuring compatibility is choosing a single brand for as many applications as possible. Those pursuing several smart technologies might also look into investing in a central hub to coordinate and control various devices. Many of the hubs available today offer additional features of their own, doubling as speakers, routers, or displays. One major consideration for all these technologies is a fast and reliable internet and Wi-Fi connection.

1

Enable all security measures to prevent hacking. Adding smart devices to your home can increase the surface area that bad actors can use to hack equipment, increasing the importance of common-sense cybersecurity measures. Choosing smart devices with built in security features and ensuring that these features are all turned on is an important step to reduce these risks. It is also important to replace default usernames and passwords with strong unique versions, enabling dual and/or biometric authentication and keeping your device software up to date through patches. Finally, if you are controlling your home devices from your phone, tablet, or laptop, do not do so while using unsecured public Wi-Fi networks.

2

Look for technologies to help control and manage home energy use. Smart home technologies can be a great way to control and manage home energy use. If you are looking into home automation, devices like smart thermostats, grid controllable water heaters, and schedulable or motion-controlled indoor and outdoor lighting can be smart ways to save money on your electric bill.

3

Michael Leitman writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

2023 | DECEMBER

15

HOW

The U.S. power grid is often considered one of the largest machines in the world. As demand for energy continues to grow, electric utilities across the nation are encouraging energy consumers to save by making small changes to daily energy habits.

by Miranda Boutelle

What does “peak energy time” mean, and why should I use less energy at home?

“Beat the peak” has become a unified message among Mississippi’s electric cooperatives as the demand for electricity grows year after year.

Your electric co-op must deliver around-the-clock electricity to power your life.

To understand why it is so important for everyone to use less energy when there is high demand for electricity, known as peak times, let’s start with the complex system that delivers electricity to your home.

The U.S. power grid is often considered one of the largest machines in the world. Some could argue it is our country’s greatest achievement because reliable electricity has become essential to our daily lives and our economy.

The U.S. has three main interconnected power grids: the Eastern Interconnection, the Western Interconnection, and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. Each interconnection has regional balancing authorities, which are organizations that ensure electricity supply constantly matches electricity demand.

16 DECEMBER | 2023

To conserve energy, start with manageable changes around your house. Instead of running your dishwasher after dinner during peak hours, start it right before bed.

The interconnections are powered by electric generation in various sources, including hydropower, nuclear, coal, gas, wind, solar, and more. Some of these generation sources can supply power constantly or be ramped up or down depending on demand, while others supply intermittent power. The energy produced by these sources connects to the grid and moves along transmission lines that allow power to travel long distances.

Your electric co-op is known as a distribution utility, which operates the power infrastructure connecting transmission lines to the distribution power lines that bring electricity to your home.

This whole system and the more than 2 million people who operate it are continually working behind the scenes, so we can take advantage of a 24/7 supply of electricity at the flip of a switch.

Throughout the day, demand for power supply fluctuates. If supply and demand fall out of balance, local or widespread blackouts can occur.

To maintain reliable power, especially during peak times, there must be enough power supply to equal demand.

Due to supply and demand, the cost to buy power is higher during peak times. Peak times vary across the country but are typically in the morning as we start our day and, in the evening, when we return home.

The demand for power increases every year. The U.S. Energy Information Administration projects residential consumption of purchased electricity will increase between about 14% and 22% from 2022 to 2050. Industrial, transportation, and commercial consumption are also projected to experience increased demand.

As generation, transmission and distribution utilities work to increase production and maintain and protect our grid, it’s important for all of us to take steps to use less energy every day.

In turn, it will help you save on your monthly electric bill.

To beat the peak, think about how you can use less energy in the morning and evening. Start with the area that uses the most energy by adjusting your thermostat during peak hours, either up or down a few degrees depending on the season. A smart thermostat can do this for you automatically.

How can you use less energy during peak times? Consider delaying when you’d usually run large appliances, such as your washer and dryer, to off peak hours.

Are there certain appliances or devices you can wait to run until after peak hours? For example, start the dishwasher or dryer before you go to bed. If you have an electric vehicle, program it to charge overnight instead of right when you return home in the evening. Smart power strips ensure your devices are not pulling power when they are turned off. These devices work well for TVs and gaming devices.

If you have appliances that are 10 years old or older, consider replacing them with new, efficient ENERGY STAR®-rated appliances. Your electric cooperative may have rebates to help lower the initial cost.

By embracing energy conservation, we can all make small changes that have a big impact on our community and the intricate system that powers our lives. To learn more about your local peak times and how you can use less energy, contact your electric co-op.

Miranda Boutelle is the chief operating officer at Efficiency Services Group in Oregon.

2023 | DECEMBER

17

Mississippi’s Electric Cooperatives

Mississippi families and businesses expect the lights to stay on at a cost they can afford. But that’s no longer a guarantee. Nine states saw rolling blackouts last December as the demand for electricity exceeded available supply.

Electric cooperatives are working towards meaningful solutions to address the reliability challenges spreading across the nation. Policymakers should recognize that the electrification of the economy, disorderly retirement and insufficient replacement of existing generation, permitting challenges, supply chain shortages, and the availability of natural gas all impact the reliability of the electric grid.

18 DECEMBER | 2023

For more information about Today in Mississippi, contact Michael Bellipanni at 662.895.2151. northcentralelectric.com

NorthcentralEC

@Northcentral_EC

@Northcentral_EC

Looking back on challenges As we put Thanksgiving behind us and enter the last month of 2023, I’d like to reflect on the previous 11 months while preparing for the upcoming 12.

Challenges quickly surfaced in December as a dramatic drop in temperatures during Winter Storm Elliot caused TVA to lose generation from multiple fossil generation plants. Northcentral staff were notified before dawn on 2 consecutive mornings to perform rolling blackouts to protect the TVA transmission grid. Even though Northcentral’s local distribution system was storm-ready, these actions were necessary to protect the entire Tennessee Valley area.

TVA is currently in the process of bringing additional generation assets online, as well as working with Northcentral and other local power companies to improve our Emergency Curtailment Plans and communications during these events. Northcentral itself has entered into Purchased Power Agreements with 3 separate solar installations to assist us during our summer peak.

For the 2nd year in a row early February brought ice to our community. Northcentral worked 2 ice events over the course of 4 days, affecting 40% of our community. Once again, your cooperative’s strategy of increased maintenance and tree trimming limited the effect of this storm and allowed us to assist other utilities in the area.

Looking forward, pricing will be an issue. TVA’s wholesale power cost is projected to increase over the next several years. This, combined with inflation and interest rate pressures locally will cause pricing to be an issue. Overall, rates are down from their 2022 peak, and we’ll work to continue this trend.

Peeking into 2024, we anticipate the same high-level reliability we’ve experienced the last several years while continuing to mitigate rate concerns. Our internet subsidiary, Northcentral Connect, is expected to realize continued success. None of this will take place, however, at the expense of safety. Northcentral will continue to enhance and promote our culture of safety and build on previous successes.

Merry Christmas Stay Safe

by Kevin Doddridge General Manager/CEO

We’re making connections in Marianna and Chulahoma!

Fastest speeds. Free installation.

No contracts. Reliable service.

It’s fiber internet from the folks you know!

CENTER HILL

COMING EARLY 2024

northcentralconnect.com • 662.932.3500 2023 | DECEMBER

15

NORTHCENTRAL AWARDS

COMMUNITY CARE FUND GRANTS

In late 2020, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) announced their Community Care Fund matching grant program, which was designed to address local needs that arose amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Northcentral Electric Cooperative contributed $15,000 to establish the fund at The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi, which was matched dollar-for-dollar by TVA. With the aid and expertise of the Foundation, these contributions were further matched by other non-profits to grow the fund to well over $50,000. Grants were immediately deployed in Marshall and DeSoto Counties to address food insecurity, emergency aid for living expenses and prescriptions, and to prop up non-profits that minister to abused women and children during a time when charitable giving had slowed.

The fund continued the following year with another $15,000 each from Northcentral and TVA, with the mission of funding grants to support community revitalization, education, and the arts in Marshall County.

Even with the pandemic behind us, the Community Care Fund is still active and addressing the needs of the communities we serve. To date, Northcentral, in partnership with TVA and the Community Foundation granted over $204,000 to area non-profits and schools. This figure includes the most recent grants presented on Nov. 1 to two important recipients that are investing in our youth.

MARSHALL COUNTY SCHOOLS CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION

In early fall, the Marshall County School Board and administrators joined the community to cut the ribbon on the new Eddie Dixon Career and Technical Education Center in Holly Springs. The center will serve students from the three county high schools in teaching not only the technical skills of several trades, but also providing career readiness, or “soft skills,” that would enable a student to go straight into the workforce after graduation. The program also partners with area business and industry to provide work-based learning, which allows a student to earn money and school credit at the same time.

