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Young leaders learn more about leadership and Tennessee government during co-op event

NASHVILLE – 46 high school juniors from across the state were in Nashville this week for the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association’s annual Youth Leadership Summit. Attendees spent three days networking and gaining leadership, government and cooperative knowledge and skills.  

“The opportunities this trip gave me are ones I’ll never forget,” said Katie Timbs, a junior at Johnson County High School and a YLS delegate from Mountain Electric Cooperative. “I made lifetime friends and learned extremely important lessons. I am forever grateful to TECA for that.” 

During their stay in Nashville, the delegates participated in leadership development activities as well as learned more about what an electric cooperative is and does for a community with expert Amy Gallimore.  

Attendees visited the YMCA Outdoor Center at Camp Widjiwagan for team building and scavenger hunt exercises. While there, they also were able to be a part of electric safety demonstrations with a representative from Tennessee Job Training and Safety. 

Discussions were held over how to meet and greet your state representatives, too. The delegates had the opportunity to put those skills into action at the Tennessee State Capitol with their own representatives and Secretary of State Tre Hargett. While there, students had the chance to meet Gov. Bill Lee. 

“At TECA, we’re all about investing in the future,” said BJ Bernard, TECA’s vice president of member services. “With the Youth Leadership Summit, we want to make a real difference in these young people’s lives, whether that’s socially or just by teaching them how a cooperative works. We hope to be a steppingstone on their path to becoming the next generation of leaders in their communities.” 

The delegates also experienced some Nashville classics like the Goo Goo Cluster Store, the Country Music Hall of Fame and attended an Andy Grammer concert at The Ryman. 

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Partin ascends to President of NRECA

Partin becomes the first Tennessean in 30 years to hold the office of NRECA board president

Today, during the closing session of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s PowerXchange meeting in Atlanta, Mike Partin, president and CEO of Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative in South Pittsburg, received the gavel to began his two-year term as the President of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association board of directors.

“We couldn’t be more proud of Mike,” Michael Jordan, SVEC board chairman, said. “His dedication to not only the members of Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative but those across the nation is inspiring.”

“I am honored to have been elected by my peers to serve as the President,” Partin said. “This is an exciting time for electric cooperatives as we seek innovative ways to meet surging electricity demand and deliver reliable and affordable power to our communities.”

As president, Partin will travel around the country to different statewide organizations to discuss the agenda America’s electric cooperatives have in store, but most importantly, he will be listening to what members, policy makers and stakeholders have to say. “I want to listen to what the folks are saying, because the issues in Idaho are not the same issues that members have in Georgia,” Partin says. “It’s not a cookie-cutter approach for us, with 900 members around the country. Part of what my mission will be is to listen with understanding to the members that depend on us and try to give them the help and the information they need from the national association.”

TECA joined TVA, TVPPA, Quanta, United Utility Supply and Vantage Point to host a reception in Partin’s honor during this week’s PowerXchange.

“Mike Partin is a dedicated leader who has consistently demonstrated his commitment to electric cooperatives and the communities they serve,” said Mike Knotts, CEO, Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association. “His election as NRECA board president is a testament to his vision, expertise, and unwavering advocacy for co-ops across the country. As the first Tennessean to hold this position in 30 years, he will represent our state and our members with excellence. We are proud of Mike and look forward to his leadership on the national stage.”

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People Behind the Power – Meet Mitzie Privitt

Tennessee electric cooperatives power the state. Co-ops provide for three million Tennesseans -that’s 72% of the state’s landmass and 41% of the state’s population. That power wouldn’t be possible though without the employees, lineworkers and board members across the 23 cooperatives. Mitzie Privitt is one of the people behind that power.

Privitt is a native of Trenton but has resided in Humboldt for over 30 years. She is the newly named field staking and compliance engineer for Gibson Electric Membership Corporation. Even though she is new to this role, she has had a hand in the utility world for almost three decades. She started out with Humboldt Utilities working in accounting and payroll. In 2007, she made the switch to GEMC and became a dispatcher.

“I instantly fell in love with the whole operation side of the utilities,” Privitt said. “I took it to heart that it was my job to take care of my guys out there, ensuring I had caution orders done correctly and to promptly let them know if something didn’t look right on the system. That way they would be in their safest space to do their work, and I wanted them to have the confidence in me to know that I had their back.”

