Issuu

Rural Living

RELIABILITY REQUIRES INVESTMENT

Rural Living

May & June 2026

Board of Trustees

TCEC Staff

Julius Hackett, Chief Executive Officer

Jeff Brewer, Vice President of Engineering

Eileen Herndon, Vice President of Corporate Services

John Tuten, Vice President of Operations

Gabrielle Morgan, Vice President of Finance

Tri-County Electric Cooperative Rural Living, the voice of your member-owned electric cooperative, is published bimonthly — more if necessary — at no subscription cost to the membership. The publication team is comprised of TCEC employees. Postage is paid at Tallahassee, Fla.

Publication Team

Julius Hackett, Chief Executive Officer

Eileen Herndon, Vice President of Corporate Services

Kaitlynn Culpepper, Community Relations Director

Publisher

Joanna Forrester

Publisher Joanna Forrester Printed on Responsibly

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

Tri-County Electric Cooperative

As your local power provider, TriCounty Electric Cooperative’s (TCEC) mission has always been simple: keep the lights on and support the communities we serve. But behind every switch, every warm home and every business that opens its doors is a complex system that requires constant care. Reliable electricity doesn’t happen by accident. It requires ongoing investment in our local grid— through system repairs, maintenance, upgrades and the integration of new technologies that help us operate smarter and more efficiently.

Much of the energy system we rely on today was built decades ago. While it continues to serve us well, age alone means that components must be repaired or replaced to maintain performance and safety. From poles and wires to transformers and substations, every part of the grid has a lifespan. Routine maintenance helps extend that lifespan, but eventually equipment must be updated to meet modern standards. These proactive investments reduce the likelihood of outages, shorten restoration times when disruptions do occur and create a stronger backbone for our growing community.

The demands on the electric grid are also evolving. Homes and businesses today use more electricity than ever, and that trend will only continue. Electric vehicles, advanced HVAC systems, smart appliances and new commercial facilities add load to the local distribution system. As these technologies take hold, the grid must be able to support increased demand while maintaining the reliability our members expect. Strategic upgrades are essential to ensuring we can meet these needs both today and in the decades ahead.

At the same time, new technologies are reshaping how we operate. Tools such as automated switching devices, smart meters, and advanced monitoring systems allow us to detect problems faster and respond more effectively. These technologies can isolate problems, reroute power to minimize outages and provide real-time data that helps us plan and maintain equipment more efficiently.

While these improvements require thoughtful planning and financial investment, the return is significant. A stronger grid supports economic

community. Most importantly, it ensures that the essential power you rely on is available whenever you need it.

While these improvements require thoughtful planning and financial investment, the return is significant. A stronger grid supports economic growth, improves service quality and enhances safety for our crews and community. Most importantly, it ensures that the essential power you rely on is available whenever you need it.

We know that powering our community means preparing for the future, not just maintaining the present. By investing in our local grid today, we are building the foundation for a brighter, more resilient tomorrow.

We know that powering our community means preparing for the future,

Board Meetings

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

Julius Hackett, CEO

Bobby Dodd President Donnie Waldrep

Junior Smith

Johnny Edwards

Herring

Benjamin White

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A TRUSTEE?

Democratic process. Authority to vote. That is what makes cooperatives different than traditional businesses. Each year, Tri-County Electric Cooperative members elect their leadership.

District meetings for Districts 7, 8, and 9 will be held in late July 2026. More information coming soon. TCEC’s board consists of nine trustees who are also TCEC members. The board meets monthly to make decisions regarding budget, policy, rates, and other co-op business.

How do I run for the board of trustees?

Each year, Tri-County Electric Cooperative (TCEC) holds trustee elections in three districts. Those elections are the members’ opportunity to select someone to represent them on TCEC’s nine-member board. Elections are held during district meetings and typically during the month of July.

TCEC’s by-laws require that potential trustees must be natural persons receiving service at their “primary residence.” That means you must be living in a home that receives electricity from the co-op. Potential trustees must file their Notice of intent seeking to be a candidate for trustee at least 21 days in advance of the district meeting.

Notice of Intent documents are available on our website at tcec.com/notice-intent or you may stop by any of our offices in Jefferson, Madison, or Taylor County.

If I do run, what’s the time commitment?

Tri-County board of trustees must become knowledgeable about the electric industry. They also must make decisions regarding the strategy and operation of the co-op.

To do this, the board meets on the second Monday of each month. Meetings are held at the Main Headquarters Office Building in Madison, Florida and last a good portion of the afternoon.

