NASHVILLE – Forty-six high school juniors from across the state are attending the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association’s annual Youth Leadership Summit this week in Nashville.
Delegates to the annual event get a hands-on look at state government, build networking and leadership skills and develop a better understanding of energy generation and their local electric cooperative.
Delegates visited the State Capitol Building today to meet members of the Tennessee General Assembly. A house staff member explained the process required to pass legislation, and students debated and voted on a mock bill. Delegates also had an opportunity to sit in on committee hearings.
In addition to lawmakers, students also heard from Tennessee leaders like Christine Williamson, Ms. Tennessee 2018; Adam Hammond, anchor for Nashville’s NewsChannel5; and Trooper Jeffrey Buchanan with the Tennessee Executive Protection Detail.
Delegates to the Youth Leadership Summit are encouraged to be leaders and use their talents to improve rural Tennessee. “Electric co-ops want to see the places we serve grow and prosper, and these young people are important to their communities,” says Todd Blocker, vice president of member relations for the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association and director of the Youth Leadership Summit. “Small towns and rural communities need talented and engaged young people who are invested, and that is what we are doing with our Youth Leadership Summit delegates. We want them to leave this experience with a new appreciation for where they live, prepared to be the leaders of their generation.”
Each of Tennessee’s 23 electric co-ops sponsored two delegates to participate in this year’s Youth Leadership Summit.
https://www.tnelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/YLS2.jpg5571200Trent Scotthttps://www.tnelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/TECA-logo-full-light.pngTrent Scott2019-03-05 10:40:452019-03-05 10:56:21Co-ops host young leaders in Nashville
MLConnect
making progress in project to service MLEC counties
Centerville, TN — Ultra-fast, affordable, reliable broadband is getting closer for those receiving electricity from Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative. The utility’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Meriwether Lewis Connect, LLC is preparing to serve its first customers.
Residents in and around
the city of Waverly will be hearing from MLConnect by the end of March about
firming orders and scheduling installations.
“We’re testing and
working on processes to put our best technology and customer-care foot forward.
We’re more interested in doing it right than hitting a deadline, so we aren’t announcing
a live date at this time,” says MLEC President and CEO Keith Carnahan. “I can
tell you this, though, it is exciting to be this close.”
Construction on the $60 million
project began in Waverly in October 2018 and expects to be live with broadband
and phone for all MLEC members by late 2022. MLConnect’s Phase I includes more than 300
miles of main line fiber and helps secure a robust infrastructure is in place
to serve the rural areas.
Currently, construction continues
in Hohenwald for a potential “go live” date in April. By early March, construction crews will also
be working in Centerville. New Johnsonville,
Erin, Tennessee Ridge, McEwen, Linden and Lobelville (in this order) are on
schedule for service by the end of 2019.
When
designing Phase II, construction costs, existing infrastructure, time constraints,
etc. will be considered when selecting areas. Another factor is the amount of
interest in each neighborhood (number of online registrations). This is why
registering on www.mlconnect.com or at your
local MLEC office is so important.
“Just as electricity did in 1939, MLConnect offering GIG services in our rural hometowns will bring unprecedented potential for education, healthcare, economic development and more,” says Carnahan. “It’s proof you don’t have to live in a big city to be progressive. MLConnect will offer world class broadband with hometown service, and we’re proud of that.”
NASHVILLE – The TVA board of directors today announced the appointment of Jeffrey “Jeff” Lyash as the utility’s new President and Chief Executive Officer.
Lyash, current President and CEO of Ontario Power Generation, will join TVA in April.
In response to today’s announcement, David Callis, executive Vice President and general manager of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association, issued the following statement:
“Tennessee’s electric co-ops welcome Mr. Lyash to TVA. For more than seven decades co-ops have worked with TVA to bring energy, economic growth and abundant opportunity to Tennessee’s rural and suburban communities. We look forward to working with Mr. Lyash as we continue our mission to improve everyday life for the people and communities we serve.”
TVA is the wholesale energy provider for all 23 of Tennessee’s consumer-owned electric cooperatives. Tennessee’s co-ops serve more than 2.5 million consumers in 84 of the state’s 95 counties.
https://www.tnelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/tva-policy.jpg6761140Trent Scotthttps://www.tnelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/TECA-logo-full-light.pngTrent Scott2019-02-14 13:46:422019-02-14 14:50:52Tennessee electric co-ops issue statement regarding new TVA CEO
NASHVILLE – Gov. Bill Lee stressed the importance of rural Tennessee while speaking with electric co-op leaders during the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association’s 2019 Legislative Conference on Tuesday evening, Feb. 12.
“I grew up in rural Tennessee, so rural issues matter a lot,” said Lee, a resident of Fernvale and member of Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation. “I think what happens in rural Tennessee should matter to every Tennessean. That’s why our first executive order was in fact to strengthen our rural communities and to require every department of state government to give an impact statement on how they impact rural communities.”
Gov. Bill Lee at the 2019 TECA Legislative Conference
Lee spent nearly an hour with co-op members and staff discussing the administration’s plans and policy positions and the role that co-ops play in the communities they serve. Broadband was a popular topic of discussion.