Privitt felt like in this position she gained a better understanding of how electricity worked, from how its generated to how it goes to homes. In 2018, she took on a new role during the cooperative’s fiber buildout as a GIS fiber mapping techinician. Privitt was able to work hands on with mapping out the build for six years. This year she was promoted to field staking and compliance engineer and is excited to continue her work at the co-op with both electricity and fiber, but most importantly the members.

“Watching our system grow and seeing our customers have things that truly work, everything from reliable electricity to affordable and fast internet,” Privitt said. “Knowing that if you’ve got problems, you can call, get a local person and feel confident that we’re going to fix it.”

Aside from her work at the co-op, Privitt has been married for 28 years, and they together have two children and two grandsons. The family works together at the Humboldt Area Rescue Squad. Privitt’s husband started the all-volunteer squad in 1989. Privitt herself is not a first responder, but she has found a way to still serve.

“I work fundraisers so that they can continue to focus on saving very precious lives,” Privitt said.

On top of her community service and before Privitt made her way to the utility business, she was the official float builder for the West Tennessee Strawberry Festival. At just 22 years old, Privitt was putting her art background to use and making extravagant and beautiful visions come to life for the community’s biggest event. She estimates that she has likely built well over 700 floats in her lifetime so far, with 25 or so coming from her house every year.

Over the years, Privitt has continued being involved with the festival. Last year she served as the general chairman for the event. This year, Privitt is the president of the West Tennessee Strawberry Festival where she oversees little details like the trash cans to scheduling out the big concerts at the event.

“It’s my year to kind of make the final decisions on what we do, what we don’t do, things we love, things we might need to cut back on,” Privitt said.

The West Tennessee Strawberry Festival is an 87-year-old tradition that takes place during the first full week of May. This year from May 4-10, 75,000 friends and neighbors will occupy nine blocks for food, fellowship and entertainment. 36 events will take place over the seven days and there is a committee made up of volunteers for each event. Through her time as general chairman and seeing behind the scenes of the festival, Privitt soon learned how much the community did to make this event a success.

“I just saw the value and number of volunteers that do such good community service through the strawberry festival, and I wanted to recognize that,” Privitt said. “That’s why I chose the theme ‘It’s a Berry Good Life: When our community unites, celebration ignites.”

Rather it be at Gibson Electric, her service through the rescue squad or even spearheading Tennessee’s largest and longest running festival – Privitt loves what she does and considers herself blessed to be able to do it all.

“I just love the fact that I get to be surrounded by so many giving people that just have a servant’s heart,” Privitt said. “It makes me want to be a part of their world and I work every day to do so.”

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Unveiling the newly designed The Tennessee Magazine

This month marks the first edition of the newly designed The Tennessee Magazine. After more than a decade with the same look, the communications team at the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association has chosen to do a redesign of the beloved publication. Almost a year’s worth of thought, planning and research from a small team of writers, editors and designers has led to an incredible design.

“Our last design served us well for more than 12 years, but it’s time for a refresh,” says Chris Kirk, editor of The Tennessee Magazine. “The magazine staff put in lots of extra work in the year-plus we’ve spent on this undertaking. Their input, ideas and perspectives were invaluable to the process.”

From scrutinizing fonts, to tweaking logos to examining column layouts to even strategizing what the magazine means to electric cooperatives and co-op members, no stone – or page that is – has been left unturned when it comes to this new design with the help of Delevante Creative. When the magazine arrives in your mailbox, you will notice the new The Tennessee Magazine logo right off the bat. When you turn the pages, you will instantly see the focus is on delivering a clean design that is easy to read and showcases the stunning photography that accompanies the articles.

“Most important though, the publication is still centered on the same philosophy: important news from your electric cooperative as well as all the really cool stuff that makes Tennessee a great place to live, work and play,” Kirk says. “I’m so proud of the finished product that we’re unveiling in the March issue.”

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Lilly Lankford joins TECA team as finance specialist

Lilly Lankford

The Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association is pleased to announce the addition of Lilly Lankford to the finance and administration team as finance specialist. With a rural heritage and experience with office and payroll management, Lankford brings not only knowledge but excitement to the association.

Lankford grew up in Dickson County and is a graduate of Dickson County High School. She gained leadership and public speaking skills through her time serving as the Dickson County FFA president. Also during that time, Lankford built her work ethic as a part time animal health department sales associate at the local United Farm and Home Cooperative. For the past year, she has been working as front officer manager for the Beauford County Farm Bureau in South Carolina as her husband served in the military.

“We are delighted to welcome Lilly Lankford to our team,” said Kayla Gladden, director of finance and administration for TECA. “Lilly understands and appreciates co-ops and the rural way of life. Most importantly, though, she is eager to learn, engage and help carry out the essential functions that make this association the best it can be.”

In this new role, Lankford will manage incoming and outgoing financial transactions, ensure accuracy and maintain up to date records for TECA.

“I am excited to be starting my career at TECA,” Lankford said. “Cooperatives are such an important part of rural communities, just like the one I grew up in. I am happy to be working in support of something that makes such a better life for all Tennesseans.”

Lankford will graduate in December from Austin Peay State University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing. She and her husband, Thomas, make their home in Charlotte.

Electric cooperatives serve more than 3 million consumers and 72% of Tennessee. The Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association provides leadership, advocacy and support for Tennessee’s 23 electric cooperatives and publishes The Tennessee Magazine, the state’s most widely circulated monthly periodical. Visit tnelectric.org or tnmagazine.org to learn more.

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Electric co-ops learn and share with legislators during day on the hill

NASHVILLE – More than 100 electric cooperative leaders from across the state braved frigid temperatures and snowfall to gather in Nashville on Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 18 and 19, for the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association’s Legislative Conference. Co-op members and employees joined together at the Doubletree Nashville Downtown to learn more about and discuss the pressing issues impacting the communities they serve.

Attendees at the event on Tuesday heard from Josh Thomas, president and founder of Parthenon Strategies, a Nashville-based political and public affairs firm, with an update on the most recent election and a look at what’s to come in 2025. Two panel discussions were also held. One with four women lobbyists who shared their stories on what led them to where they are today. A second panel discussion focused on Tennessee Department of Transportation and how road projects impact electric utilities.

“In order to successfully serve our communities, it is important to fully understand the impact of proposed legislation and simply what’s to come in the political environment,” says Ryan King, vice president of government affairs for TECA. “It is critical that we monitor the impacts of legislation and regulatory actions in order to remain good stewards of the resources with which we have been entrusted.”

On Wednesday, co-op leaders were still able to meet with their legislators in the Cordell Hull State Office Building to stress the important role co-ops play in their communities and provide input on issues that matter to their service areas.

“One of the many strengths of electric cooperatives is the commitment to advocate for the communities we serve,” says Dan Rodamaker, President and CEO of Gibson Electric and chairman of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association Board of Trustees. “I appreciate the co-op leaders who took the time to visit with legislators, ensuring they understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing rural and suburban Tennessee. These conversations are essential to shaping policies that protect reliable, affordable energy and strengthen the communities we power.”

TECA’s day on the hill wrapped up with King along with Chris Jones, CEO of from Middle Tennessee Electric, and Mike Partin, CEO of Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative, representing co-ops across the state during the House Business and Utilities Subcommittee. All three testified on the health of Tennessee’s electric cooperatives.

The Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association provides leadership, advocacy and support for Tennessee’s 23 electric cooperatives and 3 million consumers. The association also publishes The Tennessee Magazine, the state’s most widely circulated periodical. Visit tnelectric.org or tnmagazine.org to learn more.

Video of electric co-op testimony to the House Business and Utilities Subcommittee

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Knotts addresses TVA board

Knoxville, TN – Today the Tennessee Valley Authority Board of Directors held a public listening session at the TVA Knoxville office complex. Mike Knotts, CEO of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association, addressed the board during the listening session, and a readout of his comments is below.

TVA | Knoxville, TN | 2:00 p.m. EST

 

Good afternoon. My name is Mike Knotts, and I serve as the CEO of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association.

I appear today on behalf of 25 distribution utilities who rely upon TVA to supply wholesale energy, manage the transmission grid, and ensure the power flows on the coldest of winter mornings and the hottest summer afternoons.

The power bills paid by TECA members make up nearly 25 percent of TVA revenues – almost $3 billion per year. For each cooperative, the wholesale power bill they pay constitutes between 70-80 percent of their total revenue.

I don’t know of another business in which a single input cost from a single vendor affects a company’s financial health more significantly. Because of this, co-ops have more than just an incentive to see TVA operate efficiently and effectively. It is essential to our purpose.

I believe it is a good reminder to share with you that while electric co-ops share in TVA’s mission of the “three E’s” – energy, economic development, and environmental stewardship – we are different from municipal utilities and TVA itself, in that we are not units of government. Cooperatives are private sector, not-for-profit companies that are owned by their consumer-members.

Therefore, our policies are set by independent Boards of Directors who are elected by the company’s members – not by City Councils or political figures.

And that is where we are most alike. Because of this governance structure and the fiduciary duty you both share to make decisions that are in the public interest, co-op board members understand the monumental importance of undertaking a Board’s most important singular decision – hiring a new Chief Executive Officer.

As you undertake the process to make that decision for TVA, your choice for appointing this very important position will have lasting impacts on the entire Tennessee Valley region. Strong leadership skills and relevant professional knowledge and experience are paramount for TVA’s next leader.

But cooperatives believe that experience in and commitment to TVA’s one-of-a-kind mission is more important. More than any consultant you may hire, co-ops understand this unique mission of providing power at the lowest feasible cost for the benefit of the communities they serve. That mission is who we are, not just what we do each day.

Investor-owned utilities exist for very different purposes, and their incentives for performance do not always align with the unique mission of TVA. We believe that dedication to a mission of service will best equip the next CEO to understand and successfully lead TVA’s unique structure and shape its culture.

And we can help you identify that background and dedication, because we see it every day.

So, it is our request that the Board would carefully consider input from TVA’s private sector, not-for-profit electric cooperatives. Our non-government status and focus on people and service give us a unique perspective among TVA’s stakeholders, and we stand ready to assist you.

 

 

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Jones provides testimony to House Homeland Security Committee

Today Chris Jones from Middle Tennessee Electric submitted testimony to the House Homeland Security Committee regarding the shortage of cyber security professionals in rural America.

“As cyber threats grow more complex and prevalent, particularly those targeting critical infrastructure like electric utilities, the demand for cybersecurity professionals will continue to grow,” Jones said. “Recruitment and retention for these professionals are complicated by competitive salaries and benefits offered by larger, urban-based firms, which can lure away skilled workers. While electric cooperatives are making smart investments and building strategic partnerships to develop our cyber professionals, more work needs to be done. Initiatives like those in the Cyber PIVOT Act bring much-needed focus to the cyber workforce needs of rural America. Creating a talent pipeline that includes pathways into rural areas will foster a local, skilled cybersecurity workforce to safeguard critical infrastructure in these regions. Co-ops and our rural communities have a lot to offer in protecting America’s critical infrastructure.”

The entire hearing entitled “Preparing the Pipeline: Examining the State of America’s Cyber Workforce” can be viewed below, and Mr. Jones submitted complete comments can be viewed here.

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People Behind the Power – Meet Keith Phillips

Tennessee electric cooperatives power the state. Co-ops provide for three million Tennesseans -that’s 72% of the state’s landmass and 41% of the state’s population. That power wouldn’t be possible though without the employees, lineworkers and board members across the 23 cooperatives. Keith Phillips is one of the people behind that power.

Phillips is a native of Monterey and serves on the board of directors for Volunteer Energy Cooperative.

“It is a great honor and privilege that the members have trusted and elected me to serve as a director with VEC,” Phillips says.

Phillips has been married to his wife, Tammy, for 36 years and they have two daughters and two grandsons. Aside from his work within the co-op, Phillips has some unique pastimes.

His father passed away when he was just six years old, but his mother remarried two years later to Doc Goff, who soon became an important part of Phillips’ life. Goff owned D.M. Goff Funeral Home Inc. and Phillips spent a large portion of his childhood there. He enjoyed the upbringing and way of work so much, that as soon as he graduated high school, he pursued a degree in mortuary science. Since 1979, he has operated and maintained all the responsibilities of the funeral home.

“I consider it a gift to help and serve people,” Phillips says

On top of his daily funeral home duties, Phillips also reads the daily weather around 7 a.m. for the National Weather Service. He measures precipitation, daily temperature and any unusual weather events and has done so for the past 30 years.

“Monterey will many times have snow when no other counties around have any,” Phillips says about the distinctive weather he reports on.

In the past, Phillips has held many roles in the community like Volunteer Fireman, past master for the Monterey Masonic Lodge and youth director at the Monterey United Methodist Church. Now he is the superintendent of the Welch Memorial Cemetery and a member of the National Funeral Directors Association, the Upper Cumberland Funeral Directors Association and the Monterey Lions Club.

“I find it rewarding to be able to give back to the community that God has so richly blessed me with,” Phillips says.

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Fiber is here for Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation members

Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation has completed its fiber network buildout across its five-county service area, providing more than 109,000 homes and businesses fiber service access.

“At Cumberland Electric, our mission has been to connect and empower our members since rural electrification over 80 years ago,” Chris A. Davis, CEMC’s general manager, says. “Like electricity, internet access is a vital utility that enables economic growth and educational opportunities and provides access to essential services.”

Internet access hasn’t always been as easy to come by though for rural areas of middle Tennessee. After the passing of the Broadband Accessibility Act of 2017, the co-op conducted a thorough study across their membership to assess the need and interest of a fiber network. The findings showed that seven out of ten members expressed support for the internet services and an overwhelming nine out of ten members emphasized that reliable internet access is essential to modern life. These results led to the launch of Cumberland Connect and the initiative to build a state-of-the-art fiber network for the community.

“Initially, the whole reason CEMC was created was because no one was taking electricity to rural America. Now, that need is being repeated with broadband,” Mark T. Cook, P.E., CEMC’s manager of broadband division, says. “No one was taking it to rural America. That is literally what we exist to do, to provide this kind of service to our members.”

This project began back in November 2019 and now 5,291 miles of fiber line connect 39,000 members and 1,300 businesses to fast, reliable and affordable fiber internet service.

“No other provider has ever gone to some of the places we’ve gone with internet. This is a difference-maker for our members,” Cook says. “High-speed internet is an absolutely critical utility in today’s world. More people are working from home. Children are being homeschooled. We’re in the early stages of telemedicine, where we will talk to our doctors online. But if you don’t have high-speed internet, you cannot do any of these things. That’s the need we’re filling.”

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The Tennessee Magazine hosts redesign workshop for section editors

After more than a decade with the same look, The Tennessee Magazine team has chosen to do a redesign of the publication. Almost a year’s worth of thought, planning and effort has led to an incredible design that co-ops and readers are sure to love with the help of Delevante Creative. Before the redesign debuts next month though, the magazine team hosted a redesign workshop for local section editors.

“It is an exciting time in the history of The Tennessee Magazine as we implement this redesign, and our co-op section editors play integral roles in this process,” Chris Kirk, editor of The Tennessee Magazine, says. “We were glad to welcome them to our office to hear their feedback and offer training for effectively using their magazine pages to interact with their consumer-owners.”

Representatives from 15 co-ops gathered at the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association’s Conference Center Wednesday, Jan. 15, and Thursday, Jan. 16, for the workshop. The section editors learned why the magazine matters by looking at the latest numbers from the 2024 Readership Study. Then the editors experienced a behind the scenes look at the process that went into redesigning the magazine. After lunch, a panel was held with Mike Delevante and Donna Abernathy to learn best practices on how to make the most out of local sections through design and writing. The day concluded with a presentation about resources available and a roundtable where co-ops were able to share ideas and issues.

“It was so nice getting to see everyone and being able to connect with old friends and make new ones. The workshop was such a fun time, especially the round-table style sessions with TECA’s team, Donna Abernathy, and Mike Delevante and his team,” Memori DePriest, marketing coordinator at Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative, says. “I’m so excited for the new changes with the magazine and getting to dive into our own pages.”

Thursday’s schedule included a session with Abernathy on how to write for clarity and purpose. The workshop wrapped up with the Delevante Creative team walking section editors through how to use the new design tools in their pages.

The newly designed The Tennessee Magazine will be in mailboxes the first of March.

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Biscuits, Bluegrass and the 114th General Assembly

Hours before the 114th General Assembly began, the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association hosted the inaugural Biscuits & Bluegrass Brunch. On Tuesday, Jan. 14, legislators and their family members along with Tennessee business and electric co-op leaders gathered in Nashville at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum to celebrate the start of the legislative session.

“Anytime co-op leaders can fellowship with lawmakers in Nashville, the outcome is usually positive,” Dion Cooper, Volunteer Energy Cooperative’s president and CEO, said. “The Biscuits & Bluegrass event is an outstanding venue for that. Hosting it on the opening day of the legislative session shines a positive spotlight on our industry.”

A spotlight, or light switch that is, was shone at the event as Speaker Cameron Sexton and Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally conducted the ceremonial “flipping of the switch” symbolizing the official start of the legislative session.

“We are excited and honored to have welcomed the general assembly back to session,” Ryan King, TECA’s vice president of government affairs, said. “In order to successfully serve our communities, it is important to tell the electric cooperative story and educate lawmakers about the impact of proposed legislation. Hosting events like this brunch and being involved in this fellowship will allow us to better do so.”

500 attendees from all corners of the Volunteer state enjoyed fellowship, food and bluegrass music. The room was full of chatter and the twang of a banjo while everyone enjoyed over 1,000 Loveless Café’s iconic biscuits, their various jams and even Nashville hot chicken. Pick Tennessee Products partnered with TECA to bring the drink of the morning, Frothy Monkey coffee.

After the event concluded, legislators picked up their own pair of Tennessee electric socks to take with them back to the capitol building.

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Tennessee co-op leader to testify to House Committee on Homeland Security

This week Chris Jones, CEO of Middle Tennessee Electric, will provide testimony during a hearing of the House Committee on Homeland Security focused on America’s cyber workforce shortage. The hearing entitled “Preparing the Pipeline: Examining the State of America’s Cyber Workforce” will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 5, at 10:00 a.m. ET.

Rep. Mark E. Green, MD (R-TN), Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, invited Jones to join a panel of experts that include Robert Rashotte, vice president of Fortinet; David Russomanno, Provost of the University of Memphis; and Max Stier, CEO of the Partnership for Public Service.

“As our government and critical infrastructure sectors face increasingly sophisticated cyber intrusions from adversaries like China, Congress must prioritize the root of the problem: a significant cybersecurity workforce gap,” Chairman Green said. “Time and time again, public and private sector partners have highlighted the need for a fresh perspective on attracting, training and retaining cyber defenders. We will examine this growing challenge with witnesses who work every day to equip and empower skilled professionals. I look forward to continuing my work to ensure all levels of government have the best and brightest on the frontlines of America’s cyber border.”

“We appreciate Chris’s willingness to represent Tennessee co-ops in this important conversation,” Mike Knotts, CEO of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association, said. “Cyber security is essential to reliability and the stability of the grid. It is prudent to ensure that our our co-ops have access to skilled talent, something that is often in short supply in the rural and suburban communities we serve.”

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Tennessee’s electric cooperatives praise leadership of Lyash, pledge to work with TVA board during CEO search process

Jeff Lyash, TVA CEO, announced his intentions to retire in October.

NASHVILLE – Today Jeff Lyash, CEO of the Tennessee Valley Authority, announced his intentions to retire in October. Mike Knotts, CEO of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association, released the following statement.

“Mr. Lyash has provided steady leadership for the Tennessee Valley Authority during a time of unprecedented change and growth in our region,” Knotts said. “During his time as CEO, Jeff has focused TVA’s efforts on things that matter to the people of Tennessee – reliable energy, environmental stewardship and economic development. We have enjoyed working with Jeff, and we wish him the very best in his retirement.”

“Electric cooperatives provide energy to 72% of Tennessee, and their energy sales represent 25% of TVA’s annual revenue – more than $3 billion each year,” Knotts said. “Reliable and affordable energy is essential to our state, and the cooperative business model provides an effective example of generating and transmitting energy with a strong commitment to public service. TECA and its member cooperatives are eager to actively engage with the TVA board and provide our unique input during the search for Mr. Lyash’s successor.”

 

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About TECA:
Electric cooperatives serve more than 3 million consumers and 72 percent of Tennessee. The Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association provides leadership, advocacy and support for Tennessee’s 23 electric cooperatives and publishes The Tennessee Magazine, the state’s most widely circulated periodical. Visit tnelectric.org or tnmagazine.org to learn more.

 

For more information:
Trent Scott, Vice President of Communications | 731-608-1519 | tscott@tnelectric.org

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Co-op Biscuits & Bluegrass Brunch Welcomes General Assembly to Nashville

Tennessee’s electric cooperatives hosted the inaugural Biscuits & Bluegrass brunch this morning to honor and welcome members of the Tennessee General Assembly on the first day of the 114th General Assembly. Held in Nashville at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, the event brought together legislators, their families and Tennessee leaders to celebrate the start of the legislative session with a bang.

Over 1,000 of Loveless Cafe’s iconic biscuits were served alongside jams, Nashville hot chicken and Frothy Monkey coffee. The event drew over 500 attendees from all corners of Tennessee. A highlight of the morning was the ceremonial “flipping of the switch” by Speaker Cameron Sexton and Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally, symbolizing the official start of the legislative session.

“It is great to have the opportunity to play such an instrumental role in welcoming back the general assembly to session,” Mike Knotts, CEO of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association, said. “Electric cooperatives have always been interwoven into the fabric of their communities, and I’m glad we are able to use this event to apply that same philosophy of community engagement on a statewide level.“

The General Assembly later gaveled in at noon, as is required by the Tennessee State Constitution. It is expected that lawmakers will meet through the week before adjourning on Thursday for a two week recess in order to re-organize following committee and leadership assignments. There’s also significant speculation about whether or not Gov. Lee will call for a special session to ask the legislature to consider his education scholarship program. If a special session materializes, it will likely occur during the two week recess period.

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Enjoying Wild Game and Focusing on Safety

Camel, alligator meat and safety instruction all came together this year for Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative’s 12thannual Wild Game Safety Luncheon. Each year the co-op hosts the event to celebrate its employees and their valued partners’ commitment to working safely.

225 people were in attendance this year and enjoyed wild game contributed and prepared by co-op employees and industry professionals from around the county. This event is much more than enjoying delicious and unique food though – it’s about the comradery that gathering together brings.

“We work in a demanding industry and sometimes it is hard to slow down, celebrate what’s been done and have those hard conversations,” Mike Partin, SVEC President and CEO, says. “Electricity is an unforgiving force, and it is of the utmost importance that our employees do not become complacent in the part they play in coming home safely each night to their family.”

Zach Spicer as the keynote speaker was able to drive home that point this year. Spicer is a safety instructor at Job Training and Safety. He shared with those in the room about his road to recovery after being electrocuted and burned on the job. Spicer shared about the toll his mistake took on not only himself, but the loved ones around him, bringing into focus the real dangers of this trade.

“I am proud of Team SVEC and the job they do. I commend them for their safety and continued focus every day,” Partin says.

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Middle Tennessee Electric Announces New Fast Chargers at Murfreesboro Office

Middle Tennessee Electric has announced the installation of four new fast chargers for electric vehicles at its Murfreesboro office. This marks the second of the three DC fast charger installations in the cooperative’s service area and is an effort to accelerate electric vehicle infrastructure as demand increases.

“Co-ops have an important role to play in educating our members about how to fuel their electric vehicles,” Mike Knotts, CEO of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association, said. “Ideally, that happens at their home at night, but those who don’t have access to charge at their homes, publicly available charging infrastructure is critical. Installations like MTE’s new level 3 chargers will help more co-op members utilize their EV’s if they decide to drive electric.”

The first installation was put in back in March of 2024 at the Lebanon office on Maddox-Simpson Parkway. The latest addition is located at MTE’s central office, 555 New Salem Highway in Murfreesboro. The third is planned for the Franklin office on Edward Curd Lane and is expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter.

“As more Tennesseans switch to electric vehicles, it’s essential to provide infrastructure that is not only ready for the demands of today but adaptable for the future,” Brandon Wagoner, MTE’s manager of strategy execution and analytics, said.

The fast chargers at the new Murfreesboro location feature dual connectors, offering both Combined Charging System (CCS) and North American Charging Standard (NACS) charging options. Those support a wide range of electric vehicles, including Tesla models. Three of the chargers have NACS on the second connector. The fourth charger has a CHArge de Move (CHAdeMO) connector to meet grant requirements. CHAdeMO is used for DC fast charging on the Nissan Leaf. Many manufacturers are switching to NACS connectors this year and these chargers are designed to be backward compatible.

“By investing in high-capacity chargers with reliable self-healing technology and grid-supportive battery systems, we’re laying the groundwork for sustainable EV travel across the state,” Wagoner said.

These fast charger installations are part of the Fast Charge TN Network, which is a collaborative effort from the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Seven States Power Corporation and local TVA power companies.

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Union University Honors Amanda Bean With $10,000 Washington Youth Tour Scholarship

JACKSON – Union University is pleased to announce that Amanda Bean of Morristown, Tenn. is the recipient of the school’s second $10,000 Washington Youth Tour Creative Writing Competition scholarship.

“These are the future leaders that we want at Union,” Robbie Graves, Union University’s assistant vice president for undergraduate admissions, says. “We believe that delegates to the Washington Youth Tour develop skills that will help them succeed here at Union and beyond. We are glad to partner with the state’s electric co-ops to provide scholarships to these young people. We particularly congratulate Amanda Bean on her outstanding achievements. She is an exceptional young lady.”

Bean, a student from the Holston Electric Cooperative service territory had the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. as a part of the 2024 Washington Youth Tour to learn more about leadership, history and public policy.

“At Holston Electric Cooperative, we are proud to support and participate in programs like the Washington Youth Tour, which not only exposes our students to the workings of our government but also help shape the future of our community,” Jimmy Sandlin, HEC’s general manager, says. “This scholarship is not only a significant achievement for Amanda. This is a direct result of the collaboration between TECA, cooperatives like ours and Union University, all working together to create opportunities for local students. Programs like the Washington Youth Tour are part of our ongoing commitment to invest in the next generation of leaders. By supporting educational initiatives like these, Holston Electric Cooperative helps create a brighter future for our students and our community as a whole.”

Bean, along with 6,000 other high school students from across the state, have participated in the Electric Cooperative Creative Writing and Scholarship Competition since its start in the 1960s.

“The Washington Youth Tour has opened so many doors for me,” Bean says. “I never expected to create lasting relationships or to win scholarship money.  Winning the $10,000 per year scholarship for Union University through the WYT has been absolutely amazing and will help make college more affordable. This trip has taught me there are so many benefits when I step out of my comfort zone. I encourage everyone to write the essay!”

The scholarship is part of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association’s partnership with both Carson Newman and Union University. Union University has also awarded four $4,000 Washington Youth Tour scholarship winners: Allison Hoesel of Middle Tennessee Electric, Alexis Hale of Southwest Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation, David Jones of Appalachian Electric Cooperative and Clark French of Forked Deer Electric Cooperative.

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Winter Storm Electrical Safety

While winter weather can be beautiful to behold, fun to play in and gets the kids out of school, it can lead to the threat of ice and ultimately, electrical hazards. As you keep an eye on the weather forecast, here are some tips to be mindful of to keep you and your family safe this winter.

Regularly Check Trees. Heavy snow and ice can bring trees and branches down onto power lines, which could lead to power outages during extremely cold temperatures. Do a regular check of trees around your property, and call your co-op to come trim branches when needed.

Inspect Space Heaters. Likely, when you pull the space heater back out of the closet or garage, it will need to be cleaned and checked. Inspect for cracked or broken plugs or loose connections before each use. If the cord is frayed or damaged, do not use the heater.

Use Portable Generators Safely. Do not operate a portable generator in your home, basement or garage. They can quickly produce high levels of carbon monoxide which can result in death. Fans or open windows won’t provide enough fresh air to keep you safe.

Beware Of Downed Power Lines. Call your co-op immediately. Always assume downed power lines are energized. Stay away from the line and any nearby objects that might be touching the line like a fence or tree limb. Do not attempt to move the downed power line.

Stay In Your Vehicle. If you must get out in a winter storm, use the utmost caution. If you lose control of your vehicle and hit a power pole, stay in your car, unless it is on fire. Getting out of your car puts you at risk for shock. If you must get out, do not touch your vehicle. Jump with your feet together and hop away. The Electrical Safety Authority recommends staying back the length of a school bus from the downed power line.

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Tips to prepare for extreme cold weather

NASHVILLE –A major arctic weather system is expected to bring the coldest air of the season to the region through the weekend and next week. Tennessee’s electric cooperatives urge you to plan accordingly. Here are some important tips to prepare your home for cold weather.

Prepare your Home

Inside Your Home

  • Open cabinets doors in your kitchen and bathrooms to allow warm air to circulate around the water pipes.
  • Allow faucets along exterior walls to drip a small amount of water. Running water will prevent pipes from freezing.
  • Ensure that your home has some minimum heat, even if you are away.

Outside

  • Cover or close foundation vents.
  • Drain and store water hoses.
  • Protect outdoor faucets and pipes with insulation. If pipe insulation is not available, use newspapers, rags, trash bags or other household items to create a layer of protection.
  • Familiarize yourself with your water shut off valve and have the tools necessary to close it if necessary.
  • Turn off power to your water heater before draining pipes.

 

Energy Saving Tips

Energy consumption can spike during periods of extremely cold weather. Even with your thermostat set at the same temperature, the greater the difference between inside and outside temperatures, the more your heating system must work to maintain a comfortable living space. Here are some tips to save energy during periods of extreme cold weather.

Set your thermostat to 65 degrees. You can drop it even lower if you plan to be away from home.

Use drapes to control temperatures. Open drapes to allow sunlight to warm your home. Close them in the evening to retain heat.

Seal cracks. Use towels or other materials to seal cracks around windows or under doors to prevent cold air from entering your space.

Be sure air filters are clean. Your heating and cooling system runs more during periods of extreme weather, and that means that your air filters can become dirty much quicker. Dirty air filters make your heating system run less efficiently, and that can have a big impact on comfort and your energy bill.

 

 

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