In addition to monthly meetings, TCEC trustees often attend meetings and conferences of the statewide association, Florida Electric Cooperatives Association (FECA) and national association, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), and TCEC’s generation and transmission cooperative Seminole Electric Cooperative.

If you have an interest in becoming a Tri-County Electric Cooperative trustee, obtain a Notice of Intent by downloading the documents from our website at tcec.com/notice-intent; or by calling 1-800-999-2285 or email eherndon@tcec.com.

Your Account - Managed Your Way

In-Person At any of our four office locations

Pay Stations Pay with cash at any Vanilla Direct payment retailer (Dollar General, Family Dollar, CVS, or Walgreens locations). $1.50 service fee applies.

Direct Mail 2862 West US 90 – Madison, FL 32340

Online at www.tcec.com or on the SmartHub mobile app

• Sign up for SmartHub to manage your account, anytime, anywhere

• Make monthly payments or enroll in AutoPay

• Track your monthly, daily and hourly usage

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SUMMARY OF THE BY-LAWS OF TRI-COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.

AND ELECTION TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

MEMBERSHIP

1. Any person, firm, association, corporation, or body politic or subdivision thereof may become a member of the Cooperative by:

a. Filing a written application for membership;

b. Agreeing to purchase electrical energy from the Cooperative;

c. Agreeing to comply with and be bound by the Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws of the Cooperative, and any rules and regulations adopted by the Board of Trustees; and

d. Paying the membership fee provided by the By-Laws of the Cooperative, and being accepted for membership by the Board of Trustees or the members. No member may hold more than one (1) membership in the Cooperative, and no membership shall be transferrable.

2. A husband and wife may, if they desire, apply for a joint membership.

ANNUAL MEETINGS

1. The Annual Meeting of the members of the Cooperative is held on the Third Saturday in September of each year, in either Madison, Jefferson or Taylor County, Florida. The place at which an Annual Meeting is to be held is designated in the Notice of such Annual Meeting given to the members of the Cooperative prior to each Annual Meeting.

BOARD REPRESENTATION

1. The territory served by the Cooperative is divided into nine (9) districts. Each district is represented by one (1) Trustee. The Trustees from the nine (9) districts constitute the Board of Trustees of the Cooperative.

2. The Board of Trustees manages the business and affairs of the Cooperative. The Board of Trustees exercises all the powers of the Cooperative except such powers as are conferred upon or reserved to the members by law, or the Articles of Incorporation or the ByLaws of the Cooperative.

QUALIFICATIONS OR ELIGIBILITY TO SERVE AS A TRUSTEE

1. To serve as a Trustee of the Cooperative, a person must:

a. Be a natural person;

b. Is not a current employee and if a former employee who was not in good standing at time employment ended, a minimum three years must have elapsed;

c. Has been subjected to a criminal background check and credit check;

d. Is a member in good standing of the cooperative without any disconnections for non-payment of utility services within last five years;

e. Be a bona fide full-time resident of the district which member plans to represent for at least 12 months preceding nomination;

f. Has the capacity to enter into legally binding contracts;

g. Does not have a financial interest in or relationship with an outside organization or individual having business dealings with the Cooperative if it would likely impair the ability of the trustee to serve the best interests of the cooperative; and annually complete and sign a conflict-of-interest certification and disclosure form;

h. Is not related to a current trustee as defined in the Conflict of Interest Board Policy;

i. Has not been previously removed as a trustee, or has not resigned as a trustee while a proceeding to remove member was pending;

j. Has not been convicted of or have pleaded guilty to a felony or first degree misdemeanor;

k. Attend at least two-thirds of all board meetings each year while a trustee.

NOMINATION AND ELECTION PROCEDURES FOR ELECTION TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

1. A person may be nominated as a candidate for Trustee at a District Meeting of the members of a district.

2. Not less than thirty (30) days nor more than sixty (60) days before the annual meeting of the members, the Board of Trustees shall call a separate meeting of the members of each district at a suitable place in each district for the purpose of electing one person as Trustee to represent the members located within such district.

3. In order for a member to be nominated at a district meeting for the position of trustee (including incumbent trustees) his or her name and intent to run for such position must be received by the Cooperative in writing at its headquarters in Madison, Florida at least 21 days before the district meeting at which nominations for trustee are to be made. After receiving such written notice, the Cooperative will confirm that the member is a resident of the district for which he/ she intends to be a candidate for trustee, and is otherwise qualified to be a trustee. In the event that the member is not qualified to be a trustee, the Cooperative will notify the member of this in writing prior to the district meeting at which elections for trustee are to be made. The Secretary of the Cooperative shall, prior to the district meeting, certify the names of all prospective candidates who shall satisfy the said requirements.

