January - February Newsletter

Rural Living TRI-COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

THE

MEMBERS ISSUE

January & February 2021 Vol. 25 • No. 1

TRI-COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Rural Living Vol. XXV No. I January & February 2021

Board of Trustees

Bobby Dodd

Donnie Waldrep

Catherine Bethea

District 2

District 3

District 5

President

Vice President

Junior Smith

George Webb

District 1

District 4

Benny Bishop District 7

Johnny Edwards District 8

Secretary/Treasurer

Ann Herring District 6

Elmer Coker District 9

TCEC Staff

Julius Hackett, Chief Executive Officer Jeff Brewer, Vice President of Engineering Eileen Herndon, Manager of Administrative Services Darrell Tuten, Vice President of Operations Wendell Williams, Vice President of Finance Tri-County Electric Cooperative Rural Living, the voice of your member-owned electric cooperative, is published bimonthly — more if necessary — at no subscription cost to the membership. The publication team is comprised of TCEC employees.

Postage is paid at Tallahassee, Fla.

Publication Team

Julius Hackett, Chief Executive Officer Eileen Herndon, Manager of Administrative Services Kaitlynn Culpepper, Community Relations Director

Publisher

Joanna Forrester Printed on Responsibly Forested Paper Tri-County Electric Cooperative 2862 West US 90 Madison, FL 32340 www.tcec.com 1-800-999-2285

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Giving Back to Our Community Over the years, you’ve probably heard or read about Tri-County Electric Cooperative’s (TCEC) concern for our community. This is one of the core principles that sets cooperatives apart from other types of utilities and businesses. We’ve always taken this mission and responsibility to heart. It’s who we are as a co-op.

Over the past few months, like so many of you, we’ve risen to meet new challenges and strengthen the safety net for our community, particularly for those who are most vulnerable.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve made numerous adjustments to programs and operations to maintain business continuity while staying focused on the bigger mission of helping our consumer-members during this turbulent time.

Now, with the new year upon us, these recent events have made me pause and think about the role we play in our community. While our purpose is to provide safe and reliable energy to you, the members we serve, we have a greater mission––to be a catalyst for good.

You’re probably aware of our Energizing Education program, where we take donations from generous members like you who have “rounded up” the amount due on their electric bill to help our area seniors wanting to attend college. Or our Youth Tour program, where we take our community’s brightest young people to Washington, D.C. for a week-long immersion to experience democracy in action. Or TCEC A.C.T.I.O.N. funding opportunities that are 100% supported by employee donations and used to support charitable organizations in our communities.

We also have a strong commitment to safety––not just for our employees, but

Julius Hackett, CEO for our community as well. We visit schools to teach children of all ages how to stay safe around electricity. We hold safety demonstrations at community meetings and other gatherings.

TCEC invests in the economic development of the community through an active role in our local Chambers of Commerce.

You’ll also see our employees serving on local boards, coaching youth sports, and volunteering at charitable events.

Because when you work at a co-op, you understand how important a strong community is––after all, without you, the co-op wouldn’t exist.

We know that our core job is to keep the lights on; but our passion is our community. Because we live and work here too, and we want to make it a better place for all.

If there’s anything we can do to help you––whether providing energy-saving advice to help lower your monthly bill or discuss payment plan options during these difficult times––please reach out to us at 800.999.2285.

Concern for community is the heart and soul of who we are. And no matter what the future brings, you can count on your electric co-op to care about you.

Board Meetings The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. will be held the second Monday of each month at 3:00 p.m. in the central office building of the Cooperative located at 2862 West US 90, approximately two miles west of the City of Madison.

January & February 2021

TCEC crews complete next phase of transmission line project TCEC line crews recently completed another phase of a multi-year project to replace aging structures along the Cross City to Steinhatchee transmission line. Overall, the project consists of replacement of 265 wooden poles on the transmission line that has been in service since 1979.

In late October, TCEC crews along with a crew from TCEC contractor, Musgrove Construction, installed 60 new steel poles. So far, 128 poles have been upgraded.

