Today in Mississippi July 2026 Local Pages by American MainStreet Publications

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Pascagoula Life

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THE ART OF JOHN JENNINGS

SUMMER GRILLING TIPS

90 years of electric co-ops

NRECA and electric cooperative leaders joined o cials recently from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Rural Electriﬁcation Act (REA), the law that helped deliver power across rural America.

The REA was a new Deal Era e ort to provide low-cost federal loans for building electric distribution systems in rural areas, part of e orts to revive America’s economy in the wake of the Great Depression.

The law drove the creation of electric cooperatives throughout the U.S. and laid the foundation for the USDA’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS), which provides ﬁnancing for co-op infrastructure to this day. That support is crucial as co-ops gear up to meet growing demand while maintaining reliable, a ordable service for households and businesses.

The work of co-ops together with RUS “is the best of us, and that is what will keep America strong and the American dream available for all moving forward,” U.S. Agriculture Brooke Rollins said.

That partnership “is more important today than it’s ever been. These investments in rural America still matter greatly,” NRECA CEO Jim Matheson said. “They’re critical to promoting reliability, a ordability, economic opportunity, and quality of life in rural America.”

The REA, which was signed into law on May 20, 1936, was one of the most impactful pieces of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal reforms.

When the REA was enacted, only 10% of U.S. farms and rural homes had electricity. Today, about 99% of the nation’s farms have electric service.

The law helped transform the Rural Electriﬁcation Administration — the forerunner to the modern-day RUS — from a relief agency to a lasting program to provide loans for rural electriﬁcation, supporting the creation and growth of co-ops.

The REA “allowed us to truly stitch our country together,” Agriculture Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden said.

“It was our quick adoption of electric power throughout rural America that helped to create the innovation and the great economic growth that our country experienced throughout the 20th century.”

Today, over 900 electric co-ops are operating across the country and modernizing their systems to improve cost and reliability for the 42 million Americans they serve. About 200 electric co-ops are also building or operating broadband networks to deliver high-speed internet access to rural America.

In 1994, Congress reorganized the Rural Electriﬁcation Administration into RUS, which delivers on the REA’s original mission through three core programs to support electric, telecommunications, and water infrastructure.

“Investment in rural utility infrastructure is as important to rural life and the national economy today as it ever was,” said Chris McLean, assistant administrator for the RUS Electric Loan Program. “I dare say that few federal programs have been as successful as the Rural Electriﬁcation Act.”

Some co-ops have been RUS borrowers since the 1930s, but the agency is also serving ﬁrst-time borrowers, including some of the newest co-ops in the country, McLean said.

“Today we not only celebrate our history; we also celebrate our bright and shining future,” he said.

Even with the strides co-ops have made to power rural America, the partnership between RUS and co-ops remains essential, attendees said at the USDA event.

The RUS electric loan program ensures co-ops can build and upgrade the infrastructure needed to power a changing rural America while keeping rates a ordable. The program is also a good deal for the federal government, with co-ops repaying the loans with interest.

“Let’s celebrate the past 90 years, but let’s also celebrate the fact that this partnership between electric co-ops and RUS is incredibly well positioned to continue this meaningful work for the future,” Matheson said. – NRECA

NRECA CEO Jim Matheson talks about the “tremendous, rich legacy” of the Rural Electrification Act at a May 27 event marking the law’s 90th anniversary at the USDA’s headquarters in Washington, D.C.

(Photo By: Erin Sutherland/NRECA)

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

Life, liberty, and the pursuit of electricity

Each July, we take time to reﬂect on our country’s history and remember how the actions of a brave few helped shape the way we live today. For 250 years, our country has thrived as the United States of America. At 4-County Electric Power Association, we celebrate Independence Day and our rights to pursue life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And we can’t help but see somewhat of a correlation between those determined colonists and a small group of dedicated individuals who paved the way to bring electricity to our area. Those rural electric pioneers were able to improve their quality of life and the quality of life for all those who would come after them.

Every day, 4-County Electric Power Association members and employees pay homage to the legacy of our cooperative founders. And, because we are a part of an electric cooperative, we know we have the power to impact our present and shape the future, just like those who came before us.

Providing reliable and a ordable electricity provides a true catalyst for positive change in our communities. It’s what we do. For example, we work together, partnering with other local, state and federal organizations to achieve community development goals. Creating better opportunities and increasing the quality of life for our families and communities – just as our founding co-op members did.

We understand that the decisions we make today could greatly a ect how future generations live, so we invest in energy e ciency programs that protect our future generations while still providing high-quality, a ordable electric power. You can learn more about 4-County’s energy e cient programs by visiting 4county.org.

Cooperatives are helping to build the next generation of leadership through our Cooperative Youth Tour programs; sending high school students to Washington, D.C. to meet with lawmakers and get an

up-close view of how our government functions. This year’s group of student delegates, Emma Williams, Ginger Ford, Reagan Kilgore, and Katelyn Hammett, took their resume-building trip in June. Our delegates always leave our nation’s capital feeling energized. It inspires them to make a di erence in their communities and gives them a new perspective. The Cooperative Youth Tour program provides young people from our communities with an opportunity they may otherwise have never known.

All of these things, plus so much more, are what make-up the cooperative di erence. This Fourth of July, as we think about the future of electric cooperatives and how we will continue to shape our country and our society, 4-County remembers what it took to bring power to our communities and let the determination of those who came before us.

In a separate note, thanks to all who participated in the 4-County’s Annual Meeting June 4 at East Mississippi Community College’s Mayhew campus. It was a record turnout, with nearly 700 people attending this important annual event. And congratulations to Annie Cunningham of Prairie who won the grand prize, a retired 4-County ﬂeet truck.

Thank you for your support. We value you as members of this wonderful cooperative organization each and every day!

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen for His own inheritance.” — Psalms 33:12

by Brian Clark

CEO/General Manager

4-County Foundation makes awards

by Brad Barr

The 4-County Foundation met recently and made over $45,000 in awards to six area nonproﬁt organizations. Since its inception, the 4-County Foundation has made over $2.5 million in awards to area non-proﬁt organizations. Those receiving the recent round of awards include Fellowship of Christian Athletes ($10,000 for funds to send 30 children to a leadership camp); Friends of the Noxubee County Library ($10,000 to purchase materials for an interactive children’s area); Make A Wish Foundation of Mississippi ($6,500 for a child’s wish trip); Oktibbeha County Sheri ’s O ce ($9,775 for SWAT/Critical Response Team equipment); Starkville Kiwanis Club ($6,000 for non-perishable food items for the United We Feed Food Drive); and the Webster County Public Library ($3,500 for mobile classroom equipment). Applications to receive Foundation assistance for individuals and organizations are available in 4-County o ces and on the 4-County website, 4county.org. You can also call 1-800-431-1544 for more information. Ninety-three percent of 4-County members participate.

ANNUAL MEETING AN ANNUAL SUCCESS

by Brad Barr

Nearly 700 people attended 4-County Electric Power Association’s annual membership meeting June 4 at East Mississippi Community College’s Golden Triangle campus in Mayhew.

Co-op members began gathering about 9 a.m. for registration and door prizes. They later had a fried catfish lunch with all the fixings, elected two directors (Mike Banks, District 4, Noxubee County) and Bill Bell (District 7, At-Large), and heard financial and business reports from 4-County o cials. At the meeting, Bell was honored for 10 years of service to the co-op. Directors Johnny Johnson and Russell Dodds were recognized for achieving Director Gold status (for continuing education) from the National Rural Electric Association. Those at the meeting also heard from 4-County youth leadership delegates Emma Williams, Ginger Ford, and Reagan Kilgore.

Members returning proxy/ballots for the director election, as well as those who attended the meeting, qualiﬁed to win valuable prizes.

Annie Cunningham of Prairie won the grand prize, a retired 4-County ﬂeet Chevrolet truck.

Co-op communicator wins awards

4-County Electric Power Association Senior Communications Coordinator Brad Barr recently received four national awards in the Cooperative Communicators Association’s (CCA) 2026 Communications Contest.

Awards were announced in June at the national organization’s Annual CCA Institute, held this year in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Barr received first place honors in the writing category for a personality profile feature on 4-County’s Albert Jethrow and his 50 years of service to the cooperative. Barr wrote the article that appeared in Today in Mississippi, the co-op’s magazine for members. The senior communications coordinator also received a second-place award in the photography category for a portrait photograph he took of a 4-County lineman. The photo, titled Red, White & Blue Lineman, appeared in a variety of co-op publications and promotional e orts. Barr received third place in the photography category for his cover photo/illustration/design, Let Freedom Ring, in PowerSource, the co-op’s employee publication. And he also received third place honors in the photography category for his co-op member photo feature, Firefighting Fury, which appeared in Today in Mississippi.

The CCA brings together communication and marketing professionals from cooperatives (including national food brands, rural electric cooperatives, and other cooperative organizations) across the nation to share ideas and learn from each other. The contest allows communicators to demonstrate knowledge, expertise, and skills in a variety of categories. Professionals critique the entries and select winners in a blind judging contest.

CCA exists to improve the e ectiveness of all cooperative communicators; advance professional standards; and exchange facts, research, techniques, and opinions among cooperative communicators.

Area student wins TVA Power Play scholarship

Abby Barr, a graduating senior at Heritage Academy, has recently been selected as one of only 35 recipients of the Tennessee Valley Authority’s (TVA) Power Play Scholarship.

Barr, daughter of Brad and Melinda Barr, received the $5,000 college scholarship awarded by the TVA Power Play Scholarship Association and 4-County Electric Power Association after being chosen by an eight-member selection team of educators from colleges and universities in the seven states of the Tennessee Valley.

Some criteria evaluated in the selection process include academic achievement, standardized test scores, leadership qualities, letters of recommendation, and written essays.

Barr graduated in May from Heritage and plans to attend Mississippi Christian University this coming fall, to study kinesiology with a physical therapy tract.

Made up of 16 power company managers representing the Valley region’s 154 Local Power Companies (LPCs) and TVA representatives, the Power Play Scholarship Association has awarded over 700 scholarships totaling more than $3 million to children of LPC employees since its inception in 1995.

Funds are raised through association membership fees, contributions from TVA, vendors, and the annual Power Play Golf Tournament events.

ECM FOUNDATION Scholarship Recipients

The Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Foundation was established by the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi in 2005. To give back to the communities they serve, the foundation provides scholarships for postsecondary and vocational education at accredited institutions to qualifying high school seniors. For Fall 2026, the foundation awarded scholarships to dependents of employees of participating electric cooperatives. Three children of Central Electric employees who are entering college this fall received ECM Foundation Scholarships. Central Electric congratulates each recipient on receiving this scholarship.

Judd Ogletree , Leake Academy

Judd Ogletree is the son of Neal and Kristin Ogletree. He graduated with honors from Leake Academy. Judd enjoys hunting and competing in rodeos as a team-roping header. He plans to further his education through the carpentry program at East Central Community College.

Noah Clark, Kemper Academy

Noah Clark is the son of Scott and Kim Clark. He graduated from Kemper Academy, where he was a member of the archery team and drumline. Noah plans to attend Mississippi State University to pursue a degree in electrical engineering.

JohnDavid Gill, Leake Academy

JohnDavid Gill is the son of Doug and Candi Daly and David Gill. He graduated from Leake Academy. JohnDavid enjoys playing sports and spending time with friends. He plans to attend East Central Community College before continuing his education toward a degree in kinesiology.

How you can help during PEAK DEMAND

PEAK DEMAND

Your electric utility works hard to ensure safe, reliable power to homes and businesses 24/7. To make sure everyone has the power they need, generation must match consumption and have the capacity to adjust to changing demands for energy.

Peak demand is the period in a given range of time — day, month, or year — when electricity use is highest. It’s caused by many people using energy-consuming equipment at the same time. It di ers based on geography, weather, and time of year. For example, demand is typically highest on hot summer afternoons and cold winter mornings. Most utilities also experience daily peaks when people are getting ready in the mornings and returning home in the evenings.

When everyone uses more energy at the same time, it puts more stress on the electric grid and requires more expensive electricity to meet the need.

Electricity pricing is based on supply and demand. The price of electricity is higher when the demand is higher, which costs the utility more.

To lower energy use and strain on the grid during peak times, there are habits we can adopt in our homes.

Let’s look at two examples.

Joe and John arrive home from work at 5:30 p.m. They both turn on the oven to make dinner.

While John waits for the oven to preheat, he throws in a load of laundry. He ﬁnishes dinner, cleans up and starts the dishwasher. Then, he moves the clothes to the dryer.

Joe ﬁnishes dinner, loads the dishwasher and sets it to start at 10 p.m. He puts a load of laundry in the washing machine and later that evening switches it over to the dryer.

Although they use the same appliances and amount of energy, John uses it all at once, running multiple appliances during peak hours, creating higher demand and more strain on the electric grid while using more expensive energy.

To lower your demand, spread electricity use throughout the day and avoid peak times as much as possible. This will reduce the utility’s cost of supplying electricity to your home. Another beneﬁt of shifting your use to midday is integrating renewable energy, such as solar, which produces energy when the sun is shining.

Large appliances — including washers, dryers, ovens, water heaters and air conditioners — have the biggest impact. Using them during o -peak hours or one at a time can help.

Automate as much as possible. Most electric vehicle chargers can be set to charge during scheduled hours with built-in timers or apps. Most modern dishwashers have delay-start features. If you have a pool, set the pool pump to run in the middle of the day, particularly if you are in a region with strong solar production.

You can also automate air conditioning. Simple, free adjustments, such as closing your curtains on hot afternoons and evenings, can help, too.

Keep in mind that extreme weather, such as freezing temperatures in Alabama or a heat wave in Minnesota, puts extra stress on the grid. Taking it easy on your energy use during extreme weather events can help prevent outages.

Spreading out your energy use helps your utility keep costs down and beneﬁts your local energy grid.

Miranda Boutelle is the chief operating o cer at E ciency Services Group in Oregon.

Apply your dishwasher’s delay-start feature to use electricity during o -peak hours.

Lowering your energy use during extreme weather events can help prevent outages.

by Miranda Boutelle

Celebrating independence, progress, and safety

by Qua'Shara Monix

July is a month ﬁlled with patriotic pride, family gatherings, backyard barbecues, and dazzling ﬁreworks displays. As we celebrate Independence Day, Coahoma Electric encourages members to make safety a top priority, especially when it comes to electricity.

This year’s celebration carries even greater signiﬁcance. In 2026, America commemorates its 250th anniversary, marking two and a half centuries since our nation’s founding. At the same time, electric cooperatives across the country are celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Rural Electriﬁcation Act, landmark legislation that transformed life in rural America.

Before the Rural Electriﬁcation Act was signed in 1936, most rural communities lived without electricity. Families relied on kerosene lamps for light, hand pumps for water, and wood-burning stoves for cooking and heating. The creation of rural electric cooperatives brought power to areas that investor-owned utilities deemed too costly to serve, forever changing the quality of life for millions of Americans.

For 90 years, electric cooperatives have embodied the same spirit of independence, innovation, and community service that helped shape our nation. As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, we can also take pride in the generations of cooperative members, employees, and leaders who helped bring reliable electricity to rural homes, farms, schools, and businesses.

While ﬁreworks are often the highlight of Fourth of July festivities, they can also pose serious risks when used near power lines and electrical equipment. Always keep ﬁreworks far away from overhead power lines, transformers, substations, and utility poles. Even a small spark can cause power outages, equipment damage, or serious injuries.

If you’re decorating for a holiday gathering, take a few moments to inspect outdoor extension cords and lighting Use products rated for outdoor use and never overload outlets or power strips. Replace any damaged cords that show signs of wear, fraying, or exposed wires.

Summer also brings increased outdoor activity. Whether you’re setting up tents, raising ﬂags, ﬂying kites, or enjoying recreational activities, always be aware of nearby power lines. Maintain a safe distance and never attempt to retrieve items that become tangled in electrical equipment. Instead, contact your local electric cooperative for assistance.

As temperatures continue to rise, July is also a great time to practice energy-saving habits. Keep blinds and curtains closed during the hottest part of the day, use ceiling fans to help circulate cool air, and set your thermostat at an e cient temperature. These simple steps can help manage energy use while keeping your home comfortable.

Most importantly, leave the ﬁreworks to the professionals whenever possible. Attending a community ﬁreworks display is often the safest way to enjoy the excitement and beauty of Independence Day.

As we honor 250 years of American independence and 90 years of rural electriﬁcation, Coahoma Electric remains committed to the cooperative principles that have guided us from the beginning: service, reliability, and concern for our community.

From all of us at Coahoma Electric, we wish you and your family a safe, happy, and memorable Fourth of July. Thank you for allowing us to power your homes, businesses, and celebrations today and for generations to come.

Happy Independence Day!

WHAT IS FERC WHAT IS FERC

by Cathy Cash

and why does it matter to electric co-ops?

over ﬁve

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is an independent agency in Washington, D.C., with authority over the transmission and wholesale of electricity in interstate commerce.

Electric cooperatives were formed to serve members with a ordable, reliable, and safe power. But what role, if any, does the federal government play in ensuring that happens?

The commission also regulates the interstate commerce of natural gas and oil and the siting of natural gas and hydropower facilities. Basically, FERC oversees how energy moves across the country by high-voltage powerlines or large pipelines.

So, FERC doesn’t regulate your local distribution co-op. But it does exert authority over ﬁve generation and transmission co-ops and all the wholesale electricity markets where co-ops buy their power supply. By setting the markets’ transmission rates that electric power companies and utilities, including co-ops, must pay, the federal agency can ultimately inﬂuence retail prices.

Mary Ann Ralls, NRECA senior director, regulatory counsel, notes that while state utility commissions have more immediate control over co-op operations and building powerlines, the federal agency’s inﬂuence ﬁlls in the gaps.

FERC exerts authority

generation and transmission co-ops and all the wholesale electricity markets where electric co-ops purchase their power supply.

FERC does have a role in how co-ops can best serve their members by upholding grid reliability and safety and in keeping costs a ordable.

The commission’s regulations aim at maintaining fair prices within the wholesale electricity markets run by six regional transmission organizations (RTOs) and independent system operators (ISOs). These FERC-regulated RTOs and ISOs manage parts of the national electric grid.

FERC also monitors these markets for energy supply manipulation that can hike prices. When things go wrong, the commission can investigate and levy penalties.

Overall, FERC sides with conserving energy and encourages utilities to ﬁnd ways to reduce demand, which eventually can place downward pressure on monthly bills.

The commission largely lacks authority over electric transmission in terms of siting and construction. That falls under state and local authorities.

Regarding natural gas, FERC has the ﬁnal say in construction and operation of liqueﬁed natural gas terminals, pipelines, and storage facilities. It reviews gas projects in terms of their impact on the environment, land use, geology, and the economy.

And, being a public agency, keep in mind all FERC’s ﬁnal decisions can be challenged in court.

When it comes to grid reliability, the buck stops with FERC. The commission directs the national grid watchdog — North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) — and enforces its mandatory reliability rules and requirements on grid operators and owners of the U.S. bulk power system, including utilities and energy producers.

The commission tasked NERC as the electric reliability organization for the continental United States after Congress called for a single point of contact following the historic blackout of Aug. 14, 2003, which left more than 50 million people in the Northeast and parts of the Midwest without electricity for several hours to several days.

FERC can require NERC to set new reliability standards or update current rules as needed to protect the grid’s ability serve today’s increased demand.

So, who is FERC?

The body is made up of five commissioners appointed by the president and confirmed by the U.S. Senate for five-year terms. The chair presides over open, public meetings on the third Thursday of the month, where the commission votes on orders to act on or approve projects or set precedents. You can even watch these meetings at home from the live link on the FERC website.