4. Fifteen members residing in the District present at such duly called district meeting shall constitute a quorum provided, however, that members casting votes during voting hours in an election of trustees shall be counted as present in person for the determination of a quorum as provided by law.

5. Voting shall be by ballot. Each member may vote for one candidate. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes shall be declared the trustee of the district. In the event of a tie vote, the winner of a coin toss shall be declared Trustee-elect.

6. If only one qualified Trustee candidate is nominated or accepts nomination for a Trustee position, the Cooperative will dispense with balloting, no quorum will be required, and the candidate will be declared the Trustee-elect at the District Meeting.

7. Not less than ten days before an annual meeting of the members, the Secretary of the cooperative shall mail to each member a list of the trustees elected at all district meetings, the names to be arranged by district. This list may be included with the notice of the meeting.

8. In the event of the election of a trustee does not occur on the date designated herein for the district meeting due to being unable to establish a quorum at the district meeting, the election of those qualified candidate(s) for trustee shall occur at the annual meeting of the members.

Sign up for your County’s Emergency

What is the Emergency Alert Program?

This service allows you to opt-in to receive notifications via phone calls, text messaging, e-mail and more for your area.

What notifications will I receive?

Emergency Alerts

Severe Weather Alerts

Road Closures

Disaster Information

Shelter Locations

Supply Point Pickups

Debris Removal Information

What if my phone number or email address changes?

The system is only as good as the information you provide. If your contact information changes, you can always visit your profile and update your information, or call your local emergency managment office.

Will my contact information be shared with others?

No. The information that you provide will be used only for this Organization for notification purposes. We will not give or sell your contact or location information to any vendor or other organization

Scan the QR code below to register online or call your county emergency management office. Make sure to sign up for the county you reside in.

HURRICANE SEASON

PREPAREDNESS

Hurricane season brings high winds, heavy rain, and potential power outages.

Preparing in advance helps reduce risks and ensures your household is ready for unexpected conditions.

Assemble an emergency kit

Assemble an emergency kit that includes food, water, medical supplies, pet needs, cash, and important documents.

Know your zone and your evacuation routes

It is important to know if you live in an evacuation zone or flood-prone area.

Create a family communications plan

Make sure your family knows how to get in touch with each other if you are separated.

Secure your property

Use storm shutters or marine plywood to board up your windows. Clear clogged rain gutters and downspouts.

Bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, and garbage cans. Use sandbags in areas that are prone to flooding, as they are an effective tool to prevent water from entering buildings.

Downed and Dangerous

If you see a downed power line, always assume it is energized and dangerous. Avoid going near it or anything in contact with the power line.

The Steps to Restoring Power

Safe Generator Operation

→ Always run your generator outside, far from windows, doors, vents, or openings to prevent exhaust from entering your home. Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless and can be deadly within minutes. Never run a generator in a garage, even with the door open.

→ If it’s raining, place the generator under an open-sided shelter, never in an enclosed space.

→ Never plug a generator directly into your home’s wiring.

→ Use a transfer switch installed by a qualified electrician, or plug appliances directly into the generator.

→ Use the correct extension cords rated for generator use to prevent overheating.

→ Start the generator first, then connect appliances.

Who Owns What?

Medical Essential Service Program

At your electric cooperative, we know that electric service is important to our members. For those individuals with a medical condition that requires the use of lifesustaining equipment, reliable power is a vital necessity. As Hurricane Season quickly approaches now is the time to get signed up. This program is designed to provide TCEC members with reasonable prior notice of power interruption due to scheduled service maintenance which in turn, will allow them time to secure back-up power for their medical equipment.

Medical Essential Service accounts are flagged in the TCEC system and serve as a reference for determining priorities in the effort to restore service in the event of widespread or prolonged outages affecting the cooperative’s service territory. We strongly recommend all members to have an alternate source of care or electricity in the event that electrical service in their location is interrupted. TCEC cannot and does not express or imply that it provides uninterrupted electrical power. Any member with an account that is certified as a Medical Essential Service account shall remain solely responsible for any backup equipment and/or power supply and a planned course of action in the event of interruption of service due to outages, disconnect for non-payment, etc.

Verification from a physician regarding the medical condition, type of equipment, and length of time the equipment is needed is required. Visit www.tcec.com/medical-essential-service or stop by any TCEC office to sign up.

