Currents-April 2022

APRIL 2022

Suwannee Valley

CURRENTS

INSIDE:

GET CHARGED UP Are you ready for an electric vehicle?

AROUND THE COMMUNITY Youth Tour returns to Tallahassee

CEO’S MESSAGE

Suwannee Valley

CURRENTS April 2022

Michael S. McWaters Executive V.P./CEO

Suwannee Valley Currents is a monthly newsletter published by Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative, © 2022. It is distributed without charge to all consumermembers of the cooperative.

Seeing into the future Predicting the future is tough. If it wasn’t, our job would be a lot easier. We’d know what specific parts of our system to reinforce before a big storm. We’d know where outages were going to happen and could have people on-site the moment repairs are needed. Our member service representatives would know exactly what calls they would get and would be ready with the perfect answers.

Unfortunately, we can’t know the future. Like everyone else, we have to do our best to anticipate challenges on the horizon and prepare for them as best we can. But, there are some larger trends in the industry we can see coming. We may not know exactly when they will hit, but we do know that we’ll need to be ready for them.

The growth of electric vehicles is one of those trends. In recent years, sales of electric vehicles across the country have doubled. As competition in that market increases, the technology is also improving. Today, the average EV can cover more than enough mileage to meet the needs of a daily commute.

Even charging up for a longer haul probably doesn’t take as long as you might think.

SVEC is working to make sure we’re ready for those changes. We are preparing our system to handle the increased demand for power that will come with members charging up their vehicles each night. We’re also working with other Florida electric cooperatives to figure out

how we can ensure that the needed infrastructure for EVs is available in our communities, not just in the big cities.

You can learn more about those efforts in this newsletter. You can also find some information about the changing EV landscape that you might find helpful in making your next vehicle purchase. If you’re looking for more, I encourage you to go to svec-coop. com and visit the “Electric Vehicles” section under the “Energy Efficiency” tab. There, you can learn more about the potential benefits of EVs, calculate the savings you stand to gain, compare a growing number of vehicle models and more.

Of course, as your cooperative, we are always dedicated to investing in the future of the people who are the heart of our community, not just equipment and technology. This month, you can read about what Operation Round Up has accomplished for our local students so far this year. We were also excited to return to Tallahassee with the Youth Tour after having to take last year off because of COVID. You can see some of the fun students experienced there in this newsletter.

While we may not have a crystal ball to predict everything that we will face in the next year and beyond, we will continue to find new ways to give back. And you can rest easy knowing that we are constantly working hard to bring members the safe, affordable and reliable service you expect. 

WE BELONG TO THOSE WE SERVE Business Office: 800-447-4509 11340 100th St. Live Oak, FL 32060 Lobby Hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday Drive-thru Kiosk Open 24 Hours 24/7 Power Outage Reporting 800-752-0025 svec-coop.com facebook.com/sveccoop @SVEC_COOP_FL Instagram.com/sveccoop SVEC is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

On the cover: After a year off, SVEC once again sponsored local students on a trip to Tallahassee in March.

©bluedesign/Adobe Stock

2 | April 2022

Suwannee Valley Currents

©martialred/Adobe Stock

Reporting

an outage just got easier

Stay up to date with a quick text Making a call during an outage isn’t always easy. That’s why SVEC’s new outage tool lets you report an outage simply by sending a text message.

To sign up, just text “svec” to 800-752-0025. Keep that number handy, and you’ll be able to report an outage by texting “out” to the same number. You’ll also be able to check on the status of your reported outage via text message.

This service is only available to members with fewer than five accounts. Members with five or more accounts should use one of our other convenient methods to report an outage.

Keep your number current

Please remember our outage management system uses caller ID technology to quickly identify your service location by your phone number.

This makes reporting easier for you, and allows us to speed up response and restoration time.

Always make sure we have your current phone number before you sign up for outage texting. You can update your phone number by: • Going to our website, logging in to your account and clicking on the “My Profile” tab.

• Using our SmartHub account management app.

• Contacting member services at 800-447-4509.

social media!

Follow us on

Want the latest news on outages, events and everything else happening at your cooperative? Follow SVEC on social media for photos, contests, news updates and more.

facebook.com/sveccoop @SVEC_COOP_FL Instagram.com/sveccoop Suwannee Valley Currents

Mark

YOUR calendar

The fifth annual Suwannee Valley Cornhole Tournament is just around the corner

SVEC is excited to host the fifth annual Suwannee Valley Cornhole Tournament for players of all skill levels.

All proceeds from the event go to support United Way of Suwannee Valley.

Last year’s event raised more than $5,000!

Two-person teams can enter in advance for $40 and individuals are welcome to sign up for $20. Individual competitors will be paired with a partner on the day of the tournament. You can find more information, and sign up online using a credit card, at suwanneecornhole.com. You can also sign up with cash or check at SVEC’s Live Oak office or at United Way’s office at 871 SW State Road 47, Lake City.