While its regulatory inﬂuence may not have a hand directly in co-op operations to serve consumers, FERC does have a role in how co-ops can best serve their members by upholding grid reliability and safety and in keeping costs a ordable.

“Irrespective of the level of regulation FERC has over a co-op, it is incumbent upon NRECA, working with its members, to impress on the commission that ultimately the co-op’s obligation is that the consumermember at the end of the line has a ordable, reliable, and safe electric service,” says Ralls.

Cathy Cash writes on consumer and cooperative a airs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

How you can help during PEAK DEMAND

PEAK DEMAND

When everyone uses more energy at the same time, it puts more stress on the electric grid and requires more expensive electricity to meet the need.

Electricity pricing is based on supply and demand. The price of electricity is higher when the demand is higher, which costs the utility more.

To lower energy use and strain on the grid during peak times, there are habits we can adopt in our homes.

Let’s look at two examples.

Joe and John arrive home from work at 5:30 p.m. They both turn on the oven to make dinner.

While John waits for the oven to preheat, he throws in a load of laundry. He ﬁnishes dinner, cleans up and starts the dishwasher. Then, he moves the clothes to the dryer.

Joe ﬁnishes dinner, loads the dishwasher and sets it to start at 10 p.m. He puts a load of laundry in the washing machine and later that evening switches it over to the dryer.

Large appliances — including washers, dryers, ovens, water heaters and air conditioners — have the biggest impact. Using them during o -peak hours or one at a time can help.

You can also automate air conditioning. Simple, free adjustments, such as closing your curtains on hot afternoons and evenings, can help, too.

Spreading out your energy use helps your utility keep costs down and beneﬁts your local energy grid.

Miranda Boutelle is the chief operating o cer at E ciency Services Group in Oregon.

Apply your dishwasher’s delay-start feature to use electricity during o -peak hours.

Lowering your energy use during extreme weather events can help prevent outages.

by Miranda Boutelle

Powering your life, connecting your future

Communicators: April Lollar, Merilee Sands and Sarah Belk

Coast Electric and CoastConnect exist to power and connect lives. Our commitment to our communities and the people we serve is the foundation of all we do. Our mission is to safely provide reliable electricity, but it’s also about making life better for the people we serve. In the six months that I’ve been CEO, I’ve gotten to know the people who work at both companies pretty well, and I can tell you that our employees take this mission seriously.

From family dinners to helping local businesses operate successfully and supporting essential services, for nearly 90 years, Coast Electric has powered the moments that matter most. And through CoastConnect, we’re connecting our communities to opportunities that once seemed out of reach. Reliable high-speed internet access enables remote work, online learning, business growth and much more.

Together, Coast Electric and CoastConnect are building a stronger future for South Mississippi. We’re investing in infrastructure, embracing innovation and ﬁnding new ways to serve our members

and subscribers while staying true to the cooperative values that have guided us from the beginning.

As we look forward to our 2026 Annual Meeting, I encourage you to take part in the cooperative governance process by attending or registering for the meeting. As a co-op member, you have a voice in shaping the future of your co-op and meeting participation is one of the most important ways you can participate in this process. Be on the lookout for our registration mailer or visit our website to register. Registration for the meeting begins online and via mail on July 29. We are proud to power and connect your lives. I hope to see you all at our meeting in the fall. Until then, have a safe and happy summer.

by Chris Rhodes

President and CEO

ANNUAL MEETING REGISTRATION BEGINS

Disability Co ection & Lighthouse Academy for Dyslexia AND OTHER GRANT RECIPIENTS

Twice each year, Coast Electric’s Community Trust Committee and our partners at the Gulf Coast Community Foundation review and select grant recipients from a pool of applicants to receive funds for projects that improve the quality of life in the communities where we live. The Operation Round Up (ORU) program is funded by Coast Electric members who round up their bills each month. Their generous contributions reﬂect the co-op spirit — working together to improve our communities.

“We appreciate Coast Electric members so much. They help us fund our community resource guides. It wouldn’t be possible without people like you to help us.”

Janie O’Keefe

Recently, 19 grants totaling $144,000 were awarded to the following local charities. These grants beneﬁt organizations and schools served by Coast Electric or within our service area.

Feeding the Gulf Coast

Weekend meals for students

Junior Auxiliary of Gulfport

Project NOW and Backpack Blessings

CASA of South Mississippi

Volunteer training and retention

Extra Table FEEDS

Supporting Brothers Keepers Food Pantry

Bethel Free Clinic

Chronic Care support program

Christ Church

Backpack Buddies

Crossroads Food Pantry

Food

FABLAB Jackson County

Mobile STEAM for Harrison and Hancock County Schools

Gateway United Methodist Church

ML Tootle Food Pantry — Food

Hancock County Food Pantry

Food

Harvest Barn Food Bank Food

Kiwanis Club of Picayune

Kiwanis Olympiad and special needs programs

Manna Ministries Inc.

Manna Medical Clinic lab work

MS Gulf Coast Buddy Sports

Recreation and leisure activities for special needs individuals and their families

Nugent United Methodist Church Food pantry — Food

Pearlington Impact Association

eliminates barriers and fosters cooperation and understanding for people with disabilities. A resource guide is one of Disability Connection’s successful projects. The purpose of the guide is to educate the community, especially those who are unemployed, about the resources that exist in our community to help our neighbors in need. Operation Round Up funds go toward the cost of creating the guides.

Disability Connection Executive Director Janie O’Keefe said, “We appreciate Coast Electric members so much. They help us fund our community resource guides. We appreciate Coast Electric. It wouldn’t be possible without people like you to help us.”

Lighthouse Academy for Dyslexia

Backpack with school supplies; back to school expo

Rotary Club of Picayune

Christmas Food Baskets

The Forgotten Initiative

Necessities for foster children

Triumph Church of Gulfport

Backpack and school supplies

Operation Round Up Spotlights

We are proud to highlight grant recipients, so our members understand what their spare change is doing to help our communities thrive. It may not seem like much, but when we all do a little, it makes a big di erence! Together, we are doing great things.

Disability Connection

When Coast Electric members round up their bills each month, they may not always realize the impact their spare change is making in our community. Because of those who donate each month, Coast Electric’s Operation Round Up program can fund grants for organizations like Disability Connection. Disability Connection’s mission is to create a connected community that provides support,

Many coast residents don’t realize the rare opportunity children with dyslexia in our community have. The Lighthouse Academy for Dyslexia is an accredited special-purpose school that serves students with dyslexia. The school o ers an immersive learning environment where students receive training tailored to ﬁt their needs. Teachers and sta at the school are all licensed dyslexia therapists as well as licensed educators in Mississippi. Having experts in dyslexia, a small student-to-teacher ratio and a specialized curriculum helps children thrive and realize their potential.

“We’re much more than a school,” Lighthouse Academy Executive Director Traci Barrientos said. “We’re a community resource across six coastal counties and have been able to have a huge impact in Harrison, Hancock and Pearl River counties because of Operation Round Up.”

In 2025, the school received a grant that allowed them to share stories of hope and resilience for those who have struggled with literacy through a podcast. The podcast reached over 3,000 people and is helping not only spread the word about Lighthouse Academy but also to give hope to those who have dyslexia and other learning challenges.

We share our gratitude with the members who choose to round up to support their communities. Your spare change is doing big things in our community.

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 www.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 May Reduce Your Use winner, Andy Moran!

The art of forecasting electricity load

by Je rey Groenewold

Summer is in full swing, and many of us are enjoying the sunshine and warmer weather — it’s also a very busy season for Mississippi’s electric cooperatives.

Our irrigation members are in the middle of watering, many construction and capital improvement projects are underway, annual meetings are taking place, and homes and businesses are using more electricity to keep cool.

It takes a lot of electricity to meet all this demand, and utilities must ensure there is power available around the clock. So, have you ever wondered how your electric co-op forecasts electricity on the grid?

Electric load forecasting is an important activity that many co-ops perform every day. When you hear things like “peak demand” or “prices are spiking,” it can sound complex and daunting. At the center of these challenges is forecasting. Electric co-op use a variety of analytics to predict factors like weather, sunshine, wind, cloud coverage, rain, power generation, and yes, even the future use of electricity, including how much and when it will be used. All of this information helps co-ops plan and prepare for the next day, week, or month to ensure the grid runs smoothly — so we can all enjoy the summer with our family and friends. This practice is called “load forecasting.”

With the changing electric grid — from more renewable energy sources showing up on the system to growing communities that need more electricity — load forecasting is crucial for managing the health of the power grid. Accurate forecasting is essential for grid operators to allocate necessary resources to keep the grid running successfully and allocating power generation e ectively based on predictions. Proper forecasting aids in scheduling power plants and managing fuel supplies. This leads to reduced operational costs and minimized waste in electricity production, transmission, and distribution.

Maintaining stability is a primary concern for electric co-ops because the grid must constantly balance electricity supply with demand. Load forecasting enables co-ops to anticipate electric peaks and supply disturbances, and helps prevent the grid from failing, which can lead to blackouts.

The integration of renewable energy sources like wind and solar adds complexity to load forecasting. Accurate forecasts help optimize the use of variable renewable energy. Combining load forecasts with renewable generation forecasts helps optimize the grid with tremendous economic beneﬁts.

Forecasting electricity load helps co-ops plan and prepare to ensure the grid runs smoothly and you have reliable power whenever you need it.

Short-term forecasts (daily or weekly) give grid operators the necessary data to make informed decisions on what type of power generation to schedule, what electric market purchases or sales need to be made, and mitigate risks of supply shortages or surpluses, so that you can get the most a ordable electricity to your home or business. Additionally, load forecasting informs future planning for infrastructure development, grid expansion, upgrades, and interconnections. With the growing demand for electricity, ensuring the grid can handle future increased use is essential and helps maintain reliability over time.

Forecasting electricity demand allows for adaptability to changing power generation sources and demand patterns. It’s an important piece of the puzzle for maintaining a reliable, e cient, and cost-e ective grid.

Je rey Groenewold writes on consumer and cooperative a airs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

Load forecasting enables co-ops to anticipate electric peaks and supply disturbances, and helps prevent the grid from failing.

WHAT IS FERC WHAT IS FERC

by Cathy Cash

and why does it matter to electric co-ops?

over ﬁve

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is an independent agency in Washington, D.C., with authority over the transmission and wholesale of electricity in interstate commerce.

Electric cooperatives were formed to serve members with a ordable, reliable, and safe power. But what role, if any, does the federal government play in ensuring that happens?

FERC exerts authority

generation and transmission co-ops and all the wholesale electricity markets where electric co-ops purchase their power supply.

FERC does have a role in how co-ops can best serve their members by upholding grid reliability and safety and in keeping costs a ordable.

FERC also monitors these markets for energy supply manipulation that can hike prices. When things go wrong, the commission can investigate and levy penalties.

Overall, FERC sides with conserving energy and encourages utilities to ﬁnd ways to reduce demand, which eventually can place downward pressure on monthly bills.

The commission largely lacks authority over electric transmission in terms of siting and construction. That falls under state and local authorities.

And, being a public agency, keep in mind all FERC’s ﬁnal decisions can be challenged in court.

FERC can require NERC to set new reliability standards or update current rules as needed to protect the grid’s ability serve today’s increased demand.

So, who is FERC?

Cathy Cash writes on consumer and cooperative a airs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

PEAK DEMAND

How you can help during PEAK DEMAND

When everyone uses more energy at the same time, it puts more stress on the electric grid and requires more expensive electricity to meet the need. Electricity pricing is based on supply and demand. The price of electricity is higher when the demand is higher, which costs the utility more.

To lower energy use and strain on the grid during peak times, there are habits we can adopt in our homes.

Let’s look at two examples.

Joe and John arrive home from work at 5:30 p.m. They both turn on the oven to make dinner.

While John waits for the oven to preheat, he throws in a load of laundry. He ﬁnishes dinner, cleans up and starts the dishwasher. Then, he moves the clothes to the dryer.

Joe ﬁnishes dinner, loads the dishwasher and sets it to start at 10 p.m. He puts a load of laundry in the washing machine and later that evening switches it over to the dryer.

Large appliances — including washers, dryers, ovens, water heaters and air conditioners — have the biggest impact. Using them during o -peak hours or one at a time can help.

You can also automate air conditioning. Simple, free adjustments, such as closing your curtains on hot afternoons and evenings, can help, too.

Spreading out your energy use helps your utility keep costs down and beneﬁts your local energy grid.

Miranda Boutelle is the chief operating o cer at E ciency Services Group in Oregon.

Apply your dishwasher’s delay-start feature to use electricity during o -peak hours.

Lowering your energy use during extreme weather events can help prevent outages.

by Miranda Boutelle

Each year, as we gather with family and friends to celebrate the Fourth of July, we are reminded of the meaning of independence. It’s a time to reﬂect on the freedoms we enjoy, the resilience of our nation, and the communities that continue to shape who we are today.

That same spirit of independence also helped shape electric cooperatives.

Decades ago, much of rural America was left in the dark because bringing electricity to sparsely populated areas simply wasn’t proﬁtable for large power companies. Rather than waiting and hoping someone else would solve the problem, neighbors came together to create their own solution. Communities banded together, invested in themselves, and built electric cooperatives to serve the people who called these areas home.

That determination and local spirit remain at the heart of cooperatives today.

One of the seven cooperative principles is “Autonomy and Independence.” In simple terms, that means cooperatives are locally governed and focused on serving their members rather than outside investors. At Dixie Electric, decisions are made by people who live right here in the communities we serve. Your elected board members are your neighbors, and every decision is made with our members in mind.

That local independence allows us to focus on what matters most: providing reliable service, maintaining and improving our system, supporting our schools and communities, and investing

THE POWER OF INDEPENDENCE

in the future of our area. It’s what allows us to continue growing and evolving while staying true to the values that have guided cooperatives for generations.

There is something powerful about communities working together for the beneﬁt of everyone. In many ways, that is the true meaning behind the cooperative model. While independence is often thought of as standing alone, cooperatives prove that independence can also come from people coming together with a shared purpose.

As we celebrate this Fourth of July, I hope you take time to enjoy the people and moments that matter most. From backyard cookouts and ﬁ reworks to time spent with family and friends, summer traditions remind us how fortunate we are to live and work in communities that care for one another.

From all of us at Dixie Electric, thank you for allowing us to serve you. We are proud to continue building a stronger future together while honoring the spirit of independence that helped cooperatives begin.

by Randy Smith General Manager

INDEPENDENCE DAY CLOSURE

We’ll

help you enforce them You set the rules You set the rules

by Amanda Mills

When DE Fastlink launched, our mission was simple: provide the fast, reliable ﬁber internet service our communities deserved. At the time, most homes throughout our service area simply didn’t have access to true ﬁ ber high-speed internet. We knew we could deliver the speed and reliability families needed, but we also knew internet service was about more than just speed. As technology continued to evolve, so did the needs of families who used it every day.

One request we heard time and time again from subscribers was the need for better control over their home Wi-Fi network, especially when it came to managing devices, monitoring use, and helping parents create healthy online habits for their children.

You asked, and we listened.

Today, DE Fastlink subscribers have access to the free My DE Fastlink app, giving users greater visibility and control over their home network right from their smartphone or tablet.

Through the app, subscribers can:

• Assign devices to personalized proﬁ les

• Create people proﬁ les for family members

• Share guest Wi-Fi networks with visitors

• Run speed tests

• Change their Wi-Fi password

• Manage connected devices throughout the home

The My DE Fastlink app also includes ProtectIQ at no additional cost for subscribers with compatible equipment. ProtectIQ helps provide an added layer of network security and peace of mind by monitoring and protecting devices connected to your home network.

For families looking for even more control, DE Fastlink also o ers ExperienceIQ with Parental Controls for just $5 per month.

ExperienceIQ allows parents and guardians to:

• Set screen time limits

• Pause internet access

• Filter content

• Manage online activity by user proﬁ le

• Customize internet access for each member of the household

Whether it’s limiting distractions during homework time, creating healthier screen time habits, or helping protect younger users online, ExperienceIQ puts control directly into the hands of parents.

Because DE Fastlink has a variety of routers deployed throughout the system, some subscribers may require updated equipment in order to access these features. The good news is our team can quickly check your equipment compatibility and help determine if an upgrade is needed, free of charge.

Subscribers interested in adding ExperienceIQ or learning more about the My DE Fastlink app can call DE Fastlink at 833-521-3278 for assistance.

Technology continues to evolve, and so do the needs of the families we serve. At DE Fastlink, we remain committed to listening to our subscribers and providing solutions that help make life easier, safer, and more connected.

You set the rules. We’ll help you enforce them.

Dixie Electric gives back through Sharing Success Program

Dixie Electric and CoBank recently partnered through the Sharing Success program to donate a combined $20,000 to local emergency response organizations across the cooperative’s service area.

Through the annual matching grant program, volunteer ﬁ re departments and sheri ’s departments in Jones, Wayne, Forrest, and Perry counties each received $2,500 to help support critical needs such as training, safety equipment, educational materials, and emergency response tools.

“For organizations like volunteer ﬁ re departments and sheri ’s departments, every dollar matters,” said Randy Smith, general manager of Dixie Electric. “These men and women willingly step into di cult situations to protect our communities, often with limited resources. We’re honored to support the work they do every single day and grateful for the sacriﬁce and service they provide across our area.”

Now in its ﬁ fth year participating in the Sharing Success initiative, Dixie Electric continues to use the program as a way to invest back into the communities it serves. The program allows cooperatives and other organizations to partner with CoBank to provide matching funds for local nonproﬁts and public service organizations that make a di erence in rural communities.

One of the things that makes cooperatives unique is our commitment to the communities we serve. Programs like Sharing Success allow us to turn that commitment into action. We know the impact volunteer ﬁ re departments and sheri ’s departments have on rural communities, and we’re thankful for the opportunity to help support the important work they do.

Electric cooperatives are deeply rooted in the communities they serve and remain committed to improving the quality of life throughout rural Mississippi. Through partnerships like Sharing Success, Dixie Electric continues to support the organizations that help keep its communities safe, prepared, and connected.

TUESDAY, OCT. 20, 2026

AUG

Held at Dixie Electric’s ofﬁce, 1863 Highway 184, Laurel, MS 39443.

Online voting begins. Make sure Dixie Electric has your valid email address, so you can vote online or use the SmartHub app.

Registration and voting 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. The meeting begins at 4 p.m.

Electronic and mail voting ends.

Ofﬁcial notice, absentee ballot, and proxy are mailed to members. Return your ballot or proxy in the postage-paid envelope.

Join us for the annual meeting and vote in person.

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.

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR CEO

As we move into another summer season, we are reminded of the many blessings we enjoy as Americans. This year is especially meaningful as our nation celebrates 250 years of freedom and independence. It is an incredible milestone that gives us the opportunity to reﬂect on our history, appreciate our freedoms and look with hope toward the future.

It is hard for me to believe that it was 50 years ago when I graduated from high school during America’s Bicentennial celebration in 1976. What a special time that was. Everywhere you looked there were red, white and blue decorations, patriotic songs, parades and communities coming together to celebrate our nation’s history and heritage. There was a strong sense of pride and gratitude for the freedoms we share as Americans. It seemed like every town and every family found a way to celebrate our country and the opportunities we are blessed to have.

America truly is a country “of the people, by the people and for the people.” Those words still carry great meaning today. While our country has faced challenges throughout its history, the values of freedom, faith, hard work and service to others continue to unite us. As we celebrate this historic anniversary, let us also remember the generations of men and women who sacriﬁced to preserve the freedoms we enjoy today. Their courage, dedication and love for this nation helped build the America we know and cherish.

Summer is also about family. School is out; schedules slow down a little, and families have the opportunity to spend more time together. For many, summer means loading up the car and heading

A summer of gratitude, family and freedom

out on vacation. Some families enjoy relaxing on the beach, while others prefer the cool air and beautiful scenery of the mountains. Others may visit historical landmarks, national parks, amusement parks or one of the many wonderful vacation spots across this great nation. No matter the destination, the time spent together is often what matters most.

Those family trips and summer gatherings create memories that last a lifetime. Children grow up quickly, and the moments we share with them become treasures we carry for years to come. Whether it is sitting around a campﬁre, grilling hamburgers with neighbors, attending a community celebration or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, summer gives us the chance to reconnect with family and friends and appreciate the blessings around us.

As you enjoy the summer months and celebrate America’s 250th birthday, I encourage you to take time to appreciate both our nation and the people closest to you. We have much to be thankful for. I hope each of you has a safe, happy and enjoyable summer season. Thank you, as always, for allowing us to serve you and your family.

by Randy Carroll

CEO — East Mississippi Electric Power Association

Complete your 2026 Annual Meeting proxy for a chance to win a $500 electricity credit

East Mississippi Electric Power Association will host its 88th Annual Meeting of the Membership on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, at the EMEPA Meridian Auditorium.

Annual Meeting notices and proxy letters were mailed to all EMEPA members on July 1. If you are unable to attend the meeting, you may appoint the Board of Directors or another member as your proxy.

Submit your completed proxy by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 29, for a chance to win a $500 electricity credit.

Option 1: Complete your proxy online

Visit directvote.net/EMEPA and enter the Member Number and Election Passcode printed on your proxy letter. Follow the prompts to complete and submit your proxy. For online assistance, email support@directvote.net.

Option 2: Return your proxy by mail

Sign and date your proxy letter, place it in the enclosed postage-paid envelope, and mail it. Mailed proxies must be received by Tuesday, Sept. 29.

Students earn Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Foundation scholarships

The Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Foundation awards scholarships each year to help the children of Mississippi electric cooperative employees pursue higher education. Scholarships are available to qualifying high school seniors as well as students transferring from a community college or vocational school to a university.

We congratulate these students and wish them continued success in their educational pursuits.

Prize drawings

ANNUAL MEETING

OCT. 3, 2026

One member from each EMEPA district who submits a completed proxy will be selected at random to receive a $500 electricity credit.

Members who attend the Annual Meeting and register in person will also be eligible to win one of three electricity credits of up to $500.

For questions, email ContactUs@EMEPA.com.

Congratulations to the following 2026 scholarship recipients:

Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Foundation Scholarship Recipients

• Katelyn Brown, daughter of Tree Trimmer Foreman Kendrick Brown

• Katelyn Hodgins, daughter of Accounting Supervisor Amy Hodgins

• Kalie Miller, daughter of System Maintenance Engineer Dave Miller

• Jake Whittington, son of Design Technician III Michael Whittington

Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Foundation Transfer Scholarship Recipient

• Neanna Drake, daughter of Member Service Representative Hynesia Cole-Drake

Pictured left to right are Neanna Drake, Kalie Miller and Jake Whittington. Not pictured are Katelyn Brown and Katelyn Hodgins.

Shift timing, shift savings

As we settle into the heat of July, our homes naturally use more electricity. Air conditioners run longer, refrigerators work harder and daily routines often overlap during the warmest parts of the day. That’s also when the demand for electricity across our community is at its highest.

At EMEPA, our top priority is delivering safe, reliable and a ordable power whenever you need it. But during peak energy hours, in the late afternoon and early evening, there’s added pressure on the grid as homes and businesses require larger amounts of electricity, all at the same time. On the hottest days, that strain can be signiﬁcant.

The good news is that small changes at home can make a meaningful di erence.

Here are a few simple steps you can take to lower energy use during peak hours.

Think of our electric grid like a highway system. During rush hour, tra c is heavy, congestion builds and everything slows down. But when drivers adjust their schedules, even slightly, it helps ease the bottleneck. The same principle applies to energy use.

Smart technology can be a valuable partner in saving energy. A programmable or smart thermostat can automatically adjust your home’s temperature when demand is highest, helping you stay comfortable while using energy more e ciently. Even a small adjustment of a few degrees during peak hours can make a di erence.

In the kitchen, simple swaps can help, too. Using a slow cooker, air fryer or outdoor grill instead of the oven keeps your home more comfortable and reduces the need for additional cooling during the warmer parts of the day. And when it comes to laundry, airdrying clothes or spacing out loads can cut down on both energy use and indoor heat.

By shifting some of your high-energy activities to o -peak hours — like doing laundry later in the evening, running the dishwasher before you go to bed or cooking meals earlier in the day — you’re helping spread out demand. That reduces pressure on the grid during those critical peak hours.

EMEPA’s Time-of-Use (TOU) electric rate plan o ers a money-saving option for using your electric service during o -peak hours. If you use electricity when the total used by all EMEPA members is low (opeak), your rate will be lower than the standard rate. On-peak hours, or electricity used during periods of high demand, will cost more than the standard rate. For members in EMEPA’s North System (Winston and Kemper districts), summer on-peak hours are 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. For members in the South System (Lauderdale and Clarke districts), on-peak hours are 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. All remaining hours, weekends and major holidays are o -peak.

Don’t overlook the power of ceiling fans, either. They can help you feel several degrees cooler, allowing you to raise your thermostat setting without sacriﬁcing comfort.

These actions may seem small on their own, but together, they add up. When many members make mindful choices about when and how they use electricity, it helps reduce peak demand, eases strain on the grid and supports more stable energy costs for our local communities.

That’s the cooperative di erence. As a member, you’re not just a customer — you’re part of a community working together to power our future. Every e ort you make contributes to a stronger, more resilient system.

This summer, I encourage you to take a closer look at your daily routines. A few simple shifts can go a long way in keeping your home comfortable, your energy use e cient and our grid running smoothly—no matter how high the temperatures climb. both when and how they use electricity, it helps grid

A Home Phone Service Built for Today’s Connected Life

East Mississippi Connect Digital Voice combines reliability of traditional phones with ﬁber-powered technology

While technology continues to evolve, one thing remains important for many families and businesses—having a dependable phone service they can count on. East Mississippi Connect’s Digital Voice service delivers the clarity, reliability and convenience customers need, all powered by our advanced ﬁber network.

Unlike traditional phone lines, Digital Voice uses East Mississippi Connect’s ﬁber internet connection to provide high-quality phone service with modern features designed for today’s lifestyles. Whether you’re staying in touch with family, managing a business or simply wanting a reliable way to communicate, Digital Voice o ers a dependable solution.

Clear communication matters. Digital Voice provides exceptional call quality. Conversations sound crisp and natural. Whether you’re calling across town or across the country, ﬁber-powered voice technology helps eliminate many of the issues commonly associated with older phone systems.

Businesses can also beneﬁt from Digital Voice. Reliable phone service remains a critical part of daily operations, customer service and team communication. Fiber-based voice technology supports productivity with dependable performance and versatile features designed to meet the needs of modern organizations.

Security is another advantage. Digital Voice service utilizes encrypted technology that helps protect communications while delivering dependable performance. Combined with the reliability of East Mississippi Connect’s ﬁber network, customers can feel conﬁdent their phone service is built for both today and tomorrow.

For busy households, Digital Voice o ers added ﬂexibility. Many customers appreciate having a dedicated home phone number that everyone in the family can access. It also provides peace of mind during important situations when a reliable phone connection is needed. Features such as call management tools and advanced voice services help make communication easier and more convenient.

East Mississippi Connect o ers residential Digital Voice service for customers with EMC internet service starting at $29.95 per month, with business options also available. Customers who want phone service without internet can choose a voice-only option as well.

As communication needs continue to change, East Mississippi Connect remains committed to providing services that keep our communities connected. Digital Voice combines trusted phone service with the power of ﬁber technology, delivering a modern solution that is reliable, cost-e ective and easy to use.

Whether you’re catching up with loved ones, running a business or simply looking for a dependable home phone service, Digital Voice from East Mississippi Connect is ready to help you stay connected. Visit eastmsconnect.com to learn more about Digital Voice and ﬁnd the plan that’s right for you.

Prepared

for whatever the weather brings

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR CEO/GENERAL MANAGER

This past spring brought a very busy tornado season for Magnolia Electric Power members, with multiple tornadoes conﬁrmed across many of the counties we serve. Over the last several years in southwest Mississippi, it seems tornado activity has become more common. While we certainly wish our communities did not have to experience these devastating storms, we must continue to adapt and ensure we have plans in place to respond e ectively.

At Magnolia Electric Power, we are constantly preparing and reﬁning our storm response plans. Tornadoes require a very di erent response than hurricanes because we rarely know exactly where or when a tornado will strike. Many times, our crews are already in the ﬁeld restoring power when tornado watches and warnings begin to develop.

With hurricanes, we often have the advantage of time. If forecasts show our area in the direct path of a storm, we can bring in additional crews ahead of time and prepare supplies, meals, and equipment before the storm arrives. Tornados,

however, force us to quickly develop plans and strategies based on rapidly changing conditions and damage assessments.

We are fortunate to have a great team at Magnolia Electric Power that is continually evaluating our procedures to ensure they are as e cient and e ective as possible. Restoring power quickly after severe weather truly takes everyone working together. It requires not only the dedication of our employees but also the support of the communities we serve.

Thank you for your continued support of Magnolia Electric Power and for the resilience our communities continue to demonstrate during challenging times.

CEO/ General Manager by Daniel Evans

Powering up

On the evening of May 6, three di erent tornadoes struck Magnolia Electric’s service territory.

The twisters — an EF3 in Lincoln County and two EF1 tornadoes in Pike and Walthall Counties — caused power outages to 8,200 Magnolia Electric meters.

after 3 twisters knock out electricity

With assistance from seven Mississippi electric co-ops and counting 254 men in the ﬁeld, power was restored to members by May 14. We want to thank our members for their patience, our communities and fellow co-ops for their help and assistance, and our sta for their hard work in the aftermath of the tornadoes.

Thankyou

ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES:

• 4-County Electric Power Association

• Dixie Electric Power Association

• North East Mississippi Electric Power Association

• Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association

For your help after the recent tornadoes a ected our service area both in March and May 2026.

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS:

• Pike

• Kinco

• MDR

• V-Tech

• Singing River Electric Cooperative

• Twin County Electric Power Association

• Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association

RIGHT OF WAY CREWS:

• Barnes ROW

• Scott Johnson Specialty Services

• Magnolia Utility Service

• Mac’s Tree Service

THANK YOU TO THOSE FROM OUR COMMUNITIES WHO GAVE A HELPING HAND:

• Bogue Chitto Baptist Church

• Broma’s Deli

• Calvary Baptist Church

• Chick-ﬁl-A

• Clean Laundry LLC

• Cli ord Galey

• Coca-Cola

• Crossroads Quickstop

• Cypress Landing

• East Lincoln Volunteer Fire Department

• Golden Corral

• 76 Chevron (Hood Petroleum)

• Jayess General Store

• Johnson Grove Church of Christ

• Lincoln County Sheri ’s Department

• Lincoln County Supervisors

• Little Town Grocery

• Longbranch Café

• Mark and Michelle Porter

• Market Max

• May’s Café

• McAlister’s Deli

• Miss Kay’s

• Mississippi Department of Transportation

• Mississippi Highway Patrol

• Mr. Whisker’s

• Mitchell’s

• Nona Lynn’s Kitchen

• Old Koke Plant

• Papa John’s

• Paradise Ranch

• Percy Quin State Park

• Pike County Sheri ’s Department

• Ramah Baptist Church

• Ruth General Store

• Summit Donut Shop

• Sweet Briar

• The Burger Basket

• Will Fortenberry

The art of forecasting electricity load

by Je rey Groenewold

Summer is in full swing, and many of us are enjoying the sunshine and warmer weather — it’s also a very busy season for Mississippi’s electric cooperatives.

Je rey Groenewold writes on consumer and cooperative a airs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

Forecasting electricity load helps co-ops plan and prepare to ensure the grid runs smoothly and you have reliable power whenever you need it.

WHAT IS FERC WHAT IS FERC

by Cathy Cash

and why does it matter to electric co-ops?

over ﬁve

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is an independent agency in Washington, D.C., with authority over the transmission and wholesale of electricity in interstate commerce.

Electric cooperatives were formed to serve members with a ordable, reliable, and safe power. But what role, if any, does the federal government play in ensuring that happens?

FERC exerts authority

generation and transmission co-ops and all the wholesale electricity markets where electric co-ops purchase their power supply.

FERC does have a role in how co-ops can best serve their members by upholding grid reliability and safety and in keeping costs a ordable.

FERC also monitors these markets for energy supply manipulation that can hike prices. When things go wrong, the commission can investigate and levy penalties.

Overall, FERC sides with conserving energy and encourages utilities to ﬁnd ways to reduce demand, which eventually can place downward pressure on monthly bills.

The commission largely lacks authority over electric transmission in terms of siting and construction. That falls under state and local authorities.

And, being a public agency, keep in mind all FERC’s ﬁnal decisions can be challenged in court.

FERC can require NERC to set new reliability standards or update current rules as needed to protect the grid’s ability serve today’s increased demand.

So, who is FERC?

Cathy Cash writes on consumer and cooperative a airs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

How you can help during PEAK DEMAND

PEAK DEMAND