Examples of qualifying equipment include: oxygen concentrator, heart monitor, controlled medication, and controlled atmosphere.

Wendell Williams Closes Out the Books After

12 Years of Service

On April 10, 2026, Wendell Williams retired from TCEC after twelve years of service as Vice President of Finance. During his tenure, he experienced a period marked by both significant growth and unprecedented challenges.

Wendell was actively involved in the financial planning of TCEC’s multi-million-dollar fiber-to-the-home project, which began in 2022 and was successfully completed in late 2024. At the same time, as VP of Finance, he provided essential financial oversight during a series of natural disasters, including Hurricanes Idalia (2023), Debby (2024), and Helene (2024), as well as the May 2024 tornadoes.

Known for his quiet demeanor, Wendell was often the one listening thoughtfully in meetings. When he spoke, his insights carried weight and earned the respect of those around him. His steady leadership and thoughtful approach will be missed.

We thank Wendell for his years of service and wish him a long, happy, and welldeserved retirement.

Welcome to the Team: Kirsten Clardy

Tri-County Electric Cooperative is excited to welcome Kirsten Clardy to our team as a Member Service Representative!

Kirsten brings with her seven years of customer service experience, most recently at Madison County Community Bank. As a mother of two, she understands the value of strong communication, patience, and problem-solving, skills she is eager to continue growing in her new role.

Kirsten is excited to learn something new while representing a company with a strong reputation and commitment to its members. One of her favorite things about working at the co-op so far has been the welcoming and supportive work environment, which has made her transition both enjoyable and rewarding.

In her role, Kirsten is excited to strengthen her communication and problem-solving skills while helping our members and learning more about the cooperative. She looks forward to collaborating with her co-workers and contributing to a positive experience for every member she serves.

Outside of work, Kirsten enjoys going on adventures with her family and making memories together.

Please join us in welcoming Kirsten to the Tri-County Electric Cooperative family—we’re glad to have her on board!

Welcome, Baby Whitt!

Please join us in congratulating Wyatt Russell, TCEC Lineman, and his wife, Logan on the birth of their son, Whitt Tyler Russell. Whitt was born on March 12, weighing 8 pounds, 1 ounce, and measuring 21 inches long.

Mother and baby are doing well, and Whitt was happily welcomed home by his proud big sister.

Wendell Williams and TCEC CEO, Julius Hackett

Kirsten Clardy

Ice Cream Sandwich Cake

Recipe by Taste of Home

Ingredients

• 10 to 12 ice cream sandwiches

• 1 jar (12 ounces) caramel ice cream topping

• 1 carton (12 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed

Directions

• 1/4 cup chocolate syrup

• 1 Symphony candy bar with almonds and toffee (7.37 ounces), chopped

• Maraschino cherries, optional

1. Arrange ice cream sandwiches in a single layer in an ungreased 13x9-in. dish, cutting sandwiches to fill the dish as needed. Spread with caramel and whipped toppings. Drizzle with chocolate syrup. Sprinkle with chopped candy bar.

2. Cover and freeze for at least 45 minutes before serving. If desired, garnish with cherries.

This Publication’s Inspirational Moment

“When the whirlwind passes, the wicked is no more, But the righteous has an everlasting foundation.“

Important Notice: Upcoming Line and Meter Inspections

TCEC will be conducting visual inspections of service lines at all locations, from the transformer to the meter. These inspections help ensure compliance with safety standards and allow us to identify any potential hazards or maintenance needs.

Field services personnel are currently working in areas served by the Steinhatchee and Highway 6 substations. During this time, they will need access to your meter to complete these important inspections. If a repair is identified, a follow-up visit to your property may be required in some cases.

We appreciate your cooperation as we work to maintain the safety and reliability of your electric service.

Proverbs

Holiday Schedule Reminder

All Tri-County Electric Cooperative offices will be closed Monday, May 25, 2026 in observance of Memorial Day. We will have standby crews available for power restoration if needed. Please see “Stay Connected to your Co-op” on this page.

Please join us in thanking our local state legislators for passing Senate Bill 288 and House Bill 379, which support affordable, reliable energy, and for always supporting Florida’s electric cooperatives! A special thank you to the bill sponsors, Rep. Jason Shoaf (representing 5 panhandle co-ops, including Tri-County Electric Co-op) and Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez (representing Florida Keys Electric Co-op).

SPONSORS: TRI-COUNTY ELECTRIC CO-OP DELEGATION: