TCEC Rural Living July/August 2018

Rural Living TRI-COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Summer Safety We’re All in This Together Page 7

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July & August 2018 Vol. 21 • No. 6

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Rural Living TRI-COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Vol. XXI No. VI July & August 2018

Board of Trustees

Gary Fulford

Albert Thomas

Catherine Bethea

District 6

District 7

District 5

President

Vice President

Secretary - Treasurer

Junior Smith

Bobby Dodd

Donnie Waldrep

George Webb

Johnny Edwards

Elmer Coker

District 1

District 4

District 2

District 8

District 3

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 in partnership with Madison Media Group. Postage is paid at Blountstown, Fla.

A Solid Investment In Your Electric Cooperative As a member of Tri-County Electric Cooperative, you make an investment in the co-op every time you pay your bill. This collective investment in the co-op benefits you and the community both immediately and over time.

So, what exactly is this monthly investment, and how do you benefit from it?

The basic facility charge is a monthly investment that helps your co-op cover the expenses of maintaining the overall electric system. Combatting cyber security threats and maintaining poles, wires, substations and co-op equipment takes strategic planning and significant resources. The basic facility charge essentially ensures that all equipment operates properly, and that staff is trained and ready so the lights turn on when you need them.

Regardless of how much electricity a particular family uses, the cost of delivering power to that house is the same. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, we believe the operational costs should be spread fairly and equitably across all of our members, regardless of the level of electricity use. That is why

Julius Hackett, CEO every member pays the basic facility charge each month to cover basic operational costs. All members in each rate classification are charged for the cost of operation since all members benefit from the service. In essence, this gives each member an equal share in the co-op’s operation.

Your monthly investment ensures you have access to safe, reliable and affordable power when you need it. We appreciate and value the investment that you make each month, and we strive to use that investment wisely for the benefit of all members of our community.

Publication Team

Julius Hackett, Chief Executive Officer Eileen Herndon, Executive Assistant Kaitlynn Culpepper, Community Relations Director

Publisher

Curtis Media Michael Curtis & Staff Tri-County Electric Cooperative 2862 West US 90 Madison, FL 32340 www.tcec.com 1-800-999-2285

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Holiday Schedule Reminder All Tri-County Electric offices will be closed July 4 in observance of Independence Day. We will have standby crews available for power restoration if needed. Please see “To Report Electrical Problems or Outages” on Page 11 of this newsletter. 89349005001

July & August 2018

TCEC Meets with Members of Congress to Share Issues Impacting Florida Electric Cooperatives

Tri-County Electric Cooperative board members George Webb, Elmer Coker and Donnie Waldrep joined other Florida-based electric cooperatives in Washington, D.C., to discuss important issues facing the electric utility industry in the Sunshine State. Also representing TCEC were CEO Julius Hackett and Community Relations Director Kaitlynn Culpepper.

April 10–12, TCEC’s wholesale power provider, Seminole Electric Cooperative (Seminole), and its nine

member cooperatives, including the Florida Electric Cooperatives Association, met with a total of 26 Florida members of congress and their staff, as well as both Florida senators.

Discussions included thanking congress for their support of electric cooperatives and their members and employees.

TCEC took advantage of the opportunity to meet with Congressman Al Lawson and Congressman Neal Dunn to address issues that were

Congressman Al Lawson took time out of his busy schedule to talk with TCEC about how we can work together for co-op members and employees in Madison and Jefferson counties.

July & August 2018

important to our members in Dixie, Madison, Taylor and Jefferson counties.

Those issues included FEMA reform, employee pension plans, and the reauthorization of the 2018 Farm Bill, which has an important focus on Rural Economic Development, investment and support of broadband for rural Americans, and amendments to the Rural Electrification Act. “The issues we were able to discuss with our congressmen and senators are crucial to providing safe, affordable and reliable electricity to TCEC’s over 12,000 members and their families in rural north Florida,” said Hackett.