WHEN: Saturday, May 7.

Warmups and registration begin at 9 a.m. Games start at 10 a.m.

WHERE: Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative, 11340 100th St., Live Oak. April 2022 | 3

ELECTRIC

The market for electrical vehicles Americans have always enjoyed getting out on the open road — whether it’s piling into the car for a family trip, heading to the big game or hitting the road for a favorite hunting spot. And as technology improves, more and more people are choosing to do it behind the wheel of an electric vehicle.

According to Pew Research, the number of registered electric vehicles in the U.S. tripled from 2016 to 2020. As of last summer, 39 percent of Americans said they were likely or seriously considering going electric for their next vehicle purchase.

Here in Florida, the number of electric vehicles on the road is expected to double by 2030 and it’s no surprise why. The average Florida driver can save hundreds of dollars a year in fuel costs alone when they make the switch to an electric vehicle.

One of the biggest challenges facing EV drivers is the availability of charging stations, especially in rural areas where drivers typically must drive farther to get to work and other destinations. While Florida has nearly 1,000 charging points across the state, most are concentrated in big cities or along major highways.

EV charging stations and the required supporting electric infrastructure are not cheap. The good news though, is that the recently passed federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act aims to help pay for the costs. The bill sets aside nearly $30 million to cover the installation of EV charging infrastructure in Florida, as well as upgrades to the existing grid, to allow it to handle increased electric usage. One key guideline for the state’s use of these funds emphasizes including rural and underserved areas in planning, so that these areas can have equal access to EV charging points. Whenever possible, SVEC will work closely with the appropriate state agencies and other Florida cooperatives to plan and obtain funds for EV infrastructure in rural areas like ours.

And, if you’re thinking about making the jump to an electric vehicle, you may find that the information under the “Energy Efficiency” tab on our website’s homepage can help you make that decision. There you’ll find information about pricing for EV models, a savings calculator, special offers and more. 

Which type of EV is right for you?

Not all electric vehicles are the same. As EVs become more popular and the market gets more competitive, there is a growing range of vehicle types for everything from long hauls to short excursions.

Battery Electric Vehicles — Also called “All Electric Vehicles,” BEVs are fully electric without a gas engine or fuel tank. As such, they are zero-emissions vehicles powered entirely by plugging in to charge an onboard battery pack that can have a range anywhere from 200-400 miles. BEVs also use a process called regenerative braking to convert kinetic and heat energy from using the brakes to recharge the battery on the go.

4 | April 2022

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles — PHEVs have both a gas engine and electric motor. Like BEVs, they have an onboard battery that can be recharged by plugging in and typically have an all-electric range of about 10-50 miles.

Once that range has been depleted, the gas engine kicks in.

Hybrid Electric Vehicles — Like PHEVs, HEVs have a gas engine and electric motor but cannot be plugged in for charging. Instead, the battery is charged through regenerative braking and by the gas engine. HEVs are much more fuel-efficient than traditional gas-powered vehicles.

Suwannee Valley Currents

AVENUE

is charging forward Charging up

charging an EV will take hours in the middle of a long trip.

But if you have an EV with the right equipment, a DC FastCharge point can deliver an 80% battery charge in just 20-30 minutes. A quick stop for a bite to eat or to stretch your legs and you’ll be charged and ready to go.

Plan a route — If you have time to plan ahead, the charger finder on SVEC’s website and similar tools from the Department of Energy can help you map out stops along the way. With a little planning, you can conveniently charge up your EV while eating or taking a break for the night.

©norberthos, putilov_denis/Adobe Stock

While finding a charger isn’t as simple as finding a gas pump, the availability of rapid charging stations is increasing, especially in cities and along major highways.

There’s an app for that — Free mobile apps like PlugShare and ChargeHub make finding a charging spot on the road simple. With a database of over 140,000 charging stations and more than 300,000 users sharing information about quality and availability, you’ll be back on the road with a full charge in no time.

Shorter waits — One worry for many drivers is that

Suwannee Valley Currents

April 2022 | 5

Puffy ham & egg quiche 1 8 4 8 1 1/4 1 2 4

(17 1/3 ounce) box frozen puff pastry ounces ham, chopped hard-boiled eggs, sliced ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded beef bouillon cube cup evaporated milk, warm tablespoon parsley, chopped eggs, beaten tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated

bright ideas

When you save energy, you save money. Check back here each month for new ways to make your home or business more energy efficient.

Preheat the oven to 375 F. Roll one sheet of puff pastry into a pie dish. Sprinkle ham on the bottom of the pie. Add a layer of sliced hard-boiled eggs and a layer of the mozzarella cheese. Dissolve the beef bouillon in the warm milk and mix with parsley, beaten eggs and Parmesan cheese. Pour this over the ham, eggs and cheese layers. Cover the pie with the second puff pastry. Bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown.

Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting and serving.

Light things up

Email a copy of a recipe you’d like to share to communications@svec-coop.com.

The key difference is that LEDs waste less energy on heat. That means in addition to being more efficient, they also reduce the risk of fire hazards and won’t raise the temperature on those already warm summer nights. You can even program some smart bulbs to dim or turn off when you aren’t around.  For more ways to save energy, click on the “Energy Efficiency” tab on the SVEC website.

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Suwannee Valley Currents

©lovelyday12, M.studio/Adobe Stock

Do you have a great recipe?

If you’re still using traditional incandescent bulbs in the light fixtures around your home, making an upgrade could earn big savings over time.

LEDs, or light-emitting diodes, are 90% more efficient, contain no harmful gases and can last up to 20 years.

Check out these April activities in north Florida GHOSTS, MURDERS AND MAYHEM SEGWAY TOUR — Learn a little more about Pensacola’s dark side and the ghosts who wander the city’s old Red Light District once the moon rises. Guests will zip along the city’s streets visiting the site of a streetcar bombing or the first drive-thru funeral home. They’ll also learn about Seville Quarter’s bartending ghost. Tours must be booked in advance and are limited to only six guests. Stories told on the tour vary nightly.

WHEN: Daily WHERE: Pensacola WEB: emeraldcoasttours.net/ segway-tours

lineup features saxophonist Boney James, the jazz fusion band Spyro Gyra, saxophonist and bass guitarist Gerald Albright, percussionist and singer Sheila E. and guitarist Norman Brown.

If PCB’s gorgeous emerald waters are calling, there’s no need to only stay on land to enjoy quality jazz. Guests can also purchase tickets for either a dinner cruise featuring Eric Darius or a brunch cruise with Chris Standring.

FULL MOON AT GLOW PADDLE — WHEN: April 21-24 Light up the night with an evening WHERE: Panama City Beach paddle under April’s Pink Moon. Guests WEB: https://www.seabreezejazz festival.com/index.html will hit the water in clear kayaks outfitted with neon LED lights to leisurely explore the gorgeous beachfront waters.

WHEN: April 16 WHERE: Pensacola Beach WEB: https://www.glowpaddle.com

EASTER IN THE NATION’S OLDEST CITY — While many will attend Easter services in one of St. Augustine’s historic churches or rise early for an oceanfront sunrise service, the city’s Easter festivities can be considered unique. Yes, there are Easter egg hunts and a parade featuring the beloved big-eared bunny, but there’s CRAWFISH FESTIVAL — The free also the Royal Family Transfer 12th Annual Crawfish Festival and Craft of Power, Knighting Ceremony Brewfest features vendors, children’s and Blessing of the Fleet, which activities, myriad food choices and a harkens back to the city’s Spanish craft brew competition featuring hobby roots. Lastly, after Easter services, brewers and area brewpubs. The musical all are invited to dress in their headliner is Soul Circus Cowboys. most outrageous Easter hats and Proceeds benefit the projects of The costumes for the Easter Promenade, Rotary Club of Fish Hawk-Riverview, where more than $3,000 in prizes including scholarships, local high school are awarded in categories like “Best leadership programs, local charities and Dressed Couple” or “Family From several international projects.

Farthest Away.”

WHEN: April 7-17 SEABREEZE JAZZ FESTIVAL — The WHEN: April 30, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

WHERE: St. Augustine “Ultimate Weekend of Smooth Jazz” WHERE: 11109 Winthrop Market St., WEB: www.visitstaugustine.com/ includes 40 live music acts spread Riverview topics/easter out over four days. The oh-so-cool WEB: https://www.luvcrawfish.com/ Suwannee Valley Currents

April 2022 | 7

©Kevin Ruck, Grycaj/Adobe Stock

Fuinnthe sun

A TRIP TO TALLAHASSEE Youth Tour returns after a year off

After a year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, SVEC once again hosted a group of high school juniors on a tour of Tallahassee. Before heading out for the tour, the students were given a chance to experience what the world looks like from a raised service bucket.

While in Tallahassee, students learned about the Florida legislative process through meetings with Sen. Loranne Ausley and Rep. Jason Shoaf, and through participation in a mock bill debate in the Senate Chamber. The judicial process was explored via a mock trial in the Florida Supreme Court.

For fun, the students were treated to an evening of laser tag, bowling and arcade games.

OPERATION ROUND UP KEEPS ROLLING SVEC was proud to approve 50 new Operation Round Up grants in the first three months of 2022. These funds went to helping local schools with supplies, like a construction worker costume purchased for Angie

McCray’s classroom at Lafayette Elementary School, to help students learn about various occupations.

None of this would be possible without the generosity of SVEC members who agree to participate in

YEAR TO DATE

LIFE OF PROGRAM

$26,242

$341,757

FUNDS COLLECTED GRANTS APPROVED

8 | April 2022

Operation Round Up. While individual donations average just 50 cents each month, we have already been able to award grants this year totaling nearly $30,000 to support the education of local kids.

50

$29,164

664

$341,551

Suwannee Valley Currents