July-August - TCEC Rural Living Newsletter by Tri-County Electric Cooperative - Florida

Rural Living

July & August 2025

Board of Trustees

TCEC Staff

Julius Hackett, Chief Executive Officer

Jeff Brewer, Vice President of Engineering

Eileen Herndon, Vice President of Corporate Services

John 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, Vice President of Corporate Services

Kaitlynn Culpepper, Community Relations Director

Publisher

Joanna Forrester

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

Understanding Factors That Impact Your Energy Bills

July and August bring some of the warmest weather of the year, and as our home cooling systems work harder and longer to keep us cool, we typically see higher energy bills.

There are a few key factors that affect electricity prices, as well as a few ways you can make a meaningful impact on home energy savings.

When you receive your monthly bill from Tri-County Electric Cooperative (TCEC), you’re provided with a summary of how much electricity you used during the billing cycle. You can even see how electricity use may have spiked on days when you used more electricity, such as a particularly warm day or when relatives were staying with you.

But you might be surprised to learn that beyond your monthly energy consumption, there are external factors that can impact the cost of electricity.

Fuel Prices

TCEC purchases electricity from our power generation partner, Seminole Electric Cooperative (Seminole), at a wholesale cost, then we deliver that power to our local communities. The cost of generating and transmitting electricity from our generation partner accounts for a significant portion of the cost to provide electric service to local homes and businesses––and the cost of fuels that are to generate that electricity, such as natural gas and coal, fluctuate based on supply demand. these fluctuations can impact the cost of electricity, we work closely with Seminole to plan ahead and help stabilize electricity prices for our members.

TCEC purchases electricity from our power generation partner, Seminole Electric Cooperative (Seminole), at a wholesale cost, then we deliver that power to our local communities. The cost of generating and transmitting electricity from our generation partner accounts for a significant portion of the cost to provide electric service to local homes and businesses––and the cost of fuels that are used to generate that electricity, such as natural gas and coal, fluctuate based on supply and demand. While these fluctuations can impact the cost of electricity, we work closely with Seminole to plan ahead and help stabilize electricity prices for our members.

Extreme Weather

While we can’t control the weather, we can review weather patterns and forecasts to prepare times of extreme cold or heat, when we know the demand for electricity will increase. But temperatures become extremely hot and the demand for electricity spikes, the price of can also increase.

While we can’t control the weather, we can review weather patterns and forecasts to prepare for times of extreme cold or heat, when we know the demand for electricity will increase. But when temperatures become extremely hot and the demand for electricity spikes, the price of electricity can also increase.

Infrastructure and Equipment

To cover the costs associated with providing electricity to your home or business, TCEC members pay a monthly basic facility charge. This flat monthly fee ensures the cost of equipment, materials, labor and daily operations are covered for all members in TCEC’s service territory. To ensure the reliable service you expect and deserve, we must maintain the local grid, including power lines, substations and other essential equipment.

To cover the costs associated with providing electricity to your home or business, TCEC members pay a monthly basic facility charge. This flat monthly fee ensures the cost of equipment, labor and daily operations are covered for all members in TCEC’s service territory. To ensure the reliable service you expect and deserve, we must maintain the local grid, including power lines, substations and other essential equipment.

Energy Policy and Regulations

Federal energy policies and regulations can have a profound impact on electricity costs. As energy generation shifts to the use of more renewable sources and stricter regulations for traditional, always-available fuel sources, such as natural gas and coal plants, costly upgrades and technologies must be constructed and deployed. These additional costs are ultimately passed to consumers.

U.S. power consumption is expected to double by 2050. Across the country, electric cooperatives are working with members of Congress to advocate for smart energy policies that reliably power our local communities.

Federal energy policies and regulations can have a profound impact on electricity costs. energy generation shifts to the use of more renewable sources and stricter regulations for always-available fuel sources, such as natural gas and coal plants, costly upgrades and technologies must be constructed and deployed. These additional costs are ultimately passed to U.S. power consumption is expected to double by 2050. Across the country, electric cooperatives are working with members of Congress to advocate for smart energy policies that reliably our local communities.

You Have Control

While many of these external factors that impact electricity costs are out of our control, we all the power to manage our energy use at home. The most effective way to lower use is thermostat management. Since heating and cooling account for a major portion of home energy use, the thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting can help you save energy and money. Remember to service your heating and cooling system annually and replace dirty filters as needed.

While many of these external factors that impact electricity costs are out of our control, we all have the power to manage our energy use at home. The most effective way to lower use is thermostat management. Since heating and cooling account for a major portion of home energy use, adjusting the thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting can help you save energy and money. Remember to service your heating and cooling system annually and replace dirty filters as needed.

You can also reduce energy use by taking advantage of off-peak periods, when the demand electricity is lower. Reserve energy-intensive chores for off-peak times, such as early in the or later in the evening, to save energy. Be sure to seal air leaks around windows, doors areas where gaps are possible. This will help your heating and cooling system work less improve the overall comfort of your home.

You can also reduce energy use by taking advantage of off-peak periods, when the demand for electricity is lower. Reserve energy-intensive chores for off-peak times, such as early in the morning or later in the evening, to save energy. Be sure to seal air leaks around windows, doors and other areas where gaps are possible. This will help your heating and cooling system work less and improve the overall comfort of your home.

TCEC is your local energy partner, and we’re here to help. Visit tcec.com to learn about our efficiency programs designed to help you save. As always, we will continue working diligently to provide you with reliable power at an affordable cost.

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 central office building of the Cooperative located at 2862 West US 90, approximately two miles west of the City of Madison.

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.

Julius Hackett, CEO

Benjamin White District 7

Bobby Dodd President Donnie Waldrep Vice President George Webb Secretary/Treasurer District 2 District 3 District 4

Junior Smith District 1 Catherine Bethea District 5

Johnny Edwards District 8 John Cruce District 9

Ann Herring District 6

UPCOMING DISTRICT MEETINGS

District 3

Monday, July 28

Candidate: Incumbent Donnie Waldrep

District 5

Tuesday, July 29

St. John’s Christian Fellowship Church 6050 Puckett Rd. Perry, FL Registration opens at 5:00 PM Meeting starts at 6:00 PM

Candidate: Incumbent Catherine Bethea

District 6

Thursday, July 31

Mt. Pleasant AME Church 125 Groover Rd. Monticello, FL

Early voting opens at 4:00 PM Meeting starts at 6:00 PM

Candidate(s): Incumbent Ann Herring, Kevin Caroll

Check your bill, district trustee information appears in the upper right corner of the bill. Not sure which district you are in?

Florida Co-ops Gather In Washington

Each April, leaders from electric cooperatives across the United States gather in Washington, D.C. to advocate for common co-op issues and improve service to consumer-members.

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) organizes the event and leads informational sessions preparing co-op leaders to discuss federal issues the electrical cooperatives are currently battling.

TCEC CEO Julius Hackett, and Community Relations Director Kaitlynn Culpepper joined other co-ops from around the state of Florida to visit with legislative offices and attend informational sessions.

Thank you, Congressman Neal Dunn, M.D., Congressman Byron Donalds, Congressman Jared Moskowitz, as well as Senator Rick Scott and Senator Ashley Moody, for taking the time to discuss how we can all work together to continue to provide quality, affordable, reliable electric service to our members.

What Are the Issues?

• Co-ops support the FEMA Loan Interest Payment Relief Act to reimburse interest expenses incurred while waiting years for FEMA to reimburse disaster-related power restoration expenses. Florida electric cooperatives have paid millions of dollars in interest in recent years while waiting for FEMA reimbursements.

• Permitting Reform is needed, as the overly bureaucratic federal permitting process imposes unreasonable timelines and drives up costs for essential infrastructure projects needed for Florida’s continued growth.

• Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Loans & Elective Pay energy taxes are two programs that assist electric co-ops investing in the electric infrastructure needed to meet our community’s future energy needs.

• Supply Chain issues continue to make it difficult and expensive for electric cooperatives to obtain materials and equipment needed to keep the lights on. Co-ops encourage congressional leaders to oppose policies that would raise electricity costs for our consumer-members and increase the risk of blackouts.

Co-op leaders continually advocate for our communities on the importance of safe, reliable, and affordable electricity.

Phase 3 of Multi-Year Transmission Project Completed

TCEC line crews recently completed phase 3 our multi-year project to replace aging structures along the Cross City to Steinhatchee transmission line. Overall, the project consists of replacement of wooden poles on the transmission line that have been in service since 1979. This past May, TCEC crews along with a crew from TCEC contractor, Lee Electric, replaced 60 structures. Overall 229 poles have been replaced.

This project will result in increased reliability to our members served in the most southern part of our territory.

This is a highly coordinated effort, and all aspects of the project are planned well in advance: switching assignments, job tasks and the full scope of work to be done, including traffic hazards, crew make up and special equipment assignments as well the location of the nearest medical aid facility. Throughout this 6-year project all of the work was performed with minimal interruption of service to TCEC members and with zero recordable injuries to employees or contractors.

$44,000 IN ENERGIZING EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED IN 2025!

This year Tri-County Electric Cooperative awarded 29 students with Energizing Education scholarships to support their future efforts in continuing their educations across the United States. TCEC’s Energizing Education Scholarship, established by the Board of Trustees, was created in an effort to provide education support for qualified members and their families in Jefferson, Madison, & Taylor Counties. High school seniors and nontraditional undergraduate students are eligible to apply. Scholarships are awarded to students planning to continue their education at various accredited Universities, Community Colleges, or Technical Colleges.

Scholarship applicants are evaluated not just on GPA or class rank, but on community service and extracurricular activities as well. An essay, letter of intent, and official transcript are among the required documents for the application.

This investment in the future leaders of the communities we serve was made possible through our Energizing Education program. TCEC Members rounding up their electric statement to the next dollar and giving those cents to the TCEC Energizing Education Scholarship fund.

To enroll your TCEC account, visit www.tcec.com/energizing-education.

For more information about the Energizing Education Scholarship, visit www.tcec.com/scholarship.

AUCILLA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Left to right: Emma Green, Raegan Walker, Ethan Bass, Natalie Smith, Ben Gamalero

MADISON COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

Left to right: Caden Horne, Eli Underhill, Lane Keeling, Kevin Gilley Jr., Lexus Legendre, Caleb Adams, Rihanna Williams, William Latner

JAMES MADISON PREPARATORY HIGH SCHOOL

JEFFERSON COUNTY HOMESCHOOL STUDENT

TAYLOR COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

POINT OF GRACE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Three local students, Kaylee McClune (not pictured), Charles Herring, and Kaylee Whiddon, were awarded scholarships to North Florida College on behalf of TCEC. Annually TCEC donates to the NFC Foundation as a part of our investment in education and in the communities we serve. The purpose of the NFC Foundation is to provide direct financial support for the students and programs of NFC.

Aria Lehmann

NORTH FLORIDA COLLEGE

Ashton Sapp

DIXIE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

Zeek Newman

Left to right: Marshall Pike, Dixie Phillips, Marley Miller, Alona Bass

Left to right: Luke Hayden, Ava Turner, Faith Gray, Walker Curry, Kaylee Whiddon

Claire Calton

Charles Herring

Kaylee Whiddon

Medical Essential Service Program

At your electric cooperative, we know that electric service is important to our members. For those individuals with a medical condition that requires the use of life-sustaining equipment, reliable power is a vital necessity. That’s why we’ve established the Medical Essential Service Program to provide special consideration for their accounts. As Hurricane Season quickly approaches now is the time to get signed up. This program is designed to provide TCEC members with reasonable prior notice of power interruption due to scheduled service maintenance which in turn, will allow them time to secure back-up power for their medical equipment.

Medical Essential Service accounts are flagged in the TCEC system and serve as a reference for determining priorities in the effort to restore service in the event of widespread or prolonged outages affecting the cooperative’s service territory. We strongly recommend all members to have an alternate source of care or electricity in the event that electrical service in their location is interrupted. TCEC cannot and does not express or imply that it provides uninterrupted electrical power. Any member with an account that is certified as a Medical Essential Service account shall remain solely responsible for any backup equipment and/or power supply and a planned course of action in the event of interruption of service due to outages, disconnect for non-payment, etc.

Verification from a physician regarding the medical condition, type of equipment, and length of time the equipment is needed is required. Visit www.tcec.com/ medical-essential-service or stop by any TCEC office to sign up.

Examples of qualifying equipment include: oxygen concentrator, heart monitor, controlled medication, and controlled atmosphere.

Congratulations to longtime TCEC employee

Leroy Rutherford Jr.

Leroy began the next phase of his life with retirement after 39 years of service to the cooperative and our members. For the last several years Leroy, TCEC Maintenance Supervisor, has worked to ensure the facilities and grounds were in good working order, structurally safe, and well maintained for all. Our Mr. Fix It, no matter the problem he would find a solution. He is looking forward to the slower pace that retirement brings and spending time with his family but will be greatly missed around the co-op.

Welcome to the Team!

Gabrielle Carter joined the TCEC team in May as the new Vice President of Finance.

In her role, Gabrielle will manage the financial affairs of the co-op and direct the accounting functions and activities of the Finance Department. Her responsibilities include planning, organizing and managing general accounting, financial planning, risk management, internal auditing, and financial forecasting.

Gabrielle has a Bachelor’s in Accounting and a Master’s in Business Administration and served most recently as the Controller at North Florida College. She is looking forward to furthering her career at TCEC and learning more about the electric cooperative industry. In her free time she enjoys reading, listening to podcasts, and hanging out with her dog Bailey and two cats.

Von Tompkins, TCEC’s new General Laborer joins the co-op with many years of experience in agriculture management, lawn care, and trucking. As the General Laborer, Von, will be responsible for maintaining all facets of the co-ops facilities and keeping everything in good working order. This includes assisting with electrical, plumbing, mowing, and HVAC maintenance.

So far, Von’s favorite thing about working at TCEC is the positive work environment and he is looking forward to learning and growing within the co-op. When he is not working, Von enjoys spending time with his wife and two kids, hunting, fishing, and boating.

Gabrielle Carter

Von Tompkins

Summer Squash Casserole

Recipe courtesy of www.tasteofhome.com | Prep: 30 min | Cook: 30 min | Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 pound yellow summer squash, chopped

• 1/4 cup water

• 1/4 cup chopped onion

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 large egg, beaten

• 1/4 cup dry bread crumbs

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions

• 1/8 teaspoon pepper

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a saucepan, combine the squash, water, onion and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until squash is tender, 15-20 minutes. Remove from the heat; cool.

2. Stir in the egg, bread crumbs, butter and pepper. Transfer to a greased 1-qt. baking dish; sprinkle with cheese. Bake, uncovered, until heated through and the cheese is melted, 30 minutes.

Inspections are Underway

TCEC will be performing inspections throughout our service territory on our padmount transformers. During the inspection process, routine maintenance will be performed. Should the inspection reveal a repair is needed, in some instances, a second visit to your property may be needed.

TCEC estimates it will take 2-3 months to complete this important inspection of our nearly 1800 padmount transformers.

This Publication’s Inspirational Moment

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.

Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. Without speech or language, without a sound to be heard, a their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.”

Psalms 19:1-4

Holiday Schedule Reminder

All Tri-County Electric Cooperative offices will be closed Friday, July 4th, in observance of Independence Day. Crews will be standing by if needed. Please see “Report & Track Outages” on page 11.

Presorted