This is a transmission project designed to improve reliability to our members served in the most southern part of our territory. Work is scheduled to resume in the fall of 2021.

Tri-County Electric Cooperative’s (TCEC) mission is to provide quality, safe, affordable electric service powered by members. A crucial part of fulfilling that mission is maintaining a safe workplace for all TCEC employees, members, and guests. As our employees have continued to work for you, the member, providing the quality service you depend on, their health and safety remains priority. Members and guests are encouraged to practice social distancing and proper hygiene behaviors when on TCEC property.

As cases throughout our service territory rise, TCEC will continue to:

• Assist members with payment arrangements • Encourage members to utilize one of our many

phone and online account access options • Maintain accommodations put in place to keep employees safe while operating without interruption January & February 2021

If you need assistance paying on your TCEC account, contact us to establish a payment arrangement or to be connected with an agency that may be able to provide assistance.

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Voluntary & Open Membership

TCEC membership is open to all who can use our services. Members are membership, regardless of race, religion, gender or economic circumstances.

Democratic

Member Control

Equally owned & controlled by members.

Trustees are elected by members and are accountable to them. Members have equal rights; one member, one vote.

Economic

Co-op members contribute equitably to the capital of TCEC. Part of the capital remains the common property of the co-op. Members allocate capital for developing the co-

Autonomy & Independence

Co-ops, like TCEC, are governed by members.

Education, Training, &

Concern for

Community

TCEC works for the sustainable service. With policy supported by our members and service to our community towards the greater good for all.

ployees and trustees, but also for members helps us all contribute eec-op.

tus and beneďŹ ts of TCEC helps boost understanding.

Cooperation Among Cooperatives These principles are the core principles and values in which TCEC operates around.

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January & February 2021

Connecting to our Members

When we say that we live in a “connected” world, most of us think about technology, like our smart phones and other devices and gadgets. But when you’re a member of an electric co-op (that’s you!), there’s so much more to being part of our connected co-op community.

We greatly value our connection to you, the members we serve.

And we’d like to help you maximize the value you can get from TCEC through a variety of programs, products and services that we offer our members. For example, we can help you save money on your energy bill through free energy audits and by sharing energy savings tips you can use in your home. When you download the TCEC FL mobile app, you can monitor and manage your home energy use, pay your bill online and access a menu of additional options for potential savings and more.

When you follow TCEC on any of our social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Pinterest you can stay up to date on power restoration efforts, tree trimming planning, Board Trustee elections, giveaways and more. You’ll also see photos of our line crews in action and our employees helping with community service projects–– and who doesn’t enjoy seeing good things happening in our community and the familiar faces of TCEC employees!

When you sign up for text alerts or push notifications, you can receive advance notices on outage and restoration information, billing updates, and changes on your account.

By connecting with us, you can get real-time updates from your co-op. That’s why we want to make sure we have your most current contact information on hand. If we can’t connect with you on these platforms or in person, you could miss out on potential savings or important information.

TCEC relies on data for nearly every aspect of our operations, and up-to-date contact information from our members helps ensure that we can provide the highest level of service that you expect and deserve.

Updated contact information can even speed up the power restoration process during an outage. That’s because when you call to report an outage, our automated system recognizes your phone number and matches it with your account location. Accurate information helps our outage-management system predict the location and the possible cause of an outage, making it easier for our crews to correct the problem and restore your power as quickly and safely as possible.

We hope you will connect with us whenever and wherever you can––whether that means attending our annual meeting, providing feedback on a recent visit or call with our employees, or simply downloading our app.

TCEC exists to serve our members, and when we’re better connected to you and our local community, we’re better prepared to answer the call.

To update your contact information or to learn more about co-op products and services that can help you save, visit www.tcec.com call 800.999.2285 or stop by one of our offices in Madison, Greenville, Perry, Steinhatchee, or Monticello.