The program offers tracts in information technology, health sciences, educator prep, industrial maintenance, as well as agriculture and natural resources. In recognition of a career dedicated to vocational education, the Marshall County School Dr. Carrie Skelton and Principal Shane Wigley were presented a Community Board voted to name the new campus after the late Eddie Dixon, Care Fund grant for career and technical education by Michael Bellipanni and longtime teacher at H.W. Byers and county supervisor.

Northcentral General Manager and CEO Kevin Doddridge.

Northcentral Electric and its partners awarded a $25,000 grant to MCS to cover costs outside of the school’s original budget. Co-op representatives were given a tour of the facility by MSC Superintendent Carrie Skelton, along with EDCTC Principal Shane Wigley. “Northcentral has provided the Eddie Dixon Career Tech Center with a firm foundation to start our vision. This grant is being used to provide the EDCTC with equipment that will be used to impact the educational success of all students in Marshall County,” stated Principal Wigley.

Skelton added, “Marshall County School’s vision for our Career and Technical Center is to prepare students to have successful careers in key industries, with the hope of them filling jobs within Marshall County’s workforce. We hope to continue expanding our programs as time goes on, and having community partnerships such as the one we have with Northcentral is vital to the success of our center. Public and private partnerships are essential for many reasons. These partnerships provide guidance and resources to help us decide what programs are best suited for our community’s development, and they also help to ease the financial burden when they provide monetary resources to help support these programs. Northcentral has been a wonderful community partner for the Marshall County School District for many years, but their commitment to helping us with our Career and Technical Center’s success is something we are all thankful for.”

16 DECEMBER | 2023

YMCA OF MEMPHIS AND THE MID-SOUTH FOR BYHALIA ELEMENTARY The childcare industry suffered greatly in the wake of the pandemic due to an increased demand for care and a limited workforce. We saw many area childcare centers shorten their service hours or even close due to a lack of staffing. In an area of the state where we have an abundance of open jobs, continued industrial growth only adds further strain to after school care options for families.

The YMCA of Memphis and the Mid South has a long history of providing quality before and after school care in the area it serves, which includes DeSoto County. Through its various outreach programs and food distributions in recent years, Northcentral’s Michael Bellipanni presented a grant for after-school care scholarships at Byhalia the YMCA identified not only a Elementary to Principal Julia Jackson, as well as Justin Inskeep, Pam Hipp, and Mandy Smith of the YMCA demand for these services in Byhalia, of Memphis and the Mid-South. but a real need. In partnership with Marshall County Schools, they began providing after school care at the beginning of this school year in Byhalia Elementary School.

The program is facilitated on campus at Byhalia Elementary by MCS employees, alongside YMCA staff, to provide education and homework assistance and activities to registered students each school day.

YMCA After Care is a fee-based program. However, according to the YMCA mission, scholarships are available based on a family’s limited ability to pay. To help fund these scholarships, the YMCA approached longtime donor, Northcentral Electric Cooperative. The co-op pledged a $20,000 contribution to the YMCA from the Community Care Fund to support the new program.

YMCA President and CEO Jerry Martin highlighted the mission and goals in stating, “At the Y, Youth Development is one of our three major focuses in our efforts to build strong families and strong communities across the MidSouth. Our ongoing focus and goal is to create safe spaces for children to learn, grow, and thrive through YMCA programs. We are grateful to not only Byhalia Elementary School, but to Northcentral Electric Cooperative for continuing to invest into the success and future of our youth through their contribution to the Byhalia Elementary Afterschool Scholarship Program.”

Northcentral representatives had the opportunity to visit with students in the program alongside YMCA staff members and their Senior Vice President Justin Inskeep. “We are excited and grateful for this youth development partnership between Byhalia Elementary School, Northcentral Electric Cooperative, and the YMCA of Memphis and the Mid-South. Due to the generous investment in the youth of Marshall County, our team is now able to offer a safe, enriching, and affordable after school program for the children Byhalia Elementary,” Inskeep said after the tour.

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2023 NORTHCENTRAL

ANNUAL MEETING REPORT The 73rd Annual Meeting of the members of Northcentral Electric Cooperative convened on Oct. 25, 2023, at 2 p.m., in their auditorium at 4600 Northcentral Way in Olive Branch.

Northcentral Board President Pat Woods welcomed those attending and called the meeting to order. The Rev. Kerry Powell, senior pastor of Maples Memorial United Methodist Church, was called upon to give an invocation.

Three board members were nominated by the members of their respective districts to run for re-election and were uncontested.

Their nominations were certified by the Elections and Credentials Committee on Sept. 19, 2023.

Exactly 30,045 notices were mailed to the membership on Sept.

28, 2023. Additionally, electronic notices were emailed to all members with an address on file. Members could either submit their proxy online or by return delivery of the paper proxy. Pursuant to the Cooperative’s bylaws, it would take 5%, or 1,502 members,

HAPPY NEW YEAR From our Co-op family to yours, wishing you a happy holiday season and a joyous new year.

Northcentral offices will be closed Dec. 25 and 26 for Christmas and Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day. 18 DECEMBER | 2023

personally present or through proxies for the requirements of a quorum. Rita Hobbs, chairperson of the Cooperative’s Election Committee, reported that a quorum had been met.

Northcentral General Manager and CEO Kevin Doddridge presented the 2023 Annual Report for the Cooperative. Doddridge then addressed questions from the floor of those attending.

Hobbs then confirmed that the voting had ended, and the meeting was recessed while the Election Committee tallied the votes.

The meeting reconvened, and the Election Committee announced they were ready to report the count for the election of directors.

Chairperson Hobbs presented the election results as follows: In District 1, Pat Woods received 2,097 votes; for District 4, Tony Taylor received 2,096 votes; and in District 8, Ricky Jones received 2,097 votes. Woods, Taylor, and Jones were all elected for three-year terms.

There was no further business to come before the meeting, and the meeting was adjourned.

PAY BILLS or REPORT OUTAGES: 855-2PRVEPA (855-277-8372) COLUMBIA: 601-736-2666 | HATTIESBURG: 601-264-2458 | PURVIS: 601-794-8051 | WIGGINS: 601-928-7277 Member owned. Locally operated. That’s the cooperative difference. • Visit us online at www.PRVEPA.com.

COOPERATIVE UNIVERSITY A SU CC E SS

For over 36 years, Pearl River Valley Electric has sent students on a life-changing trip to Washington, D.C. through the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi’s Cooperative Youth Leaders program. On the trip, students from across Mississippi, picked for their outstanding leadership abilities, visit monuments, the U.S. Capitol, and the White House. This trip has served as a hallmark for what electric cooperatives can do to inspire our youth and our communities.

The first step in the Cooperative Youth Leaders program is PRVEPA’s Cooperative University, which is held at the National Guard Armory in Columbia.

Cooperative University is a one-day event where each school is represented by two students. The day consists of speakers, games, and various demonstrations. This year, speakers included representatives from Cooperative Energy, past leadership program students, and local legislators.

“The program has helped so many students realize a dream of traveling to see our nation’s capital,” said Leif Munkel, manager of marketing,

communications, and member services. “For many students the trip to Washington, D.C. is an eyeopening experience and exposes them to a much larger world.”

This year, 28 students from 15 schools attended the Cooperative University on Nov. 8. Judges interviewed all 28 students and chose two winners.

This year’s winners are Mary Xie and Stevie Thompson from Oak Grove High School.

Mary Xie is active in the student council and the Hattiesburg Youth Orchestra. She has also created an educational YouTube channel to help fellow students with ACT/PSAT tips. Stevie Thompson is a member of the Key Club and the French Honor Society. She is also active on the school’s tennis team and is a member of the Forrest General Spirit Girls.

Mary and Stevie will join thousands of other students from around the country in June to attend the Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. There they will have the opportunities to meet their legislators, tour the U.S. Capitol, and do lots of other sightseeing.

Mary Xie

Stevie Thompson

Thanks to all the students who participated in our

Cooperative University

Kensington Baugh Lorel Bryant Jada Burton Cainen Butts Dylan Carroll Jaslyn Dearman Isaiah Evans

Kyla Galloway Claire Garcia Camryn Haddox Patrick Jones Aaliyah Land Gracie Mapp Kyle Marin

Baylee Moore Fisher Mullen Drayson Patterson Sela Pfleger Jayda Porter Savannah Price Beni Raanes

Cooper Smith Camryn Sutton Stevie Thompson Heidi Thornhill Caleb Tubb JoAnna Watson Mary Xie

PearlComm

2023 UPDATE Three years ago, Pearl River Valley Electric embarked on its largest project since it first electrified farms and homes in 1938 when we began construction of a fiber network across our service territory. Our internet subsidiary, PearlComm Fiber, is already using this fiber infrastructure to deliver modern conveniences to rural areas through high-speed internet. We are again improving the lives of our surrounding communities, just as we did 85 years ago.

The idea of bringing high-speed fiber internet to rural Mississippi was a daunting task which required much studying and planning and led to the creation of PearlComm back in 2020. To put this monumental undertaking into perspective, Pearl River Valley Electric will construct nearly 4,700 miles of fiber to complete this project — over 500 miles more than the distance between Mississippi and Hawaii. To date, we have now constructed over 3,500 miles of fiber.

In the last year, PearlComm has made great progress by connecting new subscribers and growing the company through additional employees. PearlComm connected its 5,000th customer in April, its 7,000th customer in July, and its 8,000th in September. This is tremendous growth in a short amount of time.

In addition to growing its customer base, PearlComm has opened the majority of Pearl River’s service territory for high-speed internet. Throughout the year, Phase 2 areas have opened, including Goss, Sandy Hook, and Big Level; and several portions of Phase 3 have opened much earlier than anticipated. PearlComm currently estimates that they will have completed their 4-year plan to bring high-speed internet to the PRVEPA service territory one year earlier than originally projected.

At the end of this year, we also expect another milestone from PearlComm, the connection of its 10,000th customer. This shows a tremendous amount of growth for PearlComm in the last year. We started with just over 2,000 customers at the beginning of the year and now have nearly 10,000 customers.

PearlComm has also thrived by adding new personnel to its workforce. In June, they added four fantastic ladies to their call center and in November added three fiber technicians. PearlComm staff are local and have a strong desire to see our area prosper through high-speed internet.

I know there is plenty of excitement and anticipation surrounding the project, and we want to keep our membership updated regarding our fiber build. The accompanying map on the next page shows the detailed plan of the fiber buildout, along with tentative dates for when construction and sign-ups are scheduled to occur.

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£ ¤ 15

£ ¤ 49

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

Currently, PearlComm plans to start connecting areas in blue on the map soon with future areas opening for installations throughout 2024.

Remember, if you have not already pre-registered at www. pearlcommfiber.net, we encourage you to let us know you are interested in the service! Pre-registration is the easiest way to get notifications and service updates sent directly to your email when internet becomes available in your area. Preregistration does not automatically subscribe you to service.

I know that our members are excited about high-speed internet availability, and for some members it has probably seemed like forever since we announced our plan to “light” our service territory with high-speed fiber internet.

I promise you that PearlComm is moving as quickly as possible, and I look forward to providing another update in the coming months.

by Matthew Ware CEO/General Manager

8,700 CONNECTED 3,500 CUSTOMERS

TOTAL miles of fiber line built

13 4,800 TOTAL POLES

REPLACED

FIBER HUTS

INSTALLED that light the fiber for our communities *as of November 15 2023 | DECEMBER

17

PRVEPA distributes Sharing Success grants In partnership with CoBank, a national cooperative bank that serves utilities in rural America, Pearl River Valley Electric has distributed grants this year to area volunteer fire departments and a local children’s home.

Helping our communities succeed is an objective of all electric cooperatives, and CoBank’s Sharing Success program helps fulfill that goal. The program allows banking members, such as PRVEPA, to apply for grants which provide matching funds to help non-profit organizations.

Pearl River Valley Electric chose two fire departments, the McLaurin Volunteer Fire Department, and the Oakvale Volunteer Fire Department to receive grants. Both departments plan to use their donations for essential lifesaving and fire-fighting equipment.

The last grant was given to Homes of Hope for Children, near Purvis.

The campus serves nearly 20 children in crisis by providing a strong Christian home to every child. The organization plans to use the grant for essential items for the children.

In total, $10,000 was distributed through the program this year. Pearl River Valley Electric will continue CoBank’s Sharing Success program in 2024 by choosing new non-profit organizations to receive grants.

HAPPY NEW YEAR From our Co-op family to yours, wishing you a happy holiday season and a joyous new year.

All Pearl River Valley Electric offices will be closed Dec. 25 and 26 for Christmas and Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day. Dispatchers will be on duty.

18 DECEMBER | 2023

PONTOTOC 662-489-3211 • Fax: 662-489-5156

BRUCE 662-983-2727 • Fax: 662-983-1335

P.O. Drawer 718 • 12 South Main Street, Pontotoc, MS 38863

P.O. Box 415 • 129 South Newberger Street, Bruce, MS 38915

PONTOTOC HOSTS

cooperative university Pontotoc Electric hosted its second Cooperative University on Oct. 24, 2023. The event involves students in the PEPA service area who spend the day learning about leadership, how a cooperative works, and observing demonstrations by the line crew, the engineering department, and a representative from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Jonah Uithoven from North Pontotoc High School and Hailey Hogan and John Allen Shaw from Bruce High School were chosen by a pair of judges from outside the co-op to move on to the next portion of the program, which is the Cooperative Leaders Workshop in Jackson next February. Those students will also travel to Washington, D.C., for the Youth Tour in June 2024.

Eli Faulkner and Ella Washington listen to instructions for the scavenger hunt at the museum.

Apprentice Lineman Stewart Owen climbs a pole outside the PEPA Historical Museum for students attending the 2023 Cooperative University.

Cooperative University 2023 was a success! Pictured are the student participants, area legislators, and PEPA employees who assisted with the event.

Jonah Uithoven and Audrey McCuller work together to create a model of a substation bringing power to a pole and on to a home.

2023 | DECEMBER

15

arnes C family

FOLLOWS UNIQUE PATH FOR 16 DECEMBER | 2023

by Jennifer Johnson Sometimes serving the Lord can look a little different. That’s how Pontotoc member Adam Carnes described it when he felt a nudging back in 2018 to start a Christmas tree farm. His wife Ali remembers it well.

“Adam came home and said he thought God had laid it on his heart to do this. I agreed to it, but I have to admit, I was a little skeptical about it.”

Adam, a firefighter in Olive Branch, said their normally busy station was slow one day due to rain. He had some time to mull over the idea. His technical degree in landscape management, coupled with having the land Ali’s great grandfather had farmed, and Ali’s hope they could do something they would be proud of as a family gave him the confidence to give it a go.

The Carnes family did lots of research into this type of business. They reached out to the Southern Christmas Tree Association, attending a meeting of the group, and discussing their plan with members of the organization from all over the south.

They received advice and help from several other tree farmers, including Robert Foster of Cedar Hill Farms in Hernando. Christmas tree farmer Robert Young also helped them get their farm going. In fact, Adam worked at Young’s tree lot in 2018. Carnes said it was a beautiful experience.

“Nobody is in a bad mood when they’re looking for the perfect tree. You see families spending time together and experiencing the season. It’s very humbling.”

Adam and Ali took 2019 to plan their farm and plant trees. Their idea: plant a new field on their land just off Highway 15 South every spring until the first field was ready to sell. Those first two years, they only sold Frazier Firs they had purchased from another tree farmer. “We wanted to get people used to coming to our farm to choose their tree. We wanted them to have that experience here,” Adam said.

In 2021, the Carneses sold their own trees. They had sent pictures of their six to 10-foot trees to friends and associates asking if they were ready to start selling. Everyone they asked said, “Go for it!”

They bought a tractor in their first year of business. The next year they put their barn up. They said they have tried to be smart about their business and have lived by the adage, “You have to crawl before you can walk.”

Today, Carnes Tree Farm grows and sells Leland Cypress and Arizona Cypress trees. The property boasts a gift shop, set up for hot chocolate and hot cider, playground equipment for the kids, and a sleigh on the property that is perfect for taking family photos to document the experience.

They’ve also partnered with a food truck and a cotton candy maker on several occasions.

Ali said faith plays a big role in their business.

“We’ve had people call and ask if they could just bring their family and spend time at the farm. I tell them life is so busy. Just come out here and breathe the fresh air.”

Adam added that even though the farm is a lot of work, they’ve seen many rewards. “We always have situations where we can donate a tree and help a family out. Last year, we got to do this for two families. It’s all for God’s glory. It’s so special to us that we’ve gotten to be part of a blessing.”

The Carneses want their farm to be a place where people feel special, too. “We want to treat our customers and their families in a way that they can see Jesus in us.”

Adam said their faith is paramount in this endeavor. “It’s a God-led venture. I love my full-time job, but I’ve found my way of serving God and helping others, and it’s through this farm.”

It’s a God-led venture.

I love my full-time job, but I’ve found my way of serving God and helping others, and it’s through this farm.

2023 | DECEMBER

17

INTERNATIONAL

Accounting Day We are proud of our Accounting Department team!

We observed International Accounting Day on Nov. 10 to thank them for all they do.

Pictured left to right: Accounting Technician Ginger Terry, General Accountant Michal Pennington, Director of Accounting and Finance Jeanna Sorto, Accounts Payable Clerk Sandy Sexton, Plant Accounting Clerk Karen Laprade, and Payroll Clerk Jonathan Duncan.

Merry Christmas & HAPPY NEW YEAR

Pontotoc Electric will be closed on Friday, Dec. 22, and Monday, Dec. 25, 2023, in observance of the Christmas holiday. We will also be closed on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, in observance of the New Year’s Day holiday.

For outages or emergencies, please call (662) 489-6711 (Pontotoc) or 662-983-2727 (Bruce).

A Pontotoc Electric dispatcher is on duty 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

18 DECEMBER | 2023

BRIAN HUGHEY

General Manager & CEO Bringing power and energy services to local communities For more information, call 601-947-4211 or 228-497-1313. www.singingriver.com

AMANDA PARKER, CCC PR and Marketing Specialist

@singingriverelectric

@SRECooperative

Looking back at 2023 repairs, reducing both outages and inconveniences to our members.

The same fiber optic infrastructure connecting our substations and offices is allowing our subsidiary, Singing River Connect, LLC. to grow at a rapid pace. With assistance from contractors, SR Connect has provided high-speed fiber internet service to more than 6,000 subscribers. Fiber internet is available in 13 of Singing River Electric’s substation areas and is delivered over 2,574 miles of fiber that have been constructed to date.

Singing River Electric continued its support for our communities through programs that provide education, assistance, and value to members, such as Neighbors Helping Neighbors Community Grant and energy assistance programs, projects and events with community and conservation partners, such as the Pascagoula River Audubon Center, and a variety of youth leadership and educational programs. As your electric cooperative, we will continue our efforts to enrich the communities we serve in the years to come.

On behalf of the Singing River Electric family, we wish you a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.

by Brian Hughey General Manager and CEO

Manager of PR and Marketing

SAMUEL GOFF

PR and Marketing Coordinator

SRE is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR CEO

As we near the end of the year, I’ve been reflecting on your electric cooperative’s accomplishments during 2023. This year presented challenges and opportunities, and as expected, Singing River Electric’s employees stepped up and made the most of every situation.

From an operations standpoint, our employees implemented system upgrades, as defined in our long-range work plan, to allow for projected load growth on our electric distribution system. Some examples of this work include upgrading copper lines to the more durable aluminum wire, upgrading tie lines to allow for better system reliability, and installing fiber optic lines from our 45 substations to our three offices allowing for real-time monitoring of substation equipment.

Equally important was the necessary maintenance performed on Singing River Electric’s distribution system. Over the past year, our linemen continued conducting line inspections to address any deficiencies on the system. Singing River Electric partnered with Cooperative Energy to use infrared technology to inspect substations during the summer heat. These inspections identified potential issues early and allowed our linemen to make proactive

LORRI FREEMAN, APR

@singingriverelectric

Energy Tips

Gabe Robbins

Energy Services Representative robbins@singingriver.com

Is your home ready for winter?

Did you know that 45-55% of your electricity bill in winter months is directly tied to heating your home? We have already had a taste of cold weather this fall. Now is the time to review a home preparedness checklist before winter begins on December 21.

Making small changes can help ensure your home’s efficiency this winter. Visit singingriver.com/ways-to-save for seasonal tips that can help you, including installing a smart thermostat, closing drapes at night, using extra blankets on beds so you can lower your heating setting while you sleep, and closing garage doors to keep out cold winds.

Seal gaps, cracks, and holes to keep cold air from coming into your home. You can do this yourself with items from the local hardware store. It comes in the form of caulking guns and tubes of caulk used to seal windows, insulating spray foam to seal gaps and around piping, and weather strips to seal around exterior doors.

Check your home’s insulation. Good insulation can be an inexpensive way to reduce your electricity bill in the winter. You can visibly inspect attic insulation to see if it has been trampled or damaged or if you need to add more.

Give your heating system a checkup. Schedule an annual heating system/heat pump checkup with a local HVAC vendor. They will clean your system, if needed, and ensure it is ready to run efficiently. A checkup can also find problems early and save you the inconvenience of a breakdown during severe cold weather. Also, heating is one of the largest costs contributing to your power bill. If the unit is running efficiently, it will save you money.

Wrap hot water pipes that are not in an insulated or interior area. Depending on how far the water must travel and whether it is in interior spaces, you can be losing heat. Adding insulation around hot water pipes can raise the temperature of the water by 2-4 degrees and save you money.

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

2023 | DECEMBER 15

SRE Cooperative Youth Leaders These three students will attend the 2024 Cooperative Youth Leaders Workshop in Jackson and Youth Tour of Washington D.C.

Vicky Vo

St. Martin High School

Makayla Jade Mendez

Pascagoula High School

Riley Tingle

Perry Central High School

SRE Cooperative University Participants

Youth Leadership

Cooperative University

Singing River Electric hosted its youth leadership Cooperative University at its Lucedale office on October 19, 2023.

All high schools within Singing River Electric’s service territory were invited to nominate one member of the junior class to represent the school.

Singing River Electric hosted its youth leadership Cooperative University on October 19. High school juniors nominated by their schools learned about the cooperative form of business, how SRE provides power and restores outages, and Singing River Connect fiber internet.

A legislative panel discussion driven by student questions was a highlight of

the day. Thank you to Secretary of State Michael Watson, Senator Chris Johnson, and Representatives Manly Barton, Charles Busby, and Dale Goodin.

Each student also participated in a 10-minute interview. Based on participation and interviews, Makayla-Jade Mendez (Pascagoula High School), Vicky Vo (St. Martin High School) and Riley Tingle (Perry Central High School) were selected to attend the 2024 Cooperative Leaders Workshop in Jackson, Miss. and the Youth Tour of Washington, D.C.

Alysa Martinez Ocean Springs High School

Diana Pickens

St. Patrick Catholic High School

Gabriella Cochran

Amelia Fairley

East Central High School

Dusty McCoy

Greene County High School

Jasmine Loftus

George County High School

Resurrection Catholic High School

Jayce Gossett

Ky'Asia Freightman

Lainey Margherio

Mallory Henderson

Wayne County High School

Gautier High School

Scan to view the full story and more photos.

Vancleave High School

Richton High School

singingriver.com/mycommunity

Fiber Construction Timeline

STEP 1: Make-ready engineering

Examine. Design.

Forts Lake substation area

STEP 2: Make-ready construction

Planning the most efficient approach to fiber deployment.

Benndale, Rocky Creek and Wade substation areas

STEP 3: Construction

Building a network from the ground up.

Lucedale North, Leakesville, Joe Batt and Vancleave substation areas

STEP 4: Splicing

Connecting the dots.

SR CONNECT SPONSORS WATER FOR GEORGE REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM GOLF TOURNAMENT We are working hard to be out in the community to spread the good news about our lightningfast fiber internet and local service. You just can’t beat it!!

Follow our Singing River Connect Facebook page as we announce newly open fiber areas and sign up right from your phone at singingriverconnect.com/signup!

Sand Hill, Big Point (Three Rivers, Highway 613N feeders), Frank Snell, and Cumbest Bluff substation areas

STEP 5: Service drop & drop splicing

The last outdoor step. Almost there…

Big Point (Highway 613S feeder), State Line, Kittrell and McLain substation areas and all previously opened areas

STEP 6: Installation

The speed of light, right to your home.

State Line, Kittrell and McLain substation areas and all previously opened areas

SR Connect is delivering lightning-fast, fiber internet.

New fiber areas are announced by electric substation and feeder. You can search open fiber areas and your address for service at singingriverconnect.com/signup.

To find out which SRE substation and feeder serves your home, Scan here! text SRE MSR during business hours at 228-591-9166.

THIS HOLIDAY

STAY CONNECTED to friends, family & devices

Sign up TODAY at singingriverconnect.com

singingriverconnect.com

GIVE JOY

Leakesville Elementary School students and staff show off the new playground privacy screen, which adds safety and security thanks to a Singing River Electric Neighbors Helping Neighbors Grant.

Privacy playground screen adds security for Leakesville Elementary Singing River Electric Neighbors Helping Neighbors Grant Funds campus improvements Concern for Community 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, $356,568.55 has been awarded to local non-profits in local communities.

The historic Leakesville Elementary School has housed area students since the sixties and is home to the largest student body in the Greene County School District. The campus playgrounds border the main road, and the pickup car lines wrap around the perimeter.

“In the past, we’ve had issues with vehicles stopping along the fence to try and speak to students they knew,” explains CharLee Cook, principal. “This can cause some safety and security issues for our students.”

The $2,139 Neighbors Helping Neighbors Grant allowed the school to purchase 1,400 feet of privacy screen and fasteners to attach to the current chain link fencing. “As a lifetime member of Singing River Electric and a former Youth Leadership representative, I know firsthand the positive outcomes that are realized by investing in future members,” Cook adds.

this holiday season

Round up your electric bill and help a neighbor in need this holiday season and year round. It’s easy! Simply check the NHN Energy Assistance box on bill payment stub, sign up using the SmartHub app on any mobile device, go online and visit singingriver.com/give-joy or call any SRE office and request to be enrolled in Neighbors Helping Neighbors Energy Assistance giving.

Donations average only $6 per year and yet bridge the gap for the elderly and those needing a helping hand.

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 nonprofits in SRE’s service area three times a year in January, May, and September.

18 DECEMBER | 2023

singingriver.com/give-joy

BRINGING THE POWER WWW. SOUTHER NPI NE.COOP | P.O. BOX 60 | 1 349 1 H WY. 28 | TAY LO R SV ILLE , MS 39 1 6 8 | 8 0 0.2 3 1 .524 0

Dear Southern Pine members As the holiday season approaches, I find myself reflecting on the remarkable journey we’ve undertaken together throughout the year. 2023 has been a year filled with challenges, successes, and, most importantly, unity. I want to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for your unwavering support.

Through storms, power outages, and uncertainties, we have stood together, ensuring that our communities stay connected and warm. This sense of togetherness, resilience, and compassion defines the true spirit of our cooperative, and it fills me with pride and humility.

This holiday season, let us take a moment to enjoy our families, friends, neighbors, and faith. Let us remember that the values we hold dear—service, community, and cooperation—form the very foundation of Southern Pine. Just as we come together to light up our homes during this season, we come together to power the lives of those we serve.

In the spirit of Christmas, I wish you all joy, peace, and prosperity. May the coming year bring you endless opportunities to shine, both personally and professionally. Thank you for being part of our Southern Pine family, and I hope you have a safe, enjoyable holiday season.

A NEW WAY TO MANAGE YOUR ACCOUNT

President/CEO Southern Pine Electric

A NEW WAY TO MANAGE YOUR ACCOUNT

SOUTHERN PINE ELECTRIC

ELECTRIC WAY

by Chris K. Rhodes

EASILY MANAGE YOUR ACCOUNT ON THE GO

Manage your account, pay your bill, report outages and more from our new mobile app.

SOUTHERN PINE ELECTRIC

ELECTRIC WAY

MY

MOBILE APP Manage your account, pay your bill, report outages andAPP more from our MOBILE new mobile app.

Merry Christmas

MY

MOBILE APP Manage your account, pay your bill, report outages and more from our new mobile app.

From your friends at Southern Pine 2023 | DECEMBER

15

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT:

ZOE PRICE: CAKED WITH GRACE

In 2015, Zoe Price started baking to raise money to fund her first mission trip. Over the years, Zoe has had lots of changes, but two constants in her life are her love for baking and her love for missions. Her passion for baking led to her career as the owner of Caked with Grace in Puckett. The young newlywed has known for years that she wanted to open her own storefront bakery.

Zoe, originally from Raleigh, is the oldest of eight, with three brothers and four sisters. She is a graduate of the Jones College Culinary School, and married her longtime sweetheart, Andrew, in 2022. Life is coming fast for young Zoe, and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

At the time of writing this article, Zoe’s business was operating out of her home, but with a building ready to go she’s hoping the storefront will be open by publication. Family is at the center of Zoe’s world, and when Caked with Grace opens, it’ll be a family affair with her sister-in-law and other family members working there. Zoe said she feels very blessed to be the owner of a bakery at this stage of her life. “It’s not often that someone my age gets to live out their dreams,” she said.

“Pretty, yummy things make people happy, and I love seeing that,” Zoe said. “We get to be part of all the special occasions in our customers’ lives — weddings, birthdays, celebrations, anniversaries, and everything else. Making people happy is what I love.”

Zoe plans to serve baked goods, coffee, breakfast, along with a daily lunch special. She’s also had several requests to carry ice cream, so that’s on the menu too. Making her customers happy is her favorite thing, and from the looks of it, she’ll have many years to come to do just that.

FOR INTEGRATING

SMART HOME TECH

by Michael Leitman

The holiday season is just around the corner and soon, festive music will flood the airwaves, sparkling lights and Once something pursued by only the most tech savvy of consumers, smart home technologies are becoming increasingly decorations will adorn homes and businesses, and good tidings will abound. common to enhance home convenience, comfort, and safety.

The holidays also bring a frenzy of decorating, cooking and family gatherings, and amid the hectic hustle and bustle, Smart technologies have proliferated as the “internet of things” have grown to include home security and safety systems, you may receive higher-than-usual energy bills. lighting, entertainment, HVAC systems, and even appliances.

Keeping this in mind, I thought this month would be a good time to remind Monroe County members of some efficiency tips to help lower your monthly energy use.

Consumers are interested in a variety of technology combinations and uses for their homes, but regardless of the applications, here are three key tips to keep in mind when integrating smart technologies into your home.

Ensure that various devices can talk to each other. This might seem like a no-brainer, but ensuring compatibility is vital to ensuring that convenience is not overcome by annoyance. One way of ensuring compatibility is choosing a single brand for as many applications as possible. Those pursuing several smart technologies might also look into investing in a central hub to coordinate and control various devices. Many of the hubs available today offer additional features of their own, doubling as speakers, routers, or displays. One major consideration for all these technologies is a fast and reliable internet and Wi-Fi connection.

1

Enable all security measures to prevent hacking. Adding smart devices to your home can increase the surface area that bad actors can use to hack equipment, increasing the importance of common-sense cybersecurity measures. Choosing smart devices with built in security features and ensuring that these features are all turned on is an important step to reduce these risks. It is also important to replace default usernames and passwords with strong unique versions, enabling dual and/or biometric authentication and keeping your device software up to date through patches. Finally, if you are controlling your home devices from your phone, tablet, or laptop, do not do so while using unsecured public Wi-Fi networks.

2

Look for technologies to help control and manage home energy use. Smart home technologies can be a great way to control and manage home energy use. If you are looking into home automation, devices like smart thermostats, grid controllable water heaters, and schedulable or motion-controlled indoor and outdoor lighting can be smart ways to save money on your electric bill.

3

Michael Leitman writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

2023 | DECEMBER

17

to fight the winter chill

and save energy

We all have our favorite season. Some people love crisp, cool weather and bundling up under a favorite blanket, while others prefer the warm temperatures summer brings and all the fun outdoor activities that go with it.

But there’s one thing we can all agree on: high winter bills are never fun. Southern Pine Electric is here to help you find ways to manage your home energy use and keep winter bills in check.

Here are five tips to help increase your home’s energy efficiency this winter: Mind the thermostat

This is one of the easiest ways to manage your home energy use.

We recommend setting your thermostat to 68 degrees (or lower) when you’re home. When you’re sleeping or away for an extended period of time, try setting it between 58 and 62 degrees; there’s no need to heat your home when you’re away or sleeping and less active.

Button up your home

The Department of Energy estimates that air leaks account for 24% to 40% of the energy used for heating and cooling a home. Caulking and weather stripping around windows and doors is another simple, costeffective way to increase comfort and save energy. If you can feel drafts while standing near a window or door, it likely needs to be sealed.

Use window coverings wisely

Open blinds, drapes or other window coverings during the day to allow natural sunlight in to warm your home. Close them at night to keep the cold, drafty air out. If you feel cold air around windows, consider hanging curtains or drapes in a thicker material; heavier window coverings can make a significant difference in blocking cold outdoor air.

Consider your approach to appliance use

When combined, appliances and electronics account for a significant chunk of our home energy use, so assess how efficiently you’re using them. For example, if you’re running the dishwasher or clothes washer, only wash full loads. Look for electronic devices that consume energy even when they’re not in use, like phone chargers or game consoles.

Every little bit helps, so unplug them to save energy.

18 DECEMBER | 2023

Think outside the box

If you’re still feeling chilly at home, think of other ways to warm up — beyond dialing up the thermostat. Add layers of clothing, wear thick socks and bundle up under blankets. You can even add layers to your home! If you have hard-surface flooring, consider purchasing an area rug to block cold air that leaks in through the floor.

If you’re taking steps to save energy but continue to see major increases in your bills, give us a call at 800-231-5240 or take advantage of our free home energy audits. Southern Pine Electric’s energy experts can help identify areas and other factors impacting your home energy use and recommend next steps for savings.

Winter months often bring some of the highest energy bills of the year. By being proactive about saving energy, you can increase the comfort of your home and reduce monthly bills. Visit our website at southernpine.coop for additional energy-saving tips.

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

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

Southwest Electric

SWElectricCoop

sw_electric_coop

Southwest Electric

to safeguard your home

this winter

by Abby Berry

As the temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, there’s a natural inclination to create a warm and cozy haven at home. Unfortunately, as we see increased use of heating equipment, candles, and electrical items, the number of home fires tends to increase during winter months.

