Tri-County Rural Living Newsletter

TRI-COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Rural Living Lineman Appreciation Day, April 18th

Department Spotlight Page 5

Unclaimed Capital Credits Page 6

March & April 2020 Vol. 23 • No. 4

TRI-COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Rural Living Vol. XXIII No. IV March & April 2020

At Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc., we are constantly striving to improve our operational efficiency so we can provide the most reliable electric service possible for our consumermembers (that’s you!).

Board of Trustees

Bobby Dodd

Donnie Waldrep

Catherine Bethea

District 2

District 3

District 5

President

Vice President

Secretary/Treasurer

Junior Smith

George Webb

Ann Herring

Albert Thomas

Johnny Edwards

Elmer Coker

District 1

District 7

District 4

District 8

District 6

District 9

TCEC Staff

Julius Hackett, Chief Executive Officer Jeff Brewer, Vice President of Engineering Stephanie Carroll, Vice President of Corporate Services Eileen Herndon, Executive Assistant 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, Executive Assistant Kaitlynn Culpepper, Community Relations Director

Publisher

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

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Stay in the Know

We rely on data for nearly every aspect of our operations, which is why we need your help. By making sure we have your most accurate and complete contact information, we can continue to provide the high level of service that you expect and deserve. Accurate information enables us to improve customer service and enhance communications for reporting and repairing outages. It also allows co-op members to receive information about other important programs, events and activities.

Up-to-date contact information will speed up the power restoration process during an outage. For example, the phone number you provide is linked to your service address in our outage management system.

This means when you call to report an outage, our system recognizes your phone number and matches it with your account location. Accurate information helps our outage management system predict the location and possible cause of an outage, making it easier for our crews to correct the problem.

While we always do our best to maintain service, we occasionally plan outages to update, repair or replace equipment. In these instances, we can provide advance notification to affected members through automated phone messages, text messages or email, if we have your updated contact information and communication preferences.

Julius Hackett, CEO Keeping the co-op updated with your information also helps us when there’s a question about energy use or billing.

Emails and text messages are also used to notify registered members of any changes in co-op event details. In addition, discrepancies on your account can be taken care of promptly if TCEC has accurate account information.

Many of you have been members of the co-op for years, and it’s likely that your account information hasn’t been updated for some time. We recognize that many members now use a cell phone as their primary phone service, and we might not have that number in our system.

I want to emphasize that in providing your contact information to the co-op, we will never share this information with any third parties. It is only used by TCEC to send important information to you. Please take a moment to confirm or update your contact information. By doing so, you will be helping us improve service and efficiency so we can better serve you and all members of the co-op.

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.

March & April 2020

Consider a Co-op Career As the light at the end of the school year beams bright this time of year, many students find themselves at pivotal point in their lives; the next step in their education or into a career. Schools across our service territory bring the opportunity to explore these options to the students through various Career & Transfer Fairs. A chance for vocational schools, colleges, booming industries and trades to meet the students where they are and share with them all of the possibilities at their fingertips. TCEC prioritizes participating in the Career & Transfer Fairs to educate students about our industry and the quality careers available with any of the 900 electric cooperatives across the country.

Within the electric cooperative workforce, new skills and experience are needed to help co-ops meet shifting market and consumer demands. We have a broad range of highlytrained professionals working behind the scenes at TCEC. Lineworkers are the most visible and identifiable employees of the co-op, but their responsibilities go far beyond climbing poles and repairing lines. There are also information experts who can pinpoint an outage from miles away and restore power remotely.

Crew Leader, Tony Stephenson and Apprentice Lineman, Chad Mitchell shared information on career and training options with the Juniors and Seniors of Madison County High School.

Experts in information technology are increasingly important to safeguard the grid and protect data and other sensitive cyber assets. Engineers provide ongoing expertise and guidance on the operations side of the utility, particularly as system upgrades and more renewable energy choices become available.

Professionals in business administration, communication and digital media help co-ops deliver messages through multiple platforms and keep members informed of critical information in today’s 24/7 media environment.

But electric co-ops are looking for professionals with more than excellent technical skills.

TCEC is a not-for-profit organization that offers competitive wages and benefits. We are seeking individuals who understand the co-op difference and appreciate our missionoriented operating principles.

“Career Fairs are always fun. I love having the chance to share with people that there are more jobs besides being a lineman, so even if you are scared of electricity and heights, Tri-County could still be a place for them to have a career.” says Antonio Richardson, System Engineer.

