Rural Living
Are You Prepared for Summer? See inside
- Sustainable Landscaping
- Ways to Reduce Extreme Heat
- Summer Storm Prep - Upcoming District Meetings
How Extreme Summer Temps Impact Reliability
When outdoor temperatures soar, our electricity use increases. That’s because our air conditioners are running longer and more often to counteract sweltering outdoor temperatures. Factor in that we all tend to use electricity at the same times—in the morning and early evenings—and that equals a lot of strain on our electric grid.
At Tri-County Electric Cooperative, we work closely with Seminole Electric Cooperative, our local generation and transmission (G&T) cooperative in resource and infrastructure planning to ensure you have the power you need whenever you flip a switch, but the electric grid is much larger than your local co-op and G&T.
In summer months, when even more electricity is being used simultaneously across the country, it is possible for electricity demand to exceed supply, especially if a prolonged heat wave occurs. If this happens, which is rare, the grid operator for our region of the country may call on consumers to actively reduce their energy use or initiate rolling power outages to relieve pressure on the grid. TCEC will always keep you informed about situations like these.
We work proactively with our G&T to create a resilient portion of the grid and ensure electric reliability in extreme weather, including regular system maintenance, grid modernization efforts and disaster response planning; but it takes everyone to keep the grid reliable.
To help keep the air conditioner running for you, your family and neighbors, here are a few things you can do to relieve pressure on the grid during times of extreme summer heat:
Run major appliances such as dishwashers, ovens and dryers during off-peak hours when the demand for electricity is lower.
Pro tip: Start the dishwasher before you go to bed.
Use ceiling fans to make yourself feel a few degrees cooler. Remember, ceiling fans cool people (not rooms), so turn them off in unoccupied rooms.
Pro tip: During summer months, set ceiling fan blades to rotate counterclockwise, which pushes cool air down for a windchill effect.
Close blinds, curtains and shades during the hottest part of the day to block unwanted heat gain from sunlight.
Pro tip: Consider blackout curtains with thermal backing or reflective lining to block heat and light. Use smaller appliances, such as slow cookers, air fryers and toaster ovens to cook meals.
Pro tip: Studies have shown that air fryers use about half the amount of electricity than a full-sized oven. Air fryers are smaller and use focused heat, which results in faster cooking times, less heat output and lower energy use.
As we face the challenges posed by soaring summer temperatures, understanding the impact on energy demand is crucial for maintaining a reliable power supply. By adopting energy conservation practices during periods of extreme heat, not only can you save money on your electric bills, but you can also contribute to the resilience of the grid, keeping our local community cool and connected.
After the Storm
The days of hurricane restoration are long, require many hands, and leave a significant financial burden not only on the individual members of the communities we serve but on TriCounty Electric Cooperative as well. FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) Program is the main source of federal disaster funding utilized by electric cooperatives after a disaster is declared under the authorities of the Stafford Act. TCEC is eligible for Public Assistance as a utility providing the “critical services” of electric power transmission and distribution.
4 Days
Million
The Public Assistance program is funded through FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund. Under an emergency declaration, FEMA can provide direct federal and financial assistance for Emergency Work, which is debris removal and emergency protective measures to save lives and protect public health and safety, or protect improved property from damage.
Emergency Work includes emergency power restoration. Under a major disaster declaration, the President can authorize FEMA to provide the same assistance it authorizes under an emergency, but can also authorize Permanent Work. Permanent Work is the effort to repair, restore, reconstruct, or replace disaster-damaged roads, bridges, water control facilities, buildings and equipment, utilities, parks, recreational, and other publicly owned facilities. Permanent work includes the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged electric utilities to code.
Without this assistance to help manage storm response and recovery expenses from natural disasters, many co-op members living in disaster-stricken areas would face significantly higher electric rates. This a reimbursement program, so electric cooperatives must first show that they incurred the cost before they can draw down grant funds. This means that TCEC typically takes out loans to perform the work and then seeks reimbursement from FEMA. We perform work to repair or replace eligible facilities using our own employees, competitively awarded contracts, and mutual aid agreements. All costs to perform the FEMA-approved work must be reasonable and adequately documented. Unfortunately, this is a slow process that can take a few years to recover approved storm costs.
As of April 2025, TCEC has received just $17.8 million in FEMA reimbursements of the $35 million for Hurricane Idalia and $0 of the $92 million for Hurricane Debby and Hurricane Helene.
TCEC employees across all departments are working diligently with FEMA representatives to ensure proper documentation and submission of information to do our part in making the reimbursement process as smooth and efficient as possible.
Disaster relief funding is critical to restoring electric service after a natural disaster. Without this assistance, recovery time and expenses will increase drastically for small and rural communities, like ours, who can least afford it.
We’re asking FEMA to continue investing in rebuilding and resiliency.
Brown Butter Scallop Rolls
Ingredients
• 1 pound sea scallops (about 16), “foot” muscles removed
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 6 sprigs thyme, leaves stripped
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Directions
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for the rolls
• 4 potato hot dog rolls
• 8 leaves Boston or Bibb lettuce
• Juice of 1/2 lemon, plus wedges for serving
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chervil or tarragon
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
1. Cut the scallops in half (two half-circles) and transfer to a medium bowl; season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Add the olive oil, thyme and parsley and toss to coat; cover and refrigerate until ready to cook.
2. Generously butter the insides of the rolls. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the rolls, buttered-side down, and toast until golden, about 3 minutes. Remove to a plate and let cool, then tuck 2 lettuce leaves into each.
3. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat and add the scallops in a single layer. Cook, undisturbed, until golden on one side, about 3 minutes. Flip the scallops and add the remaining 3 tablespoons butter to the pan, swirling to distribute the butter. Tilt the pan slightly and spoon the butter over the scallops until they are cooked through and the butter begins to brown and smell nutty, about 3 more minutes. Add the lemon juice and toss.
4. Divide the scallops among the rolls and drizzle with the browned butter. Sprinkle with the chopped herbs and serve with lemon wedges.
“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.”
Job 12:7-10
Holiday Schedule Reminder
All Tri-County Electric Cooperative offices will be closed Monday, May 26, 2025 in observance of Memorial Day. We will have standby crews available for power restoration if needed. Please see “Report & Track Power Outages” on page 11.