Today in Mississippi March 2022 Local Pages by American MainStreet Publications

FOR MEMBERS OF ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OF MISSISSIPPI

BENTONIA PIZZA’S

DEEPEST DISH MARCH 2022

MOSS POINT’S

CONSERVATION HUB

THE CAT

HERDER

BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Johnny Johnson, President • Mike Banks, Vice President Marty Crowder, Secretary/Treasurer • Bill Bell • John E. “Jay” Gilliland Jr. • Bruff Sanders • Kenneth Seitz

THE LIFE OF A

It takes a village to run a rural electric cooperative. Each department uses its multifaceted talents to make sure we operate at a premium level. Today, let’s look at the 4-County linemen, who celebrate National Lineman Appreciation Day in April. They wake before the sun, pour steaming cups of coffee, and kiss their families goodbye. Then, they climb into their trucks and head out. Our 4-County linemen, and those working across the country, form a solid team with one job: to deliver safe, reliable electricity. But that job can change in a million ways when rough weather steps in. We often take power — and those who provide it — for granted. Let’s take a moment and stand in their boots. Linemen have to work safely, smart, and efficiently — all while 40 feet in the air wearing sturdy, thick rubber gloves. On a typical day, lineworkers maintain electrical distribution lines or build service to new homes and businesses in 4-County’s service area. They have a lot on their plates. But when our dispatch center calls crews with a problem, everything else takes a backseat. Power restoration takes precedence on a linemen’s to-do list. These brave workers are always on call. We have crews standing by to serve you 24 hours a day, in the middle of the night or wee hours of the morning, weekends and holidays. Can you imagine getting a call at 3 a.m. telling you to work outside during bad weather? Not many people are willing to face storms. Our lineworkers face harsh elements daily, all to serve you. Linemen and co-ops stick together to accomplish this mission. 4-County and most cooperatives around the nation have reciprocal agreements with each other to provide help for each other in times of crisis. As a matter of fact, 4-County recently sent a crew to assist our sister Mississippi

10 TODAY | MARCH 2022

cooperative, Northcentral, restore power in the wake of an ice storm (see page 15). And we know they’ll be there for us if we need help. It’s just one of the things that make rural electric cooperatives so special. Lineworkers also focus on safety; the lives of coworkers are on the line. Job safety is important to everyone, no matter your occupation. But for lineworkers, there can be no slip ups or careless actions. Mistakes can cost a limb or life. That’s one of the reasons linemen form a brotherhood. When you put your life in the hands of co-workers every day, they become more than colleagues. They’re family. That sense of family extends to electric coops across the nation. One of our principles is cooperation among cooperatives. We help other co-ops in their time of need, and they extend that service to us, too. It’s reassuring to know if a severe storm strikes, a national team of lineworkers stand ready to answer the call. To be ready to respond no matter the situation or weather conditions, linemen are highly trained. At 4-County, linemen go through regular training to ensure they can work safely with various kinds of equipment. The equipment gets tested regularly, too. These highly skilled men light our homes and businesses every day. They endure harsh weather and long hours, all to make our lives better. Today (and every day), please take a moment to thank them. 4-County Electric Power Association linemen are the heart of the Co-op Nation, proud and strong.

by Brian Clark CEO/General Manager

Check into this election Key dates are upcoming for the 2022 4-County Electric Power Association Board election.

Two seats, District 1 (Lowndes County) and District 5 (Choctaw and Winston Counties) are on the ballot this year. The coop’s nominating committee will announce their nominations Friday, April 1. The committee puts forth one candidate for each seat up for election. Other candidates can also run by completing a nomination by petition. The window for collecting signatures for the petition is Jan. 3 to April 1, 2022. For a petition form and more information on the process, please visit our website at http://www.4county.org/ nomination-by-petition-for-boardof-directors/or call Jon Turner at 662-245-0708.

BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS Kelly and Lori Reed have been breaking down barriers their entire lives. But sometimes, they say, it’s nice to have a little help. The hearingimpaired couple recently received a heaping helping hand of assistance from FASTnet, 4-County Electric Power Association’s broadband subsidiary. The Reeds are the first customers in the Adaton area of Oktibbeha County to receive high-speed broadband service from the 4-County subsidiary. High-speed internet from FASTnet allows them to make video calls with a clear, fast, reliable connection - things very valuable to hearing-impaired people using sign language. “This allows us to be more independent, and enables us to have our own way to communicate,” Lori said. “We’re not always so dependent on anyone else.” She and Kelly, however, depend on each other. They met 40 years ago at the Mississippi School for the Deaf in Jackson. “We were high school sweethearts,” Lori said, patting Kelly on the shoulder. They have been married for 36 years. Kelly, a Jackson native, and Lori, a native of Oktibbeha County, are both deaf. Lori is also blind in one eye. “We need a reliable service. That’s so important if, for example, we have to call 911. It greatly helps our communication needs. It’s more efficient,” Lori said. “We’re so excited about FASTnet. I thank God for this technology.” 4-County and FASTnet officials were recently on hand to celebrate with the Reeds, giving the couple a gift basket of high-tech goodies.

“It warms my heart that we’re here today with the Reed family. They are hearing impaired, and providing this service that they can use really aligns with our mission of improving the quality of life of all those we touch,” said 4-County/FASTnet CEO Brian Clark. High-speed internet is a must-have service today for most people, Clark said. “Years ago, we thought everybody used the internet for entertainment. Now, you can use it for working at home, healthcare, education and, of course, the ability to communicate with friends, family, and the outside world.” Cheryl Thomas, an ASL translator based in Louisville who retired from the Supreme Court of Arkansas, was on hand to assist with the celebration. She said reliable, highspeed internet like FASTnet also gives family members of hearing-impaired individuals a newfound peace of mind. “I had a hearing-impaired family member. Having a reliable way to communicate for your hearingimpaired family member is a lifechanging thing for all involved.” Kelly and Lori are the first FASTnet customers outside of the co-op subsidiary’s CARES Act pilot areas. “This is the first area outside of those CARES grant areas where we’re serving customers solely on the funding of FASTnet,” Clark explained. “If you’re in 4-County’s footprint, we’re coming.” Communication with family, friends and others is “much clearer” now, the Reeds stressed. “And before, it was so slow. We can communicate better. It really helps bring down barriers.”

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at the by Brad Barr Lowndes County entrepreneur Jared Lewis has his sights set on building the best ammunition company in America. APEX Munitions, based in the New Hope community of Columbus, had its humble beginnings four years ago with three employees operating shoulder to shoulder in a small, We are passionate nondescript room. Today, an emerging superstar in the about what we do. The world of hunting ammunition, APEX has grown to a 7,000-square-foot building with 30 employees, focusing possibilities are endless on hand-made turkey and waterfowl rounds. when you frame a product in The success story of this rapid-fire transition is not the context of performance, lost on owner Jared Lewis. “Our customer base has rather than profitability. dramatically grown since our humble beginnings,” Jared I love making a said recently. “But our focus has stayed the same. We are passionate about what we do. The possibilities are endless quality product. when you frame a product in the context of performance, rather than profitability. I love making a quality product. We’re not going to sacrifice that, at the expense of the customer, just to make money.” That mantra has allowed APEX to double its sales each year since its inception. Last year, the local company hand-made 750,000 turkey rounds and 4 million duck rounds. The busy, upbeat manufacturing scene at APEX takes place in a large, open space. A little country music most often plays in the background. And a 20-foot-by-20-foot American flag covers an entire wall. Employees may even get to sample a little wild game, if they’re lucky. “We’re an American company, veteran-owned, operated and located in the great state of Mississippi,” Jared said. Jared is a business partner with Jason Lonsberry of Texas and Nick Charney of Maryland. “I couldn’t do it without my partners,” he said. They met each other through their military connections. All three of their wives are Air Force pilots. And Jared (U.S. Army) and Nick (U.S. Air Force) are veterans, too. Jared, in fact, is third generation military. “We try to hire as many veterans as we can. You don’t know how far you can go until you have to. They know. We roll with it here.” The three amigos were hunting buddies before they were business partners. The idea to start a munitions company was born in a hunting shack in Davidson, Oklahoma, between bites of frozen pizza. “What started with a few handmade shells for a hunting trip with buddies has become our obsession to provide waterfowl hunters with the absolute best performing ammunition in the business,” Jared said.

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Apex leads the industry with the design and manufacture of the game-changing ultra-high-density Tungsten Super Shot (TSS). An industry first, TSS is made from 18.1 g/cc density tungsten alloy, which means more shot in the same traditional payloads. That means sending more pellets down range, more consistent patterns, and increased pattern density. APEX utilizes this ultra-high-density tungsten shot in its Turkey TSS, TSS Smalltown Hunting Blend, Upland Bird TSS, Waterfowl TSS, Waterfowl Tungsten/S3 Steel™ Blend, and Predator TSS hunting loads. APEX is the largest tungsten ball bearing importer in the United States. It is the highest density nontoxic metal approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “Our commitment to design, text and evaluate new ideas is the driving force in our innovations,” Jared said. APEX, like other munitions companies, has its own trade manufacturing secrets. But, basically, the assembly-line process ends up with components like this: a case (the shell that holds all the other ammunition.); gunpowder (a chemical mixture that burns rapidly and converts to expanding gas when ignited); primer (an explosive chemical compound that ignites the gunpowder when struck by a firing pin); the projectile (the object expelled from the barrel); and the wad (a seal and/or shot container made of paper or plastic separating the powder from the shot in a shotshell. The wad holds the shot together as it passes through the barrel.) Jared’s hunting origins began as a boy in Lowndes County. He spent time “making his own fun,” under the watchful eyes of his parents, John (a lead aircraft mechanic at Columbus Air Force Base) and Glenda (a nurse at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle). “It was either hunting or riding four-wheelers.” Jared went to Mississippi Delta Community College where he played baseball. And he studied at Delta State University. He and his wife, Valarie, are parents of a fouryear-old daughter. A hunter himself, Jared’s favorite hunt is a turkey hunt. “Turkeys don’t migrate,” he said. “That’s a plus.” Jared said the APEX team’s job is to interact with customers in ways that enrich their lives. “We want them to know they can always trust us. Our journey is to continually build a legacy that offers uncompromised quality and performance and document that process in a transparent manner through as many avenues as possible.” APEX employee Leyton DeMoville said he enjoys the fast-paced environment. “It’s a great atmosphere and a wonderful opportunity.” Jared is also an avid photographer and videographer, putting together many of APEX’s marketing and promotional offerings. “For us, the APEX journey transcends making money. It’s about building a legacy for our families.”

Mississippi Spring Turkey Season • Youth (Private and authorized state and federal public lands. Youth 15 and under): March 8-14. • Adult: March 15-May 1. Bag limit and information for each designation: One adult gobbler or 1 gobbler with a six-inch or longer beard per day; 3 per Spring season. Hunters 15 years of age and younger may harvest 1 gobbler of choice (any age) per day; 3 per Spring season.

MARCH 2022 | TODAY 13

The 4-County Foundation awards grants

The Lowndes County Sheriff’s Ofﬁce recently purchased intoximeters with a 4-County Foundation grant.

David Sanders

Jeff Turnage

Veteran legal counsel retires; new attorney named

Longtime 4-County Electric Power Association Board of Directors Attorney David Sanders has retired after 34 years of service to the cooperative. “We’re thankful for the dedicated and valuable service that David has provided 4-County and its members,” said 4-County CEO Brian Clark. “We’ll miss him, but wish him the very best.” Sanders, a resident of Columbus, is a partner in the Columbus-based law firm Mitchell, McNutt & Sams. He specializes in utility law, construction law, corporate law, and insurance defense. Jeff Turnage of Columbus will serve as 4-County’s new board attorney. Turnage is also a partner with the Columbus-based law firm Mitchell, McNutt & Sams. His specialties include utility law, municipal law, construction, and engineering litigation. Turnage is a graduate of the College of Charleston with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, and he is a graduate of the University of Mississippi School of Law. He is a member of the Mississippi Municipal Attorneys Association, the Mississippi Bar, and the Lowndes County Bar. “We’re excited to have Jeff as our new board attorney,” Clark said. “He has a wealth of experience and knowledge, and we look forward to working with him.”

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The 4-County Foundation recently awarded over $27,000 in grants to five non-profit service organizations in the co-op service area. New Hope Middle School ($1,567 for outdoor classroom supplies for disabled students), New Hope Robotics team ($8,000 for robotics kits and competition fees), Starkville Academy Robotics ($6,140 for robotics kits and competition fees), Starkville Kiwanis Club ($2,000 for food pantry items) and the West Point Fire Department ($10,000 for sterilization equipment to clean fire-fighting supplies and uniforms) received awards at the 4-County Foundation Feb. 7 meeting. 4-County believes in helping the communities it serves. That’s why the cooperative launched the 4-County Foundation, a community service program. Since February 2015, participating 4-County members’ utility bills have been rounded up to the nearest dollar; a $125.78 bill, for example, becomes $126. Now, that’s an average of only 49 cents per member, per month. That may not seem like much. But when you multiply those contributions by the thousands of member participants, that’s a lot of pennies! For more information on the 4-County Foundation, call 1-800-431-1544.

Co-op offers new member portal 4-County Electric Power Association members have a new way to manage their cooperative electric accounts. The new and improved 4-County Member Portal is live and ready to use, according to cooperative officials. 4-County members can access the site directly by going to my4county.org, or they can go to 4county.org and click the My Portal link. Just have your account number ready, create a user ID and a password and you have access to all things associated with a 4-County member account and a few extra tidbits of information. The extras include information on 4-County corporate events like the annual member meeting, access to member-only documents, and a look at the latest 4-County board of directors’ minutes. “This is just another convenient way for members to manage their accounts,” said P.J. Hughes, 4-County information technology administrator. “We’re really excited about this new offering. It’s a really convenient and efficient portal for our members. And they can also learn a little more about the cooperative and its services.” The portal — complete with a fresh, modern aesthetic — is user friendly and accessible through multiple devices, Hughes said. “We’ll continue to look for ways to enhance service to our members,” he added. For more information on the member portal and other coop services, call 1-800-431-1544.

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Ford is plugged in to 4-County Hutson Ford has heard every car joke you can think of. “I’m not necessarily a Ford man,” the 4-County Electric Power Association network administrator said recently. Actually, he joked, “I drive a Camry. Whatever gets me from here to there.” The Starkville native joined the co-op about 10 months ago, after working as an IT manager at Monroe Regional Hospital in Aberdeen. Today, he and his wife, Julie, live in Mathiston with their two daughters, Ginger, 12, and Ann Elyse, 8. Julie is a homeschool teacher for their daughters. They attend Grace Covenant Church in Maben. Hutson grew up in Starkville where his father is a longtime optometrist. He often helped his father in the summers and after school. “I spent a lot of time making glasses,” he said. He has one brother and two sisters. Hutson grew up fishing, hunting, and camping, things he still enjoys as an adult. As an IT professional, Hutson spends most of his days plugging things in. Occasionally, he has to unplug and get back to nature. “We’ve got a trip planned right now for the Sipsey River bottom area in Alabama,” Hutson said. “I enjoy being in nature — seeing God’s beauty.” He enjoys volunteering for the Restoration Ministry — helping recovering addicts and providing support for their family members. “It’s a great ministry. I try to have my life centered on God’s Word.” Hutson was a video gamer as a kid. “I started building computers

to help with that,” he said of his start in computer work. “I enjoyed it. I liked the sense of control. The computer does what you tell it to do, unlike people, sometimes,” he added with a laugh. He enjoys keeping things working smoothly at 4-County. “It’s good work. We have good equipment. And I feel like I’m a valuable part of a good team. That’s a blessing,” he said. 4-County is a vibrant industry, the IT professional stressed. “We power the region. Without electricity, the modern world stops. We are the heartbeat of the area.” And it all starts with being part of a strong team. “I’m an offensive lineman at heart,” Hutson explained. “Do your job and grind it out. If everyone does that, it makes for a good team. We have a team of professionals. They know what they’re doing.”

4-County sends ice storm assistance A nine-man 4-County Electric Power Association crew recently assisted Northcentral Electric Power Association with power restoration efforts after an ice storm swept through their service area. Northcentral, based in Olive Branch, serves about 30,000 members. The 4-County crew left Feb. 3 and came home Feb. 5. At the height of the storm, Northcentral had about 4,600 members without power. Trees, lines, and poles were down due to the accumulation of ice. The 4-County crew carried with it two bucket trucks, one digger derrick truck, a four-wheeler and other essential equipment. Crew members were: Tim Adkins, Derrick Dawkins, Tony Glenn, Cade Jenkins, Tanner Owen, Cole Morgan, Brandon Worrell, Abe Finley, and Hayden Nickels. Rural electric cooperatives throughout the nation share a reciprocal agreement with each other to provide help to sister

cooperatives in times of crisis. 4-County will send crews and equipment, if needed, to assist in the restoration of downed power lines, broken poles and substations damaged by ice, wind, and other elements of storm-related weather. “We were glad to be in a position to send this assistance to help restore

power to Northcentral members in need. Our system and members have been the recipients of assistance from other electric cooperatives in the past, and we are always glad to be able to help others when they need assistance. That’s the cooperative way,” said 4-County Manager of Operations Anthony Miller.

MARCH 2022 | TODAY 15

CENTRAL ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION

A tradition of dependable, hometown service since 1937 CARTHAGE: 601-267-5671 | PHILADELPHIA: 601-656-2601 | RANKIN: 601-829-1201 | SEBASTOPOL: 601-625-7422

107 EAST MAIN STREET • CARTHAGE, MS 39051

Annual Meeting set for March 15 Central Electric Power Association will hold its 85th Annual Meeting of the Membership on March 15 at the Carthage Coliseum on Highway 16 East in Carthage. Registration will begin at 9 a.m. In accordance with the laws of the state of Mississippi and the bylaws of the association, four directors will be elected for threeyear terms. Members will elect one director from Leake County, one director from Neshoba County, one director from Newton County, and one minority member at large. There also will be reports given on the operation of the association for the past year, and other matters of business will be conducted. The Nominating Committee for 2022 consists of Steve Bryan from Leake County, Alvis Apperson from Neshoba County, and Burlon Russell from Newton County. Candidates nominated by the Nominating Committee for election to the board are Joe R. Sanders (2085 Red Dog Road, Carthage, MS 39051) from Leake County, Max L. Loper (16370 Road 505, Philadelphia, MS 39350) from Neshoba County, Kenneth Hagan (403 Little Rock Co Line Road, Little Rock, MS 39337) from Newton County, and W. Phillip Crosby (3742 Harmony Road, Carthage, MS 39051), minority member at large. Central Electric, with the cooperation of Sta-Home Health Agency in Carthage, will provide a health fair at the annual meeting. Nurses will offer free blood pressure screenings. Services provided at the health fair will begin at 9 a.m. and continue until 10:20 a.m., when the business meeting begins. One Way Quartet will provide the musical entertainment before the meeting. Each Central Electric member who registers at the annual meeting will receive a free light bulb and will be eligible to win one of the

following prizes: slow cooker, coffee maker, clock/radio, electric skillet, electric can opener, toaster, coffee percolator, iron, or electric clock. The grand prize for members who are present at the meeting will be an electric smoker. Central Electric will give away a special prize this year for any member who registers in person at the meeting or who sends in his or her proxy or ballot. You do not have to be present at the meeting to win the special prize, electricity bill credits. Four lucky winners will win one of four electricity bill credit prizes: three winners will receive a $500 credit each, and one lucky winner will receive a $1,500 credit. Remember, mail in your proxy or ballot for this year’s meeting. You do not have to be present to win. If your name is drawn at the annual meeting, we will notify you. Central Electric is a not-for-profit, member-owned cooperative based in Carthage with branch offices in Philadelphia, Sebastopol, and Rankin County. The co-op maintains more than 4,000 miles of distribution line and serves more than 36,000 member-owners in central Mississippi. Central Electric’s service area includes parts of Leake, Neshoba, Attala, Scott, Newton, Rankin, and Kemper counties. The bylaws of the association provide that any person, firm, or corporation may become a member of Central Electric by making written application, paying the membership fee, purchasing electricity from the co-op and abiding by the rules and regulations as prescribed by the board of directors. Central Electric’s annual meeting is for you, the member-owner. So, mark your calendar for March 15, and we’ll see you at the annual meeting!

MAIL-IN YOUR BALLOT OR PROXY TO BE ELIGIBLE TO WIN ONE OF THE FOLLOWING PRIZES: *

SPECIAL PRIZE: electricity bill credits Four lucky winners will win one of four special electricity bill credit prizes:

• THREE WINNERS will receive $500 CREDIT each and • ONE LUCKY WINNER will receive a $1,500 CREDIT.

GRAND PRIZE:

electric smoker

OTHER PRIZES: slow cooker, coffee maker, clock/radio, electric skillet, electric can opener, toaster, coffee percolator, iron, or electric clock.

You do not have to be present to win, so please remember to mail your ballot or proxy.

* The prize amount will automatically be credited to the winner’s account.

This prize is an electric bill credit only and cannot be exchanged for a monetary award in any way.

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2022 Annual Meeting Program 9:00 a.m. Registration 9:30 a.m. Entertainment by One Way Quartet 10:20 a.m. Call to Order, Brian Long, General Manager; Invocation; Welcome, Mayor Mary Ann Vivians; Report of Manager, Brian Long; Engineering and Operations Report; Awarding of Door Prizes; Transaction of Business; Election of Directors; Awarding of Door Prizes

Balance Sheets ASSETS

12:15 p.m. Adjournment

2021

2020

2:00 p.m. Report of Election Committee

Electric Plant In service – at cost Construction work in progress Total electric plant

$ 191,600,795 5,709,402 $ 197,310,197

$ 178,709,016 6,429,296 $ 185,138,312

Less: accumulated provision for depreciation Electric plant, net

100,137,596 $ 97,172,601

94,104,531 $ 91,033,781

866,077 30,425 1,123,233 1,000 $ 2,020,735

888,327 32,475 1,478,047 1,000 $ 2,399,849

$ 18,170,794 5,495,773 82,145 2,941,996 2,075,034 185,236 546,240 $ 29,497,218

$ 21,025,034 1,000,000 5,629,994 63,625 2,933,002 1,856,595 155,187 440,115 $ 33,103,552

Other Assets Investments in associated organizations CSA stockholder loan receivable Economic development loan receivable CoBank membership Total other assets

Current Assets Cash and temporary investments Short-term investments Accounts receivable - members Accounts receivable - others Unbilled revenue Materials and supplies Prepaid expenses Other current assets Total current assets

Deferred Charges

TOTAL ASSETS

310,749

$ 129,001,303

432,149

$ 126,969,331

OFFICIAL NOTICE of the Annual Meeting of Members Pursuant to Article III, Sections 3.01 and 3.03, of the association bylaws, notice is hereby given that the annual meeting of members of Central Electric Power Association will be held in the Carthage Coliseum, Highway 16 East, on Tuesday, March 15, 2022. Registration will begin at 9 a.m. In accordance with the laws of Mississippi and the bylaws of the association, members will elect four directors for three-year terms: one director from Leake County, one director from Neshoba County, one director from Newton County, and one minority member at large. Reports will be given on the operation of the association for the past year, and other matters of business will be conducted. If you cannot attend, fill out the ballot or proxy and mail immediately in the attached postage-paid envelope. Each member who attends will receive a free light bulb. Many other valuable door prizes will be given away by drawing names from those registered. Please try to attend. This year, six names will be drawn from the mail-in votes and prizes will be awarded to them.

Danny Thornton, Secretary

EQUITIES & LIABILITIES Equities Memberships Earnings reinvested in system assets Total equities

796,295 95,035,093 $ 95,831,388

STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION

$ 20,378,748 $ 20,378,748

$ 22,348,867 $ 22,348,867

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

If you wish to file a Civil Rights Program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/ complaint_filing_cust.html or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or by email at program.intake@usda.gov.

793,820 90,995,899 $ 91,789,719

Long-Term Liabilities Notes payable Total long-term liabilities

Current Liabilities Current maturities of notes payable Accounts payable - trade Customer deposits Accrued taxes Accrued unpaid vacation Other current liabilities Total current liabilities

1,969,373 6,603,353 3,065,003 119,951 635,587 77,456 $ 12,470,723

1,918,964 6,622,777 3,023,377 117,729 641,216 72,212 $12,396,275

Other Liabilities Advances from TVA Post-retirement benefits Total other liabilities

TOTAL EQUITIES & LIABILITIES

$ $

318,417 2,027 320,444

$ 129,001,303

$ $

432,163 2,307 434,470

$ 126,969,331

MARCH 2022 | TODAY 11

Using the to save energy Did you know the time of day you use energy can impact electricity rates? Think of times of high energy demand like rush hour traffic. These are times when a lot of people in our community are using electricity — whether getting ready for work, which involves showering and making breakfast, or coming home in the evening to cook dinner, wash clothes, bath the kids or wash dishes. During these times of high energy use, your electric cooperative strives to ensure there is enough electricity available to meet the needs of all consumer-members. This often results in buying energy at higher costs (because of higher overall demand) as well as ensuring that grid infrastructure can deliver enough electricity when use is highest. This is especially true when extreme winter or summer weather pushes energy use even higher. There are several ways consumers can help lower Adjusting the thermostat is one of the easiest ways to energy demand by save energy at home. thoughtfully timing energy-intensive activities at home. Peak energy hours are typically in the morning and in the evening after people return from work and school. Weekends and holidays are typically considered off-peak. Lowering your energy use during peak times allows your co-op to save money on peak demand fuel costs, ultimately saving consumer-members money by keeping rates lower. Timing energy use to avoid “rush hour” is a great way to keep costs down and practice better efficiency habits.

By shifting energy-intensive chores like laundry to off-peak hours, you can help keep electricity rates lower.

Here are few simple ways you can beat the energy peak: Adjust the thermostat. Move the temperature up to 78 degrees in summer and down to 68 degrees in winter. Bump it further up or down when you’re away from home for extended periods of time.

Postpone the use of major appliances. Move laundry loads to later in the evening or weekends. Delay running the dishwasher until well after dinner or use the delay cycle function if your dishwasher has one.

Your water heater uses a significant amount of energy. You can reduce its energy burden by moving showering and bathing to an off-peak time or lowering the temperature on the tank. Some models include the ability to place the water heater on a timer to turn it off during hours it won’t be in use.

Grill outdoors during summer. Consider grilling outdoors to keep the oven off during peak heat days..

Unplug charging cables and small appliances when they’re not in use. For bigger items like TVs, try plugging them into a power strip that can be flipped on and off. As a co-op, our mission is to enhance the quality of life in our community and look after its long-term interests. We love serving our members and our local community, and just like you, want to see it continue to thrive.

Don’t forget to spring forward! Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 a.m. on March 13.

by Abby Berry A power surge is an unexpected increase in voltage, and it can occur from a variety of sources. Regardless of the cause, power surges can majorly damage electronic devices and equipment in your home. Let’s take a look at common causes of power surges and how you can protect your sensitive electronics. One of the most common causes of a power surge is lightning. Most of us have experienced this during a severe thunderstorm. When lightning strikes an electrical system, the excess current must be channeled somewhere — unfortunately in many cases, it’s sent through a home. Your best bet is to unplug all unused devices and electronics during severe thunderstorms. Another common cause of power surges is electrical overload. This happens when devices or appliances are plugged into an outlet that can’t handle the required amount of voltage, or if multiple devices are plugged into one outlet through an extension cord. If you’re experiencing power surges due to electrical overload, it’s time to call a qualified electrician to evaluate your home’s circuits and electrical needs. Faulty wiring in a home can also cause power surges. Damaged or exposed wires can cause spikes in voltage, creating a potentially dangerous situation. If you notice signs of faulty wiring, like visible burns on outlets, buzzing sounds from outlets or frequently tripped circuit breakers, your home may be due for electrical wiring repairs and updates. Surges can also occur after a power outage. Sometimes, when electricity is being restored and reconnected, it’s common to experience a quick surge in current. Similar to advice for a surge caused by lightning, it’s best to unplug sensitive electronics during the outage — then wait to plug them back in after power is fully restored. Aside from unplugging devices when you suspect a power surge, there are two ways you can take additional precautions to protect electronics in your home. Point-of-use surge protection devices, like power strips, can protect electronics during most surges. But remember, not all power strips include surge protection, so read the packaging label carefully before you buy, and don’t overload the power strip with too many devices. You can also install specialized electrical outlets that offer additional surge protection. Talk to a trusted electrician to learn more. Another option is a whole-home surge protector, which can help protect your home from larger, more powerful surges. In most cases, whole-home suppressors are connected to your home’s service panel and include features like thermal fuses and notification capabilities that

indicate when a device has been impacted by a surge. Whole-home surge protection prices vary based on the size of the home and suppressor. Whole-home suppressors should always be connected by a licensed electrician, so consider the cost of installation as well. Occasional power surges are inevitable, but by unplugging devices when you think a surge may occur and using additional levels of protection like power strips or whole-home suppressors, you can better safeguard your sensitive electronics and devices. Contact your electric co-op if you have questions about ways to protect your home from power surges. Abby Berry writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

MARCH 2022 | TODAY 13

P.O. BOX 188 • 340 HOPSON STREET • LYON, MS 38645 662-624-8321 • FAX 662-624-8327 • www.coahomaepa.com • cepa@coahomaepa.com

by Qua’ Shara Monix According to legend, if the groundhog sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t, an early spring and above-average temperatures are on the way. This year Punxsutawney Phil predicted six more weeks of winter. Phil’s prediction is a good example of American folklore taking on a life of its own. Although it would be nice to enjoy early spring weather, we do need to be prepared for the unexpected. Preparation can reduce fear, anxiety, and losses that accompany disasters. We can reduce the impact of disasters and sometimes avoid the danger completely with preparation. Dick Taylor, safety and training coordinator of Coahoma Electric Power Association, said it best: “The rule of real, is that things can go from real good, to real bad, real quick!”

Do you know the best course of action if the power goes out in your home during cold weather? 1. Turn off appliances to avoid circuit overload. 2. Keep freezer doors shut so food will stay frozen for 36 to 48 hours. 3. Avoid frozen pipes. A constant drip will prevent pipes from freezing in most cases. 4. Be mindful. Gather in a central room with an alternate heat source. Make sure there is plenty of ventilation if using a generator, but never use generators indoors. 5. Open blinds during the day and cover windows at night to preserve power. 6. Remember to be patient. Coahoma Electric’s first order of business following a storm or power outage is to investigate downed lines and ensure power is no longer flowing through them. It’s an important step to help prevent injuries and fires. This process is very time consuming as our brave linemen in the field are putting their lives in danger for the safety and convenience of our area. The focus then shifts to restoring power to our members.

Customers can report outages and downed power lines at www.coahomaepa.com or by calling 662-624-8321 where you can follow prompts to report outages.

M A R C H B I R T H D AY S Qua’Shara Monix — March 2 Dayton Sparks — March 17 10 TODAY | MARCH 2022

Colton Hitchcock — March 23 Christy Pearson — March 29

By shifting energy-intensive chores like laundry to off-peak hours, you can help keep electricity rates lower.

Did you know the time of day you use energy can impact electricity rates? Think of times of high energy demand like rush hour traffic. These are times when a lot of people in our community are using electricity — whether getting ready for work, which involves showering and making breakfast, or coming home in the evening to cook dinner, wash clothes, bath the kids or wash dishes. During these times of high energy use, your electric cooperative strives to ensure there is enough electricity available to meet the needs of all consumer-members. This often results in buying energy at higher costs (because of higher overall demand) as well as ensuring that grid infrastructure can deliver enough electricity when use is highest. This is especially true when extreme winter or summer weather pushes energy use even higher. There are several ways consumers can help lower energy Adjusting the thermostat is one of the easiest demand by thoughtfully ways to save energy at home. timing energy-intensive activities at home. Peak energy hours are typically in the morning and in the evening after people return from work and school. Weekends and holidays are typically considered off-peak. Lowering your energy use during peak times allows your co-op to save money on peak demand fuel costs, ultimately saving consumer-members money by keeping rates lower. Timing energy use to avoid “rush hour” is a great way to keep costs down and practice better efficiency habits.

Energy efficiency tip of the month

Grill outdoors during summer. Consider grilling outdoors to keep the oven off during peak heat days..

When was your cooling system last serviced? Most manufacturers recommend an annual tune up for your home’s cooling system. March is a great time to schedule this service so you can beat the summer rush. A qualified professional can check the amount of refrigerant, accuracy of the thermostat, condition of belts and motors and other factors that can impact the efficiency of your system.

Source: Dept. of Energy

MARCH 2022 | TODAY 11

FOR TODAY IN MISSISSIPPI INFORMATION, CALL 877-7MY-CEPA (1-877-769-2372) WWW.COASTEPA.COM

Where our members have the power

Communicators: April Lollar & Merilee Sands

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR CEO

Service means listening to our members Members are at the center of all we do at Coast Electric. Every system upgrade we make and every program we introduce are to improve our members’ quality of life in some way. As a cooperative, profit doesn’t take a front seat, service does. We adhere to seven guiding cooperative principles that reflect core values like honesty, service and community concern. These values create a culture that puts our members first and focuses on improving our communities. Because our company is led and owned by our members, your feedback is invaluable. Every year, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association conducts a scientific survey of our members to determine the areas you are most satisfied with and those areas where you would like to see improvements. We learn a lot from our survey results, and, among the findings, we receive a score on the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). This year, Coast Electric received a score of 89, putting your electric cooperative among some of the best electric service providers nationwide. We are proud of our 89, but we know there are opportunities to improve our service. We will use these results, as well as information from our regular quality monitoring surveys and any other feedback you give us, to ensure we are providing the highest level of service. Your opinion matters to us. I am always listening.

AMERICAN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION INDEX SCORE

89% 88% RANKED COAST ELECTRIC

RANKED COAST ELECTRIC

8 , 9 10

(10 BEING THE HIGHEST)

IN OVERALL SATISFACTION WITH THE COOPERATIVE

WHEN ASKED HOW COAST ELECTRIC WOULD COMPARE TO THEIR IDEAL UTILITY

ON A SCALE OF 1-5

(WITH 5 BEING THE HIGHEST)

MEMBERS RANKED COAST ELECTRIC IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS:

by Ron Barnes

4.48

President and CEO

Reduce Your Use Contest Coast Electric wants you to reduce your energy use and see savings on your energy costs. Each month, you will have an opportunity to register to win a prize that will help you reduce the energy consumption in your home. All you have to do is visit coastepa.com and fill out our entry form. It only takes a few seconds, and you could win a prize that helps you save!

10 TODAY | MARCH 2022

Congratulations to William Eslick, the winner of our January Reduce Your Use prize!

Having members’ best interests at heart

Friendly, courteous employees

4.63

Community support

Resolving problems

4.62

4.58

Quick power restoration

Environmental concern

4.68

4.75

4.65

Accurate, easy-tounderstand bills

Time of Use RATE PEAK HOURS change April 1

By shifting energy-intensive chores like laundry to off-peak hours, you can help keep electricity rates lower.

Here are few simple ways you can beat the energy peak:

Our Time of Use (TOU) rate spring/summer peak hours begin April 1. If you are a member who is taking advantage of this energy and money-saving rate plan, be sure to change the settings on your water heater timers, pool pump timers and programmable thermostats to reflect the summer peak hours – 3 p.m. - 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. If you have not taken advantage of our TOU rate plan, what are you waiting for? The plan comes with a six-month guarantee, so if you don’t save, you haven’t lost a penny. That’s a great deal! Visit www.coastepa.com or give us a call at 877-769-2372 to learn more about how you can save with TOU.

Remember to change the settings on your water heater timers, pool pump timers and programmable thermostats to reflect summer peak hours – 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Adjust the thermostat. Move the temperature up to 78 degrees in summer and down to 68 degrees in winter. Bump it further up or down when you’re away from home for extended periods of time.

Grill outdoors during summer. Consider grilling outdoors to keep the oven off during peak times.

Don’t forget to spring forward! Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 a.m. on March 13. If you are on our TOU rate and your timers don’t automatically reset, remember to change them to ensure savings.

MARCH 2022 | TODAY 11

COST DECREASE BEGINS APRIL 1

Twice each year, Coast Electric makes a power cost adjustment. Power cost adjustments occur because of changes in the cost of generating power. Costs paid to Coast Electric’s power supplier, Cooperative Energy, are typically higher in the winter and lower in the summer. That means we can reduce your power cost charge in spring and summer months. Over a period of 12 months, your power costs remain the same. However, members will see a decrease of about $5 for every 1,000 kWh used in the summer. The decrease is smaller this year than in previous years because of the rising cost of fuel used to generate electricity and increasing costs for delivering electricity to Coast Electric from Cooperative Energy. We recommend managing your energy use every season, even with a power cost decrease. For tips on how you can manage your use and save, visit www.coastepa.com.

WHO WILL THE POWER COST DECREASE AFFECT? The decrease affects all member classes except industrial members.

WHEN WILL THIS POWER COST ADJUSTMENT TAKE PLACE? The summer power cost adjustment will begin April 1 every year while Nov. 1 begins the winter period.

12 TODAY | MARCH 2022

High Bill? If you’ve had higher than normal bills in the past month or so, you’re not alone. We’ve had a long, cold winter where we had freezing temperatures many days. Why does this affect power bills? Our heating and cooling units are the biggest energy users in our homes. In the south, most of us have systems that are most efficient in warmer weather since we have more warm than cold days each year. That’s good news in the summer, but our incredibly efficient summertime units aren’t quite as efficient when temperatures drop. This winter, your heating system was working overtime to make up the difference between the outside temperature and your inside setting. Even if you kept your thermostat set on a recommended temperature, your unit will work much harder, use more energy and your bill will be higher. If you would like to see how temperatures affect your energy use and costs, log on to your account on www.coastepa.com. You will be able to see your use spikes when temperatures are extreme. You will also notice that your bill will be much lower during more temperate spring months when you can open your windows and turn on fans to make you feel cool.

ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE If your higher-than-usual winter bills have put you in a financial bind, there’s help. You can apply for assistance through Share Your Blessings, a program funded though Operation Round Up. Operation Round Up rounds up participating members’ bills up to the next dollar amount each month. Of the donations received for Operation Round Up, 25% go to Share Your Blessings, a program administered by Catholic Charities. Contact Catholic Charities at 855-847-0555. 100% of Share Your Blessings funds go to help Coast Electric members.

MARCH 2022 | TODAY 13

Delta Electric’s new IVR phone number is 662-743-4425 – USE IT ANY TIME 24/7

✓GET ACCOUNT INFO ✓MAKE A PAYMENT ✓REPORT AN OUTAGE ✓MAKE AN ARRANGEMENT

Half-mile substation completed When Delta Electric Power Association (DEPA) members increase their power needs, DEPA must make sure the quality of service can be maintained at our high standards. Every three years DEPA completes a Construction Work Plan (CWP) with the help from our consultant, Fisher and Arnold. These work plans help figure out where DEPA needs to upgrade facilities. This process can take several months to complete as over 6,000 miles of power line have to be analyzed. Most of the time the CWP calls for an increase in conductor size but sometimes it will require a new substation. The work plan completed in 2017 called just for that and a small community in Leflore County named Half-Mile was just the place. Located a few miles north of Mississippi Valley State University, this community is in the heart of catfish and row crop farming operations. Over the years the increased need in aeration for catfish ponds along the installation of more irrigation wells has shown the need for this new substation. Half-Mile Substation will be one of the largest substations in the DEPA fleet. With a 18/24/30 MVA transformer weighing 125,540 pounds, the station will provide service to hundreds of aerators, irrigation wells, and homes in the area. Filings, public service

10 TODAY | MARCH 2022

commission hearings, and impact studies for substations can take years to complete even though the construction can be done in just a few months. The initial applications for Half-Mile were submitted in March 2018. Construction was completed in December 2021. With the addition of Half-Mile and the help of our wholesale power provider, Cooperative Energy, DEPA was able to secure a looped transmission feed to HalfMile. Half-Mile and nearby Evans (named for long time DEPA Chief Engineer Howard M. Evans) substations are on a radial transmission feed. With a radial transmission feed, if the service is interrupted on the transmission system, substations will be left without power until the feed is restored. With a looped transmission feed, if service is interrupted from the primary source, the secondary source will be utilized to restore service. Utilizing automated equipment, this process will happen in just a few seconds. When the next phase of construction is completed, Half-Mile and Evans Substations will both be on a looped feed and provide a much higher quality of service and reliability to our members in the area. With proper maintenance, substations generally have a lifespan of 50 years or more. To ensure this, DEPA linemen and technicians perform preventative maintenance on a regular schedule. As technologies change, the controls and equipment will be changed, but the backbone of the substation will be there for the duration. Half-Mile Substation will be an asset for DEPA and serve our members for quite a long time.

Delta Electric Power Association Annual Meeting of the Members Tuesday, April 12, 2022, 10 a.m. • Greenwood Elks Lodge 1010 Sgt. John Pittman Drive, Greenwood, MS All members of Delta Electric Power Association are urged to attend the Annual Meeting of Members on Tuesday, April 12, 2022. Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. with the meeting to follow at 10:00 a.m., at the Greenwood Elks Lodge on 1010 Sgt. John Pittman Drive, Greenwood. Participation of Delta EPA members in the annual meeting is important to elect directors, receive and pass on reports covering

the operation of the association, and to transact other business that may come before the meeting. With a few exceptions provided by the bylaws, only members will be admitted to the meeting. Seating, however, will be available for members’ families who wish to attend.

What to do if you can’t attend the meeting It is important to the successful operation of the association that its members either attend this meeting in person or sign, date and send in the original proxy form that was mailed Jan. 7 to each member. The proxy must be executed and mailed in or delivered in person to the secretary of the association at the association’s office at 1700 Highway 82 West in Greenwood. The proxy must be received by the secretary of the association no later than April 7, 2022, to be valid. Members must vote on the original printed forms; copies will not be accepted. Any member who has misplaced the original proxy may request another by calling the nearest Delta Electric Power Association office. Under the bylaws of the association, each member is entitled to one vote.

Three options to pre-register for fiber internet service and voice services

DELightSpeed.coop 662-477-1975 or info@delightspeed.coop MARCH 2022 | TODAY 11

“Powering communities and empowering lives” Dixie Electric is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

dixieepa.com | defastlink.net | prepared.dixieepa.com | AFTER HOURS: 888-465-9209 | 601-425-2535 dixieepa.com

@DixieElectricMS

@DixieEPA

@dixie_electric

Taking charge of your energy use You’ve heard me mention before that Dixie Electric is different because we are a cooperative. We are also one of the few businesses that encourage our members to use less of our product. As you may know, we provide several tools to help our members take charge of their energy use and save on their monthly electric bill. Providing these energy-saving tools is just another way we can serve our members. Your membership matters because you matter to your cooperative – and that is the cooperative difference.

SmartHub app

101 Ways to Save

Over half of our members are now actively using our free SmartHub app. Although this app is a convenient way to pay your bill or report a power outage, it also provides our members with daily usage data that allows the user to monitor their daily electric use. Members can compare their monthly energy use to the previous year, monitor their daily energy use, and track their success in making daily changes to their routine to lower their energy consumption.

There are energy efficiency brochures on our website, which include Touchstone Energy’s 101 Easy Ways to Save Energy and Money. In this online brochure, you will find 101 easy and cost-effective tips to help you save energy and, in turn, save money each month on your electric bill. These tips include ways to save through lighting, electronics, kitchen appliances, water heating, laundry, and every other aspect of your home. Everything you do – from flipping a switch to upgrading your lighting – can add up to big savings. Doing a little can save a lot!

Home energy calculators Have you ever wondered where your energy dollars are going? Typically, the cost to heat and cool your home accounts for the largest portion of your bill. Weather is by far the most significant of these factors. The cost also varies depending upon your behavior, the heating and cooling systems, and the appliances within your home. On our website, we offer five energy calculators to personalize the analysis of your energy consumption and help you learn how your home uses energy. Visit dixieepa.com to take advantage of these applications.

by Randy Smith General Manager

Don’t forget to spring forward! Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 a.m. on March 13. 10 TODAY | MARCH 2022

After working almost 11 years at Dixie Electric Power Association, Gene Prince celebrated his retirement surrounded by family and friends. Prince began his career at Dixie Electric in February 2011 as a general helper in the Laurel warehouse. In October of the same year, Prince transferred to the Petal office as a warehouseman. “Gene is by far the most organized person I’ve ever hired,” said Right-of-Way Supervisor Robert Culpepper, previous materials and facilities supervisor. “He was very dependable, a great hire, and will be missed.” In October of 2014, Prince returned to the Laurel office to finish his career as a warehouseman. “Gene practiced an old-school discipline that I greatly valued,” said Timmy Ewing, materials and facilities supervisor. “He arrived early, he never wavered, he tutored his coworkers, and he kept the warehouse impeccable. Gene could always keep things moving forward without supervision.” Prince, who is an avid golfer, has also been a

supporter of Dixie Electric’s annual charity golf tournament. “I’ve enjoyed my years at Dixie Electric,” Prince said. “I value the friendships I made there.” On Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2022, family, friends, and coworkers gathered at the association’s auditorium to celebrate with a golf-themed retirement luncheon. Prince received many gifts, including several rounds of golf at various golf courses in the state. A highlight of his luncheon was hearing stories from coworkers about Prince’s character, mentorship, and friendship. “Gene was often the brains behind all of our projects,” said Pollyanna Magee, community relations coordinator. “If I had an idea but wasn’t sure how to make it happen… Gene would find a solution, whether it was making stands for Christmas trees, building displays for Relay for Life, or even building a scarecrow for United Way.” Prince has two children, Colby and Courtney, and six grandchildren. He looks forward to spending time with his family and on the golf course during his retirement.

Happy retirement, Gene! Save the Date Dixie Electric’s Charity Golf Tournament Thursday, April 28, 2022 Laurel Country Club For more information, contact Pollyanna Magee at 601-425-2535 or pollymagee@dixieepa.com. MARCH 2022 | TODAY 11

Spring forward with Co-op Connections Nestled in the countryside of the Landrum community in Ellisville is Windy Hollow Farms and Nursery. This unique nursery, owned and operated by Melinda Bradshaw, is every plant lover’s dream. Melinda is a licensed landscaper and received a horticulture degree from Jones College in 2011. Melinda has always enjoyed the outdoors and having her fingers in the earth. After creating Windy Hollow, she stepped away from the landscaping business to spend more time in her greenhouse with her grandchildren. She also participates in many local craft shows, showcasing her unique arrangements in various places. “I have a knack for taking succulents and creating something beautiful,” said Bradshaw. “I enjoy traveling all over to find unique containers to place them in. When you walk into my greenhouse, you get a special experience, much different from a big-box garden center.” Second to succulents, Bradshaw has successfully sold herbs, such as oregano, lavender, spearmint, and chocolate mint. She also has a variety of vegetables, like tomatoes, cucumbers, cauliflower, and peppers. “I also love to combine traditional ferns and colored plants to make unique and personalized arrangements,” said Bradshaw. She specializes in customized arrangements for just about any occasion, including funerals, birthdays, anniversaries, and get-well wishes. “I’ve even hosted succulent parties where friends or groups can come together and make their own individual creations.”

Melinda stays busy helping her husband with his business, keeping her grandchildren, and making deliveries. Due to this, Windy Hollow has no set hours. “I love helping people find the right arrangement for their needs, but I do suggest they give me a call before they come,” said Bradshaw. Free local deliveries in Ellisville and Laurel are available upon request. You can reach Windy Hollow at 601-319-9465 or like their page on Facebook.

Present your Co-op Connections card and receive a free succulent with any $50 purchase.

1. No matter how big or small the job, if you plan to dig, call 811 before you begin your project to keep you and your family safe. 2. If your succulents are dying, it’s probably because they are being overwatered; they do not require watering like other plants. There are winter months where succulents don’t require any watering. 3. Don’t be afraid to trim! Trimming plants and trees stimulates growth. Don’t give up on your plants until you have cut and fertilized them first. 4. Melinda’s favorite fertilizer is Osmocote, which contains slow-release pellets and can be purchased at any garden center. 5. When planting shrubs and trees, consider planting in the dormant seasons, from October through March. When you plant in Spring or Summer, you have to be very careful to keep your plants watered daily. When you plant in dormant seasons, it requires less maintenance.

12 TODAY | MARCH 2022

MLK Cooperative Day of Service For the past several years, Dixie Electric joined other electric cooperatives from across the state for the Cooperative Day of Service held in conjunction with Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Inspired by Rev. King’s message of service, employees volunteer to serve in different capacities in the communities where they live and work.

This year, Dixie Electric employees volunteered at two local food pantries:

Serviceman Floyd Herford, Safety Manager Joe Donald, and Line Foreman Jason Holder prepare a hot meal at the Christian Food Mission of Laurel.

• On Friday, Jan. 14, employees rebuilt shelves, stocked shelves, and prepared food boxes at the Petal Children’s Task Force. • On Monday, Jan. 17, personnel prepared and served hot meals for the Christian Food Missions’ meals on wheels program in Laurel. Cooperative Day of Service is an opportunity to get out and serve members of our communities. “Volunteering for the Cooperative Day of Service was an honor to give back to those in need in my community,” said Member Service Representative Marilyn Campbell. Electric cooperatives are guided by seven cooperative principles, with the seventh principle being concern for community. Participating in the Cooperative Day of Service is an excellent example of how Dixie Electric’s employees live out these principles.

Staking Engineer Drew Walters and Journeyman Lineman Charles Houpt build new shelves for the Petal Children’s Task Force.

Dixie Electric volunteers assist the Petal Children’s Task Force with packing nonperishable food boxes.

DE Fastlink Fiber Technician T.J. Brown, Dixie Electric Board Member Allen Sledge, and Community Relations Coordinator Pollyanna Magee stock shelves with nonperishable food items.

Communication Administrative Assistant Melanie Driskell and MSR Marilyn Campbell peel potatoes in preparation for the daily meal.

Preparing backpacks for children in foster care On any given day, there are approximately 437,500 children in foster care in the United States. Most of these children are removed from their homes with little more than the clothes on their backs. In November 2021, employees sold tickets to Dixie Electric’s annual 12 Days of Christmas drawing, raising $5,500 for local foster backpack programs. In February, the proceeds and additional donations from Dixie Electric employees were used to purchase items to fill over 200 backpacks for children in foster care in Jones, Forrest, Wayne, Perry, and Clarke counties. These backpacks are used to inspire communities to bring dignity and hope to children in foster care. Employees came together to fill these backpacks with various comforting items, including toys, clothing, diapers, toiletries, and

First child: $10

personal hygiene products. The backpacks are designed to help make the transition into foster care easier for the child and the foster family receiving them. “Dixie Electric continually looks for opportunities to improve the quality of life for those in our community,” said Amanda Mills, communication assistant. “We are thankful for those in our community who answered the call to foster children in need. This is just a small way that we can make this transition smoother for not only the child but for the foster parents as well.” For more information on how you can get involved, contact the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services.

each additional child: $5

You will receive your photos on a USB drive. Pets are welcome.

Tuesday, April 5

Thursday, April 7

Dixie Electric’s Petal Office 1312 Highway 42, Petal (601) 583-1131 • 1 - 7 p.m.

Dixie Electric’s Waynesboro Office 618 Azalea Drive, Waynesboro (601) 735-2072 • 1 - 7 p.m.

Proceeds benefit Blair Batson Children’s Hospital

14 TODAY | MARCH 2022

Plant the right tree in the right place

Before you dig – Call 811 to locate buried utility lines.

Trees beautify our neighborhoods, and when planted in the right spot, can even help lower energy bills. But the wrong tree in the wrong place can be a hazard – especially to power lines.

LARGE TREES

SMALL TREES

40-45 feet from lines Red Maple, Spruce, Lacebark Elm, White Oak, Hemlock, Shagbark Hickory

30-35 feet from lines Bradford Pear, Carolina Silverbel, Golden Raintree, Ornamental Cherry, Saucer Magnolia, Serviceberry, Sourwood, Fraser Fir, Winter King Hawthorne, Redbud, Flowering Dogwood, Kousa, Japanese Lilac, Ornamental Crabapple, Dogwood, Stewartia

For more tips on smart tree planting in our community, visit www.ArborDay.org.

Avoid planting anything within 20-30 feet of the power lines.

CLEARING TREES AND LIMBS FOR RELIABLE SERVICE Dixie Electric Power Association clears trees, limbs, and underbrush from the area around and below the power lines, called the right-of-way. Right-of-way clearing decreases the number of outages and reduces the risk of someone coming in contact with the power lines. Clearing the right-of-way protects individuals from the hazards of electricity and makes power restoration quicker and safer for both Dixie Electric’s members and personnel.

Clearing projects underway • Petal substation: Petal, Sunrise, Hillcrest, and Macedonia • North Petal substation: Eastabuchie, Glendale, and Petal • Ellisville Junction substation: Pecan Grove, Ovett, and Tuckers Crossing

Pole inspections are underway Osmose Utilities Services will be performing inspection and maintenance on some of Dixie Electric Power Association’s poles during the next year, beginning in February and continuing for approximately four months. The general areas to be inspected will be Good Hope, Whitfield, Johnson, Ellisville, Ovett, Tuckers Crossing, and Antioch. This work will generally consist of excavating a hole about 18” deep around the poles to inspect them and applying a preservative and/or remedial treatment to the poles as needed. The purpose of the inspection and treatment is to identify poles that do not meet industry strength standards and to extend the useful life of all others. All Osmose contract workers will be identifiable by their yellow and orange Osmose work vests and hard hats. Osmose vehicles should be marked with Osmose Utility decals as well as a Dixie Electric Power Association “Contractor” decals.

MARCH 2022 | TODAY 15

DeKalb 601-743-2641 • Louisville 662-773-5741 • Quitman 601-776-6271 • After-Hours Outages, Call 601-581-8600

MEMBER OWNED. LOCALLY OPERATED. THAT’S THE COOPERATIVE DIFFERENCE.

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR CEO

Co-op Values Translate to Benefits for the Community East Mississippi Electric Power Association’s core responsibility is keeping the lights on, but our passion is serving our members. Because we’re a co-op, our purpose is to enrich the lives of our members and serve the long-term interests of our communities. This service focus is at the heart of who we are and what we do each day. We were built and are led by the members we serve. Whether tested by severe weather events or a pandemic, our co-op puts people first not just during tough times, but all the time. Over the years, our charitable efforts, staff volunteer service hours, and other locally focused projects reflect our support for our communities, local schools, and youth. Our employees actively participate in the community in addition to keeping the lights on. In fact, during the past 14 months, we’ve added a new service and built about 25 percent of a new pathway for community success. Over 1,100 miles of fiber have been constructed to serve more than 3,100 members with highspeed broadband service never before available in rural areas. We are actively moving toward our goal of building 4,000 miles of fiber with an expected 12,500 fiber subscribers. While we are working hard to build it, you are the reason this project is so successful. Your pre-registrations indicate your support and desire to receive the service when we pass your home. We are committed to getting it to everyone. When we began the project, someone said to me, “All you have to do is tack some fiber on the poles.” I wish it was that simple. It is sometimes overwhelming just how much work goes into getting to the point where we can string the fiber onto the poles. Even after all the work that went into the design of the fiber system and establishment of East Mississippi Connect, a tremendous amount of work must be done to prepare the electric distribution system for the addition of fiber. As is the case with our electric system, safety plays a critical role in building the fiber system. Every pole must be evaluated to ensure clearances meet code. Every span of wire must be evaluated. If poles

10 TODAY | MARCH 2022

won’t provide the proper clearance, they must be changed to taller poles. Our contractors and employees have changed over 2,000 poles to date. Every location where a line will cross a highway must have a request for permit submitted to the Mississippi Department of Transportation for review before we can proceed. Every railroad crossing requires a permit from the Railroad. Only at the point we have these permits approved and returned can we begin stringing the fiber at those locations. Securing fiber contractors and materials has been challenging. So far, we have managed to stay ahead of the shortages seen in many areas of the country. I’d credit this to starting early and forming the partnerships needed to establish paths of supply. The EMEPA staff is to be commended for forming these relationships with vendors. Even with all the added responsibilities of building the fiber system, our dedicated employees have maintained your electric service at the level you have become accustomed to experiencing. We still meet your needs with a smile, keep the rights-of-way cleared, restore interruptions all hours of the day and night, as well as champion your needs with local, state, and federal leaders to ensure we deliver services to empower lives. As your local cooperative, we are proud of our role in helping bring good things to our communities. While the larger utility environment in which we operate is constantly changing, one thing remains constant. Working together with you, the members we serve, we will continue to be a catalyst for good in the communities we serve.

by Randy Carroll CEO — East Mississippi Electric Power Association

Using the to save energy Did you know the time of day you use energy can impact electricity rates? Think of times of high energy demand like rush hour traffic. These are times when a lot of people in our community are using electricity — whether getting ready for work, which involves showering and making breakfast, or coming home in the evening to cook dinner, wash clothes, bath the kids or wash dishes. During these times of high energy use, your electric cooperative strives to ensure there is enough electricity available to meet the needs of all consumer-members. This often results in buying energy at higher costs (because of higher overall demand) as well as ensuring that grid infrastructure can deliver enough electricity when use is highest. This is especially true when extreme winter or summer weather pushes energy use even higher. Adjusting the thermostat is one of the There are several ways easiest ways to save energy at home. consumers can help lower energy demand by thoughtfully timing energy-intensive activities at home. Peak energy hours are typically in the morning and in the evening after people return from work and school. Weekends and holidays are typically considered off-peak. EMEPA’s Time-of-Use (TOU) electric rate plan offers you a money-saving option for using your electric service during off-peak hours. By reducing your electric use during peak times, you have the opportunity to decrease your monthly energy costs without reducing the overall amount of electricity you use. Visit EMEPA.com to learn more about the TOU rate option. Even without these programs, lowering your energy use during peak times allows your co-op to save money on peak demand fuel costs, ultimately saving consumer-members money by keeping rates lower. Timing energy use to avoid “rush hour” is a great way to keep costs down and practice better efficiency habits.

Energy efficiency tip of the month

By shifting energy-intensive chores like laundry to off-peak hours, you can help keep electricity rates lower.

Grill outdoors during summer. Consider grilling outdoors to keep the oven off during peak heat days..

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY POLICY STATEMENT East Mississippi Electric Power Association – Meridian This policy is in conformance with the requirement of Presidential Executive Order 11246, the Age Discrimination Employment Act, the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Act, the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Equal Pay Act, Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, and all other civil rights related to laws and regulations that have or may be enacted, as amended. It is the policy of East MS EPA not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability or because he or she is a protected veteran. It is also the policy of East MS EPA to take affirmative action to employ and to advance in employment, all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, pay secrecy, disability or protected veteran status, and to base all employment decisions only on valid job requirements. This policy shall apply to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, upgrading, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, recall, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation and selection for training, including apprenticeship, at all levels of employment. Employees and applicants of East MS EPA will not be subject to harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability or because he or she is a protected veteran. Additionally, retaliation, including intimidation, threats, or coercion, because an

employee or applicant has objected to discrimination, engaged or may engage in filing a complaint, assisted in a review, investigation, or hearing or have otherwise sought to obtain their legal rights under any Federal, State, or local EEO law is prohibited. As Chief Executive Officer of East MS EPA, I am committed to the principles of Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity. In order to ensure dissemination and implementation of Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action throughout all levels of the company, I have selected Sherry Wallace, Director of Human Resources, as the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Manager for East MS EPA. One of the EEO Manager’s duties will be to establish and maintain internal audit and reporting systems to allow for effective measurement of East MS EPA’s programs. In furtherance of East MS EPA’s policy regarding Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity, East MS EPA has developed a written Affirmative Action Program which sets forth the policies, practices and procedures that East MS EPA is committed to in order to ensure that its policy of nondiscrimination and affirmative action is accomplished. This Affirmative Action Program is available in the Human Resources office for inspection by any employee or applicant for employment upon request, during normal business hours. Interested persons should contact Sherry Wallace for assistance. We request the support of all employees in accomplishing Equal Employment Opportunity.

Don’t forget to spring forward! Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 a.m. on March 13. If you are on our TOU rate and your timers don’t automatically reset, remember to change them to ensure savings.

12 TODAY | MARCH 2022

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P: 3027 HIGHWAY 98 WEST, SUMMIT 39666 | M: P.O. BOX 747, McCOMB 39649

www.MEPCoop.com

| REPORT OUTAGES 601-684-4011 | PAY BY PHONE 1-877-779-7740

and Twitter

2022 Board Elections underway, deadline March 17 Magnolia Electric Power’s 2022 Annual Meeting has been canceled due to the pandemic; however, the MEP board elections will go on. During the January Magnolia Electric Power Board meeting, it was decided to cancel the 2022 Annual Meeting due to the ongoing pandemic and our concern for both our members and employees. “With the recent upswing of the new strain of the virus, MEP wants to do their part in keeping everyone as safe and healthy as we can,” said General Manager Darrell Smith. “However, our Board of Directors election process will go on as normal.” “Throughout this entire year, the safety of our members, employees, and board members has been our highest priority,” Smith said. “Our Annual Meeting brings in nearly 200 people and we do want to continue to do everything we can to keep everyone as safe as possible.” “We appreciate everyone’s patience during this difficult time. We have kept the power on through some quite trying times since the Covid pandemic has hit our state, including tornadoes, ice storms, and hurricanes,” Smith said. Running unopposed for their districts are: Jerry Sisco, District 3; Carl Fuller, District 6; and Odell McKenzie, District 8. Jerry Sisco, a retired dairy farmer, raises row crops now consisting of soybeans, winter wheat, and hay at his farm in the West Lincoln

community of Lincoln County. He has served on Magnolia Electric’s Board of Directors for 26 years. Carl Fuller of the Friendship/Felder’s Campground areas in Pike County currently serves as a NRECA Credentialed Cooperative Director on Magnolia Electric’s Board of Directors. He has served on the Board for 17 years. Fuller is a retired contract poultry grower for Sanderson Farms/McComb Division; he also has a cattle operation. He has served on the Pike County Farm Bureau Board of Directors for 28 years. Odell McKenzie is a retired businessman from the Enon community of Walthall County but continues to work with his family in the cattle, hay, and tree farming industries. He currently serves as a NRECA Credentialed Cooperative Director on Magnolia Electric’s Board of Directors. He has been on the Board for 24 years. “I would ask that our members look for the proxies that dropped in the mail on February 9 and be a part of our election process by sending in your proxies,” Smith said. By sending in your proxy, a member can be eligible for the drawing for free electricity. Also, anyone who sends in a proxy will receive a 2023 MEP calendar in the mail around August/September 2022. To be eligible for the drawing, the signed proxy must be received at Miller and Company, a Brookhaven accounting firm, by March 17 to be valid for the elections.

Why send in a proxy? By sending in your proxy, you are still participating in Magnolia Electric Power’s Board Elections. As a member of an electric cooperative, that is one of many things that make us different from other electric companies. Please take the time to fill out the proxy and mail it in.

Leave blank if you want the board to serve as your proxy.

If you would like to designate a representative to serve as proxy, put their name here. 2022 PROXY

2021 PROXY

Here is a checklist to help you understand the proxy:

By signing this proxy in the yellow box at the bottom of this form, I hereby appoint the Board of Directors of Magnolia Electric Power as myByagent and proxy forinthe Magnolia Electric Association, with fullofauthority my vote uponPower all signing this proxy theBoard yellowElections box at theofbottom of this form,Power I hereby appoint the Board Directorstoofcast Magnolia Electric matters foragent the Association. as my and proxy for the Board Elections of Magnolia Electric Power Association, with full authority to cast my vote upon all

• Three candidates have been nominated from their respective districts by a nominating committee. For anyone who wants to know more about the candidates, please see the brochure that is enclosed in the proxy envelope for additional information, or read more about them in our board election story above.

OR, I do not appoint the Board of Directors as my agent but instead appoint as my agent and proxy to represent me in the election:

• If you leave the Representative’s Name line blank, then the Board of Directors will serve as your proxy. They will cast your vote for you. If you wish to direct the board to vote for a certain nominee, then you would need to check that name. Don’t forget to sign the proxy before you drop it in the mail. There is an envelope provided to mail it to an accounting firm who will oversee all of the proxies. • If you wish to name someone to be your proxy then you need to put their name on the Representative’s Name line, then sign the proxy and drop it in the envelope that was provided.

10 TODAY | MARCH 2022

matters for the Association.

OR, I do not appoint the Board of Directors as my agent but instead appoint as my agent and proxy to represent me in the election:

You can direct either the Board of Directors, or the

_________________________________________________________________________ Representative’s Name _________________________________________________________________________ Representative’s Name (Must be a Magnolia Electric Power member.)

You can voting direct either the Board Directors, or by the person your proxy, the of way you want person voting your proxy, thevotes. way you want by marking one or more of the Districts up for marking election one are: or more of the votes. Districts up for election are:

(Must be a Magnolia Electric Power member.)

District 3

District 6

District 5 District 2 ❏ Carl Fuller ❏ Jerry Sisco ❏ John McCabe ❏ Pat Ard District78 District ❏ Odell McKenzie ❏ Hollis Alford ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ (CARDMUST MUSTBE BESIGNED SIGNEDFOR FORVOTE VOTETOTO COUNT) valid, (CARD COUNT) ToTo bebe valid, the last lastday dayto toreceive receivethis thisproxy proxyisis March 2022. the March 18,17, 2021.

Sign your name. 131925_MAG_PROXY_khh.indd 146557_MAG_PROXY_khh.indd 1 1

• Above all matters, regardless if you let the board serve as your proxy, or you designate a proxy, you MUST SIGN your proxy before dropping it in the envelope provided or it will be invalid. Your proxy includes you in a drawing for prizes.

53644

1/19/21 8:328:39 AM AM 1/11/22

Electricity turns dark into light, makes hot foods cold and cold foods hot, washes the dishes, and searches the internet. It is essential to our everyday lives, so much so that we rarely think about it. But behind the scenes, interesting things are happening.

Here are three interesting facts about electricity that cause even some experts to scratch and shake their heads.

Electricity must be used after it’s generated. The electricity you use in your home needs to be used after it’s generated. It’s true. Electricity produced from power plants, solar panels, wind turbines and hydro dams in the U.S. needs to be perfectly timed for when you decide to cook dinner, wash clothes or watch TV. The national grid of power generators, wires, and substations are an incredibly complex network that makes electricity flow smoothly. A vast and intricate system of devices controls that power flow in a precisely balanced way. It’s one reason utility operators must be strategic when adding renewable energy to the nation’s fuel mix — a coal or natural gas plant can ramp generation up or down fairly quickly to meet changing energy demand. But solar energy and wind power depend more on the whims of Mother Nature, which adds an extra degree of difficulty to power management.

Power out? Blame a squirrel. While severe weather causes most outages, if it’s nice out and your electricity goes off, it could be caused by a squirrel. We all know to play it safe around electricity, but squirrels don’t. They scamper and chew around transformers, substations and utility poles where they can disrupt high-voltage equipment, shutting down power for you and me. But it’s not just squirrels. Snakes, birds, and other critters can find their way into dangerous places. There’s no official recordkeeping of wildlife-caused power outages, but estimates run as high as 20%. Electric utilities are constantly devising new ways to keep wildlife away from dangerous electrical equipment — the resulting power disruptions are inconvenient for us energy consumers, and always fatal for the squirrel.

Highways could charge electric vehicles in the future. If researchers have their way, electric vehicles wouldn’t need to plug in — they could charge while they’re being driven. “Wireless dynamic charging” projects are underway around the world. The idea is similar to wireless chargers you can buy for your home electronics, the kind you can set near a charger rather than actually plugging in the smart phone or other device. Charging cars while they’re driving along the freeway is of course a lot more ambitious. But some developers predict that within five years, in addition to today’s special high-occupancy-vehicle lanes for rush-hour traffic in large cities, there could be stretches of vehicle-charging lanes. Electricity is such a basic part of our everyday life, so it’s easy to forget about it. But every now and then it’s good to think about all its benefits and mysteries.

MARCH 2022 | TODAY 11

AMORY – P.O. BOX 300 - 50408 GREENBRIAR ROAD – 662-256-2962 • CALEDONIA – 746 MAIN STREET – 662-356-4100

Using the to save energy Did you know the time of day you use energy can impact electricity rates? Think of times of high energy demand like rush hour traffic. These are times when a lot of people in our community are using electricity — whether getting ready for work, which involves showering and making breakfast, or coming home in the evening to cook dinner, wash clothes, bath the kids or wash dishes. During these times of high energy use, your electric cooperative strives to ensure there is enough electricity available to meet the needs of all consumermembers. This often results in buying energy at higher costs (because of higher overall demand) as well as ensuring that grid infrastructure can deliver enough electricity when use is highest. This is especially true when extreme winter or summer weather Adjusting the thermostat is one of the easiest pushes energy use ways to save energy at home. even higher. There are several ways consumers can help lower energy demand by thoughtfully timing energy-intensive activities at home. Peak energy hours are typically in the morning and in the evening after people return from work and school. Weekends and holidays are typically considered off-peak. Lowering your energy use during peak times allows your co-op to save money on peak demand fuel costs, ultimately saving consumer-members money by keeping rates lower. Timing energy use to avoid “rush hour” is a great way to keep costs down and practice better efficiency habits.

10 TODAY | MARCH 2022

By shifting energy-intensive chores like laundry to off-peak hours, you can help keep electricity rates lower.

Grill outdoors during summer. Consider grilling outdoors to keep the oven off during peak heat days..

Here are three interesting facts about electricity that cause even some experts to scratch and shake their heads.

MARCH 2022 | TODAY 11

For more information about Today in Mississippi, contact Michael Bellipanni at 662.895.2151. northcentralelectric.com

NorthcentralEC

@Northcentral_EC

Are we prepared? How can we do better? I think back to Feb. 10, 1994. A late morning rain started to fall. Temperatures were in the mid-30s, so nothing was a true threat at the time. As the morning progressed, the temperature dropped and the rain increased. A drenching rain ensued for almost 13 hours in freezing temperatures, and by midnight our community was encased in over 2 inches of ice. That left 99% of our customers were without power. Ten days later, power was restored. Recently, Northcentral’s area received approximately a quarter inch of ice. With over 6,000 of our members’ locations without power, the decision was made immediately to bring in assistance. With the aid of Pontotoc Electric Power Association, 4-County Electric Power Association out of Columbus, and scores of contractors, Northcentral doubled its workforce in 12 hours. Northcentral’s “bird dogs” assessed damages, lead crews, and were overall “intelligence gatherers” during the storm. The work of these employees allowed crews to have a greater knowledge of what they were facing when approaching a job site. They also assisted in prioritizing work by “sniffing out” the nature of the outage prior to the crew arriving. Some of the community expressed frustration as these individuals arrived at their homes, looked around, got on a radio, and drove off, but I assure you their time was well spent and had a better prepared crew in route to make needed repairs. Thanks to constant planning, a solid maintenance program, and the tireless efforts of Northcentral Electric Cooperative employees and representatives, total restoration was complete in approximately 40 hours. Northcentral is always prepared for these weather-related events. Over the last 28 years we have experienced four events, tornadoes, and ice storms that have had outages extended to three days. My questions to our team at Northcentral is simple — are we prepared, and how can we do better? My question to you, our community, and owners is simple as well. A 1994 level ice storm much worse than February 2022 will happen again. Are you ready? What planning can you do to make it better? We aspire, at Northcentral, to provide the highest quality of service and reliability. With proper planning from all of us, we can make these events much more tolerable. Be safe.

by Kevin Doddridge General Manager/CEO

10 TODAY | MARCH 2022

ARE YOU PREPARED FOR

The first week of February 2022 was a reminder of how important it is to be PREPARED. That first Thursday brought with it bitter cold temperatures, freezing rain, ice, and sleet. Earlier in the week the temperatures were in the upper 60s with plenty of sunshine. We woke up Thursday morning to much cooler weather, rain, and ice beginning to accumulate. By early afternoon, at least a quarter inch of ice covered everything. Electric outages were rolling in and the weather wasn’t improving. After the Byhalia substation was quickly restored, 3,000-members remained without electricity. For the next 56 hours, a group of dedicated Northcentral employees, neighboring electric cooperatives, and contractors worked day and night in freezing temperatures to clear debris and restore power to all members that could be restored. by J.D. Cox Northcentral Electric Cooperative prepares for events such as these. Departments throughout the DIRECTOR OF SAFETY cooperative make plans to have the extra crews, the extra material, and the equipment necessary to restore & LOSS CONTROL power as safely and quickly as possible. Preparation is the key! Northcentral wants to help members be prepared for severe weather as well, our culture of safety extends to you too! Please review the following tips to keep your family safe.

Make sure your family has a plan in the event of an emergency or severe weather. Keep a couple of days supply of bottled water, first-aid supplies, and charge those cell phone batteries!

Always assume downed lines are live! Stay at least 35-feet away from any downed line and do not attempt to drive over a downed line. Always report a downed line to your cooperative or just call 911.

Freezing rain is liquid precipitation that freezes on contact with cold surfaces. Ice accumulation significantly increases the weight of power lines and tree branches.

Never operate a generator inside your home, including garages. Always make sure your generator is properly grounded. Do not attempt to refuel a generator while it is running or hot.

If you have any question about electrical safety or would like to schedule a safety demonstration, please contact us at 662.895.2151. For more safety information, please visit the Mississippi Emergency Management Association website at msema.org. MARCH 2022 | TODAY 11

Bird Dogging Winter Nightmare IN A

It was less than 24 hours after a groundhog in Pennsylvania warned the world of six more weeks of winter that an emergency hit the members of Northcentral Electric by Justin Jaggers Cooperative. The MEDIA SPECIALIST morning of Feb. 3, 2022 would see multiple school closings, businesses opting to close for the safety of their employees, and outage calls that wouldn’t stop for two days. The temperature would dip into the mid-20s, and the ice that accumulated on power lines and poles would test the limits of an electrical system that serves over 34,000 cooperative

12 TODAY | MARCH 2022

members. That’s when Northcentral employees sprang into action. Every available lineman would work maximum 16-hour shifts to get the power back on for members. The Northcentral Operations Center was fully staffed and sending crews to their next assignments. Other employees took notes to send assignments to crews from other cooperatives that were called in to help. Customer service representatives took outage calls into the evening. Even our administrative staff pitched in by making sandwiches for crews out in the field. This was a test of the training and readiness of every Northcentral employee. If you were without power between the morning of Feb. 3 to the evening of Feb. 4, you may have wondered where the crews

At the peak of the 48-hour weather event, Northcentral saw over 6,000 members affected by outages.

were. You may have waited in the dark and cold for some sort of answer to the question, “when is MY power coming back on?” Then, there it was, a Northcentral truck driving down your street. Suddenly, the truck left, and your power was STILL out, leaving you confused and maybe a little bit angry. But, be assured, these workers had a very important role to play in all of this. They were the “bird dogs.” During the ice storm, some of our engineering crew, stakers, and fiber internet installers switched roles to help our dispatchers determine where to send crews and what damage they may be facing. Dontrell Stroman, who usually installs high-speed fiber service in homes, was asked to assess tree damage to utility lines. “At 4 P.M. Thursday, I was needed to go out and see where trees had fallen on to the lines. I would report to our vegetation management crews where limbs and trees were causing problems. After I left, a crew was sent to cut the limbs and clear the line, then the linemen crew would come after that and restore power,” Dontrell said. “I was approached by six members during the storm, and they would ask me when their power was coming back on. One of them needed my help to clear a tree from the road in front of his house.” The work was a coordinated effort to get the lights back on for all members. Some repairs were simple, but others needed much more attention. On Thursday evening, Feb. 3, Northcentral Electric Cooperative would recruit nearby Pontotoc Electric Power Association, 4-County Electric Power Association, and MDR Powerline Construction for help. The first obstacle for these visiting crews was their lack of familiarity with the area. That’s where the “bird dogs” play a key role in significant restoration events. One of those “bird dogs” was Staking Technician Tyler Welch. “I lead the group from Pontotoc around our service area. Since I knew construction, we were able to get around pretty quickly. This was one of the crews that worked late, but I stayed with them the whole time,” Welch said. “I was asked by members when the power would come back on, I’d tell them that if I was there the answer was ‘soon.’[laughs]” Welch and his fellow staking technicians would receive the orders from dispatchers and guide crews to an area where repairs were ready to be made. From there, it was only a matter of time before a member’s prayer was answered. At the peak of the 48-hour weather event, Northcentral saw over 6,000 members affected by outages. Some members even suffered through multiple outages as more ice accumulated on lines and repairs further down the circuit were required. But, after about three dozen line breaks, over a dozen broken poles, and just over a quarter of an inch of ice, the power was restored to all members who were able to receive power. Northcentral would like to send a special “thank you” to our visiting crews from Pontotoc and 4 County. Without them, the outage restoration would have taken considerably longer. It’s that cooperative spirit and principle of “cooperation among cooperatives” that allows electric co-ops to show up in force to get the lights back. The February episode of the “Northcentral Connected” podcast addressed the ice storm and the outages suffered during the winter event. You can listen on iTunes, YouTube, Facebook, Podbean, and Stitchr.

ELECTRIC CREW BIRD DOGS:

LINE INSPECTORS

Tyler Welch Bobby Johnson Steven Shoffner Jason Rhea Leon Hood Justin Treadway Jim Riley Hunter Canady

Jim Davis Kelly Whitetree Jacob Mabry Jason Alberson Dontrell Stroman John Wallace Brad Lowry

(Initial Damage Assessment):

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT CREW BIRD DOGS: Jeff Underwood

MARCH 2022 | TODAY 13

North East Mississippi ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION For more information about Today in Mississippi, contact Sarah Brooke Bishop or Marlin Williams at 662-234-6331

nemepa.org

NEMEPA

@NorthEastPower

CEO MESSAGE

Strength in membership The election of our board members is a strength of a memberowned cooperative since cooperatives are governed by the people. Democratic member control is one of the Seven Cooperative Principles North East Mississippi Electric Power Association follows each day. In December, we held our annual meeting and election process. During that time, James Downs stepped down as president of the board. Mr. Downs has represented District 3 on the board for 37 years, and he was president for 28. Mr. Downs took a lot of pride in being chairman of the board. Whenever we would have issues arise, he would think long and hard about what provided our members the best solution. He would poll the board to get their thoughts and tried to gain unanimous consent on major issues. You don’t always get that. Sometimes there was conflict, but he was really focused on making sure board members understand the issues and agreed with anything that we went forward with. Mr. Downs spent a lot of time and effort giving reports to our members. He cares a lot about this association and wants to make sure we are doing what we are supposed to in order to serve our membership. John Davis representing District 4 is stepping into the president role. Mr. Davis has been on the board for over 20 years and is well known in the community. Although Mr. Davis and Mr. Downs have

different leadership styles, they both bring unique strengths to the board and want to do the best to serve our members. We also filled the vacant seat for District 8 during the last election. Long-serving board member Jim Tatum, Jr. died during the 2020 election process. The board decided not to go out and appoint someone. They wanted to allow anyone from District 8 that wanted to run to be able to petition to be elected. We had two candidates this year and the membership elected John Briscoe. Mr. Briscoe is one of the few large farmers left in our service territory. He has been farming in Lafayette County for many years. Mr. Briscoe has hit the ground running with his training, and we are looking forward to having him join us. We think he will be a great board member. We are thankful for such strong leadership for each and every member. As we move into the Spring of 2022, you can see that your association is in great hands.

by Keith Hayward General Manager/CEO

James Downs honored by NEMEPA for exceptional leadership The Board of Directors passed a resolution at the January meeting to recognize and commend the leadership of James Downs as board president. Mr. Downs was elected to represent District 3 in 1985. He served as president of the Board of Directors for 28 years (1993-2021). During Mr. Downs’ tenure as president, North East Mississippi Electric Power Association saw unprecedented growth and success, such as increasing its employee base from 50 to 75 employees, increasing membership from 11,900 members to 27,994 members, increasing the total electric plant in service from $27.1 million to $213.6 million, and increasing electric revenue from $17.2 million to $67.2 million. Mr. Downs has also overseen significant and generational events in NEMEPA’s history such as the expansion and renovation of NEMEPA’s facility, and the implementation of high-speed broadband internet service across the system. We appreciate Mr. Downs’ exemplary and longstanding leadership to our association.

10 TODAY | MARCH 2022

NE SPARC

OFFERS DISCOUNT on broadband service for eligible households

NE SPARC announced it is working to help build awareness about the Affordable Connectivity Program, a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program. The new long-term benefit will help to lower the cost of broadband service for eligible households struggling to afford internet service. The $14 billion Affordable Connectivity Program provides a discount of up to a $30 per month toward broadband service for one person per eligible household.

A household is eligible if one member of the household meets at least one of the criteria below: • Has an income that is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines • Participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, federal public housing assistance, SSI, WIC, or Lifeline

• Is approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision or

• Received a federal Pell Grant during the current award year Affordable Connectivity Program enrollment opened on Dec. 31, 2021. Eligible households can enroll by visiting ACPBenefit.org to submit an application or print out a mail-in application. Once an application ID is received, contact NE SPARC to complete the process.

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PONTOTOC 662-489-3211 • Fax: 662-489-5156

BRUCE 662-983-2727 • Fax: 662-983-1335

P.O. Drawer 718 • 12 South Main Street, Pontotoc, MS 38863

P.O. Box 415 • 129 South Newberger Street, Bruce, MS 38915

How landscaping can help you save energy by Pat Keegan and Amy Wheeless Late winter and early spring are great times to think about changes you want to make to your home’s landscape. While the goal of most lawn and garden projects is to bring beauty to your outdoor space, a well-designed project can also improve your energy bill, increase the overall value of your home and provide additional benefits, such as reduced noise pollution, optimized water use and cleaner air around your home. The two best strategies for improving the energy efficiency of your home with landscaping are to incorporate shading in the summer and wind blocking in the winter.

driveway barefoot on a hot July afternoon — if your driveway or patio is unshaded, it is probably quite difficult. That absorbed heat is also reflecting onto your home, causing your air conditioner to work even harder. You can use trees, hedges and other landscaping structures such as arbors to shade these paved areas.

Wind-blocking techniques

If your home is in an open area without many structures around it, cold winter winds may be increasing your heating bills. A windbreak on your property can help deflect these winds over your home. The most common type of windbreak uses a combination of conifer (evergreen) trees and shrubs to Summer shading block wind from the ground to the top of your home. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, For the best windbreak effect, plant these features shading your home is the most cost-effective way on the north and northwest sides of your home at a to reduce heat gain from the sun and reduce your distance of between two and five times the height of air conditioning costs in the summer. Having more the mature trees. Incorporating a wall or fence can plants and trees in your yard can reduce the air further assist with the wind break. temperature by up to 6 degrees Fahrenheit. Another insulating technique is to plant shrubs Planting deciduous trees on the south, southwest and bushes closer to your home, but at least one foot and west sides of your home can reduce heat during hot summer months, while allowing sunlight An arbor or trellis over a door or window can away. The space between these plants and your home provide both an interesting focal point and is “dead air space,” which helps insulate your home through during the fall and winter, when the trees during winter and summer months. have lost their leaves. When planting trees, consider summer shade. Photo Credit: Ruth Hartnup The particular landscaping strategies you should focus on will the expected shape and height of the mature trees and where they will depend on your climate zone. If you live in a hot climate, you should shade your home. A tree with a high mature height planted on the south focus on maximizing shading to your roof and windows for much of side of a home, for example, will provide all-day roof shading in the the year, while a home in a hot, humid climate will want to maximize summer, while a lower tree on the west side of your home can protect summer shade. your home from the lower afternoon sun. Regardless of where you are located, if you live near power lines, Plant trees an appropriate distance away from your home so they do the chart to the right can be helpful to determine how far away newly not disrupt your foundation or your roof as they grow. While it will be planted trees should be from these lines before making any final design five to 10 years before a newly planted tree will begin providing shade decisions to your yard. to your roof, it can start shading windows immediately. Incorporate This column was co-written by Pat Keegan and Amy Wheeless of other plants to provide near-term shade. Shrubs, bushes and vines can Collaborative Efficiency. For more ideas on energy efficient landscaping, quickly shade windows and walls. please visit: www.collaborativeefficiency.com/energytips. Also consider any paved areas around your home and how you can shade them during the summer. Think about walking across your

Plant the right tree in the right place Trees beautify our neighborhoods, and when planted in the right spot, can even help lower energy bills. But the wrong tree in the wrong place can be a hazard – especially to power lines. LARGE TREES

SMALL TREES

40-45 feet from lines Red Maple, Spruce, Lacebark Elm, White Oak, Hemlock, Shagbark Hickory

For more tips on smart tree planting in our community, visit www.ArborDay.org.

Avoid planting anything within 20-30 feet of the power lines.

5 STEPS FOR SAFE DIGGING Working on an outdoor project? Careless digging poses a threat to people, pipelines and underground facilities. Always call 8-1-1 first. Here are five easy steps for safe digging: Source: call811.com

1. NOTIFY Call 8-1-1 or make a request online two to three days before your work begins. The operator will notify the utilities affected by your project.

2. WAIT Wait two to three days for affected utilities to respond to your request. They will send a locator to mark any underground utility lines.

2-3

3. CONFIRM

Confirm that all affected utilities have responded to your request by comparing the marks to the list of utilities the 8-1-1 call center notified.

4. RESPECT Respect the markers provided by the affected utilities. The markers are your guide for the duration of your project.

Spring forward, and set your clocks ahead one hour! Daylight Savings Time begins at 2 a.m. on March 13.

5. DIG CAREFULLY

If you can’t avoid digging near the markers (within 18-24 inches on all sides, depending on state laws), consider moving your project location.

MARCH 2022 | TODAY 11

Enjoy these great recipes from our employees and retirees! TEA CAKES

BLUEBERRY POUND CAKE

Teresa Petty, Receptionist

Betty Armstrong, PEPA Retiree

INGREDIENTS 4 eggs, beaten 4 tsps vanilla 4 cups self-rising flour

1 3/4 cups oil 2 cups sugar

INGREDIENTS 1 box Duncan Hines yellow butter recipe 8 oz cream cheese, softened 1 can drained blueberries

1/2 cup Wesson oil 1 cup chopped nuts 3 eggs

Mix eggs, oil, and vanilla. Then add flour and sugar. Drop by teaspoonful onto cookie sheet. Bake at 325 degrees on the top rack. Bake until edges are brown. Remove from cookie sheet as soon as you take them out of the oven.

Combine everything, excluding blueberries. Then fold blueberries in and add nuts. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes in bundt cake pan.

LEMON POUND CAKE

CHOCOLATE CHESS PIE

Sue Cook, PEPA Retiree INGREDIENTS 1 box yellow cake mix 1 cup sour cream 1/3 cup oil

Glaze (if desired): 1/2 stick softened margarine, 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 2 tsps milk. Drizzle over cooled cake.

Tessie Campbell, Manager of Customer Service 1 pkg Jell-O instant lemon pudding 4 eggs

Mix together and pour into tube pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 55 minutes, or until done.

INGREDIENTS 1 small can evaporated milk 1 1/2 cups sugar 1/2 stick oleo, softened

2 eggs, beaten 2 tbsp cocoa 1 tsp vanilla

Mix all together and pour into unbaked pie shell. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

Crew assisted Northcentral Electric during February ice storms Pontotoc Electric sent a crew to Olive Branch, Mississippi on Feb. 3, 2022, to assist Northcentral Electric Cooperative. The area sustained outages and damage due to an ice storm. Pictured left to right: Apprentice Lineman Jacob Russell, Journeyman Lineman John Ivy, Apprentice Lineman Brandon Jenkins, General Foreman James Elzie, and Meterman/Collector Billy Jack Stewart.

12 TODAY | MARCH 2022

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PAY BILLS or REPORT OUTAGES: 855-2PRVEPA (855-277-8372) COLUMBIA: 601-736-2666 | HATTIESBURG: 601-264-2458 | PURVIS: 601-794-8051 | WIGGINS: 601-928-7277 Member owned. Locally operated. That’s the cooperative difference. • Visit us online at www.PRVEPA.com.

maintains reliability and aesthetics In almost 83 years, Pearl River Valley Electric’s distribution system has grown to meet the demand of over 51,000 members. The system now includes more than 6,000 miles of power lines throughout a 12-county service area. To maintain the integrity of the system and to ensure public safety, PRVEPA runs an extensive right-of-way program. We want members to understand that maintaining right-of-way (ROW) is not an inconvenience, it’s a necessity. Controlling vegetation within our ROW assures safe access for employees when they are troubleshooting outages and repairing downed power lines. Clearing brush and other low-growing vegetation is accomplished

£ ¤

by a combination of trimming and cutting trees, bush-hogging, and herbicide application. We use off-the-shelf, non-restrictive herbicides because they are effective, economical, and environmentally friendly. They are not harmful to humans, pets, or livestock. Managing vegetation in this way also allows native grasses and wild flowers to grow, thereby improving the aesthetics and wildlife habitat along the ROW. The map below shows where contract crews will be clearing trees, removing underbrush, and mowing ROW in the upcoming months. Please visit the technical services category in our help center on our website, www.prvepa.com for a more detailed map.

8 Miles

Pearl River Valley EPA 2022 R.O.W. CLEARING

Bassfield

£ ¤ £ ¤ £ ¤

Legend R.O.W. Area

£ ¤ 587

Sumrall

City Limits

£ ¤ 49

£ ¤ 42

13N

£ ¤ 44

£ ¤ £ ¤ 585

586

Hattiesburg

£ ¤

Columbia

£ ¤

589

§ ¦ ¨ 59

£ ¤ 98

Purvis

£ ¤

£ ¤ 11

£ ¤ 35

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£ ¤ 13

§ ¦ ¨ 59

Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin, USGS, Intermap, Lumberton

Plan landscaping correctly Planting your landscaping properly can ensure that it does not adversely impact Pearl River Valley Electric’s infrastructure. PRVEPA’s system has ROW widths ranging from 30 feet (for most single-phase lines) to 50 feet (for 3-phase lines). When landscaping nears power lines, choose shrubs or small trees and keep them spaced outside of the right-of-way. See chart below for spacing. There are also restrictions about what can be planted around pad-mounted transformers and other underground facilities. Be sure to allow the required clearance shown on the transformer to provide adequate access to equipment.

To be specific, do not plant anything closer than 10 feet from the transformer’s lock side and no closer than 4 feet on the remaining sides. If vegetation is planted within these areas, PRVEPA crews may have to clear enough space to create a safe working environment to perform maintenance operations. Remember, before doing any landscaping in the vicinity of your transformer, you must call 811 (the Mississippi one-call number) at least two working days before breaking ground. By then, all underground utilities can be marked with flags or paint. If you have any questions regarding ROW clearances, maintenance and proper landscaping, please contact your local PRVEPA office.

Plan before Planting

20-30 FEET FROM LINE Flowering Dogwood, Japanese Lilac, Kousa, Dogwood, Ornamental Crabapple, Redbud, Stewartia

30-35 FEET FROM LINE Bradford Pear, Carolina Silverbell, Golden Raintree, Ornamental Cherry Saucer Magnolia, Serviceberry, Sourwood, Winter King Hawthorne

SMALL TREES

MEDIUM TREES

1. NOTIFY

Call 8-1-1 or make a request online two to three days before your work begins. The operator will notify the utilities affected by your project.

2. WAIT

Wait two to three days for affected utilities to respond to your request. They will send a locator to mark any underground utility lines.

2-3

3. CONFIRM Confirm that all affected utilities have responded to your request by comparing the marks to the list of utilities the 8-1-1 call center notified.

40-45 FEET FROM LINE Red Maple, Shagbark Hickory, Lacebark Elm, White Oak, Hemlock, Spruce

LARGE TREES

4. RESPECT

Respect the markers provided by the affected utilities. The markers are your guide for the duration of your project.

5. DIG CAREFULLY

If you can’t avoid digging near the markers (within 18-24 inches on all sides, depending on state laws), consider moving your project location.

Source: call811.com

Applications for Community College Scholars program due August 12, 2022 • Applications are available at PRVEPA offices and at www.prvepa.com. • Completed applications must be postmarked or emailed by August 12. • Scholarship recipients must be a PRVEPA member, spouse or child of a member participating in the Round Up program.

• Recipients must be full time (12 hours or more per semester) freshmen students enrolled in academic or career-technical programs.

• Scholarship funds will be credited to each student’s college account — no checks will be issued to individuals.

• Scholarships should be awarded by the end of September. Students must be enrolled in good standing at the time funds are released to the colleges. Funded by members who are rounding up their monthly bills, these scholarships are intended to assist students who will attend a Mississippi community college as a freshman this fall.

More information is available at www.prvepa.com. MARCH 2022 | TODAY 11

BRINGING THE POWER WWW. SOU THE RNP IN E.COOP | P.O. BOX 60 | 1349 1 H WY. 28 | TAYLO R SVIL L E, MS 39 168 | 800.231 .524 0

Help Us Bring the Power of Communication At Southern Pine, we always strive to improve our operational efficiency to provide the most reliable electric service possible for our members. We rely on data for nearly every aspect of our operations, which is why we need your help. Accurate information enables us to improve member 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. By ensuring we have your most accurate and complete contact information, we can continue to provide the high level of service you expect and deserve. Up-to-date contact information can sometimes speed up power restoration during an outage. For example, the phone number you provide links your service address to our outage management system. So, when you call or text 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 must occasionally plan outages to update, repair or replace equipment. We can provide advance notice when we have a scheduled outage if we have your current information. Many of you are long-time members, and, likely, your account information hasn’t been updated for some time. With most members using cell phones these days, we need your cell phone numbers to send and receive outage information by text. At Southern Pine, we know your privacy is important, and we will never share this information with any third parties. Please take a moment to review your contact information, and if it needs to be updated, visit www.southernpine.coop or contact a member service representative at 800-231-5240. By doing so, you will be helping us improve service and efficiency for you and all members of Southern Pine.

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DID YOU GET OUR TEXT? If not, text JOIN to 1-800-231-5240.

We are excited to offer this new service, which will be the easiest and fastest way to report outages when they occur. We encourage you to visit the link below to find out more about the new service and how it can work for you. www.southernpine.coop/howtouse

WWW.SOUTHERNPINE.COOP | 1-800-231-5240

by Chris K. Rhodes President/CEO Southern Pine Electric

Teaching Future Generations Electrical Safety At Southern Pine, safety is always our priority and that doesn’t end with our employees and members. Safety for our future generations of employees is crucial. That’s why Safety Coordinator Jamie Arender travels around our service area conducting safety demonstrations to children and young adults. Whether future linemen, like this group from Covington County Vocational-Technical Center, or

future members, our goal is always to help keep them safe. These young men may work for Southern Pine, another cooperative, or another electric provider, and wherever they go we want them to know that Southern Pine wants them to always work safely. For more information about safety demonstrations, please email jarender@southernpine.coop.

CREATED WITH YOU IN MIND Check out our new website design at www.southernpine.coop and see for yourself! You were first on our minds when creating the new, member-friendly design. The site is loaded with features to make your experience as quick and easy as possible, while ensuring that important member information is easily accessible. As always, we value your opinion, so let us know what you think at voice@southernpine.coop.

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Southern Pine Participates in Cooperative Day of Service Southern Pine Electric employees honored the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by participating in Cooperative Day of Service on Friday, Jan. 14. Over 50 employees volunteered to assist Piney Woods School, Keep Simpson County Beautiful, Southern Pines Animal Shelter, area nursing homes, and Hope Recovery in Magee. At Piney Woods School, employees pulled up a tile floor, installed new toilets, installed a new water heater, and completed general cleaning projects. They also worked with the students to clean up the rock garden. The Hope Recovery team completed demo work, hauling, installation, and painting projects. Several others worked with Keep Simpson County Beautiful to clean up and beautify the area by planting bulbs along the roadway.

The employees of Southern Pine also collected pet food and supplies ahead of Cooperative Day of Service, and a team of employees delivered the supplies to Southern Pine Animal Shelter in Hattiesburg. Finally, several employees delivered socks and personal care items to area nursing homes. “Cooperative Day of Service, honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., serves as a reminder that we should all do all we can to help our communities, and we’re honored to be a part of this day,” said Chris K. Rhodes, president and CEO of Southern Pine Electric. “Our employees are accustomed to serving others and always jump at the chance to help. They’ve certainly made a tremendous impact today.”

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Step Up and Help Build Our Future

by Jalen Derricks Southern Pine student ambassador Going through life, we hear people talk about tomorrow. We hear about and see people planning the future. But what is the future? The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines future as something “that is to be” or “of, relating to, or constituting a verb tense expressive of time yet to come.” So, what does the future hold and what will it look like many years The future holds the lives down the line? While no one truly of our younger and future knows the answer to this, some generations. What is done people think they have an idea. Some people have dreams of what today impacts our future. it will look like, some people have doubts, and some people have hope. Many people put a lot of thought into the future, but how many are working towards a bright future? The future holds the lives of our younger and future generations. What is done today impacts our future. It is time that we get involved in businesses and industries that affect us. This is especially important in our co-ops because they serve us, the member-owners, and we have a voice. The decisions they make in today’s time will affect our lives later. So, to my generation, let’s start now in building OUR future. So again, let’s step up, use our voices, get involved, and build OUR future.

About Jalen Derricks Jalen, Southern Pine’s 2022 Student Ambassador, works closely with the Southern Pine communications team and will represent Southern Pine at community events throughout the Southern Pine territory. In addition, he assists with a variety of communications projects, including web design, social media management, writing and editing, and graphic design. A junior at Scott Central High School in Forest, Jalen plans to major in journalism in college. He has a strong interest in creating and has his own business where he designs and makes various promotional products. Jalen also designs and edits websites and has experience in photography and videography. Jalen is also the junior class president at Scott Central, serves as yearbook photographer and editor, is band president, and is active in several other organizations. He is the son of Chris and Syreeta Derricks of Forest.

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Here are three interesting facts about electricity that cause even some experts to scratch and shake their heads.

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Services to Make Your Life Easier My Power There are not many options that offer you the ability to save money these days. However, Southern Pine’s My Power provides you with the tools to make wise, energy-efficient decisions that will impact your power bill. My Power gives you the opportunity to view your billing history, daily kilowatt-hour use, and past bills. In addition, My Power makes it easy to report outages, pay your bill, and sign up for paperless billing. To sign up for My Power, visit southernpine.coop and click on the My Power icon on the home page. You will need your Southern Pine account number and the service address. Once you enter the information and complete the process, you will receive an email with a link to continue the registration process and choose a password. Please check your spam and junk mail folders. If you do not receive an email, please contact us at 1-800-231-5240 or info@southernpine.coop.

Automatic Bank Draft Payments Southern Pine Electric’s Bank Draft program is the most convenient way to pay your power bill and it gives you the security of knowing your power bill will be paid on time. There are many benefits to the program.

Automatic Bank Draft Payments

• Receive a $25 bill credit the first time you sign up for bank draft. • Avoid late fees — By using bank draft, you don’t have to worry about remembering to pay your bill. • No more stamps — Eliminate postage costs and save time by never having to mail a payment. • Keep your money longer — The bank draft program allows money to stay in your checking account until midnight on the final due date. This allows your money to work for you longer, and it provides plenty of time to make those last-minute deposits.

Levelized Payment Plan

Levelized Payment Plan The levelized payment plan is a service for residential members that allows payments of approximately the same amount on your electric bill each month. With this plan, the amount you pay each month is based on an average of your actual monthly consumption for a one-year period. To qualify you must meet the following criteria: • Residential member or tax-free status • Meter must have at least 12 months of billing history at current place of residence with no tampering, no disconnects, and no returned checks during that time • The account must be current The levelized amounts must be paid prior to the delinquent date to avoid removal from the plan. Accounts removed from this plan may re-enroll only after 12 months of good payment history. Members are responsible for all amounts due when their participation in the program ends.

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Adams • Amite • Claiborne • Copiah • Franklin Hinds • Jefferson • Lincoln • Wilkinson Southwest Electric is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

P.O. Box 5 • 18671 Highway 61 • Lorman, MS 39096 | 601-437-3611 | 800-287-8564 | Fax: 601-437-8736 | Email: info@swepa.coop southwestelectric.coop

Southwest Electric

SWElectricCoop

sw_electric_coop

Southwest Electric

Springtime is the season for thunderstorms and tornadoes. Thunderstorms can appear quickly without warning often spurring tornadoes, especially in the afternoon and evening hours. It’s important to always be prepared and know how to react before, during and after a storm. Being storm ready can save your life.

Powering Up After an Outage When a major storm or natural disaster causes widespread damage, extended outages may result. Our line crews work long, hard hours to restore service safely to the greatest number of Members in the shortest time possible. Here’s the process we follow for every outage, small or large:

BEFORE Every family needs an emergency plan that explains what to do, where to go and what you will need to protect yourself. If it’s available, go ahead and sign up for your community warning system. The Emergency Alert System and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration provide emergency alerts. Make sure you have a radio, preferably an emergency weather radio, and fresh batteries. Identify nearby, sturdy buildings close to where you live, work or play. Make sure that limbs or trees are cut or trimmed away from your home to prevent them from falling and causing damage.

1. High-Voltage Transmission Lines: Transmission lines that supply power to substations rarely fail. But when damaged, they must be repaired before other parts of the system can operate.

2. Distribution Substation:

A substation can serve hundreds or thousands of Members. Line crews inspect substations to determine if problems stem from transmission lines feeding into the substation or the substation itself.

3. Three-Phase Lines:

DURING If you are outside and hear thunder, go indoors immediately. Listen to the weather alerts and be prepared to make changes in your emergency plan to adapt to the current situation. Unplug your appliances and any electronic devices to protect them from electrical current. Avoid using running water or landline telephones as electricity could pass through plumbing and phone lines.

AFTER

The next thing we check are three-phase lines, often called circuits. These lines carry power to large groups of Members.

4. Single-Phase Lines: If outages persist after all three-phase lines in the area are repaired, then singephase lines are inspected. These lines run along side streets and smaller roads.

5. Tap or Service Lines: If your home remains without power, the tap line between a transformer and your home may need to be repaired.

Listen to your weather radio and reports from local authorities to determine if it is safe to go outside. Once outside, always be aware of your surroundings and avoid downed power lines and fallen trees. Following these simple tips could save you or your loved one’s life.

POWER OUTAGES If a storm causes a power outage, please report it us by using our SmartHub app or calling 800-287-8564. Power restoration always follows the same process. A lineworker is sent to assess the situation and report the issue back to the dispatcher. Sometimes the lineworker can fix the issue and restore power. On other occasions, a crew will be needed to replace a cross-arm or pole. In every situation, we will work as quickly and as safely as possible to restore power.

For up-to-date weather and emergency information, follow these accounts on Facebook and Twitter: • Federal Emergency Management Agency • Mississippi Emergency Management Agency • NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center

10 TODAY | MARCH 2022

• US National Weather Service Jackson MS • US National Weather Service New Orleans LA

Southwest Electric Works to Increase Reliability Southwest Electric has been aggressively side-trimming its rights-of-way for years. Side-trimming is where we cut limbs back that have grown into the right-of-way. We have a six-year rotation of our 17 substations. We side-trim two to three substation areas each year. That’s an average of over 600 miles a year. In 2021, contract crews side-trimmed the Loyd Star and Lorman areas totaling 679 miles and are finishing them up now. In 2022, contract crews have started side-trimming the Woodville and Crosby areas, covering 760 miles of right-of-way. You will see contract crews use all sorts of equipment, such as Jaraffs, bucket trucks, skid steers, tractors, chippers, chainsaws and pole saws. Southwest Electric also has eight full-time employees that focus on hazard trees, Member inquiries and new construction. If you see crews in your area, know that they are helping Southwest Electric maintain lines in order to increase reliability for our Members.

Don’t forget to spring forward! Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 a.m. on March 13.

Clean dust and lint from your refrigerator coils and dryer vent to help save money on your energy bill!

BRIAN HUGHEY

Bringing power and energy services to local communities For more information, call 601-947-4211 or 228-497-1313. www.singingriver.com

Public Relations Specialist

LORRI FREEMAN, APR

STEPHANIE CHISHOLM

Manager of Public Relations

@SRECooperative

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR CEO

Planning for future growth and reliable service

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Public Relations Assistant

SRE is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

@singingriverelectric

Planning for improvements and additions to Singing River Electric’s distribution system is essential for maintaining reliable electric service to our members. The planning process, led by our engineering team, Brian Hughey begins years in advance to General Manager & CEO ensure our electric system is ready to handle expected load growth and future extreme temperatures. The development of a Construction Work Plan is an integral part of this process as it provides a roadmap to assuring the highest level of member service. Planning begins five to six years in advance as our engineers evaluate our existing electrical system. Each year our construction crews implement the plan by safely replacing undersized lines, upgrading transformers, and building new substations. Some ongoing examples of this work include: construction of the Cumbest Bluff substation in Jackson County, single-phase to three-phase line upgrades along River Road in George County, and multiple line upgrades in various parts of Greene County. In addition to the Construction Work Plan, Singing River Electric must maintain an aggressive right-of-way clearing schedule to successfully fulfill our obligations to you, our members. Clearing and re-clearing the right-ofway around our power lines enhances service reliability and assures safety for our members, wildlife, and the general public. The re-clearing of trees, limbs, and underbrush along our more than 7,000 miles of power lines occurs every four to five years. Recently, we have taken another step to improve reliability to our members as our

AMANDA PARKER

General Manager & CEO

team of employees and contractors began installing a SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) system. This extensive project requires the use of fiberoptic cable installed along our distribution system to provide real-time information from SRE’s 44 electric substations to our three offices. We anticipate communications with our substations will begin over the next few months. This system-wide project is being done in conjunction with our fiber-to-the-home internet pilot project. Speaking of our pilot project, we have received great reviews from those participating. Many subscribers within these underserved areas of our system are thrilled to have a level of high-speed internet service never experienced prior to this project. We need continued participation from those within the pilot areas in order for your cooperative to move beyond these areas. The take-rate of this service is being closely monitored and shared with our board of directors, as a decision on expansion is expected to come soon. With careful planning and skilled employees, Singing River Electric remains committed to providing our members with the most reliable electric service at the most economical cost.

@singingriverelectric

Energy Tips

Gabe Robbins

Energy Services Representative robbins@singingriver.com

Check the efficiency of your HVAC system As we start moving toward spring temperatures, now is the time to have your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system serviced to ensure maximum efficiency. Dirty coils, clogged drain lines, and insufficient amounts of refrigerant can cause issues for the operating efficiency of your unit. Neglecting necessary maintenance ensures a steady decline in air conditioning performance while energy use steadily increases. Units that are not properly maintained can cause significant increases in summer power bills or create a scenario where the unit stops working completely. A quick and effortless way to check the efficiency of your unit is to measure the temperature difference between the supply duct (usually in the ceiling or on the floor closest to your AC unit) and the temperature at the air grill (located beneath the indoor unit). On a typical spring day, there should be a temperature difference of around 15-18 degrees between the two. If temperature is below this threshold, the unit is likely not working properly and needs attention.

SRE celebrates Arbor Day Mississippi’s Arbor Day celebrated annually in February

rbor Day is celebrated a little earlier Greer emphasizes the importance of knowing in the year in the Magnolia State. where to plant trees, not just when. Always look up Singing River Electric Right-of-Way when planting a tree and consider the full height of Coordinator Nick Greer celebrated a tree when planting. This consideration for electric the state holiday on February 11th safety will ensure the tree retains its full space to by gifting live oaks to the City of grow safely in a community. Pascagoula for I.G. Levy Park and decorative trees to “It’s my job to make a difference one tree at the City of Leakesville. He also spoke to attendees at a time, whether that is overseeing right-of-way the Lucedale Arbor Day event that crews that trim trees in our SRE helped sponsor. communities for safety or It’s my job to make a Mississippi has celebrated Arbor giving back and donating trees diﬀerence one tree at Day in February since 1926. This to impact local conservation,” a time, whether that is is due to our state’s late winter said Greer. overseeing right-of-way and that being the best time to plant trees in our region. Planting crews that trim trees in February greatly increases the in our communities for For more information, survival rate of the young trees safety or giving back and and allows them to establish visit singingriver.com. donating trees to impact a good root system before the heat of summer. local conservation

Top Leftt: SRE’s Nick Greer discusses the importance of electric safety considerations when planting trees with Lucedale’s Arbor Day celebration attendees. The event also included a student art show, speakers from the Mississippi State Extension office and tree giveaways. Left: SRE Right-of-way Coordinator Nick Greer donates live oaks to City of Pascagoula Parks and Recreation Beautification Supervisor Eric Heidelberg to plant at I.G. Levy Park. Right: Right-of-way Coordinator Nick Greer (far right) talks to Town of Leakesville Public Works Superintendent James Radcliff (far left) and Leakesville Mayor David West about best locations for tree planting.

MARCH 2022 | TODAY 11

It’s Your Turn, Brewer and Vestry! Call today to schedule your install of fiber internet! 877-272-6611 Signing up in the Highway 57 North and Lake O Pines areas of Vestry and the Brewer community inside and outside the National Forest Service lands.

SR Connect is signing up fiber subscribers in two of our three pilot areas. Residents of the Brewer community (Cochran Road, Camp 8 Road and Union Road) both inside and outside of the National Forest Service lands and Lake O Pines and Highway 57 North in the Vestry community are asked to call 877-272-6611 TODAY! We have fast speeds up to 1 gigabyte and prices as low as $59.95 per month. Don’t wait. This is lightningfast fiber internet with no buffering, no data caps and no hidden fees. Our symmetrical service means you can upload as fast as you download ensuring your telehealth visits, work or school from home and gaming are all you expect them to be.

Our current fiber subscribers describe the service as the best internet ever and the price is great! Another stated this has been the best thing ever! Customer service is awesome! They are always helpful and friendly. And finally another SR Connect fiber subscriber stated that y’all are going to love it! It is worth the wait!

Y’all are going to love it! Worth the wait!

Fiber Service and Construction Update

SR Connect Fiber Facts

PILOT PROJECT 1 Brewer Substation Area All areas (Union, Cochran and Camp 8 Roads) are open for fiber sign ups.

• 530 SRE electric poles have been changed out to accommodate fiber service construction.

PILOT PROJECT 2

• 336 miles of fiber have been constructed.

Aleco Substation Area (Vestry Community) Highway 57 North and Lake O Pines areas are open for fiber sign ups.

PILOT PROJECT 3 Agricola Substation Area Highway 613 North is in the splicing stage and nearing signups. We anticipate signing up in this area in mid-March. The Movella area is still in fiber construction.

• As of mid-February, nearly 50% of the Brewer pilot potential subscribers had called to sign up for SR Connect service. • About 180 miles of backbone* fiber has been constructed. Each fiber cable along the backbone fiber project contains 144 strands of fiber. If each individual strand of fiber was laid end-to-end, it would equal over 21,000 miles of fiber.

* distribution ring and main line fiber to

PILOT AREA #1

PILOT AREA #2

PILOT AREA #3

pilot areas

Mississippi wildlife rescue allows eagles to soar SRE NHN Grant beneﬁts Wild at Heart Rescue

Annual Meeting Notice DATE: Thursday, June 30, 2022

TIME:

NHN

Community Grants

Neighbors Helping Neighbors (NHN) Community Grants help Singing River Electric merge efforts with the hard work of those within our communities. Since the program’s inception in 2001, $324,641.22 has been awarded to local non-profits in local communities.

Specializing in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of indigenous Mississippi wildlife, Wild at Heart Rescue will once again help eagles soar. “Hurricane Zeta destroyed 35 of our wildlife enclosers used to rehabilitate injured, ill, or orphaned bird of prey,” explains Missy Dubuisson, Wild at Heart Rescue founder and director. The $2,500 grant was used to rebuild the bird sanctuary – the only rescue in Mississippi that has an eagle flight enclosure. These 100 feet long, 16 feet high enclosures allow the rescued birds to gain flight strength during the healing process. Patrick Walker, Wild at Heart president, designed and built the new enclosures. The enclosures will house up to 1,500 recovered wildlife. The wildlife rescuing couple founded the notfor-profit charitable organization in 2012. For more information, visit facebook.com/WildatHeartRescue.

For more information on SRE NHN Community Grants and how to apply, visit singingriver.com/my-community. Grants for up to $2,500 are awarded to nonprofits in SRE’s service area three times a year in January, May, and September.

Registration - 5 p.m. Meeting - 6 p.m.

LOCATION: SRE office, Lucedale Meeting will include co-op business and director elections

Mississippi Youth Leaders

Our Youth Leadership Program and Youth Tour of Washington, D.C., have been temporarily on hold due to the pandemic. They will happen in person this year. Three local high school juniors have been chosen to represent Singing River Electric and will travel this month to our state capital and meet with their state legislators. Watch for photos in the April 2022 magazine issue.

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Using the to save energy Did you know the time of day you use energy can impact electricity rates? Think of times of high energy demand like rush hour traffic. These are times when a lot of people in our community are using electricity — whether getting ready for work, which involves showering and making breakfast, or coming home in the evening to cook dinner, wash clothes, bath the kids or wash dishes. During these times of high energy use, your electric cooperative strives to ensure there is enough electricity available to meet the needs of all consumermembers. This often results in buying energy at higher costs (because of higher overall demand) as well as ensuring that grid infrastructure can deliver enough electricity when use is highest. This is especially true when extreme winter or summer weather Adjusting the thermostat is one of the easiest pushes energy use ways to save energy at home. even higher. There are several ways consumers can help lower energy demand by thoughtfully timing energy-intensive activities at home. Peak energy hours are typically in the morning and in the evening after people return from work and school. Weekends and holidays are typically considered off-peak. Lowering your energy use during peak times allows your co-op to save money on peak demand fuel costs, ultimately saving consumer-members money by keeping rates lower. Timing energy use to avoid “rush hour” is a great way to keep costs down and practice better efficiency habits.

10 TODAY | MARCH 2022

By shifting energy-intensive chores like laundry to off-peak hours, you can help keep electricity rates lower.

Grill outdoors during summer. Consider grilling outdoors to keep the oven off during peak heat days..

Here are three interesting facts about electricity that cause even some experts to scratch and shake their heads.

MARCH 2022 | TODAY 11

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VISIT US ONLINE @ WWW.YAZOOVALLEY.COM

Using the to save energy Did you know the time of day you use energy can impact electricity rates? Think of times of high energy demand like rush hour traffic. These are times when a lot of people in our community are using electricity — whether getting ready for work, which involves showering and making breakfast, or coming home in the evening to cook dinner, wash clothes, bath the kids or wash dishes. During these times of high energy use, your electric cooperative strives to ensure there is enough electricity available to meet the needs of all consumermembers. This often results in buying energy at higher costs (because of higher overall demand) as well as ensuring that grid infrastructure can deliver enough electricity when use is highest. This is especially true when extreme winter or summer weather Adjusting the thermostat is one of the easiest pushes energy use ways to save energy at home. even higher. There are several ways consumers can help lower energy demand by thoughtfully timing energy-intensive activities at home. Peak energy hours are typically in the morning and in the evening after people return from work and school. Weekends and holidays are typically considered off-peak. Lowering your energy use during peak times allows your co-op to save money on peak demand fuel costs, ultimately saving consumer-members money by keeping rates lower. Timing energy use to avoid “rush hour” is a great way to keep costs down and practice better efficiency habits.

10 TODAY | MARCH 2022

By shifting energy-intensive chores like laundry to off-peak hours, you can help keep electricity rates lower.

Grill outdoors during summer. Consider grilling outdoors to keep the oven off during peak heat days..

Here are three interesting facts about electricity that cause even some experts to scratch and shake their heads.

MARCH 2022 | TODAY 11

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