Today in Mississippi August 2022 Local Pages by American MainStreet Publications

FOR MEMBERS OF ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OF MISSISSIPPI

Teacher of the Year CHASING STORMS

AUGUST 2022

BLEEDING MAROON

AND WHITE

COMFORT

CASSEROLES

“Improving the quality of life for all those we touch.” BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Mike Banks, President • Marty Crowder, Vice President Bruff Sanders, Secretary/Treasurer • Bill Bell • John E. “Jay” Gilliland Jr. • Johnny Johnson • Kenneth Seitz

Avoid distractions while driving Some temptations are hard to resist. For me, it can be especially challenging to turn down a bowl of ice cream. While driving, we typically hear that “ding” on our phone, alerting us to a text or call coming through, and we sometimes feel the urgent need to check it. We know we shouldn’t, but we reason that we’re going to make an exception — just this once. So, why do we indulge in behavior we know to be wrong, dangerous and in many states, illegal? Call it hubris. According to AAA research, most people feel they are better-than-average drivers. Afterall, we have busy lives and are accustomed to multitasking. But mounds of research and thousands of deaths every year prove otherwise. August is Back to School Safety Month. As a new school year begins with young drivers and school buses back on the road, I thought it would be a good time to remind folks, including myself, of the dangers of distracted driving. The reality is that using a phone while driving creates enormous potential for injuries and fatalities. Distractions take a motorist’s attention off driving, which can make a driver miss critical events, objects, and cues, potentially leading to a crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one of every 10 fatal crashes in the U.S. involves distracted driving, resulting in more than 3,000 deaths annually. I find this statistic heartbreaking considering so many of these accidents could easily be avoided if we’d simply put down our phones while driving.

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HERE’S AN IDEA

Get grounded with GFCI outlets

Distracted driving is considered any activity that diverts our attention, including texting or talking on the phone, and adjusting the navigation or entertainment system. Texting is by far one of the most dangerous distractions. Sending or reading one text takes your eyes off the road for an average of five seconds. At 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed. In addition to refraining from texting while driving, we can help keep the roads safe by moving over for first responders and other emergency vehicles. Additionally, if you see utility crews conducting work near the roadside, I’d encourage you to move over when possible and give them extra space to perform their work safely. At 4-County Electric Power Association, safety is foremost in everything we do — for our employees and the members of the communities we serve. We routinely remind our crews of the dangers of distracted driving, and we hope you’ll have similar conversations with your teens who may be new to the roadways and are especially susceptible to the lure of technology. Let’s work together to keep everyone safe on the roads. Remember: that text can wait and waiting just might save a life.

by Brian Clark CEO/General Manager

Did you know there are different types of electrical outlets? Each are designed for different purposes; however, there is one specific type that stands high above the rest — the ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet. GFCIs have saved thousands of lives and cut the number of electrocutions in half since the 1970s. If your home lacks GFCI outlets, don’t fret — you can learn how to “get grounded.” GFCIs are the most efficient outlet in protecting from electrical shock. If it senses a loss of current, the outlet switches off power to that circuit. These devices can either be installed in your electrical system or built into a power cord. A GFCI can react faster than a blink of an eye to any imbalance of power by immediately shutting off the electrical current. GFCIs are not exclusive to three-prong outlets. They can be installed into standard outlets, and there are even portable devices available when installation is not practical. GFCIs should be tested at least once a month to ensure they are working effectively. The first step you need to take is to test an item, such as a lamp, that visibly powers on when plugged in. Push the “reset” button to prepare the outlet then push the “test” button. Did your lamp turn off? If it did, the GFCI is working properly. Now, hit the “reset” button once again to power it back on. If your lamp did not power off, then you should contact a certified electrician to correct the problem.

Peace mind important piece of equipment

Stephen Young is no stranger to danger. The former Marine and current longtime Clay County deputy sheriff knows the threat is part of the job. But if you want to effectively serve and protect your community, he explained, those trained to do so should be prepared to respond. Young is a member of the Clay County Sheriff’s Department 10-man Special Response Team (SRT). He and other team members don’t take their responsibilities lightly. “We all know the dangers.” Prior to SRT missions, Young and other SRT members send “I Love You” texts to their wives. Without knowing any details, the wives know their husbands are entering into dangerous situations. A $10,000 grant from the 4-County Foundation makes those texts a little easier to complete and send. The funds were used to purchase new helmets and communication equipment. “All the way around, this upgrade in equipment gives us greater peace of mind — for us and our wives,” Young stressed. Clay County Sheriff Eddie Scott said the new equipment helps protect SRT members and assists them in keeping the

community safe. “You can give them all the training in the world,” Scott added, “but if they don’t have the proper equipment, they can’t be as effective.” Now, he said, they have the right equipment for the job. “Our partnership with 4-County has always been a good one. They’ve always shown their support to first responders,” Scott said. We all have different needs, and the 4-County Foundation has been integral in helping protect our deputies.” 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.

AUGUST 2022 | TODAY 15

A group of 63 rising high school seniors from all over Mississippi traveled to Washington, D.C. in June to attend the 2022 NRECA Youth Tour. The trip was the culmination of the students’ participation in the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi’s Youth Leadership program. The program instills leadership skills, inspires creative thinking, encourages community service, and introduces students to lawmakers that represent their communities. During the program workshop in Jackson in March, the students had the opportunity to meet and hear from state legislators. During

16 TODAY | AUGUST 2022

the trip to Washington, D.C., the students met and spoke with their U.S. senators — Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith. While in Washington, D.C., the students and adult chaperones visited historic sites, monuments, and museums, explored Capitol Hill, and had an opportunity to learn about the impact electric cooperatives have on their communities. The students were chosen by their hometown electric cooperatives. The Youth Leadership Program is fully funded — including the trip to D.C. — by the local electric cooperatives as a commitment to molding future leaders for Mississippi and the state’s local communities.

D A. (From left to right) 4-County Electric Youth Tour students Cole Monahan, Logan Williams, Luke Fisher, and Jack Brown at The Albert Einstein Memorial, a bronze sculpture, in Washington, D.C. B. Jack Brown, Cole Monahan, Luke Fisher, and Logan Williams pose for a photo in front of the Iwo Jima Memorial at The U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial. C. The students stand in front of the White House during their D.C. trip. D. The 4-County Electric Youth Tour students take a photo at the U.S. Capitol. AUGUST 2022 | TODAY 17

Energy efficiency tip of the month An easy way to save energy is to seal air leaks and holes where plumbing pipes run through walls in your home. You can also check wall-mounted cabinets for plumbing holes or air gaps in the back. Fill any holes or gaps with spray foam. Wear protective gloves and use a damp rag for cleanup.

Farm workers urged to

Reap Safely

It can be an exciting and exhausting time, the culmination of a season of hard work. However, the rush to harvest can also yield tragic outcomes. Each year, dozens of farm workers are killed, and hundreds are injured in accidents involving power lines and electrical equipment. Review with all workers the farm activities that take place around power lines, stressed 4-County Job Safety & Training Coordinator Joe Miller. “Inspect the height of farm equipment to determine clearance. Keep equipment at least 10 feet away from power lines — above, below, and to the side — a 360-degree rule,” Miller advises. Also, be aware of FASTnet fiber lines, he added.

Joe Miller

Farm workers should take these steps to ensure a safer harvest season: • Use care when raising augers or the bed of grain trucks around power lines. • Use a spotter when operating large machinery near power lines. Do not let the

spotter touch the machinery while it is being moved anywhere near power lines. • As with any outdoor work, be careful not to raise any equipment such as

ladders, poles, or rods into power lines. Remember, non-metallic materials such as lumber, tree limbs, ropes, and hay will conduct electricity depending on dampness, dust, and dirt contamination. • Never attempt to raise or move a power line to clear a path. • Don’t use metal poles to break up bridged grain inside bins. Know where and

how to shut off the power in an emergency. • Use qualified electricians for work on drying equipment and other farm

electrical systems.

Source: Dept. of Energy

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Operators of farm equipment or vehicles must also know what to do if the vehicles come in contact with a power line: stay on the equipment, warn others to stay away and call 911. Do not get off the equipment until the utility crew says it is safe to do so. “If the power line is energized and you step outside, touching the vehicle and ground, your body becomes the path and electrocution is the result,” Miller said. If this is the case, jump off the equipment with your feet together, without touching the ground and vehicle at the same time. Then, keeping your feet together, hop to safety as you leave the area. Once you get away from the equipment, never attempt to get back on or even touch the equipment. Some electrocutions have occurred after the operator dismounts and, realizing nothing has happened, tries to get back on the equipment. For more information on farm electrical safety, visit SafeElectricity.org.

TVA fuel cost adjustment rises 4-County Electric Power Association members may experience higher than normal bills this summer as the Tennessee Valley Authority’s (TVA) Fuel Cost Adjustment charge remains up, primarily due to higher natural gas prices. “As compared to last summer’s bills, we calculate the impact of the higher TVA charges to mean an average monthly increase of about $45 for residential members,” 4-County CFO Curtis Neyman announced. “If you consume more than an average amount to electricity, that amount will be higher; and if you consume less than average, it will be less. The FCA is a direct pass-through, meaning that every cent we collect for this goes straight to TVA. We know this will impact our members. We have programs to help.” TVA uses the FCA to help manage fluctuations in the costs of fuels it uses to generate electricity and to purchase extra power when needed. All money collected through the FCA goes to TVA to purchase natural gas and other fuels. The FCA has been steady for several years, but with global supply and inflation issues, the FCA has been higher the last several months. “The increased price of natural gas is the biggest culprit,” Neyman said. “TVA generates about 25% of its electricity by burning natural gas. Prices for natural gas have tripled in many areas around the world.” Minus the fuel cost adjustment, 4-County’s energy charge has not increased in the last five years. In fact, 4-County absorbed a 2016 TVA rate increase. “All electric companies are seeing these issues from their suppliers,” Neyman said. “Despite facing inflationary pressures, I’m proud to report our electric rates are even more competitive when compared to others, and we intend to keep it that way.”

The increased price of natural gas is the biggest culprit.

Two join co-op team Two new employees have joined the 4-County Electric Power Association/FASTnet team. Landon Stapleton of Brooksville has joined 4-County as an Apprentice Lineman 4. He will work on Kyle Elam’s Starkville Customer Service Center crew. Landon comes to 4-County after a two-year stint at East Mississippi Pole Mill. He is a graduate of East Mississippi Community College’s Lineman Program. In his spare time, he enjoys hunting and fishing. Tre Robinson of Starkville has joined FASTnet as a Fiber Install Technician. Prior to FASTnet, Tre worked eight years as a wire technician and in sales for AT&T. He also had a brief stint with 3M Company in Guin, Alabama. He is a graduate of East Mississippi Community College’s Electronics Technology and Automotive Control Technology Program. Tre and his wife, Jessica, attend Greater Ebeneezer Baptist Church in Starkville. In his spare time, Tre enjoys sitting on the back porch, riding four-wheelers, shooting basketball, and grilling. Welcome to the 4-County/FASTnet team!