January & February 2021

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More than Customers You are more than a customer. Author Anthony J. D’Angelo observed that, “Without a sense of caring, there can be no sense of community.”

To a large degree, this reflects TCEC’s philosophy toward our consumer-members and the broader service territory that we serve.

As a cooperative, we have a different bottom line. While our priority is always to provide reliable and safe energy, there is another equally important part of this equation. Your well-being and that of the larger community that we serve are of paramount concern.

In 1940, TCEC was founded to fulfill a vital need in our community that would not have otherwise been met. Concerned local leaders came together to build this co-op and bring electricity where there was none. Back then, cities were electrified, but rural areas were not.

At that time, members of the community understood we were different because they likely knew someone who helped to create TCEC. Those newly established electric lines helped power economic opportunity in our area.

The same spirit our founding fathers carried with them exists today, the spirit of equity and inclusion remains a vital part of our co-op DNA. When TCEC was founded, each member contributed an equal share in order to gain access to electricity that benefited individual families as well as the larger local community. Each member had an equal vote in co-op matters.

Over time, folks in the community may have come to think of us as simply another energy provider. But we are not. We are a co-op that is constantly evolving to meet the needs of the communities we serve, and we can do this because of consumer-members like you.

Since our inception, we have sought feedback and engagement from our members and that of the larger community to guide our longterm decisions. Membership is open to everyone on our service territory, regardless of race, religion, age, disability, gender identity, language, political perspective, or socioeconomic status. This ties back to our guiding principles of equitable economic participation and democratic control of the co-op.

We know members of our community have different needs and perspectives, and we welcome diverse views on all issues under consideration by the co-op. The more viewpoints we hear, the better able we are to reflect on all corners of our community. It is another reason why we hold the annual meeting, district meetings, and ambassador meetings throughout the year, to engage our consumermembers and get your feedback about your co-op.

We strive to find new ways to help you use energy more efficiently. We are always looking to explore new options that will help you manage your energy use such as energy audits or providing flexible payment options when necessary.

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January & February 2021

To us, you are not just a customer, you are a member of our co-op and without you, we would not exist.

In short, we are always seeking to keep pace with the changing environment, evolving technology, and shifting consumer expectations.

TCEC members help guide important co-op decisions that improve and enrich our community. We value the perspective of our board members, who are members of the co-op and community – just like you.

As a local business, we have a stake in the community. Our priority may be to provide safe, reliable, and affordable energy, but we also want to be a catalyst for good in our community. That is why we support local charitable organizations such as United Way, local food share organizations, scholarship programs, education programs, and more. When our members support these efforts, you are supporting the community and making it a better place for everyone.

While today’s world is very different than it was in 1940, our cooperative values have stood the test of time and remain just as relevant today. We recognize that today’s co-op owner-members expect more, and we pledge to you – the members we proudly serve-is to promise a cooperative culture of inclusion, diversity, and equity for all.

January & February 2021

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Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. Board Meetings Summary for July 13, 2020

Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. Board Meetings Summary for August 10, 2020

With all Trustees present, key cooperative personnel and the attorney present, the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. was held on Monday, July 13, 2020, in the Tri-County Electric headquarters office building located in Madison, Florida. Reports to the Board included the Seminole Electric Cooperative July 2020 Board Meeting, Finance Committee, Policy Committee, Building and Land Committee, and CEO. Action taken by the Board included the following: approval of the July 13, 2020 Board Agenda; the June 10, 2020 Board Meeting Minutes; and Consent Agenda items as written and recommended by the CEO, which included: the WPCA for July 2020 as established by resolution; RUS Form 7 for May 2020; the list of new members for May 18, 2020 – June 21, 2020 and June 22, 2020 – July 10, 2020 (cut-off date for voting at District Meetings); Work and Accident Report for May 2020 along with the System Outage Reports. Other action taken by the Board included the following: approval of new Policy No. 532 “Teleworking” effective immediately; approval of the 2020 – 2030 Load Forecast as prepared by Seminole Electric Cooperative, Inc. and adoption of the resolution in connection therewith; authorization for management to engage the services of Clemons Rutherford and Associates to investigate the availability for purpose a parcel of land located in Taylor County, Florida; and the acceptance and adoption of a resolution of appreciation for Trustee Albert Thomas, Jr. in recognition of his years of service on the Board of Trustees. Plans for the July 2020 district meetings were discussed.

With all Trustees present, key cooperative personnel and the attorney present, the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. was held on Monday, August 10, 2020, in the Tri-County Electric headquarters office building located in Madison, Florida. Reports to the Board included the Florida Electric Cooperatives Association August 2020 Board Meeting, Finance Committee, Policy Committee, Building and Land Committee, and CEO. Action taken by the Board included the following: approval of the August 10, 2020 Board Agenda; the July 13, 2020 Board Meeting Minutes; and Consent Agenda items as written and recommended by the CEO, which included: the WPCA for August 2020 as established by resolution; RUS Form 7 for June 2020; the list of new members for July 11, 2020 – July 23, 2020; Work and Accident Report for June 2020 along with the System Outage Reports. Other action taken by the Board included the following: authorization to give a $40 bill credit for members who register at the September 19, 2020 Annual Meeting; and approval of RUS Forms 219 for the period of October 2019 – March 2020.

The board reviewed a letter requesting an early distribution of capital credits for a business account that do not qualify for an early lump sum distribution according to the cooperative bylaws; and Trustees Donnie Waldrep and George Webb were recognized and presented with NRECA Board Leadership Certificates for their continued interest in their professional development in the electric utility industry. The board discussed the plans for conducting the first ever drive-thru registration and virtual annual meeting in September.

Bobby Dodd, President

Catherine Bethea, Secretary/Treasurer

Bobby Dodd, President

Catherine Bethea, Secretary/Treasurer

STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. is the recipient of federal financial assistance from the Rural Utilities Service, an agency of the U. S. Department of Agriculture, and is subject to the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended and the rules and regulations of the U.S. Department of Agriculture which provide that no person in the United States on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs), shall be excluded from participation in, admission or access to, denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any of this organization’s programs or activities.

The person responsible for coordinating this organization’s nondiscrimination compliance efforts is H. Julius Hackett, CEO. Any individual, or specific class of individuals, who feels that this organization has subjected them to discrimination may obtain further information about the statutes and regulations listed above from and/or file a written complaint with this organization; or the USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call (202) 720-5964 (voice or TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Complaints must be filed within 180 days after the alleged discrimination. Confidentiality will be maintained to the extent possible.

• Secure automatic payments • Update or change online • Visa, MasterCard, or e-check accepted

Enroll your TCEC account between January 1st and February 28th for a chance to win a

bill credit.

Login to your online at account at www.tcec.com to sign up!

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January February Total credit on bill will not exceed $75.00. This one time credit is valid& only on the 2021 current balance. Any balance remaining after the $75 applied credit is the member’s responsibility.

Introducing

Introducing

Mr. & Mrs. Handley

Mr. & Mrs. Batton

Lineman Hunter Handley married Taylor Killingsworth on December 5, 2020. Hunter and Taylor have been together since 2017. They said their vows at Oak Hill Farm in Hahira, GA amongst their closest family and friends. With a bright future ahead, we wish the happy couple all the best.

Tina Wells, Members Service Representative, married Johnny F. Batton lll (Buddy) on October 10, 2020.

Buddy and Tina actually met at the TCEC Perry district office many years ago and began dating in 2018. Between them they have 9 grandchildren. We wish them many years of happiness hunting, fishing, and doing projects around their home.

TCEC Family Grows by TWO Lineman Seth Ragans and his wife Pazlei are thrilled to share the exciting news of the birth of their first son Grayson Thomas Ragans. Grayson was born 11/24/2020 at 2:14PM. Grayson weighed 7 lbs. 8 oz. and was 20 1/2 inches long at birth.

Katie Wetherington, System Operator, and her husband welcomed Taelynn Kate Wetherington into the world on November 17, 2020 at 9:56 P.M. Taelynn, weighing 8 lbs. and 13oz. , joins her family with two big sisters Alexia and Brynlee.

January & February 2021

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Sweet Potato Chili (Recipe & Photo Source courtesy of www.delish.com)

By Makinze Gore Loaded with Italian sausage, sweet potatoes, and vegetables, this is a chili that will definitely warm you up without weighing you down.

Yields: 6 servings Prep Time: 0 hours 15 mins Total Time: 0 hours 50 mins

Ingredients •

2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

•

Kosher salt

•

1 medium onion, chopped

•

Freshly ground black pepper

•

1 bell pepper, chopped

•

•

3 cloves garlic, minced

•

1 tbsp. tomato paste

4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed into 1” pieces

•

1 lb. Italian sausage

•

3 c. low-sodium chicken broth

•

1 tbsp. chili powder

•

•

1 tsp. dried oregano

1 (14.5-oz.) can diced tomatoes

•

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

•

•

1/4 tsp. cayenne

Freshly chopped parsley, for serving

Directions 1.

In a large pot over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and bell pepper and cook until soft, 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute more, then add tomato paste and stir until well coated. Add sausage and cook, breaking up meat with a wooden spoon until no longer pink, 7 minutes. Add chili powder, oregano, garlic powder, and cayenne and season with salt and pepper.

2.

Add sweet potatoes, broth, and tomatoes and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer, covered, until sweet potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.

3.

Garnish with parsley before serving.

This Publication’s Inspirational Moment And let us not get tired of doing what is right, for after a while we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t get discouraged and give up.

Galations 6:9 (TLB)

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Don’t be left OUTSIDE in the DARK! To report an inoperative or malfunctioning outdoor light on Tri-County Electric Cooperative lines, call 850.973.2285 or toll free at 1.800.999.2285.

When reporting the problem, please have the following: 1. Your contact information; name, address, phone & account number.

2. Specific street address where the outdoor light is located or the six digit pole number. If there is more than one light in the area please identify which light.

3. A detailed description of the type of problem you are experiencing with your outdoor light.

January & February 2021

Holiday Schedule Reminder All Tri-County Electric Cooperative offices will be closed Monday, January 18, 2021 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We will have standby crews available for power restoration if needed.

Please see “Connect to your Co-op” below.

WINTER ENERGY-SAVINGS WORD SEARCH

This winter, you can pitch in at home to help save energy!

Read the energy-saving tips below, then find and circle the bolded words in the puzzle.

M B B T K V S N Z G G H B H C

U E M D V Y P J K N I M C N U

S T H G I L N C M I Z J Q E J

F M F G K X P I C H C W K W M

A I R F I L T E R T I O I X Q

K V R W B W K T H O F V N V S

S L H E L K Q G A L J D W R C

WORD BANK: • Open curtains and blinds during the day to allow sunlight in to warm your home.

• Instead of turning up the thermostat, add more layers of clothing to keep your body warm.

• If you have a fireplace, ask an adult to close the flue when a fire is not burning.

January & February 2021

E R Q D P S I V N C B B L I Y

R J E G X L F O U R P L I D M

U C Q G N H A S O U I Y N V P

A K M U R Y E C V S N V E C Q

Z M S N V A Z P E D L I N B D

T T K M L S H S R M G E B B Q

H J V J T L H C Y A F J N T K

H L W L Z P K W O F P V T G T

• Unplug chargers when they’re not in use. They consume energy even when they’re not charging phones and other devices.

• Ask an adult to check the air filter for your home’s heating and cooling system. Filters should be replaced regularly to help the system run more efficiently.

• Always turn off lights when you leave a room.

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Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. 2862 West US 90 Madison, FL 32340

Presorted Std. U.S. Postage P A I D Tallahassee, FL Permit No. 706

More than Customers - pg. 6 Giving Back to our Community - pg. 2

Rural Living TRI-COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE