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News and Notes

Moorman wins leadership award Pontotoc Electric Power Association General Manager Frankie Moorman was recently named the first recipient of the Russell Hustle Award. Moorman accepted the award at the Tupelo-based Central Service Association User Education Conference in early July. The award was presented to Moorman for his leadership during Winter Storm Fern. During the storm, just under 89% of Pontotoc’s system experienced outages. Moorman went on Facebook daily to give members video updates on power restoration efforts. The award was named in honor of the late Danny Russell, a retired general manager at the Central Service Association and a board member for North East Mississippi Electric Power Association. The Central Service Association was formed in 1937 to assist electric utilities with billing and finances.

Co-ops and modern nuclear technology and on rare but high-consequence emergency scenarios. As nuclear “Nuclear energy” often conjures images from TV and movies, facilities modernize, operators are also trained using advanced digital such as towering cooling structures, glowing green substances, and systems that are replacing older, analog equipment. These upgrades frantic control rooms. In reality, modern nuclear power plants are far improve automation, diagnostics, and situational awareness. removed from these portrayals. Safety extends far beyond the control room. Organization and Today’s nuclear facilities operate more like high-tech industrial discipline define how nuclear plants are designed and run. Facilities campuses that are clean, continuously monitored, extremely secure, have clearly established security perimeters, controlled access points, and designed with multiple, overlapping layers of safety. and rigorous maintenance programs to ensure reliability while In the United States, nuclear plants are among the most heavily protecting workers and surrounding communities. Critical components regulated facilities of any kind, with a dense framework of state and are housed in reinforced concrete and federal oversight governing reactor steel structures and are accessible licensing, fuel handling, plant only to essential personnel. maintenance, material disposal and Reactor technology has also emergency preparedness to ensure become safer as decades of that nuclear plants operate safely experience have driven innovation. and responsibly. One of the most significant advances Electric cooperatives are tracking is the increased use of “passive nuclear plant developments in their safety” systems, built-in safety long-term planning. For co-ops and features that work automatically. their consumer-members, nuclear Earlier reactors relied heavily energy can provide reliable, coston pumps, motors and operator effective, carbon-free electricity. Cooperative Energy owns 10% of the intervention to perform critical Nationwide, generation and Grand Gulf Nuclear Station in Port Gibson. functions like circulating cooling transmission (G&T) cooperatives, water. While modern designs still the wholesale power suppliers that include active systems, they also integrate passive features that do not provide electricity to your electric co-op, already partially own or require external power or immediate human action. Instead, natural contract for output from 16 operating nuclear reactors. forces such as gravity, pressure, and convection keep the reactor stable Hattiesburg-based Cooperative Energy, which provides power to and cooled if disruptions occur. Passive safety increases resilience 11 of Mississippi’s distribution co-ops, owns 10% of the Grand Gulf during grid outages and extreme weather events. Nuclear Station plant in Claiborne County. Grand Gulf has been in In a time of rapid electric demand growth, nuclear power offers operation for 41 years. zero-carbon baseload power, a potentially valuable attribute as Safe operation of a nuclear plant begins in the control room. Plant fossil fuel plants retire and intermittent renewable resources operators must pass demanding written and operational examinations expand. As the energy landscape shifts, nuclear energy may play administered by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission before they an important role for cooperatives seeking dependable, long-term are allowed to work –– and training doesn’t stop once operators are generation options. – NRECA licensed. Personnel are regularly tested on routine plant operations 2026 | AUGUST 5

“Improving the quality of life for all those we touch.”

Keep your cool this summer It’s hot. That’s a subject that’s not up for debate. Hot weather, like the temperatures we’ve experienced for several weeks now, can come with serious potential health consequences and higher electric bills. What can we do to combat the dog days of summer and efficiently manage our electric bills? Let’s focus first on staying cool and staying safe in these extreme temperatures. Avoid being outside in extreme temperatures, if possible. Remain inside, taking advantage of cooler temperatures, when you can. Drink plenty of fluids (a recommendation we stress to our 4-County linemen). Increase your fluid intake in hot weather, regardless of your activity level. Wear appropriate clothing and sunscreen. If going outside, choose clothes that are lightweight, light-colored and as loose-fitting as possible. Wear a hat. Try to pace yourself. If you are unaccustomed to being outside in a hot environment, don’t overexert yourself. If exertion makes your heart pound and leaves you short of breath, just stop. Get into a cool area and rest, especially if you become light-headed, confused, weak or faint. Now, what can we do about being energy efficient during the hot, humid summers we have in Mississippi? Don’t suffer by cutting out essential air-conditioning equipment. Place your thermostat on a manageable setting and focus your energy efficient activities on non-essential measures. We’ve got some cool ideas that may help lower your electric bills. You can start by turning off non-essential lighting, when possible. Ease the strain on your air-conditioning unit during a heat wave by closing your blinds, curtains and drapes.

You can also limit your use of major appliances, like the dishwasher and washing machine. For more energy efficiency measures, go to 4county.org, or call 4-County at 1-800-431-1544. And, finally, keep in mind that fall and cooler temperatures are just around the corner. Stay safe, stay cool, and stay reminded that 4-County Electric Power Association is here to serve you. Call us, stop in for a visit, send us a text, or shoot us an e-mail. We’d love to hear from you. Also, we recently said goodbye to two long-time employees. Marilyn Hairston and Howie Critcher both put a bow on impressive careers at 4-County (see tributes below). Their positive impact on 4-County is undeniable. Marilyn, for example, selflessly spent countless hours making sure the rest of us got paid correctly and on time. And Howie, after a very successful stint as a lineman, truly helped the cooperative become the cutting-edge user of technology that we are today. He played a crucial role in the successful buildout of FASTnet. It’s employees like Marilyn and Howie that have helped make 4-County the respected community partner we are.

by Brian Clark CEO/General Manager

TREASURED 4-COUNTY VETERANS RETIRE

Congratulations!

YEARS of SERVICE

Howie Critcher

Howie served in several valued instrumental positions while at 4-County. He was a Journeyman Lineman before taking a position in the IT Department. His last position was Manager of IT & Fiber Network.

YEARS of SERVICE

Marilyn Hairston

Marilyn served in a variety of key administrative positions. She worked, primarily, in 4-County’s Accounting Department. Her latest position was as our valued Payroll Accountant.

Elect ric Coope rative s of Mi

Youth Tour of

learn. grow. experience. A group of 83 rising high school seniors from across Mississippi traveled to Washington, D.C. in June to attend the 2026 NRECA’s Electric Cooperative Youth Tour. The trip was the culmination of the delegates’ participation in the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi’s Cooperative Youth Leaders program. The program instills leadership skills in the delegates, informs them about the electric cooperative form of business, and teaches them about the democratic form of government at both the state and federal levels. During a February workshop in Jackson, the delegates had the opportunity to meet and hear from state legislators. While in Washington, D.C., the delegates and adult advisors visited historic sites, monuments, museums, and had an opportunity to learn about the impact electric cooperatives have on their communities.

16 AUGUST | 2026

The delegates met with U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi and took photos with her. The Senator shared with the students about her experiences in the U.S. Congress and her path to get there. The delegates also had an opportunity to tour Capitol Hill with former U.S. Congressman Gregg Harper of Mississippi. The highlight of the tour was a visit to the chamber of the U.S. House of Representatives. The delegates attended a Washington Nationals pro baseball game and experienced an evening cruise on the Potomac River. The delegates were chosen by their local electric cooperative. The Cooperative Youth Leaders program is fully funded — including the trip to D.C. — by the local electric co-ops as a commitment to molding future leaders for Mississippi, so they can impact the state and local communities.

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4-COUNTY DELEGATES GINGER FORD HOMESCHOOL

KATELYN HAMMETT STARKVILLE ACADEMY

REAGAN KILGORE HOUSTON HIGH SCHOOL

EMMA WILLIAMS NEW HOPE HIGH SCHOOL

“This program has provided me with new friends and amazing experiences that I will carry with me throughout life.”

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EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

O’Neil uses outgoing nature to help co-op members by Brad Barr Jenna O’Neil has never met a conversation she doesn’t like. The self-described extrovert enjoys people interactions. “Conversations are an opportunity to make a connection,” Jenna said. That “people person” gift works well in her role as a member services representative at 4-County Electric Power Association. Jenna grew up in the New Hope community of Lowndes County, busily interacting with other kids in her neighborhood. “I’ve always been very outgoing,” she said. “I was that way as a child, and I’m that way as an adult.” Jenna handles dozens of 4-County member interactions every day, some over the phone and some in person. “I enjoy working with the members. At the end of the day, we try to make them happy. That’s the outcome we want,” she explained. Jenna and her husband, Zach, live in Lowndes County with their 1-year-old son, Bowen. They attend Mount Vernon Church. In her spare time, Jenna and Zach enjoy spending time outdoors, being with family and friends, participating in church activities and making memories with Bowen. “Having Bowen has changed our lives, completely,” she 18 AUGUST | 2026

said. “Our world revolves around him. We just chase him around. He’s so sweet.” The family also enjoys their interactions with their Australian Shepherd dog named Spice. “She looks like the spice cabinet,” Jenn said, in reference to the breed’s multi-colored coat. “She kind of acts a little spicy, too,” she added with a grin. Jenna joined the 4-County team in April 2024, after serving in a customer service role for a local hospital. She has an associate’s degree in liberal arts from East Mississippi Community College. Jenna is also certified as an emergency medical responder. She and her parents have been frequently involved in local volunteer fire department activities. The people person appreciates 4-County’s interaction with the communities it serves. “We provide excellent service,” Jenna stressed, “and we’re so involved in supporting our communities by volunteering and giving back through our 4-County Foundation.” People interaction is the long and short of things for Jenna. “Getting to know people is important to me, at home and at work.”