Tre Robinson

Landon Stapleton

AUGUST 2022 | TODAY 19

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

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D A. (From left to right) Central Electric Youth Tour students Hayden Coates, Cailee Bracewell, and Sydnee Killen at The Albert Einstein Memorial, a bronze sculpture, in Washington, D.C. B. Cailee Bracewell, Hayden Coates, and Sydnee Killen pose for a photo in front of the Iwo Jima Memorial at The U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial. C. The students stand in front of the White House during their D.C. trip. D. The Central Electric Youth Tour students take a photo at the U.S. Capitol. AUGUST 2022 | TODAY 15

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

Avoid distractions while driving Some temptations are hard to resist. While driving, we typically hear that “ding” on our phone, alerting us to a text or call coming through, and we sometimes feel the urgent need to check it. We know we shouldn’t, but we reason that we’re going to make an exception — just this once. So, why do we indulge in behavior we know to be wrong, dangerous and in many states, illegal? Call it hubris. According to AAA research, The reality is that using a most people feel they are phone while driving creates better-than-average drivers. Afterall, we have busy lives enormous potential for and are accustomed to injuries and fatalities. multitasking. But mounds of research and thousands of deaths every year prove otherwise. August is Back to School Safety Month. As a new school year begins with young drivers and school buses back on the road, I thought it would be a good time to remind folks, including myself, of the dangers of distracted driving. The reality is that using a phone while driving creates enormous potential for injuries and fatalities. Distractions take a motorist’s attention off driving, which can make a driver miss critical events, objects and cues, potentially leading to a crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one of every 10 fatal crashes in the U.S. involves distracted driving, resulting in more than 3,000 deaths annually. I find this statistic heartbreaking considering so many of these accidents could easily be avoided if we’d simply put down our phones while driving. Distracted driving is considered any activity that diverts our attention, including texting or talking on the phone, and adjusting the navigation or entertainment system. Texting is by far one of the most dangerous distractions. Sending or reading one text takes your eyes off the road for an average of five seconds. At 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed. In addition to refraining from texting while driving, we can help keep the roads safe by moving over for first responders and other emergency vehicles. Additionally, if you see utility crews conducting

14 TODAY | AUGUST 2022

work near the roadside, I’d encourage you to move over when possible and give them extra space to perform their work safely. At Coahoma Electric Power Association, safety is foremost in everything we do — for our employees and the members of the communities we serve. We routinely remind our crews of the dangers of distracted driving, and we hope you’ll have similar conversations with your teens who may be new to the roadways and are especially susceptible to the lure of technology. Let’s work together to keep everyone safe on the roads. Remember: that text can wait and waiting just might save a life.

by W. Keith Hurt General Manager

Smart thermostats are easy to program, can learn your preferences and set a schedule that automatically adjusts the temperature.

by Miranda Boutelle Heating and cooling account for about half the energy used in a typical home, so it’s a great place to use less energy. When used wisely, your thermostat can help reduce wasted energy. Here’s some information on thermostat types, common operational misconceptions, and best practices you can start today.

Types of thermostats

Misconceptions about thermostats

Mechanical thermostats are easy to control by adjusting a dial or sliding switch. The downfall is you must make temperature adjustments manually, which is easy to forget. They are inefficient because they typically heat or cool the home beyond the set point. If your cooling is set to 72 degrees, a mechanical thermostat may actually cool your home to 70 degrees before it turns off, wasting energy. Then it might not come on again until the home reaches 74 degrees. That four-degree temperature change is noticeable and can lead people to adjust the thermostat setting down even more, which wastes more energy. Also, some mechanical thermostats contain mercury. You can determine that by removing the front plate and looking for small glass bulbs. If your thermostat contains mercury, replace it and find a way to properly recycle it. Digital thermostats are more accurate, efficient, and some are programmable, which is a great option for people who don’t have internet or don’t want their thermostat data tracked. Smart thermostats — which require an internet connection — are Wi-Fi-enabled and can be controlled using a smartphone app. Programming is easier, and you can track and manage use and temperature data. However, that data is shared with the manufacturer. Smart thermostats can learn your preferences and set a schedule that automatically adjusts the temperature. Some have geofencing, which adjusts the temperature based on the distance your smartphone is from home.

A common misconception is the higher you turn your thermostat up or down, the faster your home’s temperature will change. Turning your thermostat down to 55 degrees to cool your home faster is like repeatedly pushing the elevator button and expecting it to come faster. It’s likely you will forget you adjusted it and waste energy by over heating or cooling the home. Set your desired temperature for heating and cooling or program your thermostat so you don’t make extreme adjustments. Many people believe it takes more energy to heat or cool a house instead of leaving it the same temperature. The larger the temperature variance between inside and outside, the more energy your system uses. Setting your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees from its normal setting for eight hours a day can save up to 10% a year on your energy bill, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78 degrees in the summer when you are home and awake, and warmer at night or when away.

Use your thermostat to optimize energy efficiency and find a balance between comfort and affordability.

Best practices — Use these heating and cooling tips from the DOE to add efficiency and savings to your home: • Set it to 78 degrees in the summer when you are home and awake, and warmer at night or when away. Set your thermostat to 68 degrees in the winter when you are home and awake, and cooler at night or when you are away. • Upgrade to a programmable or smart thermostat that automatically adjusts the temperature throughout the day and when you leave the house.

• When on vacation, set your thermostat to 85 degrees in the summer and 55 degrees in the winter. • In the summer, fans allow you to set your thermostat about 4 degrees warmer without feeling it. Remember, fans cool people not rooms, so turn them off when you leave a room.

AUGUST 2022 | TODAY 15

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, & Sarah Belk

BEAT(effiTHE HEAT ciently) So far this summer, we’ve seen scorching temperatures and we still have at least a couple of months of hot weather before things cool off in south Mississippi. Higher temperatures mean higher bills because around half of your energy use in the summer comes from your AC system. When it’s late spring and your AC is set at 78 degrees, it’s only having to make up a difference of a few degrees between your setting and the inside temperature. But when it’s 100 degrees outside, your unit works much hard to make up that 22-degree difference. And let’s face it, even though we recommend a 78-degree setting in the summer, I don’t know many people who use that setting! In this case, when the AC is running constantly, the best thing you can do is practice energy efficiency however you can. Check out our summer efficiency tips below and remember that you can use coastepa.com as a resource for savings. With these hot days, November seems like it’s a lifetime away, but it will be here before we know it. Our Annual Meeting and

CONTEST

Coast Electric wants you to reduce your energy use and see savings on your monthly 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 www.coastepa.com and fill out our entry form. It only takes a few seconds, and you could win a prize that helps you save!

Congratulations to Bobby Trosclair, the winner of our June Reduce Your Use prize! 14 TODAY | AUGUST 2022

Member Appreciation Night will be on the evening of Nov. 3 at our Kiln office. We hope you can all attend our meeting in person, but we understand if you can’t make it. We hope you still participate in the meeting by registering your proxy. Make sure you look at the example of the registration form on the following pages. It was recently mailed to each of your homes. If you don’t have your paper registration form, you can always visit coastepa.com and register online. Your participation and involvement in your co-op are important to our community.

by Ron Barnes President and CEO

SUMMER

ENERGY

$AVING

TIPS

These are easy steps to take to manage your use this summer! $ Spread out your energy consumption as much as possible so you don’t set a high demand. $ Set the thermostat as high as comfortably possible. $ Use window coverings and seal cracks to keep hot air out of your home. $ Turn ceiling fans off when you leave the room. $ Unplug appliances when you aren’t using them. $ Use a slow cooker or grill outside instead of heating up the house with your oven. $ Consider our Time of Use rate!

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AUGUST 2022 | TODAY 15

A group of 63 rising high school seniors from all over Mississippi traveled to Washington, D.C., in June to attend the 2022 NRECA Youth Tour. The trip was the culmination of the students’ participation in the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi’s Youth Leadership Program. The program instills leadership skills, inspires creative thinking, encourages community service, and introduces students to lawmakers that represent their communities. During the program workshop in Jackson in March, the students had the opportunity to meet and hear from state legislators. During

16 TODAY | AUGUST 2022

D A. (From left to right) Coast Electric Youth Tour students John David Farmer, Olivia Williams, Ada Shirk and Jackson Henshaw at The Albert Einstein Memorial, a bronze sculpture, in Washington, D.C. B. John David Farmer, Ada Shirk, Olivia Williams and Jackson Henshaw pose for a photo in front of the Iwo Jima Memorial at The U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial. C. The students stand in front of the White House during their D.C. trip. D. The Coast Electric Youth Tour students take a photo at the U.S. Capitol. AUGUST 2022 | TODAY 17

After a break due to Covid and inclement weather, Coast Electric’s Glow Run lit up the night again in Bay St. Louis earlier this summer. Proceeds from the family-friendly race benefit the American Cancer Society through Hancock County’s Relay for Life. We thank all of the participants who came in their brightest costumes and ran for a great cause. Thanks to your participation, $3,000 was raised for Hancock County’s Relay For Life event.

EVENT SPONSORS Belk Eye Clinic & Optical Goodnight Terminal Services Geiger Barousse Designs Dairy Queen – Diamondhead LogoStore USA Silver Slipper Casino & Hotel Performance Tire & Wheel, Inc.

SPECIAL THANKS Coast Electric employee volunteers Dave Mayley Diva Timing Services Our participants and the American Cancer Society

Participants in Coast Electric’s 2022 Glow Run had a blast at this year’s 80s-themed run on the beach in Bay St. Louis. The event raises funds for the American Cancer Society.

18 TODAY | AUGUST 2022

The power of working together and how it benefits you As a member of Coast Electric, you can take comfort in knowing that you are part of a large network of power companies that work together to provide you with affordable, reliable power. Here’s how it works:

3 1

Coast Electric and 10 other electric cooperatives across the state are partners with another electric cooperative known as Cooperative Energy.

Cooperative Energy operates the power plants that produce electricity, as well as the transmission lines that move electricity to you.

Because these 11 cooperatives are joined as one mutual source of power, your service is more affordable and reliable than it would be if each system operated alone.

Cooperative Energy is part of MISO, an even larger network that joins it with other power companies in the U.S. and Canada. These companies work together to produce electricity for everyone from Mississippi to Manitoba at the lowest possible cost, and to make sure electricity is readily available.

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

14 TODAY | AUGUST 2022

work near the roadside, I’d encourage you to move over when possible and give them extra space to perform their work safely. At Delta Electric, safety is foremost in everything we do — for our employees and the members of the communities we serve. We routinely remind our crews of the dangers of distracted driving, and we hope you’ll have similar conversations with your teens who may be new to the roadways and are especially susceptible to the lure of technology. Let’s work together to keep everyone safe on the roads. Remember: that text can wait and waiting just might save a life.

by David O’Bryan General Manager

Smart thermostats are easy to program, can learn your preferences and set a schedule that automatically adjusts the temperature.

Types of thermostats

Misconceptions about thermostats

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78 degrees in the summer when you are home and awake, and warmer at night or when away.

Use your thermostat to optimize energy efficiency and find a balance between comfort and affordability.

Best practices — Use these heating and cooling tips from the DOE to add efficiency and savings to your home: • When on vacation, set your thermostat to 85 degrees in the • Set it to 78 degrees in the summer when you are home and summer and 55 degrees in the winter. awake, and warmer at night or when away. Set your thermostat to 68 degrees in the winter when you are home and awake, and • In the summer, fans allow you to set your thermostat about cooler at night or when you are away. 4 degrees warmer without feeling it. Remember, fans cool people not rooms, so turn them off when you leave a room. • Upgrade to a programmable or smart thermostat that automatically adjusts the temperature throughout the day and when you leave the house.

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

DELightSpeed.coop 662-477-1975 or info@delightspeed.coop AUGUST 2022 | TODAY 15

“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 @DixieElectricMS

dixieepa.com

@DixieEPA

@dixie_electric

High heat equals high demand You may already know that you are a member of Dixie Electric, but you may not be aware that you are a part of something much bigger. As a Dixie Electric member, you are connected to a network of electrical cooperatives and other power companies who work every minute of every day to provide the electricity that powers your life. Dixie Electric, along with 10 other cooperatives in the state, are members of Cooperative Energy, a generation and transmission electric cooperative. Cooperative Energy generates electricity at power plants across the state, then delivers that electricity along high-voltage transmission lines to the distribution cooperatives. From there, each electric distribution cooperative, like Dixie Electric, distributes the electricity to its members — that’s you! With 12 cooperatives working together as one mutual source of power, the service provided to nearly 1 million Mississippians across the state is more affordable and reliable than it would be if each system operated alone. With that same concept in mind, Cooperative Energy is part of MISO, a regional transmission organization. MISO, also known as the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, is a large network that joins Cooperative Energy with other power companies in the U.S. and Canada. Working together, each power company in the network can provide more affordable and reliable electricity than if each power company operated independently. This year, our summer began with a heat wave across much of the nation, resulting in a high demand for electricity. Cooperative Energy and MISO are closely monitoring operating conditions this summer and have already taken actions to prepare for the intense pressure on the electrical grid, including delaying discretionary equipment maintenance, completing seasonal assessments, and preparing emergency resources in the event they are needed.

As an electricity consumer and member of Dixie Electric, there are ways you can help by working to conserve electricity throughout the summer, especially on days when a heat advisory has been issued. • Avoid using larger appliances in the evenings between 5-10 p.m., which is considered high-peak times. • Keep your thermostat set as high as possible. The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temps, the less strain on your home’s cooling system and the lower your electric bill. • Keep blinds and curtains shut during the hottest parts of the day to keep out the heat. • Use ceiling fans only when you are in the room. It is important to remember that fans cool people, not rooms. • Lower the temperature on your water heater. • Turn off unused lights and unplug unused electronics. Dixie Electric has an 84-year heritage of providing safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to our local communities, that we call home, serving over 40,000 members. The relationships demonstrated between Dixie Electric, Cooperative Energy, and MISO holds true to the cooperative way of doing business. All three entities demonstrate the power of working together to provide affordable and reliable energy to our members. That is a top priority at Dixie Electric and Cooperative Energy.

by Randy Smith General Manager

Dixie Electric will be closed Monday, September 5, in observance of Call 888-465-9209 or use the SmartHub app to report a power outage or emergency. Servicemen are on call.

14 TODAY | AUGUST 2022

STUDENT In May, Dixie Electric launched its first-ever Student Art Contest, inviting 7th through 12th grade students, who are also Dixie Electric members, to participate by submitting an art project to be judged by its board of directors. Students were given four themes to select from: electrical safety, electric cooperatives, electric power, or linemen. Ten talented students submitted art projects for the contest, and Dixie Electric's board of directors voted on the winner at their June board meeting. The overall winner received a $250 cash

prize, and their submission is displayed in the lobby of Dixie Electric's headquarters, located in Laurel. The art project, which placed second in the competition, is also on display in the Waynesboro office. In addition, a Fan-Favorite contest was held on Dixie Electric's Facebook page for the art submission receiving the most likes. The winner of the Fan-Favorite award received two gift cards, and their artwork is displayed in the Petal office.

MEET THE W

Emily Beech

Emily Beech, a 15-year-old homeschool student, was selected as the overall winner. Her artwork entitled “A little further up,” a watercolor on canvas, took her two days to complete. “Emily’s submission really captured the spirit of rural Mississippi,” said Dixie Electric Board Member Faye Bonner. “The subtle details in her painting felt like home.” Emily learned how to draw from her grandmother, Cindy Spicer. She enjoys drawing landscapes and animals, and her favorite artist is Grandma Moses. “I was surprised and excited to win this award,” said Emily. When she isn’t drawing, Emily enjoys playing basketball with the Laurel Nighthawks and attending church at Tuckers Crossing Baptist, where she sings with the praise team and plays the piano. She also enjoys reading and spending time with her friends and family. “In addition to her talent, Emily also has a sweet spirit,” said her grandmother, Cindy Spicer. “Emily decided to split her prize money with her sister, who also competed in the contest.” Emily is the daughter of Brice and Jada Beech and resides in the Tuckers Crossing Community in Ellisville.

inners

Zoe Estacio

Zoe Estacio is a 17-year-old student of West Jones High School. Her artwork was selected as the Fan-Favorite on Dixie Electric’s Facebook page. Her acrylic painting took one week to complete. Zoe began drawing in kindergarten, and she enjoys drawing cartoons and animals. Her favorite artist is Pablo Picasso, drawing inspiration from his quote,” Learn the rules like a pro so that you can break them like an artist.” “I am self-taught, but I get a lot of inspiration from cartoons, comics, and movies,” said Zoe. Zoe hopes to use her talent to pursue a career in art or graphic design. Zoe is the daughter of Lenard and Stephanie Estacio and resides in the Sharon community.

AUGUST 2022 | TODAY 15

16 TODAY | AUGUST 2022

B C A. (From left to right) Dixie Electric Youth Tour students Johan Gonzalez and Kelton Hosey pose with The Albert Einstein Memorial, a bronze sculpture, in Washington, D.C. B. Kelton Hosey and Johan Gonzalez stand in front of the White House during their D.C. trip. C. The Dixie Electric Youth Tour students take a photo at the U.S. Capitol. AUGUST 2022 | TODAY 17

Co-op Connections

Tree Care Services from the experts

Dayon Tree Service Inc. has worked with hundreds of satisfied clients in the Pine Belt for over 20 years. Founded by Tom Dayon, a former firefighter, Dayon Tree Service gives back to its community with affordable, efficient, and expert tree services. “Our team is comprised of some of the most foremost tree experts in our region,” said Dayon. “We use the highest quality equipment possible and state-of-the-art techniques to get trees removed or trimmed, stumps ground, lots cleaned, and storm damage remediated.” Dayon Tree Service Inc. is fully licensed and insured for your protection. Emergency services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. “The DIY solution might be tempting if a storm destroys a sapling or a young tree, but a fully-grown tree requires professional help,” said Dayon. “We specialize in high-risk tree removals with state-of-the-art equipment and a versatile tracked lift. You’ll save yourself days of backbreaking labor, and you won’t be putting yourself at risk.” To contact Dayon Tree Services Inc., call 601-583-4158 or visit their website at dayontreeservice.com. Present your Co-op Connections card and receive a free stump grinding with paid tree removal.

2022 CREDENTIALS AND ELECTIONS COMMITTEE MEMBERS Margaret Boyd Barbara McLaurin B. J. Cooley F. M. “Harry” Harrington Casey Adams Sheree Ishee Charlotte Boherty The Credentials and Elections Committee verifies candidate qualifications for Dixie Electric’s board of director elections and oversees the voting process. 18 TODAY | AUGUST 2022

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 South Hoy: Laurel, Soso, Calhoun, Moss, Shady Grove Highway 588: Ellisville, Lowery Creek, Sandhill, Oak Bowery West Laurel: Ellisville, Calhoun, Soso, Buffalo Hill, Pendorff, Big Creek Lynn Ray Rd: Eastabuchie, Glendale, Union, Morriston, Macedonia Whistler: Whistler, Strengthford, Pleasant Grove, Beat Four West Moselle: Moselle, Oak Bowery, Pine Grove, Airport

Spraying notice Clara: Clara, Big Creek, Waynesboro

Matching grant helps local

volunteer fire departments by Amanda Mills Dixie Electric recently partnered with CoBank, a mission-based cooperative lender, in their Sharing Success Program. This program allows cooperatives, like Dixie Electric, to apply for grants, with CoBank matching the contribution of their customers to the charitable organizations of their choosing. Through the Sharing Success Program, Dixie Electric donated $2,500 to fire councils in Jones, Wayne, Forrest, and Perry counties to be distributed amongst the local volunteer fire departments. These funds will be used to purchase the necessary items that these departments need, such as take-off gear, fire suppression equipment, and education and training materials. Dixie Electric’s mission is to power communities and empower lives. Dixie Electric values volunteerism, and much of its time is spent giving back to its communities through fundraisers, economic development,

Mitzi Walley, Dixie Electric Executive Assistant and Kyle Brooks, Jones County Fire Coordinator.

blood drives, and volunteering at local nonprofit organizations and community events. Like Dixie Electric, volunteerism is also a core value of first responders. Volunteer firefighters help their fellow citizens in time of need and serve their communities to make a difference. They freely serve their community with dedication and enthusiasm and gain valuable and rewarding experience in the process. Volunteer firefighters are called upon day or night to respond to instances such as fire suppression, emergency medical aid, and community education. Electric cooperatives are deeply rooted in the communities they serve and are committed to making their communities better places to live, work, and play. In the same way, Dixie Electric is grateful for organizations, such as volunteer firefighters, who serve their communities through volunteerism.

Colby Prine, Emergency Management Director, Amanda Mills, Dixie Electric Communication Specialist, Tim Wise, District 3 Supervisor, and Kevin Shows, District 2 Supervisor.

Dan Wooten, Dixie Electric Waynesboro District Supervisor and Al Harrison, Waynesboro Fire Chief.

Chip Brown, Forrest County Fire Coordinator and Jerry Gibson, Dixie Electric Petal District Supervisor.

AUGUST 2022 | TODAY 19

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.

Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer A MESSAGE FROM YOUR CEO In 1963, Nat King Cole released his hit song, “Those Lazy Hazy Crazy Days of Summer.” The lazy days he referenced were the hot summer days without air conditioning. Hazy referred to high humidity and crazy was a recognition of the playful innocence of youth in the summertime. This summer has certainly been hot and humid. Temperatures exceeded records in many areas. The electric grid had some close calls related to generation and transmission capacity, but with careful planning and management, saw us through the summer again. I am thankful for the development of air conditioning and the comfort it brings. While I know many of you saw your use increase over the summer months, I am pleased we were able to deliver the needed energy to keep your homes comfortable. As a reminder, we offer a levelized billing option to help smooth out the higher-thannormal use months. Any of our Member Service personnel can assist you with getting set up for this option. The summer of 2022 was also a bit crazy. Not in the innocence of youth but in the craziness of supply chain and pricing for materials and equipment. Never before have we seen two-year delivery schedules on service and line trucks. Add to it the difficulty of getting simple things like envelopes and paper, and crazy does not even begin to describe the impacts on operating your cooperative. While we have not missed a step in keeping the electric services at the level you have come to expect, we also are exceeding our goals of building out the fiber-to-the-home network. Again, with all the craziness in the world, we have managed to shorten the timeframe and remain under budget. How? You might ask. Simply put, it is a result of our employees and the team we built to serve our communities. Without these talented, skilled and committed people, we would not be in the great shape we are today.

I hear so much positive feedback about East Mississippi Electric Power Association employees, the East Mississippi Connect work and the way we are living our mission to deliver services to empower lives through our vision to provide pathways of success for our communities. I am told countless stories about how fiber internet service enhances our members’ lives. I hear work-from-home stories, telemedicine opportunities for members in rural areas and better communication options. Many are using the fiber to enhance cell phone service in their homes and gain access to entertainment options never before available. As the new school year begins and our students seek to enhance their education, we are excited to provide this internet access. While online research does not replace a teacher and classroom instruction, it certainly can be used as a tool to research and build on what is taught in the classroom. At EMEPA, we are also expanding our use of online technology. This year, for the first time, we are offering an online Annual Meeting proxy in addition to our regular mail-in option. We sincerely hope it provides another way for our members to be involved with their cooperative. Check your mail for your ballot, or visit EMEPA.com/AnnualMeeting for additional information. Again, thank you for supporting us!

by Randy Carroll CEO — East Mississippi Electric Power Association

EAST MISSISSIPPI ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION WILL BE CLOSED Monday, September 5, in observance of 14 TODAY | AUGUST 2022

for EMEP ing option will be available in accordance An online live-stream view the Board of Directors South At-Large. , nominated to serve on ing Members have been Webb, Winston County; and (3) Chester Willis follow the tors, (2) Jerry election of Direc ty; Coun per Kem ls, In connection with the ciation: (1) David Sorre business with the Bylaws of the Asso available to transact the so that a quorum will beAssociation who will be present at by attendance or proxy in this Annual Meeting Board of Directors or any other Member of the name and date on the proxy card e cipat parti to d invite . appoint the and print your Each Member is will not attend, you may to your wishes. To do this, you must sign PA on or before Wednesday, September 28, 2022 rding of the Association. If you must be received by EME your proxy to vote acco the Annual Meeting as EMEPA in the postage paid envelope. Proxies ting. to mee it n the ding attached and retur electricity credits by atten proxy, or up to $500 in credit by returning the be eligible to win. to to win a $500 electricity Members will be eligible signed and dated proxy or attend the meeting Members must return the

How to complete your 2022 Annual Meeting Proxy for a chance to win a $500 electricity credit Respectfully submitted, Gloria Welch Secretary 6/10/22

Official Annual Meeting Notices and Proxy Letters were mailed to every EMEPA Member on June 30, 2022. If you are unable to attend the meeting on Saturday, Oct. 1, you may appoint the Board of Directors or any other member of the Association as your proxy. This year, we are offering two different options to return your completed proxy.

PROXY

n as my agent and proxy i Electric Power Associatio i, of Directors of East Mississipp ciation in Meridian, Mississipp I hereby appoint the Board ssippi Electric Power Asso Missi East of e the said ing Meet al vote upon all matters befor my cast to represent me at the Annu to rity autho full October 1, 2022, with at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, thereof. as my agent and proxy to meeting or any adjournment proxy but, instead, appoint of Directors as my agent and I do not appoint the Board ing: Meet al Annu the at represent me _______________ ____________________ ____________________ unt Number Representative's Acco Members at the Annual Meeting.) ____________________ e more than ten (10) Representative's Nampresent at the Annual Meeting. No Member shall vote as proxy for (Must be an EMEPA Member and

The follow

OPTION 2: Complete your proxy online by visiting directvote.net/EMEPA. Each member is provided a personal Member Number and Election Passcode on the proxy letter to log-in to the online portal. Once logged in, simply follow the prompts to complete your proxy. Online voting ends at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 28. If you have any problems voting online, please email support@directvote.net. One member from each EMEPA district will win a $500 electricity credit through a random drawing of those who returned a completed proxy. Members attending the meeting will be eligible to win one of three credits up to $500 by registering at the meeting on Saturday, Oct. 1.

BYLAW CHANGE NOTICE:

iation from these Districts:

ssippi Electric Power Assoc

for Director of East Missi ing have been nominated

OPTION 1: Simply sign and date the proxy letter, seal it in the enclosed postage paid envelope and drop it in the mail. Proxies must be received no later than Wednesday, Sept. 28.

For questions, please email CONTACTUS@EMEPA.COM.

ING DETA CH BEF ORE MAIL

FOR EITHER CHOICE,

ED AND DATED FOR

PROXY MUST BE SIGN

TO BE ELIGIBLE TO

VOTE TO COUNT AND

_________ e____________________

ed Nam ____________ Print

________ Signature ____________

Sorrels Kemper County: David Webb Winston County: Jerry ter Willis South At-Large: Ches

WIN.

____

____ Date ________________

2022. nesday, September 28,

D by Wed

Proxy must be RECEIVE

EMEPA 84

ANNUAL MEETING

SATURDAY, OCT. 1, 2022 at 10 a.m. EMEPA AUDITORIUM 2128 Highway 39 North Meridian, MS 39302

On June 10, 2022, at the June meeting of the Board of Directors, Section 3.06 of the Bylaws was amended to specify that a Member may return a proxy by mail to the address identified on the proxy or by hand delivery to the Association’s headquarters or to any branch office.

AUGUST 2022 | TODAY 15

16 TODAY | AUGUST 2022

D A. (From left to right) East Mississippi Electric Power Association Youth Tour students Nick Quigley, Avrie Boles, Laura Kate Robinson, Destiny Williams, and Angelique Dailey at The Albert Einstein Memorial, a bronze sculpture, in Washington, D.C. B. Nick Quigley, Angelique Dailey, Destiny Williams, Avrie Boles, and Laura Kate Robinson pose for a photo in front of the Iwo Jima Memorial at The U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial. C. The students stand in front of the White House during their D.C. trip. D. The East Mississippi Electric Power Association Youth Tour students take a photo at the U.S. Capitol. AUGUST 2022 | TODAY 17

BACK TO SCHOOL East Mississippi Connect has the speed you need for students studying at home Many schools now offer more options for vi ual days and online learning, whether it’s for severe weather outbreaks, sick days, or a family that has discovered that online learning works best for their child. As a result, reliable home internet service is more impo ant than ever. The Federal Communications Commission offers some tips to optimize your home network pe ormance: CHECK YOUR INTERNET PLAN East Mississippi Connect has the speed you need to make this school year a success! Our internet packages provide enough bandwidth to handle all the devices that might be connected at the same time, as well as any additional devices that could be added, such as televisions for streaming, laptops and more. TEST YOUR SPEED A speed test available at EastMSConnect.com will check your current upload and download speeds. Our lightning-fast internet provides download and upload speeds that are close to equal. This is especially impo ant when it comes to online meeting pla orms, which require higher upload speeds. TROUBLESHOOTING In most homes, internet service comes to the house and then operates through a wireless signal called Wi-Fi, which is distributed throughout the home by a device called a router. Using multiple wireless devices on the same Wi-Fi network can impact pe ormance. Sometimes, rebooting the router — turning it off and then turning it back on — can resolve the problem. If your internet speed seems slower than it should be, contact us for troubleshooting tips. Whether they’re in the classroom or learning vi ually, almost all students need access to the internet to reach their full potential. East Mississippi Connect provides the speeds your student needs to have a successful school year.

To learn more, or to preregister for service, visit EastMSConnect.com.

18 TODAY | AUGUST 2022

by Susan Collins-Smith When temperatures rise, it’s not just humans who need to take precautions. Heat stress is just as serious and life threatening for pets as it is for humans. While both dogs and cats can get too hot, dogs are more susceptible to overheating, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. “Humans sweat to cool off, but dogs don’t,” said Carla Huston, Mississippi State University Extension veterinarian and professor with the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine. “Dogs cool themselves by panting and drinking water. They have a very limited ability to sweat through their noses and foot pads. When the outside temperatures are too warm and they don’t have access to adequate shelter and clean water, they can overheat easily.” Warm weather can be too much for dogs even when it does not seem that hot to humans. Use caution with dogs and limit their outdoor time if they do not have appropriate shade and cool, clean water when the heat index is 80 degrees and above, Huston said. Heat injuries in pets can range in severity from heat stress, which is the least severe, to heat stroke, which can be very severe and lead to death. Early signs of heat stress in dogs include excessive panting, excessive drooling, anxiousness, restlessness, bright-red gums, and unsteadiness. Animals showing signs of heat stress should be kept rested, taken inside, or cooled off, and given plenty of water.

The more serious signs of heat stroke can include pale gums, unsteadiness, tacky or dry snout and mouth, vomiting and diarrhea, nonresponse to the owner or commands, and collapse. If dogs experience any of these symptoms, get emergency veterinary care immediately. In cats, heat stress can cause restless behavior, panting, drooling, moist or sweaty paw pads, and excessive grooming as they try to cool off. Collapse, seizures, and death can occur if the cat cannot cool down. Another summertime danger for dogs is blue-green algae. “Pets should not be allowed to drink from or swim in lakes or ponds that may be contaminated by blue-green algae blooms, which are bacteria called cyanobacteria,” Huston said. “These algae can be toxic and result in fatal poisoning.” Contaminated water usually has a foul odor, may appear green with a bluish tint, and could be covered with thick, slimy algae, she said. Treating pets for external parasites will help keep their skin and haircoats healthy and maintain their ability to protect against temperature extremes and other potential injuries. Medications for fleas, ticks, and heartworms are just the first step in protecting pets from parasites. Depending on where a family lives, it may also be necessary to treat the yard and other areas that pets frequent to successfully control fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. “Not allowing pets inside the house is the surest way to avoid having fleas inside the house, but not all pet owners favor this method,” said Blake Layton, Extension entomologist. “Whether or not pets are allowed inside, the first step in flea control is to treat pets with an effective and appropriate on-pet treatment.”

AUGUST 2022 | TODAY 19

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

Avoid distractions while driving Some temptations are hard to resist. While driving, we typically hear that “ding” on our phone, alerting us to a text or call coming through, and we sometimes feel the urgent need to check it. We know we shouldn’t, but we reason that we’re going to make an exception — just this once. So, why do we indulge in behavior we know to be wrong, dangerous and in many states, illegal? Call it hubris. According to AAA research, The reality is that using a most people feel they are phone while driving creates better-than-average drivers. Afterall, we have busy lives enormous potential for and are accustomed to injuries and fatalities. multitasking. But mounds of research and thousands of deaths every year prove otherwise. August is Back to School Safety Month. As a new school year begins with young drivers and school buses back on the road, we thought it would be a good time to remind folks of the dangers of distracted driving. The reality is that using a phone while driving creates enormous potential for injuries and fatalities. Distractions take a motorist’s attention off driving, which can make a driver miss critical events, objects and cues, potentially leading to a crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one of every 10 fatal crashes in the U.S. involves distracted driving, resulting in more than 3,000 deaths annually. We find this statistic heartbreaking considering so many of these accidents could easily be avoided if we’d simply put down our phones while driving. Distracted driving is considered any activity that diverts our attention, including texting or talking on the phone, and adjusting the

navigation or entertainment system. Texting is by far one of the most dangerous distractions. Sending or reading one text takes your eyes off the road for an average of five seconds. At 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed. In addition to refraining from texting while driving, we can help keep the roads safe by moving over for first responders and other emergency vehicles. Additionally, if you see utility crews conducting work near the roadside, we’d encourage you to move over when possible and give them extra space to perform their work safely. At Magnolia Electric Power, safety is foremost in everything we do — for our employees and the members of the communities we serve. We routinely remind our crews of the dangers of distracted driving, and we hope you’ll have similar conversations with your teens who may be new to the roadways and are especially susceptible to the lure of technology. Let’s work together to keep everyone safe on the roads. Remember: that text can wait and waiting just might save a life.

Magnolia Electric Power will be closed Monday, September 5, in observance of The Call Center/a dispatcher will be on duty and crews will be on call throughout the holiday weekend. To report an outage, call 601-684-4011 or report it via the SmartHub app.

14 TODAY | AUGUST 2022

Smart thermostats are easy to program, can learn your preferences and set a schedule that automatically adjusts the temperature.

Types of thermostats

Misconceptions about thermostats

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78 degrees in the summer when you are home and awake, and warmer at night or when away.

Use your thermostat to optimize energy efficiency and find a balance between comfort and affordability.

AUGUST 2022 | TODAY 15

The power of working together and how it benefits you As a member of Magnolia Electric, you can take comfort in knowing that you are part of a large network of power companies that work together to provide you with affordable, reliable power. Here’s how it works:

3 1

Magnolia Electric and 10 other electric cooperatives across the state are partners with another electric cooperative known as Cooperative Energy.

Cooperative Energy operates the power plants that produce electricity, as well as the transmission lines that move electricity to you.

Because these 11 cooperatives are joined as one mutual source of power, your service is more affordable and reliable than it would be if each system operated alone.

by Katherine Loving

It’s no surprise that sensitivity to fuel costs and a growing desire for energy independence are driving innovation in electric vehicles. Similarly, these same factors are creating increased interest in electric farming equipment. Running a farm is traditionally dependent on oil and gas to keep the machinery operating. Fuel costs impact the bottom line of agricultural production and are a major driver of food prices and farming revenue. One major new change for farming equipment is the trend of switching fossil fuel-powered equipment to electric equipment. Electric tractors are now commercially available from multiple manufacturers as well as niche, electric-only companies. There are many benefits of replacing diesel motors with electric motors. Highly-efficient electric motors can operate at 90% thermal efficiency, which helps to provide cost savings over time, compared to diesel motors that operate at 30% to 40% thermal efficiency. But there are significant barriers to electric farming technologies. Electric tractors cost about a third more than traditional tractors. Battery life for electric tractors typically ranges from three to six hours depending Electric tractors are now commercially available from on hauling weight multiple manufacturers, like the John Deere SESAM shown here, as well as from niche, electric-only and workload, companies. Photo Credit: John Deere which can be a nonstarter for many larger farms where tractors are expected to run all day doing heavy-duty work. While battery life can be problematic, advancements have been made over the last few years. Some tractors can carry two batteries, allowing for a mid-day switch without returning the tractor to a charging point. At this stage of development, electric tractors are likely better suited to smaller farms or vineyards. There are additional electric equipment options available for the farm. Utility terrain vehicles tend to look more like their gas-powered counterparts in terms of capability and price, making them an

easier entry into electric equipment on the farm. The future of electrification on farms may be focused on renewable energy, either in the form of solar power or waste heat recovery systems. There is ongoing research into the feasibility of placing solar panels on farms coupled with a battery storage system, then using that system as a fuel source for electric tractor batteries. Solar power is already being used to directly power autonomous precision sprayers for row crops. There are still limitations on heavy-duty use of electric farming equipment, but research and development will continue until these electric technologies are on par with their diesel or gas counterparts. With more time and investment, electric farming equipment will likely become more widespread in the coming years. Katherine Loving writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

Some farmers are making the switch to electric tractors, but many continue to utilize diesel-powered tractors. Electric tractors lack the battery power that many farmers need for a long day of working in the fields.

AUGUST 2022 | TODAY 17

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

14 TODAY | AUGUST 2022

possible and give them extra space to perform their work safely. At Monroe County, safety is foremost in everything we do — for our employees and the members of the communities we serve. We routinely remind our crews of the dangers of distracted driving, and we hope you’ll have similar conversations with your teens who may be new to the roadways and are especially susceptible to the lure of technology. Let’s work together to keep everyone safe on the roads. Remember: that text can wait and waiting just might save a life.

by Barry Rowland General Manager

Smart thermostats are easy to program, can learn your preferences and set a schedule that automatically adjusts the temperature.

Types of thermostats

Misconceptions about thermostats

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78 degrees in the summer when you are home and awake, and warmer at night or when away.

Use your thermostat to optimize energy efficiency and find a balance between comfort and affordability.

AUGUST 2022 | TODAY 15

P.O. Box 609 • 555 East Madison St. • Houston, MS 38851

662-456-3037 • Fax: 662-456-2086 • www.ntepa.com

A true Mississippi

by Courtney Warren Tim Cook, a resident of Woodland, MS and member of Natchez and around the surrounding areas of Houston, Mississippi. This isn’t Trace Electric, grew up a few miles from a bullpen. His parents would his latest adventure, though. Tim has taken time off from being a never let him go, until one day they took him to a local rodeo. That’s professional cowboy to be a “Marlboro Man” and a stuntman. when Tim knew that he wanted to be a cowboy. His journey as a “Marlboro Man” almost ended before it even began. When Tim was a junior in high school, he entered himself in his first “When they initially called to talk to me, I blew them off. I told rodeo and rode his first bull. them, ‘I work from sunup to sundown, I don’t have time for this.’” “I snuck over there. I was getting on bulls and horses for about six Eventually, Tim spoke to the recruiters at Marlboro and agreed to do months. Mom and dad didn’t know,” Tim said. a photoshoot in Ridgeway, Colorado. But agreeing to the photoshoot His decision to sneakily ride horses and bulls turned out to be one was only half the challenge. He had to fly there. of his best decisions, leading him to a life full of travel, friendships, Despite his cross-country traveling from years of bull riding, Tim and once in a lifetime opportunities. had never flown on an airplane. Tim sat on For the next 24 years, Tim continued the plane, thinking of ways to get off and to ride bulls in rodeos across the United drive to Colorado. In that moment, God States. “I’ve seen the country for an 8 spoke to him. second high,” Tim said. Although he lived “I was looking out of the window, and for those 8 second rides, Tim gained I heard God say to me, ‘I didn’t bring you much more from rodeos and traveling; this far to leave you now,’” Tim said. “So, he gained friendships. I stayed on the plane; I made it there by “We call it the cowboy connection. the grace of God.” If my daughter was traveling and called Once safely in Colorado, the photoshoot about a flat tire, I could call somebody went smoothly. Tim was a natural. With that I know and trust to take care of her. the iconic Wilson Peak of the San Juan No matter where she is, somebody would Mountains — the mountain graphic used be there to help within an hour.” on Coors Light beer cans — as his With his bull riding days behind him, backdrop, Tim was asked repeatedly Tim is now judging rodeos and working if he had done this before, to which he as a professional cowboy on local ranches, repeatedly replied, “I do this every day. Tim Cook brushes his horse Pal. working the livestock for ranch owners in What I’m doing is natural for me.”

14 TODAY | AUGUST 2022

Being a Marlboro Man isn’t the only thing Tim is a natural at. While at the photoshoot, Tim met a stuntwoman who told him that Netflix was looking for people who could ride horses for an upcoming movie titled “The Harder They Fall.” Tim drove to Atlanta, Georgia for the casting call and knew that he could do everything they needed, and more. When it was his turn, a man asked him if he had ever fell or jumped off a horse and if his spurs were real. Tim smiled and replied, “Yes. That’s my life. My spurs are for decoration, but I’ve got them if I need them.” Since that initial casting call, Tim has worked as a stunt man in “The Harder They Fall” and “Emancipation” alongside well-known stars such as Will Smith, Idris Elba, Regina King, Damon Wayans Jr., Jonathan Majors, and Deon Cole. Tim once had to jump off a horse 14 times in a row to get a single shot. Sometimes you fall on a pad hidden by dirt, other times you miss and hit the ground. “Some people say it was dangerous, but it’s just normal stuff for me,” Tim said. “I’ve been doing stunts all my life; I just didn’t get paid for it.” Of all the friendships, rodeos, cross-country road trips, photoshoots, and movies that Tim has been a part of, Tim’s most memorable life moments are those spent with God. “I love those encounters with God. I think about that moment on the plane and get overwhelmed. I can remember it like it was yesterday. Of all the things I’ve accomplished in life, I’ve learned that God will always be there for you.”

Some people say it was dangerous, but it’s just normal stuff for me.

“The Harder They Fall” was released in 2021 and can be viewed on Netflix. “Emancipation” is set to be released in 2023. Tim is also featured in The Chickasaw County Professional Cowboys and Cowgirls display at the Chickasaw County Heritage Museum in Houston, Mississippi. Tim stands in front pictures of him bullri of The Chickasaw County Profession ding, which is a part al Cowboys and Cowgirls display at the Chickasaw County Herit age Museum.

Photos by Courtney Warren AUGUST 2022 | TODAY 15

16 TODAY | AUGUST 2022

D A. (From left to right) Natchez Trace Youth Tour students Ana Perez and Tucker Graham pose with The Albert Einstein Memorial, a bronze sculpture, in Washington, D.C. B. Ana Perez and Tucker Graham take a photo by the Iwo Jima Memorial at The U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial. C. The students stand in front of the White House during their D.C. trip. D. The Natchez Trace Youth Tour students take a photo at the U.S. Capitol. AUGUST 2022 | TODAY 17

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

NorthcentralEC

@Northcentral_EC

Man, it’s hot… In the movie “Biloxi Blues,” Matthew Broderick bemoans the Mississippi heat. “I didn’t know it was gonna be this hot. Man, it’s hot. It’s like Africa hot. Tarzan couldn’t take this kind of hot.” Even though we knew it would be a hotter than average summer, I don’t believe anyone anticipated the number of days we’ve had with excessive heat and humidity. The temperatures aren’t the only thing that have risen. The fuel portion of the Tennessee Valley Authority’s (TVA) wholesale power bill to Northcentral has risen dramatically as well. By fuel, we are talking about fuels used by TVA to generate electricity. These include uranium, oil, coal, and natural gas. Hydroelectric generated power is limited as well due to drought conditions slowing water flow. These combined costs are over 100% the three-year average. The increased demand for electricity has only driven the cost of these commodities higher. We hope that these costs decline early this fall. There are two primary components of your electricity bill, usage and rates. At issue this summer is the fact that both are increasing. Northcentral is contractually obligated to pass on the 3.83 cents per kilowatt hour TVA is charging us. The one thing you can control is your usage. The oppressive heat will cause air conditioning units to work harder, and usage will increase. Visit Northcentral’s

social media pages and website for tips on how to reduce energy consumption during this hot summer. We realize that everyone may not be able to dramatically reduce electricity consumption, and even with cutting back, bills will be high. While Northcentral will not disconnect services for nonpayment during excessive heat, we will work to make arrangements for those that may need additional time. These can be found on our website or by calling one of our Customer Service Representatives. August will be a busy month. Children returning to school and increased traffic, combined with high heat and electric bills can make things tense. Take a deep breath, check on a neighbor, drink water, make sure others drink water, and contact us if you need us. Fall will arrive. I promise. I hope. Stay cool. Stay safe.

by Kevin Doddridge General Manager/CEO

Now installing services in Ingrams Mill and areas around Byhalia and Watson!

northcentralconnect.com Connect with CONNECT! northcentralconnect northcentralconnect northcentral_c 14 TODAY | AUGUST 2022

“Remote 2, Go Ahead” For nearly 30 years, that was the response on Northcentral’s dispatch radios by Caren Wilbanks. Caren began working for Northcentral, dispatching after-hours services from home, in March of 1993. She previously worked as a library assistant and board secretary with the DeSoto County school system before accepting a full-time position in the cooperative’s Customer Service Department in early 2005. As the daughter of Northcentral’s general manager, the late Wayne Hollowell, Wilbanks joked that she worked for Northcentral her whole life. “Growing up, I would answer calls at home for daddy. I couldn’t be on the phone during bad weather because a call may come in about the power being out.” Northcentral employees, retirees, and board members recently honored Caren’s service with a retirement reception. “It’s bittersweet,” said Caren. “I just love talking to the crews.” She looks forward to “doing what she wants to do” in retirement, spending more time with her grandkids, traveling, and being more active at her church. “Remote 2, go ahead,” came across Northcentral’s radio system one last time as Caren signed off for her last day on May 16, letting crews know how much she appreciated them and enjoyed working with them over the years. One by one, crew members radioed back in, expressing their appreciation for her service and friendship.

Caren Wilbanks was honored with a retirement reception held at Northcentral’s office on June 29th.

Northcentral Celebrates Harmon’s Retirement

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Cheryl Harmon and husband Tommy with some of their family at her retirement reception

After 14 years of service, Cheryl Harmon has retired from Northcentral Electric Cooperative. Cheryl was an integral part of the Finance & Administration department, beginning as a staff accountant. On May 6, she finished her career as Northcentral’s Consumer Billing Supervisor. Before her time at Northcentral, she held positions as an auditor and a real estate closing agent for a law firm. Cheryl will be greatly missed at Cheryl’s retirement was off to a great start in Omaha witnessing Ole Miss’s Northcentral. For over a decade, she served historic run in the College World Series. as a chaperone and advisor for the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Youth Leadership Workshop in Jackson. She was always ready to help co-op members and her fellow employees. At times, she knitted hats and clothes for her co-workers’ newborn babies. Cheryl says that she will miss her co-workers the most, evident by the enormous turnout at her recent retirement reception. In her newly found free time, Cheryl plans to travel, spend more time with her grandkids, and follow Ole Miss athletics. Thank you and best wishes in retirement, Cheryl!

Video and audio episodes can be found on iTunes, Podbean, Stitcher and our social media channels.

AUGUST 2022 | TODAY 15

16 TODAY | AUGUST 2022

C A. (From left to right) Northcentral Electric Youth Tour students Jacobie Steen, Miles Jones, Aminata Ba, Lily Howell, Micah McCou, Drew Dunning, James Pennington, Lauren Lee, Trey Smith, and Arianna Garcia stand in front of the White House during their D.C. trip. B. Northcentral Electric Youth Tour students at The Albert Einstein Memorial, a bronze sculpture, in Washington, D.C. C. The students take a photo at the U.S. Capitol. AUGUST 2022 | TODAY 17

Smart thermostats are easy to program, can learn your preferences and set a schedule that automatically adjusts the temperature.

Types of thermostats

Misconceptions about thermostats

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78 degrees in the summer when you are home and awake, and warmer at night or when away.

Use your thermostat to optimize energy efficiency and find a balance between comfort and affordability.

18 TODAY | AUGUST 2022

AUGUST 2022 | TODAY 19

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

SOUTH PONTOTOC TEACHER DEVELOPS

skill and confidence in young artists by Jennifer Johnson Lisa Fourman Bost is excited for school to start. Bost, the art teacher for approximately 120-125 children in kindergarten through fifth grade at South Pontotoc, said she looks forward to seeing the creations of young learners as they use their brushes and imaginations. But drawings and paintings aren’t the only products of her classes. “For the quiet kids, it’s their way of expressing themselves without being pointed out. There’s no pressure if they don’t know how to draw. I tell them everyone’s drawing will be different since there’s no right or wrong.” She continued, “It keeps kids out of trouble. I’ll tell them to finish a drawing at home, and when it’s finished, they can sign it since they are the artist, and I’ll hang it on the wall in my classroom. They get A brightly-colored cougar, the South Pontotoc mascot, is excited about that.” a favorite of Lisa Bost (pictured). Years ago, while working as an assistant teacher, Bost started using her creativity to make 3-D designs on the classroom door. “Pretty soon, the other teachers started asking me to do theirs. They would say, ‘Can you make so-and-so, and I would say I would try.” Her first experience as the art teacher was having “Art in a Cart” where she went to the individual classrooms. “We didn’t have a room for art because the rooms were needed for other things at the time.” Bost said it worked out later for her to share a trailer with music teacher Jacee Hopkins. She laughed and said she enjoys their location because “we can make lots of noise with music and have fun with our painting and we don’t bother anybody else.” Bost has had no formal training in the art world, but said it found her as she enjoyed coloring as a child in Northwest Indiana and Ohio, and was very particular about anyone else using her books (she calls it “first-born perfectionism”). As an adult, Bost immersed herself in researching artists and found many art projects inspired by certain professional artists. Bost said she tries to introduce her students to a lot of artists, including Brazilian Artist Romero Britto, who uses vibrant colors and bold patterns, and Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh, whose “The Starry Night” is her personal favorite painting. The COVID-19 pandemic changed her teaching in some ways, but Bost said she was pleasantly surprised by one teaching method she employed.

14 TODAY | AUGUST 2022

“We did a lot of virtual art classes where someone on the computer was teaching how to paint. The students really enjoyed those, and still do today.” South Pontotoc Elementary Principal Emily Speck called on Bost to create some art for the hallways and other areas of the school, and Bost has filled the school with lots of color and whimsy. One of her projects is a South Pontotoc Cougar, which hangs proudly on the wall in Speck’s office. Bost met her husband of 39 years, Ronald Bost, in Northwest Indiana when she was a teenager working in the fast-food industry. “I worked at Burger King and his sister did too. She got us together. He came through my drive-thru window and ordered a strawberry milkshake.” The two married in 1983 and later had three children: Sarah, Andrew, and Rachel. When her children went to school, Bost started working at South Pontotoc as a teaching assistant to Sharon Long. When she had her fourth child, Hannah, Bost left South Pontotoc to stay at home with her. When Hannah started school, Bost returned to South Pontotoc as the art teacher. Bost is proud of her family. Sarah and Hannah are dental hygienists, Andrew is a skilled carpenter and works with Ronald, and Rachel is a nurse. Bost said all four have creativity in them. “Sarah draws from photographs and has helped create beautiful drawings for the dentist’s office where she works. Andrew is an excellent woodworker and can make anything, Rachel makes custom cakes, and Hannah specializes in calligraphy.” Bost has lived in Pontotoc since 1992 after her husband’s grandfather offered them an acre of land. “He said we were the only ones in the family living up north. I didn’t want to leave my parents, but I eventually did. I love living in the country.” Bost said she loves to see how proud her students are of what they accomplish in their art classes. “It builds such confidence. When they are older, they will already know about colors, how to draw, and other techniques or skills they may need for a future project. I think it teaches them to just try hard like they do in my classroom, whether that’s in regard to testing or whatever they attempt to do.” She’s elated for the beginning of the school year and is having fun preparing her room for the youngsters who will enter the door. “I tell the kids I love my job. I always laugh and say, ‘I get paid to color and craft all Lisa Bost used a technique called tessellation to day long.’ They say, ‘I want create this painting. Her students love using the that job!” tessellation stencils to create unique pieces of art.

Cool, creamy treats

Try one, or all, of these delicious ice cream recipes from your friends at Pontotoc Electric to help you beat the heat this summer!

Straw-Bu-Nut Ice Cream

Bonnie's Vanilla Ice Cream

INGREDIENTS 1 can sweetened condensed milk 8 oz cool whip ½ cup sugar

INGREDIENTS 1 can sweetened condensed milk 1 can evaporated milk 2 cups sugar

Sandy Sexton, Accounts Payable Clerk

3 bananas 16 oz sweetened strawberries 1 cup pecans, chopped

Mix together sweetened, condensed milk and cool whip. Set aside. Beat eggs and add sugar. Set aside. Mash bananas. Add strawberries and chopped pecans. Mix all ingredients together. Finish freezer with whole milk. Freeze in a four-quart freezer.

Coconut Ice Cream

Jennifer Johnson, Manager of Human Resources INGREDIENTS 4 cups heavy whipping cream 1 ¾ cups sugar 1 tbsp vanilla extract ½ tsp salt 4 cups whole milk 1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut, divided In a saucepan, combine sugar, salt, and milk; cook, stirring frequently over medium heat just until mixture begins to boil. Stir in a half cup of coconut. Remove from heat. Let stand 30 minutes. Strain, discarding coconut. Place milk mixture in a large bowl; add cream, vanilla, and remaining coconut. Cool completely. Freeze in an ice cream freezer. Garnish with toasted coconut if desired.

August is Back to School Safety Month

Bonnie Heatherly, Customer Service Clerk 32 oz half and half 1 tsp vanilla

Combine ingredients and place in ice cream freezer container. Fill to fill line with whole milk. Churn as usual.

No Churn Salted Caramel Ice Cream Mary Williamson, Manager of Collections INGREDIENTS 1 1⁄3 cups store-bought dulce de leche ½ tsp flaky sea salt, plus more for serving 2 cups very cold heavy cream Combine dulce de leche with a half tsp of salt in a large bowl. Using an electric mixer on high speed, beat cream in a large bowl until stiff peaks form, about 3 minutes. Stir about one-third of the whipped cream into dulce de leche until just combined. Gently fold remaining whipped cream into dulce de leche mixture, then pour into 9x5” loaf pan. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze until firm, about 6 hours. Sprinkle with additional salt before serving. Ice cream can be made 7 days ahead; cover and freeze in loaf pan.

Pontotoc Electric will be closed Monday, September 5, in observance of

Remember to play it safe when driving near school buses. Pay attention to flashing lights and stop-arms. To report outages or emergencies, please call 662-489-6711 (Pontotoc) or 662-983-2727 (Bruce). A Pontotoc Electric dispatcher is on duty 24 hours per day, seven day per week.

AUGUST 2022 | TODAY 15

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.

14 TODAY | AUGUST 2022

D A. (From left to right) Pearl River Valley Electric Youth Tour students Abigail Hammons and Connor Gibson at The Albert Einstein Memorial, a bronze sculpture, in Washington, D.C. B. Abigail Hammons and Connor Gibson pose for a photo in front of the Iwo Jima Memorial at The U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial. C. The students stand in front of the White House during their D.C. trip. D. The Pearl River Valley Electric Youth Tour students take a photo at the U.S. Capitol. AUGUST 2022 | TODAY 15

Members to receive nearly

4.1 MILLION in capital credit returns

Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association is pleased While investor-owned utilities return a portion of any to once again announce that members will be receiving profits back to their investors, electric cooperatives assign annual patronage capital returns in August. margins to member-consumers as capital credits and pay Patronage capital, or capital credits, represents them when the co-op’s financial condition permits. members’ investment in their not-for-profit electric “Conservative management of our money by our Board of cooperative. Each year, rates are set so that the Directors has helped keep our Association financially sound,” Association has enough funding to operate throughout Ware continued. “We have returned capital credits for 59 the year, and any year-end revenue years, totaling nearly $67 million overall.” above the cost of providing electric Members receive a share of the service is assigned to members as patronage returns based on their annual We have returned capital electric use. Each qualifying active member margins based on their share of electricity use. A portion of those will receive their return as credit applied credits for 59 years, margins is then returned to members to their power bill mailed in August. For totaling nearly each August. This year, Pearl River inactive members who qualify, checks will $67 million overall. Valley Electric’s Board of Directors be mailed in September. has authorized $4.1 million be returned In addition to annual patronage returns for to members. members, Pearl River Valley Electric also offers discounted “Capital credit returns are one of the advantages of capital credit returns to the estates of deceased members being a member of a cooperative,” said Matthew Ware, and to former members. A total of more than $17.4 million CEO/general manager. “Our members share in the cost has been distributed overall through these programs, of doing business and benefit from any returns as well.” including more than $1,029,707 in 2021.

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. 16 TODAY | AUGUST 2022

MISO, Cooperative ENERGY, AND

Pearl River VALLEY ELECTRIC

The POWER of working TOGETHER Pearl River Valley Electric, as a local electric distribution others, the other members purchase that electricity at a savings cooperative, is a member of Cooperative Energy, a generation for their consumers. Likewise, if one power company needs help and transmission electric cooperative. Cooperative Energy to produce enough electricity to serve their consumers’ needs, generates electricity at power plants across the state then the other companies sell their excess electricity to them. delivers that electricity along high-voltage transmission lines to MISO acts much like an air traffic controller. MISO does not Pearl River Valley Electric and 10 other local electric distribution own the power plants or power lines, but rather helps direct the cooperatives. From there, each electric distribution cooperative flow of electricity between the power companies. distributes the electricity to homes, schools, and businesses — Beyond affordability and reliability, MISO membership provides the places where people need it. each power company access to a variety of renewable energy With 12 cooperatives working together resources. The MISO pool of generation as one mutual source of power, the service resources includes wind, solar, and provided to nearly 1 million Mississippians in addition to more traditional All three entities demonstrate hydropower across the state is more affordable and sources of electricity — natural gas, coal, the power of working reliable than it would be if each system and nuclear. This allows each member power together to provide affordable company to provide renewable energy to operated alone. With that same concept in mind, their consumers that may otherwise be and reliable energy to the Cooperative Energy is part of MISO, a unavailable to them. (ex: Mississippi lacks consumer-members. regional transmission organization. MISO, sufficient wind power to sustain wind also known as the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, is generation. As a member of MISO, though, Cooperative Energy a large network that joins Cooperative Energy with other power provides Pearl River Valley Electric and its consumers with windcompanies in the U.S. and Canada. Working together, each power generated electricity.) company in the network can provide more affordable and reliable Overall, the relationships demonstrated between Pearl River electricity than if each power company operated independently. Valley Electric, Cooperative Energy, and MISO holds true to the Cooperative Energy and other MISO members work together cooperative way of doing business. All three entities demonstrate to produce electricity for their consumers at the lowest cost the power of working together to provide affordable and reliable possible, and to make sure electricity is always available. When energy to the consumer-members. That is a top priority at Pearl one power company can produce electricity at a lower cost than River Valley Electric and Cooperative Energy.

For more information on Cooperative Energy, visit CooperativeEnergy.com or MyElectricCooperative.com. For more information on MISO, visit MISOEnergy.org. AUGUST 2022 | TODAY 17

The power of working together and how it benefits you As a member of Pearl River Electric, you can take comfort in knowing that you are part of a large network of power companies that work together to provide you with affordable, reliable power. Here’s how it works:

3 1

Pearl River Electric and 10 other electric cooperatives across the state are partners with another electric cooperative known as Cooperative Energy.

Cooperative Energy operates the power plants that produce electricity, as well as the transmission lines that move electricity to you.

Because these 11 cooperatives are joined as one mutual source of power, your service is more affordable and reliable than it would be if each system operated alone.

AUGUST 2022 | TODAY 19

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

Southern Pine’s Dedication to Future Members We talk a lot about our focus on members. After all, our members are why Southern Pine exists. We serve you daily by providing safe, reliable, affordable electricity that powers your lives. However, our focus is also on our future members — our children and young people — because they are the future of Southern Pine. Whether they grow up to be members or employees of Southern Pine, we rely on them to carry us into the years ahead. Our goal is to inform and educate our children about Southern Pine and what we do every day. We attend school career fairs, speak to classes, participate in special events, and participate in the adopt-aschool program to help our future members. We recently held our first Pine Sapling Day Camp at Southern Pine’s headquarters for employees’ children. It was a great day of fun and learning as the kids toured our facilities, met with different departments, visited our dispatch center, and participated in interactive demonstrations. We even managed to get some fun and games in, and the kids beat the adults in an intense game of cornhole. Another way we work with our young people is through our Cooperative University and Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi’s Youth Tour. During Cooperative University, over 30 high school juniors from our 11 counties join us at the headquarters in Taylorsville. These student leaders, nominated by high school counselors, are children of our members. These young men and women learn about Southern Pine and electric distribution and hone their leadership skills during group activities.

14 TODAY | AUGUST 2022

An interview panel meets with each student and selects two students to represent Southern Pine at Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. The students on this issue’s cover recently returned from the trip. They toured our Capitol, met with Youth Tour students from electric cooperatives across the country, and got to see first-hand some of America’s most significant monuments to our heroes. For some on this trip, it will be life-changing, and we hope that they take the experience and what they learned and return to Mississippi to help our state and our communities thrive. We want our future members to have every opportunity to excel, and they can see what’s possible through this opportunity. Our members — past, present, and future — are why Southern Pine exists. We are here solely to serve you, and by working with our schools, kids, and our outstanding young people, we can tell you that Southern Pine’s future is bright. Every time I attend one of these events with our young people, I walk away with hope for the future.

by Chris K. Rhodes President/CEO Southern Pine Electric

Member Circle in Newton County: Food, Fellowship, and Valuable Feedback Southern Pine members living in Newton County recently met with Southern Pine directors, managers, and employees for a time of fellowship and good food. The Member Circle Program provides a one-onone opportunity for our members to ask questions, discuss any concerns, and receive updates from Southern Pine. Through Member Circle, we can really listen to our members, learn more about the community, and work together to find mutually agreeable solutions to any needs that our members, or the co-op, may have. Newton County Board Member Richard Thoms

said, “We genuinely value the input from our members, because, after all, Southern Pine belongs to the membership. These events help us connect on a personal level by enjoying a time of fellowship together and really getting to know each other. In today’s fast-paced society, it’s nice to slow things down and talk with our members in the communities we serve.” Southern Pine managers and staff updated members on right-of-way routes, financial matters, outage and response numbers, and staff from TEC joined the event to answer questions on fast-fiber internet.

Pine Sapling Day Camp Southern Pine hosted our very first Pine Sapling Day Camp for children of employees, ages 8-10, and it was great fun for our employees and the kids who participated. The fun-filled day that included a tour of the headquarters and Taylorsville District offices, games, outside activities, and so much more. During the tour the students played a game of Jenga trivia with the accounting department, received a build-your-own catapult kit and a demo of how to build it from the engineering department, and received prizes everywhere they went.

The highlight of the day was an intense game of cornhole with the campers competing against Southern Pine employees. The kids won and the losing team of employees will receive a fun penalty at the employee picnic in September. “We had a fantastic day thanks to all of the employees who shared their time and abilities with the children,” said Jan Collins, vice president of communications and government relations. “The kids were a great group who participated in the fun, fellowship, and games with such great attitudes and manners.”

AUGUST 2022 | TODAY 15

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT:

CAROLYN WILSON

As lead call center member service representative, Carolyn Wilson speaks with Southern Pine members all the time. She joined the call center when it was opened just a few months ago because of her dedication to helping our members with whatever they need. Listening to her answer a call is a lesson on kindness, great member service, and compassion. She joined the Southern Pine family 12 years ago and got more than just a job. “I came to Southern Pine in the beginning for a job, but it is more than a job, it is a blessing in so many ways,” she said. Carolyn is also a blessing to the employees and members of Southern Pine. Member Services Support Supervisor Heather White said she is grateful to work with Carolyn. “When she started working here 12 years ago, everyone could tell from day one that she would be a huge asset to Southern Pine. Now fast forward to today and I can tell you we were right. She was a quick learner and is exactly what we strive to be for our members — always courteous and always willing to help,” said Heather. Heather said that Carolyn’s role as lead call center MSR comes with new responsibilities, and she is doing an excellent job rising to the challenge. “She always has a smile on her face, you can depend on her for anything, and she’s eager to learn new ways to help her members,” added Heather. Carolyn said that she never realized how much work, equipment, and manpower it takes for members to simply flip a switch and turn on the lights. “I had taken a lot for granted before I learned about Southern Pine and everything involved,” she said. “That’s why it is easy for me to speak with members about their power.”

“I came to Southern Pine in the beginning for a job, but it is more than a job, it is a blessing in so many ways.” When she’s not serving our members, Carolyn loves spending time with family and friends. She’s been married to her husband, Judson, for 42 years and they have one daughter, Jessie Campbell. They also have a son-in-law, Ben, and two beautiful grandchildren, Julie, 9, and Hunter, 7. She is a member of Salem Missionary Baptist Church and lives in Stringer. “I am grateful to those who have taught me so much and I hope that I can continue to work hard and put others first,” Carolyn said. “I’m so thankful to God for blessing me daily and to my families at home, work, and church for putting up with me.” Carolyn is truly a valued member of the Southern Pine family and serves our members proudly and kindly.

16 TODAY | AUGUST 2022

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT:

BONNIE SHOWERS AND PEGGY BURNSIDE, SISTERS AND FRIENDS

Southern Pine members and sisters Bonnie Showers and Peggy Burnside have lived interesting and happy lives. They feel blessed to both still live close to the home where they grew up. As we talked in Bonnie’s living room, only a few hundred feet from the original family home, there were signs of her faith everywhere. The scriptures on her walls, shelves, around the house, and on every available countertop spoke volumes about what these two lovely ladies hold dear. William Quincy “W.Q.” and Flora Hornsby raised their daughters to respect their community, their livelihood of farming, and the value of honest hard work. After their mother passed when they were young, the sole responsibility of raising them fell on their father. “There was never a day that daddy didn’t have a plan,” said Bonnie. “We were raised to be very organized in our work, our home and our lives.” The family farm provided everything they needed thanks to their many work hours alongside their father. All the food on the family table came from the farm, including the meat. “Our father raised us to be farmers. We did all the farm work with him, from feeding the animals to gardening to plowing the fields,” said Peggy. “We used corn cobs to shell corn, churned our butter, and did everything we needed to do on the farm. The one thing we weren’t allowed to do was to be outside when they slaughtered animals. Our parents didn’t want us to see that, so we had to go inside the house.” Their Newton County farm was their sanctuary, according to Peggy and Bonnie. They said they were protected from what was happening in the world around them. Life in their community was entirely different from the world at the time, thanks to their daddy. “We knew there was rampant racism when we were growing up, but we did not feel it because Daddy kept us insulated from it,” said Bonnie.

These two grew up in an era of change, and their father was the first in their community to have a telephone. “We were able to call our grandfather who lived near us because our daddy bought the phone and the kit from Sears and ran the line from our house to his house,” said Peggy. “In 1951, we were the first home in the community to receive electricity from Southern Pine,” she added. “I was born without power, and Bonnie was born with power,” joked Peggy. Indeed, some significant changes in technology have occurred throughout their lives. According to Peggy, her favorite change has been the ability to have air conditioning whenever she wants it. Bonnie laughingly said that God was thinking about her when he created GPS. Bonnie is a Jackson State University graduate and a retired Scott County Schools teacher. She is the mother of one son and one daughter and the grandmother of five, with another grandchild on the way. Both sisters have lived in other states but eventually found their way back to the old homestead and couldn’t be happier. Peggy retired from her career as an assistant teacher and head start teacher. She and her husband, George, have three children, 11 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. The lessons learned from their parents on their little piece of the world stay with them even today. Raised to be good Christians, these women are great examples of what Christians should be. Bonnie and Peggy said if they asked anything of their father, his reply would always be “now, what does the Bible say about that?”. It taught these two ladies a valuable lesson they still live by today.

AUGUST 2022 | TODAY 17

18 TODAY | AUGUST 2022

D A. (From left to right) Southern Pine Youth Tour students Zoey Feazell and Jackson James stand in front of The Albert Einstein Memorial, a bronze sculpture, in Washington, D.C. B. Jackson James and Zoey Feazell pose for a photo in front of the Iwo Jima Memorial at The U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial. C. The students stand in front of the White House during their D.C. trip. D. The Southern Pine Youth Tour students take a photo at the U.S. Capitol. AUGUST 2022 | TODAY 19

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

Board of Directors Returns Capital Credits

The Board of Directors has voted to return $1,506,526.13 to Members. Active Members who had accounts in 2021 will receive a credit on their August bill. Members with inactive accounts will be mailed a check on August 10. Southwest Electric is a cooperative owned by the Members. We do not make a profit like an investor-owned utility. Members cover the operating expenses when they pay their bills. Any remaining funds are

invested in the utility plant. This investment, called patronage capital credit, is allocated to our Members’ accounts based on how much electricity is used each year. Members who use more electricity will have a larger investment. Members who use less electricity will have a smaller investment. Since 1960, Southwest Electric has returned $32.5 million in patronage capital to our Members.

August is Back to School Safety Month Our children and grandchildren will go back to school this month. Please avoid distractions while driving, especially around school buses and in school zones. Slow your speed, put your phone down and obey all crossing guards and school bus stop signs.

14 TODAY | AUGUST 2022

Smart thermostats are easy to program, can learn your preferences and set a schedule that automatically adjusts the temperature.

Types of thermostats

Misconceptions about thermostats

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78 degrees in the summer when you are home and awake, and warmer at night or when away.

Use your thermostat to optimize energy efficiency and find a balance between comfort and affordability.

AUGUST 2022 | TODAY 15

A group of 63 rising high school seniors from all over Mississippi traveled to Washington, D.C. in June to attend the 2022 NRECA Youth Tour. The trip was the culmination of the students’ participation in the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi’s Youth Leadership program. The program instills leadership skills, inspires creative thinking, encourages community service and introduces students to lawmakers that represent their communities. During the program workshop in Jackson in March, the students had the opportunity to meet and hear from state legislators. During

16 TODAY | AUGUST 2022

the trip to Washington, D.C., the students met and spoke with their U.S. senators — Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith. While in Washington, D.C., the students and adult chaperones visited historic sites, monuments and museums, explored Capitol Hill, and had an opportunity to learn about the impact electric cooperatives have on their communities. The students were chosen by their hometown electric cooperatives. The Youth Leadership Program is fully funded — including the trip to D.C. — by the local electric cooperatives as a commitment to molding future leaders for Mississippi and the state’s local communities.

D A. (From left to right) Southwest Electric Youth Tour students Adrian Marshall, Ann Patin and Lawrence Jones at The Albert Einstein Memorial, a bronze sculpture, in Washington, D.C. B. Adrian Marshall, Ann Patin and Lawrence Jones pose for a photo in front of the Iwo Jima Memorial at The U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial. C. The students stand in front of the White House during their D.C. trip. D. The Southwest Electric Youth Tour students take a photo at the U.S. Capitol. AUGUST 2022 | TODAY 17

BRIAN HUGHEY

Bringing power and energy services to local communities

Public Relations Specialist

LORRI FREEMAN, APR

STEPHANIE CHISHOLM

Manager of Public Relations

For more information, call 601-947-4211 or 228-497-1313. www.singingriver.com

@singingriverelectric

@SRECooperative

The effects of this summer’s heat wave

14 TODAY | AUGUST 2022

Public Relations Assistant

SRE is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR CEO

There is no doubt extreme temperatures came in abruptly this summer. Traditionally, it takes a while to see the extended hot temperatures we have already experienced. In June alone, we felt 12 days of suffocating temperatures above 95 degrees. Of those days, we exceeded the 100-degree mark three times! As a result, electric energy use by our members for the month of June set a 10-year record. Unfortunately, with the increased energy use at your home comes an increased power bill from your cooperative. If these temperatures are any indication of what we can expect through October, we could be facing a particularly challenging summer in many ways. It’s miserable trying to do anything outdoors after 8 a.m. The water temperature of the Gulf of Mexico rivals the temperature of bath water, and while I am no weather expert, this doesn’t fare well for our tropical outlook later in the year. And, as already mentioned, the early heat wave has resulted in a high demand for electricity across the nation. Power generation companies and those that work to stabilize our electric grid across the United States have annual plans to accommodate added seasonal electricity demand. Singing River Electric’s power supplier, Cooperative Energy, as well as its regional transmission organization, MISO, are closely monitoring operating conditions this summer and have already taken actions to prepare for increased demand including delaying discretionary equipment maintenance, completing seasonal assessments/regular drills, and preparing emergency resources in the event they are needed. As the Electric Power Research Institute reported last year, hurricanes, extreme heat events, and extreme cold events are all becoming problematic for the energy

AMANDA PARKER

General Manager & CEO

sector. However, the issues are not limited to weather. According to MISO, the generation fleet in our region of the United States has been shifting away from conventional baseload resources (coal and natural gas) toward weather-dependent, intermittent renewables. These power sources may not be available when they are needed the most. This is and will continue to be a challenge for power generation companies across our nation. We will endure this summer heat and whatever it may bring together. If you have questions about your energy use or want to learn more ways to save on your bill, visit our website at singingriver.com. You can monitor your daily energy use on the SmartHub app. You’re also welcome to give us a call or stop by one of our offices — our energy professionals are here and eager to help you.

@singingriverelectric

Energy Tips

Jeff Gray

Energy Services Representative gray@singingriver.com

Prevent air infiltration Infiltration, which is outside air leaking into your home, can impact your energy use significantly. Hot air comes inside through cracks and crevasses, and the air you paid to cool escapes outside. Having to cool more air causes your air conditioner to operate at longer intervals, raising your power bill. This can also increase humidity in your home. The same can happen in winter as heated air escapes and cold air enters, causing the heating system to run longer and electric bills to rise. You can do several things to prevent air infiltration in your home:

• Make sure exterior doors are by Brian Hughey General Manager and CEO

sealed with weather stripping and a good threshold seal.

• Add a door sweep if leaks are detected under the door.

• Caulk around all exterior

windows. Seal any exterior holes (plumbing or electrical) with foam sealant such as Great Stuff.

• Seal inside the top of heater

closets. Gas heater closets must be left open for ventilation.

• Add skirting to homes built

off-the-ground to stop air flow under the home.

Visit singingriver.com/ways-to-save for more energy-saving tips.

The power of working together and how it benefits you As a member of Singing River Electric, you can take comfort in knowing that you are part of a large network of power companies that work together to provide you with affordable, reliable power. Here’s how it works:

3 1

Singing River Electric and 10 other electric cooperatives across the state are partners with another electric cooperative known as Cooperative Energy.

Cooperative Energy operates the power plants that produce electricity, as well as the transmission lines that move electricity to you.

Because these 11 cooperatives are joined as one mutual source of power, your service is more affordable and reliable than it would be if each system operated alone.

AUGUST 2022 | TODAY 15

SRE 2021 highlights • Began building the Cumbest Bluff substation in north Jackson County.

2022 Annual Meeting held June 30 Singing River Electric held its 2022 Annual Membership Meeting on Thursday, June 30. During the meeting, General Manager and CEO Brian Hughey reviewed the highlights from 2021 and shared some of the co-op’s accomplishments and plans for 2022. SRE linemen restored outages after local weather events and helped fellow electric cooperatives after storms. Employees volunteered for several projects inspired by the Concern for Community cooperative principle. SRE will add texting as a communications method for outages and member service. Cooperative Energy continues to meet the energy requirements for Singing River Electric and its other distribution cooperatives, and partner with MISO to balance electricity supply and demand. Regarding fiber, a SCADA system connecting all SRE substations and offices is underway, and SRE’s board approved Phase 2 for SR Connect, which will bring high-speed fiber internet to more than 12,000 potential subscribers. Meeting attendees participated in

board elections online, by SmartHub app, by mailed-in proxies, and in person at the annual meeting. Three Singing River Electric members were elected at the meeting to serve three-year terms on the cooperative’s board of directors. One board member was elected to represent District 1, one was elected to represent District 2, and one was elected to represent District 3.

• • •

Stanley R. Busby, District 1 Ronald R. Wilson, District 2 O. Howard Davis, District 3

For a full list of board members, visit singingriver.com/my-coop/#board. Singing River Electric members Milton Driskell, Linda Eckford, Philip Busby, Obie Wells, and Richard Fleming served on the 2022 Credentials and Election Committee. This committee reviews and approves board candidates, oversees elections, and sees first-hand the efforts made to be transparent when conducting the business of the electric cooperative. To view the 2021 SRE Annual Report, visit singingriver.com/my-coop.

• Began construction of a SCADA system connecting all SRE substations and offices to provide real-time data to minimize outage response times and give engineers greater control over the system. • Retired $2.5 million in capital credits for the year 1995; Cooperative Energy retired $1.5 million in capital credits for the year 1991 and partial returns for 1994, 2006, and 2007. • Commissioned nine solar home installations. • Awarded nearly $20,000 in NHN Community Grants to local nonprofits. • Assisted many fellow cooperatives during 2021: Magnolia Electric and Southwest Electric after Winter Storms Uri and Viola, Central Electric and East Mississippi Electric after thunderstorms, and Magnolia Electric and South Louisiana Electric following Hurricane Ida. • Certified 47 Comfort Advantage homes. • Awarded 227 heat pump rebates. • Completed 400 energy audits. • Partnered with Cooperative Energy to place a two-vehicle, Level 2 EV charging station in Lucedale. • Answered more than 140,000 SRE member calls. • Added prepay as a payment option for those who want to pay in advance for electricity as they go. • Re-cleared 930 right-of-way miles to ensure reliable service to all members. • Awarded scholarships to local students through chamber of commerce programs. • Hosted Cooperative University and selected three high school juniors for the 2022 youth leadership program and Youth Tour of Washington, D.C. • Cleaned up several local boat launch areas, planted trees, distributed bare-root seedlings, and assisted with a local food pantry and a Boys and Girls Club.

SRC 2021 highlights • Completed construction of nearly 800 miles of fiber lines by SR Connect contract crews.

Top left: SRE member service representatives register a meeting participant. Top right: Members who regularly attend the annual meeting are like family, and we love seeing them each year. Left: Annual membership meeting attendees learn more about SR Connect’s high-speed internet service.

• Connected 1,000 fiber internet subscribers throughout Greene, George, Perry, Wayne, and Jackson counties. • Moved into Phase 2 of fiber construction in 2022. Substation areas in construction will be announced as they open for sign-ups.

2022 Annual Meeting Membership Meeting Prize Winners $500 winner: Boyce Kendrick of Vancleave. $250 winners: John Bilbo of Pascagoula, Paul Cole of Moss Point, Martin Hathorn of Lucedale, Barbara Reid of Leakesville, James Newman of Lucedale, and Ione Atkinson of Gautier.

A group of 63 rising high school seniors from all over Mississippi traveled to Washington, D.C. in June to attend the 2022 NRECA Youth Tour. Gianna Pierce of Ocean Springs High School, William Rasberry of George County High School, and Sarah Jean Scearce of Resurrection High School were Singing River Electric’s youth representatives. The trip was the culmination of the students’ participation in the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi’s Youth Leadership program. The program instills leadership skills, inspires creative thinking, encourages community service, and introduces students to lawmakers that represent their communities. During the program workshop in Jackson in March, the students had the

opportunity to meet and hear from state legislators. During the trip to Washington, D.C., the students met and spoke with their U.S. senators — Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith. While in Washington, D.C., the students and adult chaperones visited historic sites, monuments, and museums, explored Capitol Hill, and had an opportunity to learn about the impact electric cooperatives have on their communities. The students were chosen by their hometown electric cooperatives. The Youth Leadership Program is fully funded — including the trip to D.C. — by the local electric cooperatives as a commitment to molding future leaders for Mississippi and the state’s local communities.

AUGUST 2022 | TODAY 17

Cyberattack protections Block harmful threats

Set screen time limits

Secure vulnerable devices

Pause internet on devices

Ultimate Wi-Fi Experience With the ExperienceIQ and ProtectIQ bundle for only $7, you get the ultimate Wi-Fi experience. • Prioritize devices to have a seamless workfrom-home experience • Block harmful threats and viruses on all devices connected to your internet • Set screen limits • Take advantage of the best cyberattack protection that is updated daily

Call now to add ExperienceIQ and ProtectIQ.

877-272-6611 To learn more, visit us at singingriverconnect.com.

Students and teachers at the Jackson County Exceptional School are proud of their living lab.

Supporting children with special needs SRE NHN Grant helps Jackson County Exceptional School offer hands-on gardening experience

Concern for Community 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, $333,842.12 has been awarded to local non-profits in local communities.

Special-needs students at the Jackson County Exceptional School can now experience hands-on gardening with wheelchairaccessible raised beds and a boardwalk. The $1,845.83 grant was used to build a living lab with raised flower and vegetable beds, a rain collection system, composting area, worm farming, and a sensory garden area. The school has served children in Jackson County with disabilities for 50 years. “What we envisioned for our students has been made possible with this grant,” explains Dr. Leslie Beaugez, special education teacher. “Opportunities for hands-on learning through exploration and experimentation can be especially beneficial for children with special needs.”

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.

How is my power restored?

To restore power to many people quickly, utilities follow a standard restoration plan. First, transmission lines that carry high voltage electricity to substations are checked for damage, while other employees scout storm-affected areas to assess the damage. Employees are pre-assigned areas to speed restoration. Hospitals are given high priority when possible, and restorations work outward from the substations toward your home. For more information, see the Storm Ready Fact Sheet available at singingriver.com/storm-and-outage.

What is the fastest way to report an outage? Using the SmartHub mobile app can speed restoration time by directly entering your outage information into our system. Dispatch is then able to assign your power outage for faster repairs. Download the SmartHub app at singingriver.com/ smarthub.

twincoepa.com SERVING MORE THAN 12,600 ELECTRIC METERS IN SEVEN DELTA COUNTIES

@twincoepa

Hollandale - 662-827-2262 | Belzoni - 662-247-1909 | Greenville - 662-334-9543 | Rolling Fork - 662-873-4233 | REPORT OUTAGES 866-897-7250

14 TODAY | AUGUST 2022

D A. (From left to right) Twin County Youth Tour students Jaheim Wilder and Anna Sophia Millwood sit on The Albert Einstein Memorial, a bronze sculpture, in Washington, D.C. B. Anna Sophia Millwood and Jaheim Wilder pose for a photo in front of the Iwo Jima Memorial at The U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial. C. The students stand in front of the White House during their D.C. trip. D. The Twin County Youth Tour students take a photo at the U.S. Capitol. AUGUST 2022 | TODAY 15

STAY BACK. STAY SAFE.

Always assume a downed power line is energized. Downed lines can energize the ground up to 35 feet away.

IMPORTANT

• July 19, 2022 – “Record Date” for Twin County’s 2022 Annual Meeting. • July 20, 2022 – Petitions to run for director are available at the Hollandale office. • Aug. 5, 2022 – Completed petitions to run for director must be filed at Twin County’s Hollandale office by 5 p.m.

TWIN COUNTY ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION

WILL BE CLOSED Monday, September 5, in observance of

• Aug. 15-19, 2022 – Annual meeting notices, annual reports, and proxies are mailed to all members in good standing as of the Record Date. • Sept. 14, 2022 – All proxies must be received by 5 p.m. at any of Twin County’s offices. • Sept. 20, 2022 – Twin County Annual Meeting in Hollandale beginning at 2 p.m. 16 TODAY | AUGUST 2022

For after-hours outages, call 866-897-7250.

by Katherine Loving

AUGUST 2022 | TODAY 17

TWITTER

662-746-4251 — OFFICE & REPORT OUTAGES • 866-484-4277 — PAY BY PHONE

VISIT US ONLINE @ WWW.YAZOOVALLEY.COM

14 TODAY | AUGUST 2022

D A. (From left to right) Yazoo Valley Youth Tour students Kemp Black and Rye Yeates stand in front of The Albert Einstein Memorial, a bronze sculpture, in Washington, D.C. B. Kemp Black and Rye Yeates pose for a photo in front of the Iwo Jima Memorial at The U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial. C. The students stand in front of the White House during their D.C. trip. D. The Yazoo Valley Youth Tour students take a photo at the U.S. Capitol. AUGUST 2022 | TODAY 15

FOR THE MEMBERS OF