The meetings were proceeded by the 2018 Legislative Conference of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), in which more than 2,000 electric cooperative representatives from

around the country gathered together in Washington to celebrate the impact of the nation’s rural electric cooperatives. Speakers included U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, who praised NRECA members for their service to millions of Americans across the nation.

Florida’s electric cooperatives, including TCEC, will continue to advocate for energy policies that support quality electricity for our members. If you are interested in participating, please visit www.action.coop today!

Thank you, Congressman Neal Dunn, for meeting with TCEC representatives to discuss legislative issues important to Florida Electric Cooperative members and employees.

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Your Your

Annual Report Cover Cover Annual Report

Photo Contest Contest

Members Cooperative,we we Membersand andconsumers consumersof ofTri-County Tri-County Electric Electric Cooperative, invite cover of ofthe the inviteYOU YOUtotosubmit submityour your photo photo for the cover 2018 2018TCEC TCECAnnual Annual Report!

The photographer of the winning image will receive a $125 gift card Theand photographer of the thecover winning image receive a Report $125that giftis card their photo on of the 2018will TCEC Annual sent out to all and their photo on the cover of the 2018 TCEC Annual Report that is sent out to all 12,500 TCEC members in September.

12,500 TCEC members in September.

Photos should be within the TCEC service territory and reflect the co-op’s distinct region and valued members.

TCEC power lines, vehicles, offices, or Photos should be within the TCEC service territory and reflect theemployees, co-op’s distinct how and TCECvalued is ‘powering the future’ a nice touch. region members.

TCEC are power lines, vehicles, offices, employees, or how TCEC is ‘powering the future’ are a nice touch.  Photos must have a portrait (vertical) orientation Photos canhave be inacolor or black & white   Photos must portrait (vertical) orientation  Only high-resolution photos can be used and must be at least 300 dpi  Photos can be in color or black & white  All photos must be submitted by Friday, July 20th  Only high-resolution photos can be used and must be at least 300 dpi 

All photos must be submitted by Friday, July 20th

Upload submissions at www.tcec.com/photo-contest Questions? Contact Kaitlynn Culpepper at 850.973.8036 or kculpepper@tcec.com Upload submissions at www.tcec.com/photo-contest

Questions? Contact Kaitlynn Culpepper at 850.973.8036 or kculpepper@tcec.com

Safety Above All Else “Safety” is a universal word that is mentioned often and used loosely.

Communities large and small, as well as companies across all industries, are committed to safety. Sports leagues, at every level, take safety seriously.

Unfortunately, when it really counts, steps to keep the public, workers, athletes and loved ones safe are often overlooked in the interest of expediency or convenience.

Safety is an especially serious issue when it comes to electricity. For Tri-County Electric, it’s the No. 1 priority. This is not empty talk. TCEC has a culture of safety that places our employees’ safety and that of the community above all else. At its essence, TCEC’s mission is to provide safe and reliable electricity to its memberowners. At the end of the day, we strive to deliver reliable electricity to our members, but equally important, we want to return our workers home safely to their loved ones. To do this requires ongoing focus, dedication and vigilance.

Following Safety Standards Working with electricity is an inherently dangerous job, especially for lineworkers.

TCEC has a safety team whose focus is keeping employees and the community safe around electricity. We established and follow safety protocols based on leading national safety practices for the utility

industry. We require our lineworkers to wear specialized equipment when working next to or with power lines. There are specific protocols that our lineworkers follow when dealing with electricity. Our safety team has regular meetings during which team members discuss upcoming projects from a safety perspective. They monitor and track near-misses of accidents in order to understand them, share “lessons learned” and improve in the future.

As importantly, we encourage all of

Keeping You Safe Because we live and work in the community we serve, we care about you — our friends and neighbors. TCEC conducts electrical safety demonstrations in schools and for community organizations. Internally, our engineering and operations crews, support staff, and administrative staff participate in monthly safety training.

According to the Electrical Safety Foundation, each year thousands of people in the United States are critically injured and electrocuted as a result of electrical fires, accidents and electrocution in their own homes. Many of these accidents are preventable. There is much you can do to keep yourself and your community safe around electricity.

our crews to speak up and hold each other accountable for safety. By cultivating a culture of openness and transparency, we promote problem-solving with regard to safety, rather than defaulting to a blame game. We examine the information and data gleaned from near-misses and accident reports to discern patterns, and use safety metrics to improve in those areas where we have fallen short. As appropriate, we brief contractors on our safety protocols and set expectations for their engagement.

Don’t attempt electrical DIY projects and don’t overload your outlets.

Report downed power lines, unlocked substations, and padmount transformers that look amiss.

Before starting your project, be sure to look up for electrical lines, and call 811 if you plan to dig.

Contact TCEC for additional electrical safety tips. If you would like us to provide a safety demonstration, please contact Safety Director Rusty Smith at 1-800-999-2285.

Be mindful when it comes to electrical safety. Pause and take the extra time to plug into safety.

Watermelon Popsicles This is a simple and fun recipe that kids will love. Since there is no cooking involved, it’s a safe and fun way to encourage kids to join you in the kitchen to help you create this refreshing treat.

Ingredients 3½ cups watermelon (seedless and cubed) 5½ Tbsp. granulated sugar, divided 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice ½ cup canned coconut milk, well shaken 6 medium kiwis 1 Tbsp. mini chocolate chips

Tbsp. of chilled coconut milk mixture about ⅔ full). Sprinkle mini chocolate evenly over watermelon layer. Return to chips over the tops, then using the freezer and chill 45 minutes. popsicle sticks to gently push down to 3. Combine scooped kiwi with 2 Tbsp. immerse the chips along the sides (so sugar in blender until well pureed. you can see them once frozen). Cover Force mixture through a mesh strainer with the lid, insert popsicle sticks and into a bowl using a rubber spatula to freeze 3½ hours. remove seeds.

Chill kiwi mixture for 2. During the last 30 minutes of freezing, 30 minutes. whisk together coconut milk with 1½ 4. Remove popsicles from freezer and Tbsp. sugar until sugar is dissolved.

Instructions pour about 1 Tbsp. of kiwi mixture over Chill 30 minutes (you want it to be a 1. Combine watermelon, 2 Tbsp. sugar, coconut layer. Return to freezer and and lemon juice in blender. Blend until nice, pourable consistency after chilling chill 2–3 hours.

— not too thick). Remove popsicles well pureed. Skim off foam and then from freezer, remove lid, and add a Recipe source: Cooking Classy pour into popsicle molds (filling each

July & August 2018

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Be Aware of Hazardous Trees The management of vegetation on distribution rights-of-way is a critical component for the safe and reliable operation of an electrical system.

By having an aggressive vegetation management program in place, the co-op can significantly reduce treerelated outages.

Tri-County Electric Cooperative Vice President of Operations Darrell Tuten aims to clear 600 miles per year. “Tri-County’s budget for right-of-way maintenance is

one of its biggest operational expenses,” says Tuten. “Our goal is to have the lowest number of tree-caused interruptions as possible.”

The use of a detailed vegetation management plan improves system reliability and includes the cutting and trimming of trees, spraying herbicide, and removal of hazard trees.

But members can help too, especially by notifying the co-op of danger or hazard trees. Tree-failures can cause service

interruptions, so TCEC encourages members to report hazard trees. When calling to report a hazard, be prepared to tell us the location of the tree and the identification number of the utility pole located closest to the tree.

Avoid the Big Green Box

Please stay away from pad-mounted transformers (the big green box). While safe, they are not meant for touching, climbing or playing. Pad-mounted transformers carry high voltages of electricity that serve many homes in our communities.

Never touch, climb or play on pad-mounted transformers.

Never put fingers, sticks or other objects through cracks in the transformer.

Keep areas surrounding the padmounted transformer clear so that workers can safely maintain transformers as needed. Keep shrubs and structures at least 10 feet away from the transformer doors and 4 feet away from the sides.

10 feet 4 feet

Never dig near a pad-mounted transformer. They are surrounded by underground cables. Hitting the cable could result in electrical shock or disruption of service.

Report problems. If you notice anything amiss, like an unlocked transformer or one that has been damaged, please contact us immediately.

Always dial 8-1-1 before you dig.

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July & August 2018

DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT Safety is at the forefront of TCEC’s daily operations. Delivering reliable electric power to more than 18,000 meters across three counties and 3,000 miles of line is no small task, but providing that service safely requires employees to approach their daily responsibilities with an intense focus on safety as reflected in the cooperative’s safety slogan, “Speak Up! Listen Up! For You, Your Family and TCEC.” At the helm of the safety team is TCEC Safety Director Rusty Smith. A journeyman lineman and former crew leader, Rusty has shouldered the role of Safety Director since 2008. Shortly after accepting the position, he went to work completing a comprehensive program in electric utility safety and loss control to earn the title of Certified Loss Control Professional (CLCP). The Loss Control Internship is a series of workshops offered by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) in conjunction with the National Utility Training and Safety Education Association. It’s an intensive program, and participants go through a rigorous series of seminars and tests, a 30-hour OSHA course, and a detailed final course. Rusty maintains his certificate by attending courses annually in order to stay on top of changes in the industry.

His 35-year career at TCEC started right after graduation from Madison County High School. Being a lineman is something he’s wanted to do all his life.

When asked what he enjoys most about his job, it’s difficult for him to identify one particular thing. “We’re all in this together, we care about each other, we pray together, and we watch out for one another,” he says.

“If one of my co-workers gets injured on

Safety: We’re All in This Together

the job, not only do they hurt, but so does their family.” He adds, “My goal as Safety Director is to make sure everyone goes home to their loved ones at the end of the day.”

Rusty and his wife Lisa live in Madison and soon will celebrate their 28th wedding anniversary. They have two daughters, Morgan and Hope, and one faithful lap dog named Abby. In his spare time, Rusty enjoys fishing and playing golf every chance he gets.

Rusty’s strong safety leadership has helped the co-op earn a RESAP certificate of safety achievement. The Rural Electric Safety Achievement Program (RESAP) was founded by NRECA and strives to promote the highest standard of safety among electric cooperatives.

Well done, Rusty.

Fire extinguisher training

Pole top rescue

Performing a safety demonstration to school children in Perry July & August 2018

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July & August 2018

Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. Board Meeting Notes for April 16, 2018

Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. Board Meeting Notes for May 14, 2018

With all trustees, 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, April 16, 2018, in the Tri-County Electric headquarters office building located in Madison, Fla. Reports to the Board included those of the Florida Electric Cooperatives Association Board Meeting, NRECA 2018 Legislative Conference held in Washington, D.C., Finance Committee, Policy Committee, Building and Land Committee and CEO. The Policy Committee recommended and the Board approved revised Policy No. 510, “Reimbursement of Interview and Relocation Expenses.”

Action taken by the Board included the following: approval of the April 16, 2018, Board Agenda; the March 12, 2018, Board Meeting Minutes; and Consent Agenda items as written and recommended by the CEO, which included the WPCA for April 2018 as established by resolution; RUS Form 7 for February 2018; the list of new members for Feb. 19–March 18, 2018; Work and Accident Reports for February along with the System Outage Reports. Other action taken by the Board included the following: authorization for a percentage of those unclaimed capital credits for the retirement year 2014, which qualify for transfer to donated capital, for assignment to the cooperative’s educational scholarship fund according to Section 2, Article VII of the Bylaws of Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. Other items discussed: presentation of IRS Form 990 Questionnaire to each board trustee for their signature; upcoming district meetings in Districts 1, 2 and 4; via Power Point Presentation, the CEO presented information on electric vehicles and electric vehicle charging stations in the cooperative’s service territory, and information related to the thunderstorm passing through the area on April 15, 2018.

With all trustees, key cooperative personnel, guests and the attorney present, the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. was held on Monday, May 14, 2018, in the Tri-County Electric headquarters office building located in Madison, Fla. Reports to the Board included those of the NRECA New Director Orientation Conference, Seminole Electric Cooperative May Board Meeting, Finance Committee, Policy Committee, Building and Land Committee and CEO. The Board was asked to take proposed revised Policy No. 509, “Non-Smoking Areas and Facilities of Tri-County Electric Cooperative,” and proposed revised Policy No. 516, “Education Assistance Program,” home for study for possible action at the June 2018 board meeting. Action taken by the Board included the following: approval of the May 14, 2018, Board Agenda; the April 16, 2018, Board Meeting Minutes; and Consent Agenda items as written and recommended by the CEO, which included the WPCA for May 2018 as established by resolution; RUS Form 7 for March 2018; the list of new members for March 19–April 23, 2018; Work and Accident Reports for March 2018 along with the System Outage Reports.

Other action taken by the Board included the following: approval of employee wage and salary plan for 2018–19; and acceptance of the bid for vegetation management services from Edko, LLC for an additional three-year term at the price per line mile quoted. Miscellaneous information presented included a review and explanation of member complaint concerning an outdoor directional light on member’s property, the award of educational scholarships to 13 area high school graduates, an update on the territorial agreement with Duke Energy, and preparations for the Emergency Response Plan (ERP) annual review and exercise.

Gary Fulford Catherine Bethea President Secretary-Treasurer

Gary Fulford Catherine Bethea President Secretary-Treasurer

Find Your Hidden Account Number & Get a $150 Bill Credit!

Hidden somewhere in this issue of Tri-County Electric Cooperative Rural Living are two member account numbers.

Look carefully, one might be yours. If you find your account number exactly as it appears on your bill for electric service, we’ll credit your bill up to the amount of $150!* You have until July 31, 2018, to claim your credit by calling Carol Timmons, Accounts Receivable Supervisor, at Ext. 203, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. You must contact TCEC before the deadline to collect your prize. * Total credit on bill will not exceed $150. This one-time credit is valid only on the current balance. Any balance remaining after the $150 applied credit is the member’s responsibility.

July & August 2018

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SUMMER FUN WORD SEARCH Summer is the best time of the year! Can you find all the words associated with summer fun in the puzzle below?

Use the word bank for help.

WORD BANK BEACH

PICNIC

COOKOUT

SUNSCREEN

FIREFLIES

SWIMMING POOL

ICE CREAM

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

This Publication’s Inspirational Moment “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people.

Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.”

1 Timothy 2:1 (NLT)

SAVE THE DATE

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2018 TCEC

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ANNUAL MEETING

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Saturday - September 15th

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Registration & Entertainment

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Madison County High School Gymnasium

Business Meeting

Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month Here’s a cool tip for your fridge!

Cover liquids and wrap foods stored in your refrigerator.

Uncovered foods release moisture, causing the compressor to work harder. 71008773001 Source: energy.gov

To Report Electrical Problems or Outages Please Call:

Your

850-973-2285 or 1-800-999-2285 24-HOUR SERVICE THANK YOU

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District Meetings

In accordance with Article III, Section 7 (a) of the Bylaws of Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. district meetings will be held for the purpose of selecting person(s) as candidates for trustee. This year, members will elect trustees to represent Districts 1, 2 and 4. District meetings are scheduled as follows:

District 1

Thursday, July 19 6:30 p.m.* Pinetta Elementary School 135 Empress Tree Avenue Pinetta, FL

District 4

Monday, July 23 6:30 p.m.* Lee City Hall 286 County Road 255 Lee, FL

District 2

Tuesday, July 24 6:00 p.m.* Steinhatchee Community Center 1013 Riverside Drive Steinhatchee, FL *Registration opens 30 minutes prior to the meeting start time.

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