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

Understanding your

electric bill

August is typically one of the warmest months of the year, and that means air conditioners across our community are working overtime to keep homes comfortable. During periods of extreme heat, many members may see an increase in their electric bill and wonder what factors contribute to the cost of electricity. At Central Electric, we believe understanding your electric bill is an important part of being an informed member. While the total amount due may seem like a single number, it actually reflects several different costs associated with delivering reliable electricity to your home or business. The largest factor is often the amount of energy you use. Electricity is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), and the more energy your household consumes, the higher your bill will be. During the summer, air conditioning is typically the largest driver of increased energy use. When temperatures climb into the 90s or higher, our cooling systems run longer and more frequently, consuming significantly more electricity than they do during milder weather. Another major factor is the cost of generating or purchasing electricity. Central Electric purchases power from the Tennessee Valley Authority. The cost of producing electricity fluctuates based on fuel prices, including natural gas, coal, and other energy resources used to generate power. Changes in wholesale power costs influence the price of electricity delivered to members. Transmission costs also play a role. Before electricity reaches your home, it must travel across a network of high-voltage transmission lines that connect power plants to local distribution systems. Transmission equipment requires ongoing maintenance and upgrades to ensure reliability, especially as electricity demand continues to grow.

Central Electric maintains the local electric distribution system — utility poles, power lines, transformers, substations, and other essential equipment that safely delivers power to members. Maintaining this equipment is covered through a monthly service charge. This is a flat monthly fee all members pay, regardless of how much electricity they use. This fixed fee ensures all members pay a fair share of the basic, operational costs required to keep the power grid reliable and ready to serve your home or business. Whether a member uses a little electricity or a lot, we must maintain infrastructure and have crews, equipment, and resources available to provide electricity around the clock. Summer temperatures can also influence costs in less obvious ways. When the demand for electricity is high across a region, wholesale power prices can increase. Utilities and grid operators must ensure enough generation is available to meet peak demand, and those costs can be reflected throughout the electric system. The good news is that simple steps to lower energy use can make a meaningful difference. Setting your thermostat a few degrees higher when you’re away, replacing dirty HVAC filters, using ceiling fans, sealing air leaks, and avoiding the use of major appliances during the hottest parts of the day can help reduce energy consumption, lower your bill, and reduce strain on the local grid during peak demand. Central Electric’s mission is to provide safe, reliable, and affordable electricity while being transparent about the factors that impact energy costs. We understand every dollar matters, and we are committed to making smart investments that keep the lights on and support the communities we serve.

2026 | AUGUST

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16 AUGUST | 2026

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DIARRA DAVIS

NORTHWEST RANKIN HIGH SCHOOL

BRADY FARVE

CHOCTAW CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

MCKINLEY JOHNSON WEST LAUDERDALE HIGH SCHOOL

“Participating in the youth tour completely shifted my perspective by showing me firsthand how local co-ops connect directly to national leadership and community development.”

Diarra Davis

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EFFICIENCY MATTERS f�� com��

Energy-efficiency upgrades can help you and your two- and four-legged loved ones keep cool this summer.

by Miranda Boutelle

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Did you know energy efficiency upgrades not only help you save energy, but can make your home more comfortable, too? If you find yourself continually returning to the thermostat on cold winter days or unable to find relief from heat on summer days, these are signs your home needs an efficiency upgrade. No matter the home, energy efficiency upgrades often start with the same basic principle: Keep outside air from coming inside and keep conditioned inside air from leaking out. Insulation, air sealing, duct sealing and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning upgrades can dramatically improve the comfort of your home. A fully insulated home, including attic, walls, and floor, is more comfortable. It’s like a blanket for your home. Air sealing is a lesserknown efficiency upgrade that keeps air from entering and exiting the home through cracks and gaps. Some air sealing can be done from inside the home, such as using expanding foam around plumbing pipes and drains under sinks, adding gaskets to outlets on exterior walls, caulking around windows, or weatherstripping around doors. Attics and crawl spaces offer additional opportunities to reduce air leakage and increase comfort. In the attic, sealing gaps around top plates, open soffit areas, cove ceilings, and balloon framing can help keep conditioned air where it belongs. In the basement or crawl space, seal around plumbing pipes and drains, vents, and electrical wires. If you need help, contact a local contractor. As a self-proclaimed energy geek, you probably aren’t surprised that my first move when my husband and I bought our first home years ago was to air seal and insulate. We sealed and insulated the attic, walls, and rim joists in the basement. The difference in comfort was instant. Our house felt cozier and much more comfortable. The temperature swings from the furnace cycling on and off were dramatically reduced. The home felt warmer in the winter and If you see light around your doors, cooler in the summer. add weatherstripping to keep outside air from entering the home. Another benefit from insulation was a surprising reduction in noise from outside. We lived about 15 minutes away from the airport and close to a busy road. When the windows and doors were closed, we could no longer hear the airplanes, and the traffic noise was almost unnoticeable. Duct sealing can also improve the comfort of your home. Your ductwork delivers heated or cooled air in a forced-air HVAC system. 18 AUGUST | 2026

If there are disconnections or leaks in the ducts, the air you paid to heat or cool may not end up where you want it. Disconnects and leaks can cause hot or cold spots in the home. An HVAC professional can inspect or test your ducts to make sure they are connected and sealed properly. Air sealing and duct sealing can also improve the air quality in your home. Air leakage between the conditioned area of the home and the attic or crawl space can introduce dust, pollen, mold, or other allergens you don’t want to breathe. If you are in the market to upgrade your HVAC system, consider an energy-efficient heat pump. Reducing air leakage Photo Credit: Bonneville Power Administration can reduce the chance of these things circulating throughout your home. Upgrading to a heat pump can also boost comfort and efficiency. Heat pump technology is often about three times as efficient as electric resistance heat because it uses refrigerant to move heat instead of creating it. If you’re upgrading from electric or gas heat, a heat pump can efficiently heat and cool your home, making it comfortable year-round. If you already have a heat pump or any forced-air HVAC system, annual maintenance and regularly changing your filter maximizes system operation and comfort.

Consider improving your home’s comfort by completing these energy efficiency upgrades. Your family — and energy bills — will thank you. Miranda Boutelle is the chief operating officer at Efficiency Services Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energy efficiency company.

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

August:

A season of preparation

by Qua'Shara Monix As the calendar turns to August, our communities begin one of the busiest times of the year. School buses are preparing to roll; Friday night lights are about to shine; crops are reaching critical stages in the fields, and Coahoma Electric Power Association crews continue working around the clock to provide safe and reliable electric service, even during some of the hottest days of the year. While many people seek relief indoors, Coahoma Electric's linemen spend long days outside maintaining power lines, responding to outages, and completing system improvements. Working in protective flame-resistant clothing, rubber gloves, sleeves, and safety equipment adds another layer of challenge during Mississippi summers. However, our service crews remain committed to safely delivering the reliable electric service our members depend on. Safety is never sacrificed for speed. Our linemen follow strict procedures by taking regular hydration breaks, monitoring one another for signs of heat-related illness, and using every precaution necessary to complete each job safely. We're proud of their dedication and appreciate the sacrifices they make to service our communities, rain or shine, day or night. With summer temperatures often reaching the upper 90s, everyone should take steps to protect themselves from extreme heat. August is also an important month for our area's farmers. Irrigation systems continue operating, equipment is being serviced, and preparations for harvest are well underway. Before moving large

equipment, always look up for overhead power lines. Combines, tractors, grain augers, cotton pickers, and other machinery can reach dangerous heights. If equipment contacts a power line, remain inside the cab whenever possible and call 911 and Coahoma Electric immediately. Never attempt to move or touch a downed power line. Staying aware can help prevent serious accidents during one of the busiest seasons of the year. For students, August represents a fresh start. Across northwest Mississippi, football season brings communities together. From youth leagues to junior high and varsity teams, players have spent countless hours preparing for kickoff. As games begin in the August heat, athletes, coaches, and parents should make hydration a top priority. Drinking plenty of water before, during, and after practices and games, taking frequent cooling breaks, and recognizing the signs of heat exhaustion are all essential for staying healthy throughout the season. From all of us at Coahoma Electric, we wish our students a successful and safe school year, our athletes a safe season, our farmers a productive harvest, and all of our members a cool, healthy, and enjoyable August. Stay safe, stay hydrated, and thank you for allowing us to power your lives every day.

Here are a few simple ways to

throughout august

stay cool

• Drink water regularly; even before you feel thirsty.

• Never leave children or pets inside a parked vehicle.

• Limit strenuous outdoor activities to the early morning or evening hours.

• Check on elderly family members and neighbors during periods of excessive heat.

• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.

• Keep ceiling fans running to improve comfort. However, remember that fans cool people not rooms, so turn them off when you leave.

• Take frequent breaks in air-conditioned or shaded areas.

2026 | AUGUST

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EFFICIENCY MATTERS f�� com��

Energy-efficiency upgrades can help you and your two- and four-legged loved ones keep cool this summer.

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WWW.COASTELECTRIC.COOP

Powering your life, connecting your future

A message

Communicators: April Lollar, Merilee Sands and Sarah Belk

Operation Round Up is one of the most meaningful ways Coast Electric members support the communities we serve. Through this voluntary program, members who choose to round up their monthly electric bill help fund grants for local nonprofit organizations that are making a real difference across our service area. Grant applications are now available on our website if you visit coastelectric.coop/my-community/operation-roundup. I encourage eligible organizations to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to support projects that strengthen our communities and improve the quality of life for our neighbors. When members participate in ORU, even small contributions add up to a powerful investment in the places we call home.

As a member-owner of Coast Electric, your involvement also matters in the governance of our cooperative. Our Annual Meeting will be held in Kiln on Nov. 5, where members can elect board members and learn more about the state of the cooperative. If you can’t attend, registering by proxy still gives you a voice in the future of Coast Electric.

by Chris Rhodes President and CEO

ANNUAL MEETING REGISTRATION

Registration is open for our 2026 Annual Meeting! We hope to see you at the meeting on Nov. 5, but if you are unable to attend, you can register in one of three ways: 1 - Return the registration card that was mailed to your home. 2 - Register online through Oct. 29. Visit coastelectric.coop/annual-meeting-registration. 3 - Register at any Coast Electric office by Oct. 29. Those who attend the meeting and those who register will be entered for a chance to win up to $1,000 in electricity credits! This year, everyone who registers will also be entered into a drawing to win a Ford F-150 that has been retired from Coast Electric’s fleet. Members do not need to be present to win the truck. We hope to see you all at the meeting!

OPERATION ROUND UP

SPOTLIGHT

Feeding the Gulf Coast

Every month, Coast Electric members who participate in Operation Round Up help improve lives across Hancock, Harrison and Pearl River counties. Through this spotlight series, we’re introducing you to the organizations your generosity supports and the difference your spare change is making in our community. This month, we’re proud to highlight Feeding the Gulf Coast, an organization dedicated to helping children and families facing food insecurity. While thousands of students receive breakfast and lunch during the school week, many don’t have enough food once they leave school on Friday. Feeding the Gulf Coast helps bridge that gap by providing nutritious weekend meals and snacks, ensuring children have reliable access to food until they return to school on Monday. The new school year is underway and, thanks in part to Operation Round Up grants funded by Coast Electric members, 55 local children

receive weekend meal packs that include two lunches, two snacks and two suppers each week. “We want to sincerely thank the members of Coast Electric for rounding up,” said Holly Wheeler, grants manager for Feeding the Gulf Coast. “Your generosity is helping feed children in local schools, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to partner with Operation Round Up to make a meaningful difference.” Director of Community Development Janell Nolan said, “Coast Electric members have made Operation Round Up a powerful force for good across our service area. Their spare change is helping support the life-changing work of nonprofits like Feeding the Gulf Coast, and I hope every member is proud of the incredible difference they’re making in the lives of others. Together, we’re doing great things.” Operation Round Up is funded through voluntary contributions of Coast Electric members who round up their monthly electric bills to the nearest dollar. Individually, those contributions may seem small, but together they create lasting change by supporting organizations like Feeding the Gulf Coast and many others working to strengthen our communities. To learn more about Feeding the Gulf Coast, make a donation or volunteer, visit feedingthegulfcoast.org.

OPERATION ROUND UP grant applications available NOW!

Charitable organizations that serve Hancock, Harrison and/or Pearl River counties could be eligible for a grant of up to $10,000 from Coast Electric’s Operation Round Up program. Grant applications are available online only through Aug. 31. Grants are made possible by generous contributions from Coast Electric members who round their bill up to the nearest dollar each month. These contributions are responsible for funding more than $1 million in grants in our community! Coast Electric works with the Gulf Coast Community Foundation to process and administer grants. Visit https://coastelectric.coop/my-community/operation-roundup/ to apply.

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A group of 83 rising high school seniors from across Mississippi traveled to Washington, D.C. in June to attend the 2026 NRECA’s Electric Cooperative Youth Tour. The trip was the culmination of the delegates’ participation in the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi’s Cooperative Youth Leaders program. The program instills leadership skills in the delegates, informs them about the electric cooperative form of business, and teaches them about the democratic form of government at both the state and federal levels. During a February workshop in Jackson, the delegates had the opportunity to meet and hear from state legislators. While in Washington, D.C., the delegates and adult advisors visited historic sites, monuments, museums, and had an opportunity to learn about the impact electric cooperatives have on their communities. The delegates met with U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi and took photos with her. The Senator shared with the students about her experiences in the U.S. Congress and her path to get there. The delegates also had an opportunity to tour Capitol Hill with former U.S. Congressman Gregg Harper of Mississippi. The highlight of the tour was a visit to the chamber of the U.S. House of Representatives. The delegates attended a Washington Nationals pro baseball game and experienced an evening cruise on the Potomac River. The delegates were chosen by their local electric cooperative. The Cooperative Youth Leaders program is fully funded — including the trip to D.C. — by the local electric co-ops as a commitment to molding future leaders for Mississippi, so they can impact the state and local communities.

CAPITOL STEPS

NATALIE CRIDER • BILOXI HIGH BLAKE HENLEY • ST. STANISLAUS ASA JONES • ST. STANISLAUS CADY OWEN • POPLARVILLE HIGH

“Touring my nation’s capital has lit a fire in me I cannot put into words. I want to change the world for the better with my ideas and influence.” hyde senator cindy

-smith

- Cady Owen

2026 | AUGUST

LABOR DAY OFFICE CLOSING

Coast Electric’s and Coast Connect’s business offices will be closed Monday, Sept. 7, for the Labor Day holiday. We hope you have a safe and fun holiday weekend! Dispatchers will be on duty, and crews will be on call throughout the holiday weekend.

TO CONTACT COAST ELECTRIC: You can report outages by: • Texting us at 228-338-4644 if you have a mobile number associated with your account. • Using the CE on the Go mobile app. • Reporting it online: outages.coastelectric.coop/ • We CANNOT take outage reports on our social media accounts. Trying to report your outage on social media does not put your outage into our system or report it to dispatchers or crews.

TO CONTACT COASTCONNECT: For all after-hours inquiries, CoastConnect subscribers can call 877-969-3884 to speak to our 24/7 tech support team.

CONTEST Coast Electric wants you to reduce your energy use and see savings on your energy costs. Each month, you will have an opportunity to register to win a prize that will help you reduce the energy consumption in your home. Visit coastelectric.coop or scan the QR code to enter. It only takes a few seconds, and you could win a prize that helps you save!

Congratulations to our June Reduce Your Use winner, Charles Armond!

18 AUGUST | 2026

Energy fairs

AND COASTCONNECT SIGNUP EVENTS

Lightning-fast downloads, streaming and gaming Fast, dependable local service No hidden terms or fees

Join us Thursday, Sept. 3, at Coast Electric’s Gulfport and Biloxi offices from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for energy fairs and CoastConnect signup events. Coast Electric’s energy experts will be there to answer your questions about making your home energy efficient so you can manage your use and save, and CoastConnect’s high-speed internet experts will be there to answer your questions and help you sign up for CoastConnect! We will have giveaways, prizes and a local team of experts ready to help you determine what programs and services best fit your needs. We hope to see you there!

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

Understanding your

electric bill

August is typically one of the warmest months of the year, and that means air conditioners across our community are working overtime to keep homes comfortable. During periods of extreme heat, many members may see an increase in their electric bill and wonder what factors contribute to the cost of electricity. At Delta Electric, we believe understanding your electric bill is an important part of being an informed member. While the total amount due may seem like a single number, it actually reflects several different costs associated with delivering reliable electricity to your home or business. The largest factor is often the amount of energy you use. Electricity is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), and the more energy your household consumes, the higher your bill will be. During the summer, air conditioning is typically the largest driver of increased energy use. When temperatures climb into the 90s or higher, our cooling systems run longer and more frequently, consuming significantly more electricity than they do during milder weather. Another major factor is the cost of generating or purchasing electricity. Delta Electric purchases power from Cooperative Energy. The cost of producing electricity fluctuates based on fuel prices, including natural gas, coal, and other energy resources used to generate power. Changes in wholesale power costs influence the price of electricity delivered to members. Transmission costs also play a role. Before electricity reaches your home, it must travel across a network of high-voltage transmission lines that connect power plants to local distribution systems. Transmission equipment requires ongoing maintenance and upgrades to ensure reliability, especially as electricity demand continues to grow. Delta Electric maintains the local electric distribution system — utility poles, power lines, transformers, substations, and other essential equipment that safely delivers power to members. Maintaining this

equipment is covered through a monthly service charge. This is a flat monthly fee all members pay, regardless of how much electricity they use. This fixed fee ensures all members pay a fair share of the basic, operational costs required to keep the power grid reliable and ready to serve your home or business. Whether a member uses a little electricity or a lot, we must maintain infrastructure and have crews, equipment, and resources available to provide electricity around the clock. Summer temperatures can also influence costs in less obvious ways. When the demand for electricity is high across a region, wholesale power prices can increase. Utilities and grid operators must ensure enough generation is available to meet peak demand, and those costs can be reflected throughout the electric system. The good news is that simple steps to lower energy use can make a meaningful difference. Setting your thermostat a few degrees higher when you’re away, replacing dirty HVAC filters, using ceiling fans, sealing air leaks, and avoiding the use of major appliances during the hottest parts of the day can help reduce energy consumption, lower your bill, and reduce strain on the local grid during peak demand. Delta Electric’s mission is to provide safe, reliable, and affordable electricity while being transparent about the factors that impact energy costs. We understand every dollar matters, and we are committed to making smart investments that keep the lights on and support the communities we serve.

by Harold Pittman General Manager

2026 | AUGUST

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by Miranda Boutelle

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Energy-efficiency upgrades can help you and your two- and four-legged loved ones keep cool this summer.

No matter the home, energy efficiency upgrades often start with the same basic principle: Keep outside air from coming inside and keep conditioned inside air from leaking out. Insulation, air sealing, duct sealing and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning upgrades can dramatically improve the comfort of your home. A fully insulated home, including attic, walls, and floor, is more comfortable. It’s like a blanket for your home. Air sealing is a lesserknown efficiency upgrade that keeps air from entering and exiting the home through cracks and gaps. Some air sealing can be done from inside the home, such as using expanding foam around plumbing pipes and drains under sinks, adding gaskets to outlets on exterior walls, caulking around windows, or weatherstripping around doors. Attics and crawl spaces offer additional opportunities to reduce air leakage and increase comfort. In the attic, sealing gaps around top plates, open soffit areas, cove ceilings, and balloon framing can help keep conditioned air where it belongs. In the basement or crawl space, seal around plumbing pipes and drains, vents, and electrical wires. If you need help, contact a local contractor. As a self-proclaimed energy geek, you probably aren’t surprised that my first move when my husband and I bought our first home years ago was to air seal and insulate. We sealed and insulated the attic, walls, and rim joists in the basement. The difference in comfort was instant. Our house felt cozier and much more comfortable. The temperature swings from the furnace cycling on and off were dramatically reduced. The home felt warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

If you see light around your doors, add weatherstripping to keep outside air from entering the home.

Another benefit from insulation was a surprising reduction in noise from outside. We lived about 15 minutes away from the airport and close to a busy road. When the windows and doors were closed, we could no longer hear the airplanes, and the traffic noise was almost unnoticeable. Duct sealing can also improve the comfort of your home. Your ductwork delivers heated or cooled air in a forced-air HVAC system. If there are disconnections or leaks in the ducts, the air you paid to heat or cool may not end up where you want it. Disconnects and leaks can cause hot or cold spots in the home. An HVAC professional can inspect or test your ducts to make sure they are connected and sealed properly. Air sealing and duct sealing can also improve the air quality in your home. Air leakage between the conditioned area of the home and the attic or crawl space can introduce dust, pollen, mold, or other allergens you don’t want to breathe. Reducing air leakage can reduce the chance of these things circulating throughout your home. Upgrading to a heat pump can also boost comfort and efficiency. Heat pump technology is often about three times as efficient as electric resistance heat because it uses refrigerant to move heat instead of creating it. If you’re upgrading from electric or gas heat, a heat pump can efficiently heat and cool your home, making it comfortable year-round. If you already have a heat pump or any forced-air HVAC system, annual maintenance and regularly changing your filter maximizes system operation and comfort.

If you are in the market to upgrade your HVAC system, consider an energy-efficient heat pump. Photo Credit: Bonneville Power Administration

Co-op Energy Sources Nationally, electric cooperatives use a variety of fuels to power consumer-members’ homes and businesses. This diverse fuel mix supplies co-op members with the safe, reliable and affordable power they depend on.

Hydro

Other

36%

15%

Natural Gas

Non-Hydro Renewables

15%

Nuclear

Source: National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (2024 data)

23% Coal

Lightning Speed

DElightSpeed.coop • 662-477-1975 • info@delightspeed.coop

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

dixieepa.com | defastlink.net | 601-425-2535 dixieepa.com

@DixieElectricMS

@dixie_electric

WHY WE INVEST before we have to One of the most important responsibilities we have as your electric cooperative is preparing for tomorrow, not just responding to today. When people think about utility infrastructure, they often do so only when something goes wrong. A power outage, a broken pole, or an aging piece of equipment can quickly remind us how much we depend on the systems that serve our homes and businesses every day. At Dixie Electric, our goal is to stay ahead of those challenges by reinvesting before potential issues become real problems. That means replacing poles before they reach the end of their useful life, instead of waiting until they fail. It means upgrading substations before growth creates capacity issues. It means maintaining rights-of-way before vegetation becomes overgrown and impacts reliability. It also means continuously evaluating our system to identify opportunities for improvement long before they become necessities. Taking this proactive approach requires planning and fi nancial discipline. As a member-owned cooperative, we focus on what will best serve our members for years and even decades to come. Most of the improvements we make are expected to last for 30, 40, or even 50 years or more. This approach isn’t inexpensive, but waiting until something fails or goes wrong is even more costly. Every investment we make is evaluated through that lens.

The same philosophy guided our decision to build a fiber network through DE Fastlink. We recognized that reliable, high-speed internet was becoming just as essential as electricity for many homes and businesses. Rather than waiting for someone else to solve the problem, we invested in infrastructure that would support our communities well into the future. Many of the improvements we make happen quietly. Members may never notice a new piece of equipment, an upgraded line, or a rebuilt section of the system, but those investments matter. They help improve reliability, support economic growth, and ensure we are prepared to meet the changing needs of our communities. At Dixie Electric, we believe good stewardship means looking ahead. By investing before we have to, we can continue providing the reliable service our members expect while building a stronger future for the communities we serve.

by Randy Smith General Manager

2026 CREDENTIALS AND ELECTIONS COMMITTEE MEMBERS Pamela Shores Eddie Tisdale

James Adams Rachel Barnes James Bender

Linda Jordan Silas Cooley

Elect ric Coope rative s of Mi

Youth Tour of

16 AUGUST | 2026

ssiss ippi's

D. C.

US Marine

c national

FORD BIGLER WEST JONES HIGH SCHOOL

BRANTLEE CRAGER NORTHEAST JONES HIGH SCHOOL

COLIN WINDHAM NORTHEAST JONES HIGH SCHOOL

athedral

senator cin

Corps War

dy hyde-sm

Memorial

ith

"This was a once in a lifetime experience, and I am forever thankful for the skills I learned and the relationships I formed.”

Brantlee Crager

capitol steps

2026 | AUGUST 17

by Amanda Mills Every August, my social media feed fills with first-day-of-school pictures. New backpacks. Fresh sneakers. Big smiles. A few nervous faces. Parents standing on front porches trying to capture a moment that somehow feels both exciting and bittersweet. Last year was the first August that I didn't have a child to photograph before school. After years of scrambling to get everyone out the door, remembering lunches, checking homework one last time, and insisting on "just one more picture," that chapter quietly came to an end. My son is grown now. While there's a part of me that's grateful to have survived those days, I'll admit there's also a little tug at my heart when I see everyone else's photos. Those years go by much faster than we ever imagined. Maybe that's why supporting our local schools means even more to me today. At Dixie Electric and DE Fastlink, you'll see our names on scoreboards, athletic programs, banners, yearbooks, and event sponsorships. Those are certainly advertisements, but to me, they represent something much bigger. They're an investment. An investment in the students who will one day become our teachers, nurses, linemen, accountants, business owners, welders, or community leaders. When you see our logo at a football game or on a gym wall, I hope you'll know there are employees sitting in those same stands cheering alongside you. We're parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and neighbors who care deeply about the success of the communities we serve. Our support doesn't stop with writing a check. Throughout the school year, our employees visit classrooms to read to preschoolers, teach electrical safety, introduce students to career opportunities in the utility industry, and help young people learn how to make smart, informed decisions in today's digital world. Whether we're speaking to elementary students about staying safe around power lines or helping older students explore careers they may have never considered, we're investing in people just as much as programs. 18 AUGUST | 2026

As a mom, it makes me proud to be part of an organization that understands supporting education isn't just good community relations, it's part of building stronger communities for generations to come. So, as another school year begins, I hope every student has a year filled with growth, every teacher knows how appreciated they are, and every parent takes the picture — even if your child rolls their eyes. One day, you'll be scrolling through those memories with a grateful heart, wondering how the years passed so quickly.

My hope is that the next time you're choosing an internet provider, a bank, an insurance company, or another local service, take a moment to notice who is investing in your child's school and your community. My hope is that the next time you're choosing an internet provider, a bank, an insurance company, or another local service, take a moment to notice who is investing in your child's school and your community. The businesses you see supporting your local teams, classrooms, and school events are making a conscious decision to give back. Those investments say a great deal about a company's commitment to the community it serves. At Dixie Electric and DE Fastlink, we're proud to invest in the students who will one day shape the future of the communities we all call home. Here's to a safe, successful, and memorable school year for everyone.

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

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

Serving you through every season A MESSAGE FROM YOUR CEO There is something special about stepping away from the daily routine for a few days. Earlier this summer, my family gathered for our annual vacation. This year we chose a quieter destination, away from the crowds and constant activity. It gave us the opportunity to simply enjoy being together. One of the greatest joys was watching our grandchildren spend time with one another. As they grow older, each develops unique interests and personalities, yet when they are together they quickly become cousins, playmates and friends. Seeing those relationships grow reminded me that some of life's greatest blessings aren't found in busy schedules or exciting destinations but in the people we share life with. Even while I was away, my phone reminded me that life at home never completely stops. Several rounds of summer storms moved through the EMEPA service area, and I received updates by text as our employees responded to outages and worked to restore power. As I read those messages, I found myself feeling more grateful than concerned. One of the true measures of an organization is not whether things go well when the leader is present, but whether they continue to serve people well when the leader is away. Our employees once again demonstrated the professionalism and dedication our members have come to expect. Lineworkers, dispatchers, member service representatives, engineers and support staff each played their part, responding quickly and safely to restore service to our communities. Knowing our members were being cared for allowed me to enjoy precious time with my family without worrying about what was happening back home. That kind of confidence is only possible

EMEPA 88

ANNUAL MEETING

because of the outstanding people who serve EMEPA every day. I couldn't be more proud of our team. As August arrives, another familiar season begins. School buses will soon be back on the roads, classrooms will fill with students and families will settle into new routines. For many of us, summer vacations become cherished memories while calendars once again become full. I encourage everyone to take a few extra moments as these routines return. Watch for children at bus stops, slow down in school zones and be patient with one another. Small acts of kindness and consideration help make our communities safer and stronger. Whether you're sending a child to kindergarten, helping a grandchild prepare for another school year or simply enjoying the changing pace of the season, I hope this month brings new opportunities to grow, to serve and to spend time with those who matter most. From all of us at EMEPA, thank you for allowing us to serve your family. We remain committed to providing the reliable electric service you depend on — through sunny days, summer storms and every season that lies ahead.

by Randy Carroll CEO — East Mississippi Electric Power Association

Complete your 2026 proxy either by mail or online for your chance to win a $500 electricity credit. Due date for proxy return is Tuesday, Sept. 29. For more information visit emepa.com/annualmeeting.

SATURDAY, OCT. 3, 2026 at 10 a.m.

On June 12, 2026, the Board of Directors amended Section 4.06

EMEPA AUDITORIUM

of the Bylaws to clarify the process of filling a board vacancy

2128 Highway 39 North Meridian, MS 39301

Bylaw Change Notice:

which occurs after the Credentials Committee has approved and published the slate of candidates.

2026 | AUGUST

Elect ric Coope rative s of Mi

Youth Tour of

16 AUGUST | 2026

ssiss ippi's

D. C. The People

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dy hyde-sm

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"Over this past week I have had so much fun, and it wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for the Cooperative Youth Leaders program. I have learned so much about our nation, met so many important people, and have gained lifelong friendships. The Youth Tour has left a lasting impact on my life, and I know it was definitely a positive one!"

Qua Sillimon arlingto

ANNA JANE GIBSON RUSSELL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

BRODY GRESSETT

WEST LAUDERDALE HIGH SCHOOL

CALEB RANDALL LAMAR SCHOOL

AYLA RYALS

NOXAPATER ATTENDANCE CENTER

QUA SILLIMON

NORTHEAST LAUDERDALE HIGH SCHOOL

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Powered by Fiber, Built for Family Life East Mississippi Connect fiber, managed Wi-Fi and parental controls help families learn, work and stay connected safely.

encourage healthy technology habits while providing an added layer of online protection.

Mississippi families rely on internet connectivity for nearly every part of daily life. From completing homework and attending virtual classes to working remotely, streaming entertainment and staying connected with loved ones, reliable internet has become a household essential.

Reliable fiber internet also plays an important role in education. Students depend on internet access for research, assignments, educational resources and collaboration with teachers and classmates. EMC fiber internet helps ensure they can participate in today’s digital learning environment without interruption.

EMC fiber internet delivers the speed and reliability families need to make the most of today’s connected world. But great internet service is about more than fast speeds. It’s also about creating a safe, productive online experience for every member of the family.

The benefits extend beyond the classroom. EMC fiber internet supports workforce development by helping adults pursue online training, certifications and professional development opportunities. It also makes lifelong learning more accessible, whether through college courses, virtual workshops, online libraries or new hobbies.

One of the most valuable tools available to EMC subscribers is managed Wi-Fi. Managed Wi-Fi helps optimize internet performance throughout the home, reducing dead zones and keeping devices connected where families need them most. Whether students are studying, parents are working remotely or everyone is online at the same time, managed Wi-Fi helps deliver a better experience.

If you’re not yet an EMC subscriber, we invite you to experience the difference. East Mississippi Connect Fiber delivers reliable connectivity backed by local support, fair and transparent pricing, and no gimmicks or surprise rate increases. Combined with the convenience and control of managed Wi-Fi through the EMC Wi-Fi app, it’s a smarter way to keep your family connected, protected and prepared for the future.

Managed Wi-Fi also includes content controls to give parents greater confidence and peace of mind. If you’re already an EMC subscriber, download the EMC Wi-Fi app to easily set parental controls, screen-time limits, pause internet access during homework or bedtime hours and manage connected devices. These tools help

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

www.MEPCoop.com

| REPORT OUTAGES 601-684-4011 | PAY BY PHONE 844-975-2742

and Twitter

Understanding your

electric bill

August is typically one of the warmest months of the year, and that means air conditioners across our community are working overtime to keep homes comfortable. During periods of extreme heat, many members may see an increase in their electric bill and wonder what factors contribute to the cost of electricity. At Magnolia Electric, we believe understanding your electric bill is an important part of being an informed member. While the total amount due may seem like a single number, it reflects several different costs associated with delivering reliable electricity to your home or business. The largest factor is often the amount of energy you use. Electricity is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), and the more energy your household consumes, the higher your bill will be. During the summer, air conditioning is typically the largest driver of increased energy use. When temperatures climb into the 90s or higher, our cooling systems run longer and more frequently, consuming significantly more electricity than they do during milder weather. The majority of the kWh charge on your bill is the cost to purchase and receive power from our power supplier. Magnolia Electric purchases power from Cooperative Energy. The cost of producing electricity fluctuates based on fuel prices, including natural gas, coal, and other energy resources used to generate power. Changes in wholesale power costs influence the price of electricity delivered to members. Before electricity reaches your home, it must travel across a network of high-voltage transmission lines that connect power plants to local distribution systems. Transmission equipment requires ongoing maintenance and upgrades to ensure reliability, especially as electricity demand continues to grow. Magnolia Electric maintains the local electric distribution system — utility poles, power lines, transformers, substations, and

other essential equipment that safely delivers power to members. To help maintain this equipment, a monthly service charge is included in your bill. This is a flat monthly fee all members pay, regardless of how much electricity they use. This fixed fee ensures all members pay a fair share of the basic operational costs required to keep the power grid reliable and ready to serve your home or business. Whether a member uses a little electricity or a lot, we must maintain infrastructure and have crews, equipment, and resources available to provide electricity around the clock. Summer temperatures can also influence costs in less obvious ways. When the demand for electricity is high across a region, wholesale power prices can increase. Utilities and grid operators must ensure enough generation is available to meet peak demand, and those costs can be reflected throughout the electric system. The good news is that simple steps to lower energy use can make a meaningful difference. Setting your thermostat a few degrees higher when you’re away, replacing dirty HVAC filters, using ceiling fans, and sealing air leaks, can help reduce energy consumption and lower your bill. Magnolia Electric’s mission is to provide safe, reliable, and affordable electricity while being transparent about the factors that impact energy costs. We understand every dollar matters, and we are committed to making smart investments that keep the lights on and support the communities we serve.

by Daniel Evans CEO/ General Manager

2026 | AUGUST

Elect ric Coope rative s of Mi

Youth Tour of

16 AUGUST | 2026

ssiss ippi's

D. C.

national c

senator cin

9/11 m

RIVERS JORDAN • BROOKHAVEN HIGH SCHOOL NATHAN PAULK • NORTH PIKE HIGH SCHOOL JACK RIPPEY • ENTERPRISE ATTENDANCE CENTER

emorial

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ith

“When you experience the true scale of our nation’s history, it gives you a new understanding of the strength and conviction of our forefathers to create such a magnificent country.”

Rivers Jordan

capitol ste

2026 | AUGUST

the youth tour experience D.C. STYLE

18 AUGUST | 2026

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

Understanding your

electric bill

August is typically one of the warmest months of the year, and that means air conditioners across our community are working overtime to keep homes comfortable. During periods of extreme heat, many members may see an increase in their electric bill and wonder what factors contribute to the cost of electricity. At Monroe County Electric, we believe understanding your electric bill is an important part of being an informed member. While the total amount due may seem like a single number, it actually reflects several different costs associated with delivering reliable electricity to your home or business. The largest factor is often the amount of energy you use. Electricity is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), and the more energy your household consumes, the higher your bill will be. During the summer, air conditioning is typically the largest driver of increased energy use. When temperatures climb into the 90s or higher, our cooling systems run longer and more frequently, consuming significantly more electricity than they do during milder weather. Another major factor is the cost of generating or purchasing electricity. Monroe County Electric purchases power from the Tennessee Valley Authority. The cost of producing electricity fluctuates based on fuel prices, including natural gas, coal, and other energy resources used to generate power. Changes in wholesale power costs influence the price of electricity delivered to members. Transmission costs also play a role. Before electricity reaches your home, it must travel across a network of high-voltage transmission lines that connect power plants to local distribution systems. Transmission equipment requires ongoing maintenance and upgrades to ensure reliability, especially as electricity demand continues to grow.

Monroe County Electric maintains the local electric distribution system — utility poles, power lines, transformers, substations, and other essential equipment that safely delivers power to members. Maintaining this equipment is covered through a monthly service charge. This is a flat monthly fee all members pay, regardless of how much electricity they use. This fixed fee ensures all members pay a fair share of the basic, operational costs required to keep the power grid reliable and ready to serve your home or business. Whether a member uses a little electricity or a lot, we must maintain infrastructure and have crews, equipment, and resources available to provide electricity around the clock. Summer temperatures can also influence costs in less obvious ways. When the demand for electricity is high across a region, wholesale power prices can increase. Utilities and grid operators must ensure enough generation is available to meet peak demand, and those costs can be reflected throughout the electric system. The good news is that simple steps to lower energy use can make a meaningful difference. Setting your thermostat a few degrees higher when you’re away, replacing dirty HVAC filters, using ceiling fans, sealing air leaks, and avoiding the use of major appliances during the hottest parts of the day can help reduce energy consumption, lower your bill, and reduce strain on the local grid during peak demand. Monroe County Electric’s mission is to provide safe, reliable, and affordable electricity while being transparent about the factors that impact energy costs. We understand every dollar matters, and we are committed to making smart investments that keep the lights on and support the communities we serve. 2026 | AUGUST

EFFICIENCY MATTERS f�� com��

by Miranda Boutelle

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Energy-efficiency upgrades can help you and your two- and four-legged loved ones keep cool this summer.

If you see light around your doors, add weatherstripping to keep outside air from entering the home.

If you are in the market to upgrade your HVAC system, consider an energy-efficient heat pump. Photo Credit: Bonneville Power Administration

Hydro

Other

36%

15%

Natural Gas

Non-Hydro Renewables

15%

Nuclear

23% Coal Source: National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (2024 data)

1950-2025

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

NorthcentralEC

@Northcentral_EC

Back to community While the heat of summer persists, for many students the season is coming to an end. I’ve always felt that communities are defined by their local schools, and we have many quality ones in our area. We’ll soon see students, teachers, and adults renew friendships that saw a summer pause. These communities are often identified by driving local roads on a Friday night, hearing the band, and seeing the lights illuminating not only the football field but also the community of students, athletes, and supporters at the game. The return of the school year always seems to strengthen communities. Lighting communities is more than electricity. As you read this, Northcentral is within weeks of having fiber built throughout our community. Affordable, high-speed internet is today what electricity was in the 1930s, and we are providing just that through our broadband subsidiary, Northcentral Connect. Check out Connect’s website and see what package is best for you, your family, or your business heading into the school year.

As usual, August is busy. Reliability concerns remain, and we look forward to engaging Tennessee Valley Authority at its August board meeting to discuss data centers and how they can be served with rates that protect our existing community. Stay cool, check on a neighbor, drink water, make sure others do as well, watch an Elvis documentary on the anniversary of his death, Aug. 16, 1977, and contact us if you need us. Stay safe.

by Kevin Doddridge General Manager/CEO

SAVE the DATE

Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026 • 2 p.m.

ANNUAL MEETING NORTHCENTRAL AUDITORIUM 4600 Northcentral Way Olive Branch, MS 38654

• • • •

Annual report to the Membership Board elections Updates on Northcentral Connect Door prizes 2026 | AUGUST

Elect ric Coope rative s of Mi

Youth Tour of

16 AUGUST | 2026

ssiss ippi's

"The program has taught me that staying true to yourself in the face of adversity is one of the greatest strengths you can have."

D. C.

Savannah Grinder

U.s. marine corps wa

r memorial

senator cindy hyde

ANNA GRACE BASKIN

DESOTO CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

CAMPBELL CURRAN

GRACIN HOLLOWELL

SAVANNAH GRINDER CENTER HILL HIGH SCHOOL

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TRENTON HICKS

NORTHPOINT CHRISTIAN SCHOOL OLIVE BRANCH HIGH SCHOOL

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-smith

MARSHALL ACADEMY

LUCY JASICK

LEWISBURG HIGH SCHOOL

GAVIN MOORE

NORTHPOINT CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

KIERSTEN RICHMOND BYHALIA HIGH SCHOOL

JANE ROMAN

DESOTO CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

AMY RUIZ

MARSHALL ACADEMY

capitol steps

CORNER t c e n Con

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VISIT OUR WEBSITE VISIT VISIT OUR OUR WEBSITE WEBSITE NORTHCENTRALCONNECT.COM NORTHCENTRALCONNECT.COM NORTHCENTRALCONNECT.COM

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.

Cooper the Owl says:

downed lines are dangerous.

BE AWARE Everywhere

Always keep your distance from downed power lines. Never drive near them and call 911 immediately. Every downed line should be treated as energized.

Visit BeAwareEverywhere.com for more safety tips. A messag age ag ge fr fro rom yo y ur fri frie riends d at: ds t t:

OUR OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED MONDAY, SEPT. 7, IN OBSERVANCE OF

LABOR DAY A dispatcher will be on duty in case of emergency. If you experience an outage, please call 855-2PRVEPA.

Members to receive $3.5 million in capital credits Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association is pleased to once again announce that members will be receiving annual patronage capital returns in August. Patronage capital, or capital credits, represents members’ investment in their not-for-profit electric cooperative. Each year, rates are set so that the Association has enough funding to operate throughout the year, and any year-end revenue above the cost of providing electric service is assigned to members as margins based on their share of electricity use. A portion of those margins is then returned to members each August. This year, Pearl River Valley Electric’s Board of Directors has authorized $3.5 million be returned to members. “Capital credit returns are one of the advantages of being a member of a cooperative,” said Matthew Ware, CEO/general manager. “Our members share in the cost of doing business and benefit from any returns as well.” While investor-owned utilities return a portion of any profits back to their investors, electric cooperatives assign margins to member-consumers as capital credits and pay them when the co-op’s financial condition permits. “Conservative management of the cooperative’s money by our Board of Directors has helped keep the Association financially sound,” Ware continued. “We have returned capital credits for 60 years, totaling nearly $84 million.” Each qualifying active member will receive their return as credit applied to their power bill mailed in August. For inactive members who qualify, checks will be mailed in September. In addition to annual patronage returns for members, Pearl River Valley Electric also offers discounted capital credit returns to the estates of deceased members and to former members. A total of more than $21 million has been distributed through these programs, including $1,129,741 in 2025.

2026 | AUGUST

Elect ric Coope rative s of Mi

Youth Tour of

16 AUGUST | 2026

ssiss ippi's

D. C.

national c

capitol

SOMTOCHI OFFIAH SACRED HEART HIGH SCHOOL

MICHELLE XIE OAK GROVE HIGH SCHOOL

steps

"The Cooperative Youth Leaders program has been the most transformative experience of my life. Speaking with inspiring figures, visiting the memorials and museums, as well as connecting with other delegates has been incredible.”

Michelle Xie

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senator cin

dy hyde-sm

ith

AIR FORCE MEMORIAL

2026 | AUGUST

As a locally owned, not-for-profit cooperative, we strive to provide more than just electricity. Our goal is to improve the lives of our members and the communities we serve. One way we do this is through our Round-Up for Education Scholarship Program, which opens opportunities for higher education. Over the course of the last 13 years, Pearl River Valley Electric’s Round Up for Education Program has helped over 2,500 students. Last year, 178 students throughout Pearl River Valley Electric’s 12-county service area received scholarships thanks to the generous spirit and support of our members who round up their bills to the nearest dollar. Scholarships are currently available to members who do the round up, as well as for their spouses or dependent children who plan to attend a Mississippi community college as a freshman this fall. To apply, please visit prvepa.com or stop by one of our offices. Applications are due by Aug. 14.

Community College

SCHOLARS PROGRAM APPLICATIONS DUE AUG. 14, 2026 • Applications are available at PRVEPA offices and at prvepa.com. • Completed applications must be postmarked or emailed by Aug. 14. • 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 prvepa.com. 18 AUGUST | 2026

601-947-4211 • 228-497-1313 • contactus@singingriver.com • Singing River Electric is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

www.singingriver.com

@singingriverelectric

@SRECooperative

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR CEO

Drive safely this school year

@singingriverelectric

Energy Tips Gabe Robbins

Field Services Representative robbins@singingriver.com

Air conditioning in August

As the 2026/2027 school year begins with young drivers and school buses back on the road, I thought it would be a good time to remind our members and employees, myself included, 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

by Brian Hughey General Manager and CEO

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. If you see utility crews conducting work near the roadside, I encourage you to move over when possible and give them extra space to perform their work safely. At Singing River Electric, safety is foremost in everything we do — for our employees and the members of the communities we serve. We routinely remind our linemen of the dangers of distracted driving, and I hope you’ll have similar conversations with your family members, especially 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.

Driven by our high air conditioner use, August brings some of the highest electricity bills of the year. Because HVAC run time impacts your electric bill more than any other appliance, achieving maximum efficiency this month is all about minimizing how hard your system has to work. Here are three ways to optimize your air conditioning system and keep your bill in check: • Track and control your temperature: Keep your thermostat at 78°F (or as high as comfortably possible) and use ceiling fans to bridge the comfort gap. For effortless savings, upgrade to a smart thermostat that will automatically adapt to your routine. By tracking your energy use through our SmartHub app and smart thermostat apps, you can monitor your system's daily run time and easily see if adjusting your temperature up a few degrees will save you money. • Maximize airflow: Check your air filters monthly and replace them when dirty to keep air flowing freely. Outside, clear away any vines, debris, or structures around your condensing unit, so it can breathe. • Schedule a tune-up: If you haven't recently done so, have an HVAC professional service your unit. Cleaning the coils and fixing low freon levels (which can force your unit to run 30% longer) will instantly boost efficiency and prevent costly wear and tear.

singingriver.com/ways-to-save

20 Annual Membership 26 MEETING

more than custom

SI NG IN G RI VE

Singing River Electric held its 2026 Annual Membership Meeting on Thursday, June 25, at the Lucedale office. General Manager and CEO Brian Hughey and Board President Kristal Sisson reviewed accomplishments from 2025 for Singing River Electric and Singing River Connect, and an audit firm representative presented the financial report. Attendees also heard Addison Breland from Richton High School and Cade Parker from Vancleave High School share their experiences in Washington, D.C. as Singing River Electric’s Cooperative Youth Leadership delegates. Thank you to our members who participated in the board of directors election by voting online, mailing in proxies, and voting at the annual meeting. Four Singing River Electric members were elected to serve on the cooperative’s board.

DISTRICT 1, POST 2: JAMES ROBERT STEELE

DISTRICT 2, POST 3: PHILLIP EUBANKS

To represent Greene, Perry, and Wayne counties in Miss., and Washington County in Ala. for a three-year term.

To represent George and Stone counties in Miss., and Mobile County in Ala. for a one-year term.

DISTRICT 2, POST 2: ROY C. GRAFE JR.

DISTRICT 3, POST 2: KRISTAL K. SISSON

To represent George and Stone counties in Miss., and Mobile County in Ala. for a three-year term.

To represent Jackson and Harrison counties in Miss. for a three-year term

For a full list of board members, visit singingriver.com/my-coop/#board.

ers...

R EL EC TR IC

MEMBERS 2025 ANN UAL REP ORT

Scan the QR code above to view our 2025 annual report.

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

PRIZE WINNERS

Congratulations to our prize drawing winners who either voted online or returned their proxy to participate in the board of directors election!

$500 WINNERS

H.H. Holland of Moss Point Sharon Swope of Lucedale

$250 WINNERS

Linda Hoisington of Pascagoula Joseph Novota of Vancleave Kevin Patterson of Ocean Springs Mary Robbins of Gautier Davie Taulbee Jr. of Moss Point Julius H. Waller of Richton

Tropical Storm ARTHUR Singing River Electric linemen restored power to members throughout our service area as Tropical Storm Arthur poured heavy rain and brought lightning, strong winds, and flooding on June 18. They worked through the night to get power to those who could safely receive it. Our operators/dispatchers kept crews moving from outage to outage. Right-of-way contractors helped with trees on lines, and contract line crews assisted our linemen with power restoration.

Electri c Cooperatives of Mississ ippi's

Youth Tour of D. C.

potomac cruise

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Addison Breland from Richton High School, Emily Frazier from St. Martin High School, and Cade Parker from Vancleave High School were part of a group of 83 rising high school seniors from Mississippi who traveled to Washington, D.C. in June for the 2026 National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s Youth Tour. While in Washington, D.C., the delegates and adult advisors visited historic sites, monuments, museums, and learned about the impact electric cooperatives have on their communities. The delegates met with U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi who shared her experiences serving in the U.S. Congress and her path to holding this ofﬁce. They also toured Capitol Hill with former U.S. Congressman Gregg Harper which included a rare visit to the chamber of the U.S. House of Representatives. Other trip highlights included attending a Washington Nationals pro baseball game and taking an evening dinner cruise on the Potomac River. This trip was the culmination of Addison, Emily, and Cade’s participation in the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi’s Cooperative Youth Leaders program. Their journey began when chosen by their schools to participate in this program and progressed to being selected by judges at Singing River Electric’s Cooperative University event, attending the Cooperative Leaders Workshop held in Jackson in February, and taking the trip of a lifetime to our nation’s capital.

US Marine Corp s War Memorial

people's hous

ADDISON BRELAND • RICHTON HIGH SCHOOL EMILY FRAZIER • ST. MARTIN HIGH SCHOOL CADE PARKER • VANCLEAVE HIGH SCHOOL CAPITOL STEPS

senator cindy

hyde-smith

“The D.C. trip gave me the opportunity to see our nation’s capital and those who work in it from a new perspective. It humanized the positions of our country’s leaders to see them not only as decision makers, but also as fellow citizens.”

Addison Breland

Thank you to Kayla Hallman for posting this on Facebook.

FIBER INTERNET

BUILD-OUT IS COMPLETE! Step 5 – Service Drop/Drop Splicing and Step 6 – Home Installation have taken place in all Singing River Electric substation areas! These steps will be ongoing as we bring fast, reliable fiber internet to new subscribers across Singing River Electric’s service territory. This milestone was achieved thanks to the hard work of our employees and contractors over the past five years.

Thank You

Singing River Connect appreciates our subscribers who completed our recent survey! We are reviewing the feedback and using it to shape how we continue bringing the best fiber internet service and customer service possible. Congratulations to these survey drawing winners!

RESIDENTIAL WINNERS: Ronnie Tompkins – free month of service Kim Gautreaux – free month of service Sandra Neal – free month of service Dashon Wells – $100 Amazon card Alevia Solomon – $100 Amazon card Ryan Havener – $100 Amazon card

BUSINESS WINNERS: Donald Bunch – free month of service Holy Spirit Catholic Church – free month of service Rocky Creek Church of Christ – free month of service

Thank you to our Singing River Connect subscribers for allowing us to provide this important service for you!

Internet Safety Program WINS SPOTLIGHT AWARD Singing River Electric’s public relations and marketing team won the silver distinction for its internet safety education program in the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s Spotlight on Excellence Awards, which recognizes exceptional work produced by electric cooperative communication and marketing professionals across the country. The program, featuring Webby the Internet Safety Cat, was first introduced at local library programs during the summer of 2025 and then presented at elementary schools across our service area during the 2025/2026 school year. The team met several goals while researching, planning, and then creating and designing the curriculum, games, and graphics.

We’re excited to bring Webby and our internet safety program to more classrooms during the upcoming school year! To schedule a presentation, visit singingriverconnect.com/webby-the-cat.

BRINGING THE POWER WWW.SOUTHERNPI NE.COOP | P.O. BOX 60 | 1 3491 H WY. 28 | TAY LORSV ILLE , MS 391 6 8 | 8 00. 231 . 524 0

Keeping cool and managing costs this August If you’ve lived in Mississippi very long, you know August heat has a way of settling in and staying awhile. Air conditioners across our service area work around the clock to keep families comfortable, and it’s often the time of year when members notice higher electric bills. At Southern Pine Electric, we believe understanding your electric bill is an important part of being an informed memberowner. Several factors contribute to the cost of delivering safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to your home or business. The biggest factor is often the amount of electricity you use. Electricity is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), and during the summer months, air conditioning is usually the largest contributor to energy consumption. When temperatures climb into the upper 90s and heat indexes soar even higher, cooling systems run longer and more often to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. Another factor is the cost of producing electricity. Southern Pine purchases power from Cooperative Energy, and the cost of fuel and other generation resources can affect the overall cost of wholesale power. Electricity must also travel across a network of transmission lines before reaching our local distribution system, which requires ongoing maintenance and investment. Closer to home, Southern Pine team members work every day to maintain the system that serves our members. From inspecting substations and replacing aging equipment to maintaining rights-of-way and responding to outages, our crews work year-round to keep power flowing safely and reliably. Keeping electricity affordable is something we think about every day. As a member-owned cooperative, we are focused on

providing the best value possible for the members we serve. Our team members work hard to operate efficiently, control costs, and make smart investments that strengthen reliability while keeping rates as affordable as possible. The good news is that there are several ways members can help manage summer energy costs. Raising your thermostat a few degrees while you’re away, replacing dirty HVAC filters, using ceiling fans, sealing air leaks and limiting the use of heat-producing appliances during the hottest part of the day can all help reduce electricity use. Here in Mississippi, we know a thing or two about making it through the dog days of summer. By working together and using energy wisely, we can help keep costs manageable while ensuring reliable service for years to come. At Southern Pine, our goal is simple: provide safe, reliable, and affordable electricity while serving our members with integrity and transparency. We appreciate the trust you place in us, and we are honored to serve the families, farms and businesses that call our communities home. Thank you for allowing us to serve you.

by Drummonds McAlpin President/CEO Southern Pine Electric

A garden grown

with love by Steve Bryant

Behind the home of John and Catherine Turnage, tucked away on a family farm that has been part of their family for seven generations, rows of blooming roses stretch across a peaceful landscape that feels almost timeless. What began as a blank canvas has grown into an enchanting rose garden built with patience, vision, and plenty of hard work. For Catherine, gardening has long been more than a hobby. It is a passion rooted deep in her heart. Over the years, she has carefully and painstakingly landscaped the property surrounding their home, creating a place where beauty and family come together naturally. But the rose garden holds a special place among it all. John and Catherine approached the project much like they approach life together. John, a former commercial pilot, brought structure and precision to the design. Catherine, with her creative and free-spirited nature, added softness and flow. Together, they blended those two personalities into something uniquely their own. 16 AUGUST | 2026

At the center of the garden sits a structured design with neat quadrants and defined spaces, reflecting John’s orderly mindset. Around it, the garden opens into more natural, flowing edges where roses and greenery seem to wander freely, carrying Catherine’s touch throughout the landscape. While Catherine dreamed, planned, planted, and lovingly tended the garden, John handled much of the heavy lifting that helped bring the vision to life. Every pathway, planting bed, and trellis became part of a labor of love shared between the two. But for the Turnages, the garden is about far more than flowers. It is about family. Their home remains a gathering place for their four children, six grandchildren, and another grandchild soon to arrive. Generations continue to make memories on the same land their family has cherished for decades. Standing among the roses, Catherine sees something even deeper. “When I’m in the garden, I can see God in it everywhere,” she said. And for anyone who walks through the Turnages’ garden, it is easy to understand exactly what she means.

Photos by Matt Bush

When I’m in the garden, I can see God in it everywhere. Catherine Turnage

2026 | AUGUST

Electri c Cooperatives of Mississ ippi's

Youth Tour of D. C. learn. grow. experience.

9/11 memori

arlington hous

senator cindy

hyde-smith

18 AUGUST | 2026

A group of 83 rising high school seniors from across Mississippi traveled to Washington, D.C. in June to attend the 2026 NRECA’s Electric Cooperative Youth Tour. The trip was the culmination of the delegates’ participation in the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi’s Cooperative Youth Leaders program. The program instills leadership skills in the delegates, informs them about the electric cooperative form of business, and teaches them about the democratic form of government at both the state and federal levels. During a February workshop in Jackson, the delegates had the opportunity to meet and hear from state legislators. While in Washington, D.C., the delegates and adult advisors visited historic sites, monuments, museums, and had an opportunity to learn about the impact electric cooperatives have on their communities. The delegates met with U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi and took photos with her. The Senator shared with the students about her experiences in the U.S. Congress and her path to get there. The delegates also had an opportunity to tour Capitol Hill with former U.S. Congressman Gregg Harper of Mississippi. The highlight of the tour was a visit to the chamber of the U.S. House of Representatives. capitol steps The delegates attended a Washington Nationals pro baseball game and experienced an evening cruise on the Potomac River. The delegates were chosen by Southern Pine Electric. CARLY GIBSON • SEMINARY HIGH SCHOOL The Cooperative Youth Leaders program is fully RYDER IVY • RALEIGH HIGH SCHOOL funded — including the trip to D.C. — by the local PAYTEN MYERS • SIMPSON ACADEMY electric co-ops as a commitment to molding future leaders for Mississippi, so they can impact the state E’MIYAH RHODES • LAWRENCE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL and local communities. JORDIN WOODS • BAY SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL

“Visiting Washington, D.C. and meeting students from across the country helped me gain confidence, build meaningful connections, and realize the importance of being actively involved in my community.”

E 'Miyah Rhodes

Past Due Amou id disconnection. paid by 07/15/2026 to avo

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Page 1 of 2

Adams • Amite • Claiborne • Copiah • Franklin l Messages Hinds • Jefferson • Lincoln • Bil Wilkinsonon the "Total Due" date " must be paid by 4:30pm Account Messages

The "past due past due by that date, the *** don't pay the your bill. If youprovider Southwest Electric is an equal opportunity and employer. ***DISCONNECT NOTICE listed on to 26 5/20 Payments placed in the 07/1 on. by ecti paid onn be disc t id mus avo to 5.80 due entire amount is Past Due Amount of $12 until the following ted pos be not will am night deposit after 8:00 avoid disconnection. business day.

P.O. Box 5 • 18671 Highway 61 • Lorman, MS 39096 | 601-437-3611 | 800-287-8564 | Fax: 601-437-8736 | Payments & Outages: 844-975-2728 MPLEY RD

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info@swepa.coop Meter No.

Description

50238920

RESIDENTIAL

Board of Directors Usage History

Previous Year

Current Year

kWh

870

Current Service Detail

ELECTRIC SERVICE DEMAND CHARGE ENVIRONMENTAL COST

142.52 8.55 22.89 CR 14.34 CR

SECURITY LIGHT DIT RETIREMENT PATRONAGE CAPITAL CRE dits Total Other Charges/Cre

128.18

Total Current Charges

Jun 2026 88 28

TION WITH PAYMENT

PLEASE RETURN THIS POR section on the The Board of Directors has approved the return of $1,293,841 toiate Southwest e the appropr plet , or Email. Please check here and com Address, Phone Numbers ing Mail r you ate upd Electric Members. to side Active Members who had electric service in 1995 and 2023 will see a credit on their August bill. The Current Service Detail on the right shows how the e Phone: Hom credit will appear on the August bills. Members with inactive accounts from (601) 493-7357 Mobile Phone: those years will receive a check inress the: mail after Aug. RD. EY13 MPL STA 4480 Service Add As a Member-owned electric cooperative, Southwest Electric operates N YSO GRA Mailing Address: TRACY 2236 differently from investor-owned utilities. BOXdon’t generate profits for PO We ETTE MS 39069-9512 shareholders. Instead, any revenue thatFAY exceeds operating costs is invested back into the system. This investment is known as patronage capital. Each year, patronage capital is allocated to Members based on how much electricity they use. The more electricity used, the larger the Member’s share. Over time, this capital is returned to Members as the financial condition of the cooperative allows.

C L O SE D EA RLY

140.09 0.00 2.43

870 kWh 8.94 kW 870 kWh

Total Electric Charges

Jul

Jun 2025 89 3

Jan

Jun

PERIOD ENDING Avg Daily Temp Avg Daily kWh

RETURNS CAPITAL CREDITS 2250 2000 1750 1500 1250 1000 750 500 250 0

Power Units or Fact Southwest Electric

Usage

reverse

510711201 253.98 261.53

Account Number Total Due 07/15/2026 6 Total Due After 07/15/202

NNECTED IF SERVICE WILL BE DISCO BY 07/15/2026

NOT PAID

PI EPA SOUTHWEST MISSISSIP PO BOX 5 LORMAN MS 39096-0005

3980000261533

0510711201000025

OFFICE CLOSING EARLY:

Southwest Electric’s office will close at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, August 14.

Our office will be closed Monday, Sept. 7, in observance of Labor Day. Dispatchers will remain on duty, and crews will be on call throughout the holiday weekend. If you experience an outage, report it on the SmartHub app, text ‘OUT’ to 844-975-2728 or call either 800-287-8564 or 601-437-3611.

Elect ric Coope rative s of Mi

Youth Tour of

16 AUGUST | 2026

The delegates met with U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi and took photos with her. The Senator shared with the students about her experiences in the U.S. Congress and her path to get there. The delegates also had an opportunity to tour Capitol Hill with former U.S. Congressman Gregg Harper of Mississippi. The highlight of the tour was a visit to the chamber of the U.S. House of Representatives. The delegates attended a Washington Nationals pro baseball game and experienced an evening cruise on the Potomac River. The delegates were chosen by their local electric cooperatives. The Cooperative Youth Leaders program is fully funded — including the trip to D.C. — by the local electric cooperatives as a commitment to molding future leaders for Mississippi, so they can impact the state and local communities.

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ALBERT EINSTEIN MEMORIAL

AIR FORCE

NYA BRANDON

NATCHEZ HIGH SCHOOL

CHANCE GRAVES

CATHEDRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

MARY KATHERINE KELLUM BROOKHAVEN HIGH SCHOOL

CARTER KING

LOYD STAR HIGH SCHOOL

MEMORIAL

“The Cooperative Youth Leaders program has truly shown me that the sky is the limit for me.”

Nya Brandon

FDR MEMORIAL

2026 | AUGUST

preventative maintenance TIP Some homeowners routinely use a bleach solution to maintain the condensation lines on their HVAC system. Use it when the system is actively running to ensure it flushes completely out and never pour into a completely clogged system.

August is Back-to-School Safety Month, so let’s remember to practice these tips and play it safe as we begin a new school year.

SAFETY A friendly reminder to slow down as you drive through residential areas and school zones. Remember to give school buses space and stop to leave 20 feet when you see red lights flashing. If your little ones ride the bus, remind them to load and unload in front of the school bus — never behind — so the driver always has a clear view of passengers. 18 AUGUST | 2026

Hollandale - 662-827-2262 | Belzoni - 662-247-1909 | Greenville - 662-334-9543 | Rolling Fork - 662-873-4233 | REPORT OUTAGES 866-897-7250 SERVING MORE THAN 12,600 ELECTRIC METERS IN SEVEN DELTA COUNTIES

Upcoming ingEvents SEPT. 19

49TH ANNUAL MISSISSIPPI

Delta Blues Festival Greenville

Twin County is excited to remain an annual sponsor of one of the largest blues festivals and oldest continuously operated blues festivals in the world. The festival has recently expanded its scope to promote other aspects of the African American heritage in the Delta, including gospel music. In addition, the festival is also linked to on-going education and culture programs.

SEPT. 26

15TH ANNUAL

Sam Chatmon Blues Festival Hollandale

Twin County is honored to once again accept an invitation by the City of Hollandale and the Economic & Development Foundation to be a sponsor of this cherished tradition. The festival provides quality entertainment and promotes local small businesses and always ensures a safe and welcoming environment. This annual event draws families, music lovers and visitors, providing an excellent opportunity for community engagement and economic impact.

twincoepa.com

@twincoepa

ANNUAL MEETING

DATES TO REMEMBER • CURRENTLY AVAILABLE • Petitions for Nomination of Director are available at the Hollandale office. Candidates must be a member in good standing as of the Record Date. A member from one the following service areas will be eligible to file a Petition for Nomination of Director: Greenville Hollandale Rolling Fork • JULY 28, 2026 • The “Record Date” for Twin County Electric Power Association’s 2026 Annual Meeting • AUG. 10, 2026 • Petition for Nomination of Director must be hand-delivered or received at the Hollandale office by 5 p.m. • AUG. 20, 2026 • Annual Meeting notices, annual reports, and proxies are mailed to all members in good standing as of the Record Date. • SEPT. 16, 2026 • Proxies must be received by a Twin County office by 5 p.m. Proxies may be handdelivered or mailed to a Twin County office. • SEPT. 22, 2026 • Annual Meeting of Members at 1:30 p.m., Twin County Electric Power Association Conference Center, 900 E. Avenue N, Hollandale

Elect ric Coope rative s of Mi

Youth Tour of

16 AUGUST | 2026

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RAVEN MCELVAINE GREENVILLE CHRISTIAN

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"This experience has shaped me in ways words can hardly describe. I came into the program hoping to learn, but I left with lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and a renewed sense of purpose.”

Raven McElvaine

capitol steps

2026 | AUGUST

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Energy-efficiency upgrades can help you and your two- and four-legged loved ones keep cool this summer.

by Miranda Boutelle

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TWITTER

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

VISIT US ONLINE @ WWW.YAZOOVALLEY.COM

Remembering longtime board member

William F. “Bill” Anderson Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association is mourning the loss of longtime board member William Fenton “Bill” Anderson Jr., who passed away on July 6 at age 80. Mr. Anderson had served on YVEPA’s Board of Directors since 2010. He was a successful businessman and used his business knowledge and experience to serve Yazoo Valley’s members to the best of his ability. He graduated from Yazoo City High School in 1963 before graduating from the University of Mississippi in 1968 with a degree in Business Administration. He was a member of Sigma Alfa Epsilon (SAE) Fraternity, where he enjoyed much good fellowship with his fraternity brothers. He was a lifelong supporter of Ole Miss. After college Bill enjoyed working with his father Skinner Anderson in the minnow and catfish business, in which his father was a pioneer in the state of Mississippi. For the next 23 years, Bill was a distributor for Anheuser Busch, which he considered to be a very rewarding time in his life. He was a strong supporter of the community and sponsored many local events. After his retirement, he enjoyed riding Harley Davidson motorcycles, with several close friends all over the country, visiting many historic sites. Bill was an avid hunter, having grown up hunting with his father at White Line Hunting Club. Later, Bill was a founding member of Horseshoe Hunting Club near Pickens, where he and his family enjoyed the sport and fellowship with many of its congenial members.

In his later years, he enjoyed fishing, entertaining friends and family, watching Westerns, and spending time with grandchildren. Bill was a faithful husband and loyal friend, always ready to lend a hand. He was preceded in death by his mother Dorothy G. “Dot” Gibson Anderson; and his father William Fenton “Skinner” Anderson Sr. Survivors include his wife, Alice Bess “Rose” Atkinson Anderson; a brother, Robert A. “Bob” Anderson and wife Georgia of Jackson; a sister, Kathy Anderson Phillips and husband Mike of Yazoo City; a son, William Fenton Anderson Ill and wife Olivia Williamson Anderson of Yazoo City; William Joseph “Joe” Baker, of Yazoo City and Catherine Baker Graeber (Jerry) of Madison. Grandchildren include Bess, Emma and Will Baker, Reese, “Fen” and Liza Anderson and Barrier Graeber; joined by a host of nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held on July 9 at First Methodist Church in Yazoo City with Rev. Jeffrey Rickman officiating. Burial followed at Fletcher’s Chapel Cemetery in Yazoo County under the direction of Stricklin-King Funeral Home. Serving as pallbearers were Jerry Barrier Graeber, William Joseph “Joe” Baker, William Joseph Baker, Jr., Jerry Barrier Graeber Jr., William Fenton Anderson, Ill and Michael Slater Phillips. Honorary pallbearers were Bill Hough, Manley Washington, Tom McGraw, John Taylor, Barry McCay, Dr. Kyle Ball, Boyd Kellum, Rand Tyson, Chuck Nelms, Bryan Jones, Mark Culver, and Randy Hearst, Mike Phillips and Bill Walker. 2026 | AUGUST

Elect ric Coope rative s of Mi

Youth Tour of

16 AUGUST | 2026

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“This was truly a once in a lifetime experience, and I’m proud to call Mississippi home!”

Maggie Day Ragland

capitol steps

2026 | AUGUST 17

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by Miranda Boutelle

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My Opinion

We need to keep college football special I have always loved college football. Around here, that does not make me unique. Fall Saturdays in the South have a way of getting into your blood. But for me, it became personal on Feb. 1, 1986, when I signed a grant-in-aid to play football at The University of Southern Mississippi. I did not know it then, but that one signature changed the direction of my life. It opened doors I never could have imagined and helped put me on a path that led me to where I am today. There was a time when college football seemed full of those stories. A young man would show up on campus with a duffel bag, cleats, and maybe a mama praying he would keep his head on straight. He would learn discipline, grow up, get knocked down, get back up and become part of something bigger than himself. These days, the game is starting to look less like college athletics and more like professional sports with marching bands. Name, image, and likeness — NIL — was supposed to let college athletes benefit from their own success. And honestly, I do not have a problem with that. If Dr. Pepper wants to invite you to Fansville, or Nissan wants you in the Heisman House, good for you. A young athlete who works hard ought to enjoy some reward. But somewhere along the way, what started as compensation for name, image, and likeness began to look an awful lot like plain old pay-for-play. It has changed the feel of one of America’s greatest traditions. In the name of television ratings and bigger checks, we are swapping Saturday night kickoffs for 11 a.m. television windows. It’s also harder than ever to keep up with your favorite players. You finally learn a fellow’s number, buy into his story, and start pulling for him, and before you know it, he is off trying his hand at free agency with another school that made a better offer. In today’s world, Reggie Collier, Sammy Winder, and Brett Favre might not have become Southern Miss legends. They might have just been passing through Hattiesburg on the way to greener pastures. College sports used to be about helping young men and women become better people through education, discipline, and hard life

lessons. I find it interesting that whenever folks talk about “compensation,” the value of a free education often gets left sitting over in the corner by itself. Ask any parent who has sent a child to college, and they will tell you tuition, room, and board are not exactly pocket change. Now, do not hear me wrong. College football had its problems. Scholarships are one-year deals, not four-year guarantees. I was at Southern Miss during a coaching change, and I had a front-row seat while some of my friends were shown the door. We could not just pack up and leave, but the school could send us packing. So yes, things needed changing. I just fear the pendulum has swung so far the other way it may have knocked a hole in the wall. I am not sure where all this is headed. Everybody keeps saying something must be done but not much seems to slow down the money race. I can imagine a day when fans simply grow tired of it — especially fans of schools outside the biggest conferences, where the passion is still real, but the checkbook may never be big enough. As for me, I hope college athletics figures this out before it is too late. There are still plenty of young people out there who need that scholarship, that coach, that team, and that belief that they can become more than they ever thought possible. There are many more Michael Callahans who need a chance to live a dream, earn an education, and be shaped by the game in ways that last long after the final whistle. That, to me, is what made college football special. And if we are not careful, we may look up one day and realize we sold the best part to the highest bidder.

by Michael Callahan Executive Vice President/CEO Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi

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2026 | AUGUST 3