We have a strong commitment to the communities we serve. Important decisions are made locally with input from a democratically elected Board of Directors whose interest is the greater good of the community. We are proud to give back to our community through employee volunteer efforts and with donations to local charities.

Jason Hughey, Apprentice Apparatus Technician, Kaitlynn Culpepper, Community Relations Director, & Antonio Richardson, System Engineer at North Florida College’s Career & Transfer Fair

In addition, we are making a difference in the lives of people around the world. Through our network of 900 electric co-ops across the country, we have helped bring electricity to more than 140 million people in 43 developing countries across the globe. Through international electrification projects, America’s electric cooperatives are helping millions of people in developing countries improve their living standards.

Simply put, we believe cooperatives build a better world, and we are looking for talented people to join us. To learn more about electric co-op careers, visit www.tcec.com/careers.

TCEC CEO Julius Hackett, Antonio Richardson, System Engineer and Serviceman Bill Kinsey sharing career options at Jefferson Somerset Academy

March & April 2020

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ENERGIZING EDUCATION

SCHOLARSHIP

High school seniors and non-traditional undergraduate students who are dependents of a TCEC member are eligible to apply!

Scholarships awarded for any accredited University, Community College, or Technical College in the state of Florida.

Visit www.tcec.com/scholarship to apply.

Deadline: Friday, May 1, 2020

Have your monthly Tri-County Electric Cooperative statement rounded up to the next dollar and those cents set aside to fund college scholarships for TCEC members and their dependents.

Total credit on bill will not exceed $150.00. This one time credit is valid only on the current balance. Any balance remaining after the $150 applied credit is the member’s responsibility.

Holiday Schedule Reminder All Tri-County Electric Cooperative offices will be closed April 10 for Good Friday.

We will have standby crews available if power restoration is needed.

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March & April 2020

DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT

The Man Behind the Jobs: Cooperative Foreman, John Tuten Likes spokes on a wheel, all new line construction at TCEC centers around our Cooperative Foreman, John Tuten. He is a man of many hats, hard hats that is.

Generally considered the senior worker, daily he uses his extensive knowledge of the co-op’s distribution system that spans more than 3,000 miles of line.

The pressure can be high because he is responsible for organizing the overall construction and maintenance of the cooperative’s distribution lines. His typical work week is spent producing work schedules and being able to adjust the plans as necessary for adverse weather conditions. With 22 crewmen working under his watchful eye, he ensures the crews are trained to use the equipment and materials in a manner resulting in the most safe, efficient and economical ways for our members and always making sure the job is built to the highest quality of construction. John evaluates plans for each new job designed by our engineering team and last year supervised the construction of 400 new services.

John is a 28-year employee of the co-op having started his career as a general laborer in the right-of-way department, working his way through the line crew ranks before accepting the position of Cooperative Foreman in 2015. It’s a big responsibility that requires him to use his strong leadership skills together with an ability to make quick decisions while focusing on safety at all times.

John’s position requires “on call” duty that has him living within a certain range of miles of the main office. And when the power is out, John goes to work! Joining the other linemen and doing his part to restore power as safely and efficiently as possible to the members. He admits the weather is what keeps him up at night, because it can result in outages.

His many years of experience as a Journeyman Lineman, understanding of powerline construction and maintenance together with the knowledge of the RUS construction specifications and National Electric Safety Code have served him well as Cooperative Foreman. In addition, he maintains his certification in safety procedures including first aid, CPR and pole top rescue.

“John is a dedicated employee that truly loves the co-op. He is very conscientious about his work and wants it done the right way,” says Darrell Tuten, Vice President of Operations.

During his time off, John manages a family owned cow calf operation. He and his wife Paula, have three children, Crystal, Andrea and Cole along with one perfect granddaughter, Madison.

March & April 2020

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What are Capital Credits?

Capital Credits are unique to cooperatives like Tri-County Electric Cooperative. They represent the margins (capital remaining after expenses) allocated to a Cooperative member each year.

These Credits are based on the amount and cost of electricity each consumer purchased during the year.

Capital Credits become the Cooperative’s equity.

This equity makes it possible to secure loans and maintain facilities and services needed to deliver electricity to each member.

Margins fluctuate from year to year, however, since 2014, more than $ 6.1 million in Capital Credits have been disbursed to members and former members.

Your capital credits are reserved for you even if you move out of the area. TCEC makes a diligent effort to send you a check by mail to your most current address on file.

If a check is returned to unclaimed, your name will be published in the cooperative newsletter and later in local newspapers of general circulation.

For more information about Capital Credits, call 850-973-2285 or 800-999-2285, or email ctimmons@tcec.com.

We’re looking for former members The following pages include the names of current and former members whose Capital Credits checks issued in November 2019 were returned as undeliverable. Funds were issued to members and former members for the years 1992 and 1993. If you received a check and are still holding it, please go ahead and cash it. Checks will be void after six months.

Aguilera, Emanuel

Barnes, Anita

Bujeda, James

Cope, T H

Albritton, Ricky

Bates, Roy

Buonacorsi, Joseph H

Copeland, Roy

Alexander, Joyce

Bennett, Barbara

Burnett, Lloyd H

Corbin, Robert

Alexander, Reffeletta

Berhane, Mildred

Buzek, Dennis

Creech, Leo Jr

Allen, Delores

Blake, Wise

Alvarez, Jorge

Blankenship, Jimmy

Alvers, Gary C

Blanton, Michael

Argenbright, Frank

Bolen, James

Arthur, Lanna

Boots, Ralph D

Arundel, John J

Bradford, Duane

Atwell, Thomas

Brickerd, Alice (Mrs)

Bailey, Jeffery Bailey, Wanda

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Bridgeman, David E Briggs, Andy & Tonia Brown, Eric & Kenya

Cawthorn, C P Certified Welding Services Chupp, Rebecca J (Mrs) Cochran, Norman A Coleman, Barbara Collins, Marion H Cook, Frank G Cook, William Bige

Culbertson, David M

Dansey, Michele D Davis, Donald Davis, Frances Davis, Harvey S Davis, Henry Nunn Davis, Kenneth Davis, Samantha Davis, Thomas

March & April 2020

Dean, Gladys

Gillard, J D Jr

Hatchett, Thomas

Kent, John

Dean, Raymond Jr

Gilman, Tom

Hayes, Charles

Killian, L D

Montgomery, Walter M

Dear, Ollie

Ginter, Rita Givens, Lizzie

Knight, Philip & Janice

Moore, Chance E

Deas, Mike

Haynes, Dzondria M

Moore, Thomas B

Delahunt, Michele

Grasso, Martin

Hendry, Alton N

Knight, William F

Morgan, Johnny

Denson, Ira & Yolanda

Green, Cody

Henry, Kenneth

Krueger, Charles

Morrison, Janet

Driggers, Jean (C/O Earl Cook)

Griffin, Sue

Dulin, Kimberly D & Scott Mad Durden, James

Elam, Richard Elwell, Russell England, Charlie Ervin, Ronny Ezelle, James W

Fairchild Florida Const Co

Ferguson, Clyde Jr Fleming, Pauline G (Mrs) Foskey, Sue Cone Fowler, G B

Hernandez, Jeannette

Lassiter, Robert

Hill, A B

Lee, Dorcia D

Holmes, Donna

Lee, Rachel M

National Petroleum

Grisham, Betty L

Horne, James R

Grubbs, Nina Bell (Mrs)

Houston, Perkins L

Levingston, Wesley L

Nelson, Richard F

Hudson, Ricky

Gulf American SBL Inc

Hunt, P K

Green, Wallace Griffin, Tim & Melinda

Gunter, Robin Guthrie, Bobby

Hagan, Dale Hagelund, Frederick J Hagen, Todd W Hall, Carl (C/O Nancy Payne) Hallock, Frank C & Karen M

Hunter, Jennie D (C/O Memorie Loughridge) Hutton, Michael (C/O F Warren Kahn, Attorney)

Ingram, Charles Isbell, Robert K

Jacobs, Dennis Y Jr James, Bill

Madison County

Livestock Inc

Madison Grts-Day Treatment

Mathews, Richard Mathis, Ronnie Matsinger, Keith Maybow, Nick McAllister, Richard B McClintock, Steve

Frasure, H Louise

Hampton, Bob

Johnson, Stephen W

Frazier, Esther

Harden, B F

Jones, Emily

McKown, Marilyn Marie

Fredrick, Bryant D

Harkens Outdoor Advertising

Jones, Kimbberli M

Menhennett, John R

Harris, Ann

Jourigan, Donna M

Meredith, Melissa

Joyce, Debra (C/O Joseph Joyce)

Merritt, Eugene

Galladay, Laura Joy (C/O Mark McClellan)

Giddens, Andrew J Giddens, Vicki Giles, Morna M

March & April 2020

Harris, Charles L Harris, Debra Harris, Dorothy Hart, William & Judy Hasenfelt, Leo

Kalishek, Craig Kelly, Ruby D Kendrick, A W (Mrs)

Newman, Gustave Nolen, Joan E

Johnson, Ruby M B

Fuentes, Jose

Newcomb, Joseph Adam - Estate (C/O David H Peek Prsnl Rep)

Martin, Georgia M

Hammer, Cindy

Johnson, Nancy

Packers

Nobles, Rex

Johnson, H E

Franklin, Dean Ellwood

Musser, Mary A

Mahan, Lester

Hamilton, Florence (Mrs)

Fox, Martha

Morrison, Jerry

McCraney, John McGlynn, Paul McKinney, Lavell

Miller, Frank David III Miller, Louis Mitchell, James Mixson, Elizabeth S (C/O J F Mixson III)

Osteen, Wesley M Owen, Jerry W

Parker, Annie Ruth Patterson, Ellis L Pendergrass, Jerry W Perry, Roz Phillips, Samantha Philmon, Willean (Mrs) Pike, Warren Pike, William L Pippin, John W III Porter, Suzie Pskowski, Suzanne

Raddar, Kamal I Reams, Kathy H Rega, Michael J & Joyce List continues on page 8 7

Reichert, Gladys

Sapp, James

Roark, Carl

Sawyer, Carson

Roark, Irvine M

Sawyer, Carolyn

Roberts, Tim E

Schmidt, R W or Ruth

Terry, Cary Jr

Seewald, Gene

Roberts, Wesley Robles, Paula Rogers, William L Rossman, Leo or Thelma Roundtree, Tamara Rowland, Albert

Sublett, James T

Walker, Carolyn

Williams, Otis L

Walker, Mary

Williams, Vicki S

Walkuski, Ronald

Williams, Willis O

Thompson, Carol

Washington, Rufus & Deborah

Williamson, Bobby H

Sessions, Debbie S

Tillman, Jane

Watson, Clem

Willoughby, Glenn

Sheffield, Mitch & Kendra

Tillman, Jim

Watson, Jerry

Sherrard, Charles

Todd, Judy

Watson, Peggy

Wright, Kathy (C/O Wright Seafood)

Tompkins, Myrtice

Webb, Lenora E

Topuline, George

Welch, Flynn Wells, Billy J Whitchard, Henry S

Young, Mitchell (C/O Dorothy Young)

Whitehead, Joseph A

Zaidenberg, Earl

Shiver, Chester

Taylor, Latonya Thomas, Clarrissa

Roy, Marie (C/O Bernice Brown)

Simmons, Elizabeth Sims, Jimmy

Trapp, Gwenda & Bryan

Russell, Leo & Dorothy Byrd

Sindhu Food Mart

Trogu, Retha V (C/O T D Dixon)

Siplin, Wilma

Turner, Mike

Sadler, Gwendolyn J Sirmans, Nakeia S Salazar, Scott

Snider, Daniel L

Sansevero, Armand

Sparks, Beulah (Mrs)

Sapp, E L

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Wainwright, Eula T Williams, John

Stewart, Wayne

Tuten, Billy J

Veilleux, Nelson Velasco, Randal Vermeiren, Eddy

Whiddon, Ben T

Wynn, Barbara J

Yeoman, Ernest

Whitlow, Alice Wilbur, William Wilkerson, Gary Williams, Eugene

March & April 2020

Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. Board Meetings Summary for October 14, 2019 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, October 14, 2019, in the Tri-County Electric headquarters office building located in Madison, Florida. Reports to the Board included the NRECA Regional Meeting held October 7 – 10, 2019 at Louisville, Kentucky, Finance Committee, Policy Committee, Building and Land Committee, and CEO. Action taken by the Board included the following: approval of the October 14, 2019 Board Agenda; the September 9, 2019, Board Meeting Minutes; and Consent Agenda items as written and recommended by the CEO, which included the WPCA for October 2019 as established by resolution; RUS Form 7 for August 2019; the list of new members for August 19, 2019 – September 22, 2019; Work and Accident Report for August 2019 along with the System Outage Reports. Other action taken by the Board included: approval of the work order inventories (RUS Forms 219) for the period of January 2018 – July 2018; adoption of resolution authorizing check signing privileges on behalf of the Cooperative; and approval of the board meeting dates for 2020. Miscellaneous items discussed included initial plans for the 80th Annual Meeting of the Cooperative and the plans to bring the NRECA International Program to Guatemala in 2020 which includes support and participation from Florida electric cooperatives.

Bobby Dodd, President

Catherine Bethea, Secretary/Treasurer

Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. Board Meetings Summary for November 11, 2019 With all Trustees present (except one), 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, November 11, 2019, in the Tri-County Electric headquarters office building located in Madison, Florida. Reports to the Board included the Seminole Electric Cooperative October 2019 Budget/ Board Meeting, Finance Committee, Policy Committee, Building and Land Committee, and CEO. Action taken by the Board included the following: approval of the November 11, 2019 Board Agenda; the October 14, 2019, Board Meeting Minutes; and Consent Agenda items as written and recommended by the CEO, which included the WPCA for November 2019 as established by resolution; RUS Form 7 for September 2019; the list of new members for September 23, 2019 – October 20, 2019; Work and Accident Report for September 2019 along with the System Outage Reports. Other action taken by the Board included: approval of the revised Policy 528 “Social Media” and revised Policy 529 “Firearms” effective immediately; retirement of 100% of the remaining 1992 capital credits, and 60% of the 1993 capital credited to patrons; work order inventories (RUS Forms 219) for the period of August 2018 – March 2019; and approval of new rate schedule LPTV-INT “General Service Demand Interruptible Large Three-Phase Power Service at Transmission Voltage Levels.” Miscellaneous items discussed included: the evaluation of several Taylor County real properties under consideration for the relocation of the Perry District Office; and progress of the upgrades to the Cross City to Steinhatchee transmission line.

Bobby Dodd, President

Catherine Bethea, Secretary/Treasurer

Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. Board Meetings Summary for December 9, 2019 With all Trustees present (except one), 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, December 9, 2019, in the Tri-County Electric headquarters office building located in Madison, Florida. Reports to the Board included the Florida Electric Cooperatives Association December 2019 Board Meeting, Finance Committee, Policy Committee, Building and Land Committee, and CEO. Action taken by the Board included the following: approval of the December 9, 2019 Board Agenda; the November 11, 2019, Board Meeting Minutes; and Consent Agenda items as written and recommended by the CEO, which included the WPCA for December 2019 as established by resolution; RUS Form 7 for October 2019; the list of new members for October 21, 2019 – November 18, 2019; Work and Accident Report for October 2019 along with the System Outage Reports. Other action taken by the Board included: approval of the Cooperative’s Revised Service Rules and Regulations effective December 9, 2019; acceptance and approval of the revised district boundaries; acceptance of the 2020 budget as presented during the board workshop of December 6, 2019; acceptance of the right-of-way contract cutting bid for 2020-2024; adoption of resolution approving and accepting the Emergency Restoration Plan; approval of a Christmas gift to cooperative employees; authorization for cooperative staffs’ participation in the NRECA RC3 Online Security Self-Assessment License Program; and the authorization of third quarter 2019 electric receivable accounts for the appropriate accounting designation.

Bobby Dodd, President March & April 2020

Catherine Bethea, Secretary/Treasurer 9

The Best Macaroni and Cheese Recipe One of the best macaroni and cheese recipes of all time.

This one is dreamy, its creamy and best of all it’s easy.

It may become a new family favorite.

Ingredients •

8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni

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2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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3 cups milk

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1/4 cup butter

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2 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

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2 tablespoons butter

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1/2 cup bread crumbs

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1 pinch paprika

Directions 1. Cook macaroni according to the package directions. Drain.

2. In a saucepan, melt butter or margarine over medium heat. Stir in enough flour to make a creamy mixture. Add milk to mixture slowly, stirring constantly. Stir in cheeses, and cook over low heat until cheese is melted and the sauce is a little thick. Put macaroni in large casserole dish, and pour sauce over macaroni. Stir well.

3. Melt butter or margarine in a skillet over medium heat. Add breadcrumbs and brown. Spread over the macaroni and cheese to cover. Sprinkle with a little paprika.

4. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 minutes. Serve.

This Publication’s Inspirational Moment “Let us acknowledge the LORD; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.”

Hosea 6:3 (NIV)

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March & April 2020

March & April 2020

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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

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Consider a Co-op Career

Page 4

Energizing Education Scholarship