Ensure carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are working properly

If your detectors are battery-operated, replace the batteries annually.

Test the detectors once a month and give them a good dusting to ensure the sensors are clear of dirt and debris.

Inspect electrical cords

We depend on more cords during winter, whether for holiday lighting, extension cords, or portable heaters. Before using any corded items, double check to make sure cords aren’t frayed or cracked. If you use portable space heaters, remember to keep them at least 3 feet away from flammable items. Use models that include an auto shut-off feature and overheat protection. Space heaters can take a toll on your energy bills. Use them efficiently (to heat smaller spaces) and safely. Never plug a space heater into a power strip.

Avoid overloading electrical outlets and power strips When overloaded with electrical items, outlets and power strips can overheat and catch fire. If you use power strips for multiple devices, make sure the strip can handle the electrical load. For a safer bet, look for power strips that include surge protection.

Clean the fireplace to improve safety and efficiency

There’s nothing better than a warm fire on a chilly night, but it’s important to maintain your fireplace for safety. As wood burns, a sticky substance known as creosote builds up in the chimney.

When creosote buildup becomes too thick, a chimney fire can ignite. The chimney should be cleaned at least once a year to reduce fire risks. Regular cleaning also improves air flow and limits the amount of carbon monoxide that seeps indoors.

Practice safety in the kitchen

As we spend more time in the kitchen during the holiday season, be mindful of potential fire hazards. Never leave food that’s cooking on the stovetop unattended. Clean and remove spilled foods from cooking surfaces and be mindful of where you place flammable items like dish towels.

Abby Berry writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

2023 | DECEMBER

15

southwestelectric.coop/solar-calculator

SMARTHUB APP BILLING NOTIFICATIONS You can personalize notifications you get from the SmartHub app regarding your bill.

To change your notification settings: 1 Tap on:

More > Settings > Manage Notifications > Billing as Notification Type

2 Enter your phone number and/or email for any notification you would like to receive:

• Bill Available • Billing Change • Credit Card Expiration • Declined Auto Pay 16 DECEMBER | 2023

• Payment Confirmation • Scheduled Payment • Unsuccessful Payment

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Santa’s Runway

LIGHTING UP COPIAH COUNTY

by Steven Ward For more than 20 years, Southwest Electric Members David and Kelly Parks have adorned their home with Christmas lights during the holiday season.

When they lived in Port Gibson, the lights at their home were on the subtle side.

But things changed.

“Each year, we would put more and more until it all became just massive,” Kelly Parks said recently.

Today, the couple lives in a very rural area of Copiah County near Pattison.

Somewhere along the line, the subtle Christmas lights transformed into Santa’s Runway, an extravagant Christmas light display open to the public from Dec. 1 to Jan. 1.

From dark until 10 p.m., the public is invited to the Parks’ property to drive through their display, which features more than 200,000 static and synchronized lights and Christmas music.

David Parks, a retired electrical engineer, said he and his family put on the lights display because “it’s fun.” The lights are powered by three separate electric meters.

The house is decorated as well as a separate shop and a storage building on the Parks’ 10 acres.

The display features a lighted quarter-mile drive set from the house to the shop that resembles a runway.

“It’s very dark out there. We needed something. It looks so much like a runway we had the National Guard fly over once, and they had to fly back over it again for a second look,” Kelly Parks said.

Although the display is free to the public, the Parks collect donations for the nonprofit group, Socks for Heroes. The charity provides socks and other core items to veterans at Mississippi’s veterans homes.

The display entails a lot of work and preparation.

Last year, 600 cars visited the display, David Parks said.

So why do they do it?

“It’s still fun, but honestly, it’s about the kids. People drive by with their windows down, and we can watch and hear their reactions. We love it,” David Parks said.

Santa’s Runway Dec. 1 to Jan. 1 from dark until 10 p.m.

1028 Parks Drive, Pattison The display is off Highway 547 in the southwest corner of the county. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/SantasRunwayCopiahCounty.

2023 | DECEMBER

17

Holiday tree safety tips Ensure a merry and bright holiday season by safely maintaining your tree with the following tips.

Inspect lights

Carefully inspect all electric decorations before you use them. Cracked or damaged sockets and/or loose or exposed wires can cause serious shock or start a fire.

Examine cords

Examine extension cords and lights for signs of damage. Frayed electric cords should be discarded.

Water the tree

Check the water level daily to ensure your tree stays hydrated.

Some trees require up to a gallon of water each day.

Trim the stump

Trim the tree’s stump by at least two inches on freshly cut trees.

Allow it to absorb water for 24 hours before bringing it inside.

Keep away from heat Make sure your tree is at least three feet away from any heat source like an airduct, fireplace or space heater.

Merry Christmas & HAPPY NEW YEAR

We want to wish all our Members a Merry Christmas!

Our office will be closed Monday and Tuesday, December 25 and 26, for Christmas and Monday, January 1, for New Year’s Day. Dispatchers will remain on duty, and crews will be on call throughout the holiday weekends. To report an outage, use the SmartHub app, text OUT to 844-975-2728 or call 800-287-8564.

18 DECEMBER | 2023

P.O. BOX 206 • 109 EAST COOPER ST. | RIPLEY, MS 38663 | OFFICE & REPORT OUTAGES — 662-837-8139 | PAY BY PHONE — 662-212-5233 FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK

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AND INSTAGRAM

VISIT US ONLINE @ WWW.TIPPAHEPA.COM

Reliable power for today

and tomorrow

Ringing in a new year sparks a sense of renewed hope and optimism about the future. As the CEO of Tippah EPA, for me, it’s a time to reflect on where we are and where we’re going. At the heart of this reflection, I think about ways we can better serve you, the members of the cooperative.

Our team at Tippah EPA is always looking ahead, exploring ways to innovate and utilize new technologies to improve our services. As our nation increasingly relies on electricity to power the economy, keeping the lights on has never been more important. We’re committed to powering — and empowering — our community at a cost local families and businesses can afford.

So how are we working to ensure reliable and affordable power while adapting to a changing energy landscape and our community’s evolving needs?

One critical component of reliable power is the mix of energy resources used to generate the electricity that keeps the lights on across Benton, Tippah, and Union Counties in Mississippi, as well as Hardeman County in Tennessee. You may not realize it, but Tippah EPA doesn’t generate electricity. Instead, we purchase it from our energy provider, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), and from there, we distribute it to homes and businesses throughout our community.

Tippah EPA is also using technology to enhance our local grid, limit service disruptions, and improve outage response times.

Advanced metering technology, also known as AMI, enables two-way communication between the co-op and consumers.

In the event of a power outage, AMI helps pinpoint the exact location of the outage and can even analyze damaged or tampered meters. AMI helps Tippah EPA save money with realtime data, and ultimately improves power reliability for our entire community.

Proactive tree trimming is another way we limit service disruptions. Scheduled trimming keeps power lines clear from overgrown limbs that are likely to fall.

Scheduled maintenance and updates to our infrastructure is key to keeping our system running smoothly and providing reliable electricity to our members throughout our service area.

One of the best methods for improving our services to you is monitoring trends and leading practices from other electric coops in Mississippi and across the country. Learning from other co-ops is one of the many benefits of the cooperative business model because for us, it’s about cooperation, not competition.

As we turn our focus to 2024, Tippah EPA will continue working to provide the reliable, affordable electricity you expect and deserve — for today and tomorrow.

by Tim Smith General Manager

2023 | DECEMBER

15

Easy Broccoli Bacon Salad

INGREDIENTS

12 slices cooked bacon, crumbled 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets 1 cup raisins 1 small red onion, chopped ¼ cup sunflower seeds

DRESSING INGREDIENTS ½ cup mayonnaise 1⁄3 cup white sugar

3 tablespoon red wine vinegar

Combine bacon, broccoli raisins, onion, and sunflower seeds in a large bowl.

Whisk mayonnaise, sugar, and red wine vinegar together in a small bowl until dressing is smooth; pour over the broccoli mixture and stir to coat.

Dawn Rinehart Customer Service TEPA Office

Fruit Salad

INGREDIENTS

2 bananas 1 20oz can of pineapple tidbits 1 15oz can of mandarin oranges 1 23oz container of sliced strawberries with sugar 1 21oz can of peach pie filling Thaw the container of frozen strawberry slices.

Drain the cans of pineapple tidbits and mandarin oranges.

Mix together the can of peach pie filling, strawberries, and mandarin oranges. Save the bananas to slice up last and add to the mix before serving.

Keep in the fridge until ready to serve!

Hannah Trull Customer Service TEPAConnect

& HAPPY NEW YEAR Tippah Electric Power Association will be closed Dec. 25 and Dec. 26 for Christmas, and Jan. 1 and 2 for New Year’s Day. Call 662-837-8139 or use the TEPA Mobile app to report a power outage or emergency. Servicemen are on call.

16 DECEMBER | 2023

TEPA Lineman

TEPA then & now 1960s

2023

TIPPAH ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL MEETING NOTICE Tippah Electric Power Association will hold its annual meeting on Thursday, December 14, 2023, 5:30 p.m. at the Tippah Electric office at 109 E. Cooper St., Ripley, MS 38663.

2023 | DECEMBER

17

Did you know?

You may qualify for federal assistance, making your phone and internet more affordable.

Lifeline

Lifeline is a federal program dedicated to making phone and internet service more affordable for low-income households. This benefit provides eligible consumers with a monthly discount of up to $9.25.

Check online at https://www.lifelinesupport.org/get-started to see if you qualify.

Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)

The Affordable Connectivity Program is a FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare, and more.

The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households.

Check online at https://www.fcc.gov/acp to see if you qualify.

If you have any questions about these programs, please call the TEPAConnect office at 662-587-9055.

Lightning-Fast Speeds!

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Sign up for E-bill & Autopay and get a $5 discount!

twincoepa.com SERVING MORE THAN 12,600 ELECTRIC METERS IN SEVEN DELTA COUNTIES

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Hollandale - 662-827-2262 | Belzoni - 662-247-1909 | Greenville - 662-334-9543 | Rolling Fork - 662-873-4233 | REPORT OUTAGES 866-897-7250

FOR INTEGRATING SMART HOME TECH

by Michael Leitman

Once something pursued by only the most tech savvy of consumers, smart home technologies are becoming increasingly common to enhance home convenience, comfort, and safety.

Smart technologies have proliferated as the “internet of things” have grown to include home security and safety systems, lighting, entertainment, HVAC systems, and even appliances.

Consumers are interested in a variety of technology combinations and uses for their homes, but regardless of the applications, here are three key tips to keep in mind when integrating smart technologies into your home.

Ensure that various devices can talk to each other. This might seem like a no-brainer, but ensuring compatibility is vital to ensuring that convenience is not overcome by annoyance. One way of ensuring compatibility is choosing a single brand for as many applications as possible. Those pursuing several smart technologies might also look into investing in a central hub to coordinate and control various devices. Many of the hubs available today offer additional features of their own, doubling as speakers, routers, or displays. One major consideration for all these technologies is a fast and reliable internet and Wi-Fi connection.

1

Enable all security measures to prevent hacking. Adding smart devices to your home can increase the surface area that bad actors can use to hack equipment, increasing the importance of common-sense cybersecurity measures. Choosing smart devices with built in security features and ensuring that these features are all turned on is an important step to reduce these risks. It is also important to replace default usernames and passwords with strong unique versions, enabling dual and/or biometric authentication and keeping your device software up to date through patches. Finally, if you are controlling your home devices from your phone, tablet, or laptop, do not do so while using unsecured public Wi-Fi networks.

2

Look for technologies to help control and manage home energy use. Smart home technologies can be a great way to control and manage home energy use. If you are looking into home automation, devices like smart thermostats, grid controllable water heaters, and schedulable or motion-controlled indoor and outdoor lighting can be smart ways to save money on your electric bill.

3

Michael Leitman writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

2023 | DECEMBER

15

HOW

The U.S. power grid is often considered one of the largest machines in the world. As demand for energy continues to grow, electric utilities across the nation are encouraging energy consumers to save by making small changes to daily energy habits.

by Miranda Boutelle

What does “peak energy time” mean, and why should I use less energy at home?

“Beat the peak” has become a unified message among Mississippi’s electric cooperatives as the demand for electricity grows year after year.

Your electric co-op must deliver around-the-clock electricity to power your life.

To understand why it is so important for everyone to use less energy when there is high demand for electricity, known as peak times, let’s start with the complex system that delivers electricity to your home.

The U.S. power grid is often considered one of the largest machines in the world. Some could argue it is our country’s greatest achievement because reliable electricity has become essential to our daily lives and our economy.

The U.S. has three main interconnected power grids: the Eastern Interconnection, the Western Interconnection, and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. Each interconnection has regional balancing authorities, which are organizations that ensure electricity supply constantly matches electricity demand.

16 DECEMBER | 2023

To conserve energy, start with manageable changes around your house. Instead of running your dishwasher after dinner during peak hours, start it right before bed.

The interconnections are powered by electric generation in various sources, including hydropower, nuclear, coal, gas, wind, solar, and more. Some of these generation sources can supply power constantly or be ramped up or down depending on demand, while others supply intermittent power. The energy produced by these sources connects to the grid and moves along transmission lines that allow power to travel long distances.

Your electric co-op is known as a distribution utility, which operates the power infrastructure connecting transmission lines to the distribution power lines that bring electricity to your home.

This whole system and the more than 2 million people who operate it are continually working behind the scenes, so we can take advantage of a 24/7 supply of electricity at the flip of a switch.

Throughout the day, demand for power supply fluctuates. If supply and demand fall out of balance, local or widespread blackouts can occur.

To maintain reliable power, especially during peak times, there must be enough power supply to equal demand.

Due to supply and demand, the cost to buy power is higher during peak times. Peak times vary across the country but are typically in the morning as we start our day and, in the evening, when we return home.

The demand for power increases every year. The U.S. Energy Information Administration projects residential consumption of purchased electricity will increase between about 14% and 22% from 2022 to 2050. Industrial, transportation, and commercial consumption are also projected to experience increased demand.

As generation, transmission and distribution utilities work to increase production and maintain and protect our grid, it’s important for all of us to take steps to use less energy every day.

In turn, it will help you save on your monthly electric bill.

To beat the peak, think about how you can use less energy in the morning and evening. Start with the area that uses the most energy by adjusting your thermostat during peak hours, either up or down a few degrees depending on the season. A smart thermostat can do this for you automatically.

How can you use less energy during peak times? Consider delaying when you’d usually run large appliances, such as your washer and dryer, to off peak hours.

Are there certain appliances or devices you can wait to run until after peak hours? For example, start the dishwasher or dryer before you go to bed. If you have an electric vehicle, program it to charge overnight instead of right when you return home in the evening. Smart power strips ensure your devices are not pulling power when they are turned off. These devices work well for TVs and gaming devices.

If you have appliances that are 10 years old or older, consider replacing them with new, efficient ENERGY STAR®-rated appliances. Your electric cooperative may have rebates to help lower the initial cost.

By embracing energy conservation, we can all make small changes that have a big impact on our community and the intricate system that powers our lives. To learn more about your local peak times and how you can use less energy, contact your electric co-op.

Miranda Boutelle is the chief operating officer at Efficiency Services Group in Oregon.

2023 | DECEMBER

17

Mississippi’s Electric Cooperatives

Mississippi families and businesses expect the lights to stay on at a cost they can afford. But that’s no longer a guarantee. Nine states saw rolling blackouts last December as the demand for electricity exceeded available supply.

Electric cooperatives are working towards meaningful solutions to address the reliability challenges spreading across the nation. Policymakers should recognize that the electrification of the economy, disorderly retirement and insufficient replacement of existing generation, permitting challenges, supply chain shortages, and the availability of natural gas all impact the reliability of the electric grid.

18 DECEMBER | 2023

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

TWITTER

662-746-4251 — OFFICE & REPORT OUTAGES • 866-484-4277 — PAY BY PHONE

VISIT US ONLINE @ WWW.YAZOOVALLEY.COM

cooperative university AT YAZOO VALLEY

Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association recently hosted five talented, local students for Cooperative University.

Adalai Boggan and Annabeth Merrell from Manchester Academy, Avery Alexander and Reagan Uthoff from Benton Academy, and Hannah Parker from Yazoo County High School participated in a day of learning about electric cooperatives and the many career opportunities co-ops offer.

Boggan, Alexander, and Parker were selected to represent Yazoo Valley in February at the Cooperative Leaders Workshop in Jackson and on the Youth Tour of Washington, D.C. in June.

Two juniors are selected from Yazoo Valley’s service area each year during Cooperative University to represent YVEPA in the Cooperative Youth Leaders program. This year Yazoo Valley was able to add a third student thanks to a grant from Cooperative Energy.

Reagan Uthoff, Hannah Parker, Avery Alexander, Annabeth Merrell, and Adalai Boggan are pictured with Yazoo Valley's Jason Patterson.

2023 | DECEMBER

15

YAZOO VALLEY JOINS IN OPENING OF

solar site maximum solar absorption. At its peak, the panels will convert Yazoo Valley recently joined Cooperative Energy in the opening enough sunlight into electricity to power 13,500 homes and of the Delta’s Edge solar site in Carroll County. businesses. Cooperative Energy has a 15-year power-purchase The 637-acre site, located six miles east of Greenwood, uses agreement with Cubico to purchase all the electricity produced 250,152 panels to produce 100MW of electricity. The electricity is by the site. then delivered across the state, powering homes and businesses Cooperative Energy entered into an agreement with Renewable with environmentally friendly renewable energy.

Cooperative Energy generates and transmits electricity to Yazoo Energy Systems (RES) for the Delta’s Edge project in September 2018. RES designed and began Valley Electric Power Association and development of the project and 10 other member distribution systems secured investors for the lifetime of in Mississippi. the facility. Cubico Buffalo Holdings Representatives from Yazoo Valley I, LLC, acquired the Delta’s Edge Electric Power Association joined At its peak, the panels will facility in December 2020 and began members of Delta Electric, Cubico, Cooperative Energy, statewide convert enough sunlight into construction soon after. The project hired 50 local workers and employed officials, and invited guests gathered electricity to power 13,500 seven subcontractors in and around at the Delta’s Edge site to celebrate Carroll County. the solar site dispatchment into homes and businesses.

Cooperative Energy’s solar portfolio commercial operation this fall. has drastically grown in recent years.

“Delta’s Edge represents a The cooperative approved its first significant commitment to our member-owned residential solar member systems and their consumersystem in 2010. Today, nearly 900 residential and commercial members who have expressed a desire for more green energy systems are connected to Cooperative Energy, capable of where it makes good economic sense,” Cooperative Energy producing 8,417 kWac. President and CEO Jeff C. Bowman said.

The cooperative also owns nine 100kW solar sites located As a deep south state, Mississippi is geographically situated to throughout the Members’ service territories across the state, receive an abundance of sunlight. Bowman said expanding solar including one at Yazoo Valley’s Yazoo City headquarters. generation also makes sense because it enables the Cooperative to Cooperative Energy has another long-term power-purchase diversify its energy generation portfolio while lessening the cost agreement for all electricity produced at MS Solar 3, a 52 MW impact on Members. “Our mission is to provide our members with site located in Lamar County near Sumrall. reliable and affordable energy,” Bowman said. “Our members have “Growing our investment in affordable solar energy advances asked us to look for opportunities to add more renewable energy our commitment to the nearly one million Mississippians to our generation mix without negatively affecting reliability or we serve. Delta’s Edge provides our consumer-members with affordability, and the Delta’s Edge facility meets those goals.” emissions-free energy by employing the most advanced solar The site utilizes bifacial crystalline panels, which are mounted technology available,” added Bowman. on trackers that enable the panels to rotate with the sun for 16 DECEMBER | 2023

Michael Neely, general manager of Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association, shakes hands with Brent Bailey, Central District commissioner of the Mississippi Public Service Commission, during the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Delta’s Edge solar facility.

Louis Thompson, president of Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association’s Board of Directors, and General Manager Michael Neely are pictured with Central District PSC Commissioner Brent Baily at the Delta’s Edge solar site.

Representatives from Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association joined members of Delta Electric, Cubico, Cooperative Energy, statewide officials, and invited guests gathered at the Delta’s Edge site to celebrate the solar site dispatchment into commercial operation this fall.

2023 | DECEMBER

17

Yazoo Valley

SERVING THE COMMUNITY

Yazoo Valley met with many bright young students at the Larry Summers Career and Technical Center Job Fair in November.

Yazoo Valley helped judge the Halloween decorating contest held at the Martha Coker Green House Homes. Elders dressed up for the event and decorated their homes.

Yazoo Valley Safety Coordinator is pictured with his grandsons Sawyer and Harrison Bufkin at a Halloween event held in downtown Yazoo City. Children enjoyed climbing in Yazoo Valley's bucket truck.

18 DECEMBER | 2023

Yazoo Valley lineman Johnathon Demita gives blood during a blood drive hosted by Yazoo Valley Electric for Mississippi Blood Services. Yazoo Valley hosts two blood drives each year.

My Opinion

These two never miss a Hallmark Christmas movie Everyone who has read my column these past 18 years knows that I am a BIG fan of Christmas.

One of my favorite Christmas activities is watching those happy, sappy Hallmark Christmas movies.

Paul Purnell, my senior vice-president, also enjoys watching these happy, sappy love stories. The first 10 minutes of our Monday morning staff meeting consists of Paul and I critiquing the weekend’s offerings while the rest of the staff sits there wondering, “how can these two be our leaders?”

So, this year, when that first Hallmark Christmas movie review Monday rolled around, I announced to Paul my brilliant idea. We would write about our favorite Hallmark Christmas movies. The staff giggled and cheered. Paul just sat there, mostly in shock. I don’t think he really wanted to do this, but I am the boss, so here it is.

In an attempt to limit the nasty emails, this is OUR list! We are just a couple of good-looking, 55-year-old lawyers by training, who enjoy weekends at home on the couch resting our brains.

You might not agree with our choices. That’s ok.

We wish you a Merry Christmas anyway!

No. 5 (Mine) Christmas in Evergreen – A widower doctor with an adorable young daughter, a magical snow globe, a mysterious old guy that looks like Santa Claus, and let’s not forget Hallmark staple actress, Ashley Williams. It is a Hallmark classic.

No. 5 (Paul) Write Before Christmas — After an unexpected breakup, a classical musician decides to send the Christmas cards she had originally bought for her now-ex to the five most influential people in her life. Each card has an unexpected and meaningful impact on the respective recipient. And of course, she finds love in the end…surprise, surprise!

No. 4 (Mine) Next Stop Christmas – Ever wish you could go back and change what you thought was a mistake? Well, mistake corrected, but the ticket still is one way and not a round trip; what’s the problem?

No. 4 (Paul) Mistletoe Promise — Two people who both despise the Christmas season enter into a contract whereby they pose as a couple for the holidays, which they call the Mistletoe Promise.

(The validity and enforceability of which is always questioned by the lawyer in me.)

No. 3 (Mine) A Crown for Christmas – I am sucker for the royal movies. A widower king, an American governess, and an impossible child.

Can they find love? She had him at sewing kit!

No. 3 (Paul) Christmas Next Door – An author of bachelor lifestyle books who has no Christmas spirit keeps his niece and nephew for a few days while their parents are stuck out of town.

This unexpected family time coupled with his Christmas-loving neighbor causes him to re-evaluate his life, including his whole genre of writing. In true Hallmark style, he, and the neighbor fall in love.

No. 2 (Mine) Christmas Getaway – A widower lawyer trying to give his daughter a dream Christmas, a travel writer who must write about an old fashion Christmas, and a reservation mix-up that brings them all to the same cabin.

Throw in a Christmas list and you come up with the “best Christmas ever!”

No. 2 (Paul) Christmas Under Wraps – This one breaks the usual Hallmark plot line. A top-ofher-class new doctor ends up in Garland (get it?), Alaska. The viewers must decide for themselves, but the town pilot/handy man just might be the son of Santa, himself. As a bonus, the alleged Santa, Frank Holliday, (get it?) is played by Brian Doyle-Murray.

No. 1 (Mine) A Royal Christmas - Jane Seymour is delightful as the queen who will do anything to stop her son from marrying a “commoner.”

Throw in Purvis, Mississippi’s own Lacey Chabert and you have a heartwarming love story set at Christmas time.

No. 1 (Paul) Christmas at the Plaza – The guy decorating the Plaza Hotel in New York for Christmas falls in love with the hotel historian.

This one contains my favorite scene of all the Hallmark offerings. The longtime hotel bellman not only rediscovers his true calling but is also reunited with the love of his life after being told for 50 years by her parents that he wasn’t good enough for her. It’s a great story of redemption, which, while always wonderful, is especially appropriate this time of year. Now, I’m going to go find a football game to watch.

Now that you know ours, we want to know which ones are your favorites. Go to Today in Mississippi’s Facebook page — https://www.facebook.com/TodayinMississippi — and tell us.

Here’s hoping you and your family have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Mississippi is...

Mississippi, Mississippi, I love you so.

Although I came here just a short time ago.

I was running from Florida with all its storms, and Mississippi welcomed me with open arms.

The people are wonderful, kind, and sweet, And they’re helpful, everyone you meet.

It was hard leaving my home of 53 years.

I did so with sadness and many tears.

But now I’m settled in a lovely place, And I usually have a smile on my face, because Mississippi is now my happy place!

by Betsy Thomas, a resident of Hattiesburg, and a member of Pearl River Valley Electric

What’s Mississippi to you?

What do you treasure most about life in our state? Send your brief thoughts to Today in Mississippi, news@ecm.coop or mail to P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158 Submit your beautiful digital photo of life in Mississippi to Today in Mississippi, news@ecm.coop

by Michael Callahan Executive Vice President/CEO Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi

2023 | DECEMBER 3

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