“In my own home we don’t have broadband,” said Lee. “I have first-hand experience what a challenge that can be. I don’t run my business out of my home and I am not educating children there, but I have a taste of how difficult that would be. It is really important that we continue to expand broadband service so that Tennesseans all across the state have access to it.”
More than 150 electric co-op members from across the state were in Nashville for the 2019 Legislative Conference to deliver an important message to lawmakers: electric co-ops are important to Tennessee.
The 2018 election brought seven new senators and 26 new representatives to this year’s General Assembly. Co-op members, directors and staff met with familiar faces and with many new ones during 100 separate meetings with lawmakers.
“While many of these freshman legislators know about co-ops, some do not,” says David Callis, executive vice president and general manager of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association. “It is important for us to tell the story of electric co-ops, and the co-op members who are with us today in Nashville are delivering a powerful message – rural and suburban Tennessee matters and electric co-ops are a big part of their growth and prosperity.”
“State lawmakers are often asked to make tough decisions that can impact electric co-ops and the lives of the 2.5 million consumers they serve,” says Mike Knotts, vice president of government affairs for TECA. “Electric co-ops maintain a presence in Nashville and Washington, D.C., to help lawmakers understand how legislation will impact the people back home.”
During visits, co-op members spoke to legislators about local governance, tax issues, broadband and other regulatory concerns that affect the ability of electric co-ops to provide affordable and reliable energy and other services that matter to rural and suburban communities.
Electric co-ops are best known for energy, but they have far reaching impacts on rural and suburban areas of the state. From economic development to youth programs to broadband expansion, electric co-ops enable many Tennessee communities to grow and prosper. Learn more at tnelectric.org/cooportunity.
https://www.tnelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/capitol.jpg8441500Trent Scotthttps://www.tnelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/TECA-logo-full-light.pngTrent Scott2019-02-12 10:38:382019-02-13 11:29:20Telling the co-op story on Capitol Hill
NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Magazine, the official publication of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association, was recently named Magazine of the Year by the Tennessee Music Awards.
The Tennessee Music Awards honors independent artists and music professionals from across the state and highlights those working to advance and protect Tennessee’s unique musical heritage.
“Each month we tell the story of Tennessee, and music is a big part of that story,” says Robin Conover, editor of The Tennessee Magazine. “We actively seek out Tennessee’s most talented musicians, artists, photographers and creators and share their talents with our readers. Our team is honored to receive this Tennessee Music Award.”
The Tennessee Magazine “Celebrates the Best of Tennessee” – highlighting the unique, remarkable and beautiful aspects of the Volunteer State. For more than 50 years, The Tennessee Magazine has been placed in mailboxes across rural and suburban Tennessee. Published by the state’s rural electric cooperatives, the magazine reaches more than 2.1 million Tennesseans. Learn more at tnmagazine.org.
https://www.tnelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/TN-MUSIC-AWARD-2.jpg541961Trent Scotthttps://www.tnelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/TECA-logo-full-light.pngTrent Scott2019-02-06 13:37:282019-02-06 13:37:28The Tennessee Magazine honored with Tennessee Music Award
NASHVILLE – On Wednesday, Gov. Bill Lee, in his first executive order, instructed all state agencies to examine and improve the way they serve Tennessee’s rural communities. The order emphasizes the need to coordinate efforts to better serve the state’s rural and economically disadvantaged counties.
In response to the executive order, David Callis, executive vice president and general manager of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association, made the following statement:
“Tennessee’s rural and suburban communities matter. Thirty-seven percent of the state’s population – some 2.4 million people – call rural Tennessee home, and these residents account for nearly 30 percent of personal incomes for the state. The contributions these families make to the overall success of Tennessee are significant. A healthy and vibrant rural economy is critical to the state’s overall growth and prosperity. Electric co-ops have deep roots in these communities, and we support the governor’s focus on issues that impact rural Tennessee.”
According to a release from the governor’s office, the executive order is the first step by the administration to accelerate plans to address 15 distressed counties, which are all rural. The order requires each executive department to submit, no later than May 31, 2019, a statement of rural impact explaining how the department serves rural Tennesseans. Departments must then provide recommendations for improving that service by June 30, 2019.
Tennessee’s electric cooperatives serve 71 percent of the state and more than 2.5 million consumers. The Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association provides leadership, advocacy and support for Tennessee’s 23 electric cooperatives. The association also publishes The Tennessee Magazine, the state’s most widely circulated periodical. Visit tnelectric.org or tnmagazine.org to learn more.
Last week, the 111th General Assembly of the state of Tennessee began its two-year session, and operative word for all Capitol-watchers is “new.” With so many first time members of the Legislature who are still learning about the legislative process and how best to represent their districts, Tennessee’s electric co-ops have work to do.
The upcoming TECA legislative conference, day on the hill, and legislative reception offer co-op Boards and staff a great opportunity to interact with legislators, both new and old, and engage in important public policy discussions. If your cooperative has not yet registered to attend, please do so. We look forward to seeing you there.
With the new session comes change not seen in Tennessee government in recent history, as over 30 new lawmakers were sworn in on the first day. Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally (R-Oak Ridge) was again elected as Speaker of the Senate, and Glen Casada (R-Franklin) was elected to replace outgoing House Speaker Beth Harwell (R-Nashville). Harwell served as Speaker of the House for eight years.
Governor-elect Bill Lee (R-Franklin) will be sworn in on January 19, 2019. Lee’s first major task of the start of his first year will be to finalize his commissioner appointments and present his budget. Lee is expected to give his first State of the State address and release his budget on March 4, 2019.
Tennessee House Committee Updates
As Lee begins his work he will be working with all new leadership in the House. In addition to the new Speaker, Majority Leader and Caucus Leader, the House has brand new committees and committee chairs. There is sure to be an extended learning curve this session with so many new legislators and committee chairs. The list of committees and committee chairs for the House can be found here.
Tennessee Senate Committee Updates
In the Senate, there were fewer changes. No new committees were created in the Senate, but there are five new chairs of committees. The list of committees and committee chairs for the Senate can be found here.
After the inauguration, the Senate will take an additional week to organize before returning to business on January 28, 2019. The House will return sooner to resume its business on January 23, 2019. The bill filing deadline will be the first week of February. House members will continue to have 15 bills unless they chair a committee. In that instance, a chairman will have an additional five bills that must be related to the subject matter of his or her committee.
111th General Assembly App
General Assembly App
The 111th Tennessee General Assembly app features a continually updated, searchable database of contact, staff and committee information as well as district maps, photos, leadership roles and social media profiles for members of the Tennessee House and Senate. The app also contains information on the governor and his cabinet and the Tennessee congressional delegation. The app was developed through a partnership between the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association and Bass, Berry & Sims PLC.
The free app is available for iPhone, iPad and Android devices and can be found by searching for “Tennessee General Assembly” in the Apple App Store or Google PLAY Marketplace.
https://www.tnelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Tennessee_State_Capitol_Nighttime.jpg5631000Trent Scotthttps://www.tnelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/TECA-logo-full-light.pngTrent Scott2019-01-15 16:23:552019-01-15 16:25:09New Year, New General Assembly, New Legislators
The Board of Directors of Duck River Electric Membership Corporation (DREMC) today has accepted the retirement request of Michael Watson, President and CEO. Watson will relinquish his duties as CEO and President on Jan. 11; he will serve in an advisory capacity for the cooperative until June 30, 2019.
Watson also served as president of the board of directors for the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association.
“We are grateful for the 27 years of service that Michael has dedicated to Duck River Electric,” said Barry Cooper, Chairman of the Board. “He has led DREMC through an important period of change in the cooperative business, including implementing an advanced meter infrastructure and installing a fiber backbone that is preparing the cooperative for broadband options.”
He has also demonstrated valuable leadership within the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association and the Tennessee Valley Public Power Association, Cooper said, as well as with the TVA Rates and Contracts process.
Cooper said that the board has taken action to employ Charles McDonald as an interim CEO. McDonald retired from DREMC in 2011 as Director of Member Services after 37 years of service with the cooperative. McDonald will begin his interim service effective Jan. 11, 2019.
The board will begin a thorough search for a CEO as soon as is feasible.
[NASHVILLE] – Tennessee lawmakers will return to Nashville on Jan. 8 for the 111th Tennessee General Assembly. During the four to five-month session, they will consider legislation that can have an impact on Tennessee families and businesses. That makes it important to stay informed and, at times, reach out to your elected officials. Tennesseans interested in government and politics now have a powerful tool for connecting with lawmakers.
The 111th Tennessee General Assembly app features a continually updated, searchable database of contact, staff and committee information as well as district maps, photos, leadership roles and social media profiles for members of the Tennessee House and Senate. The app also contains information on the governor and his cabinet and the Tennessee congressional delegation.
The app was developed through a partnership between the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association and Bass, Berry & Sims PLC. TECA has published an annual directory of the General Assembly for more than 50 years. “Each year, we collect lots of information on legislators, and we want that to be available to as many people as possible,” says David Callis, executive vice president and general manager of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association. “The app makes it easier than ever to connect with your elected representatives.”
The free app is available for iPhone, iPad and Android devices and can be found by searching for “Tennessee General Assembly” in the Apple App Store or Google PLAY Marketplace.
Michael Watson serves as president and CEO of Duck River Electric Membership Corporation in Shelbyville, Tenn., and as the board chairman of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association.
Amazon recently announced that it will build a new operations center
in Nashville. This is big news for the entire state as the project will
bring more than 5,000 jobs and millions of dollars in investment to the
region. Chattanooga, Knoxville and Memphis have recently made headlines
for industry announcements as well.
This attention on the state’s urban centers makes it easy to think
that you can only find opportunity in a big city. We shouldn’t think
that, though, because opportunity is all around us.
Last year, nearly half of all new jobs in Tennessee — more than 9,700
— were created in the state’s rural and suburban counties. These
communities may not be growing as fast as Nashville or Knoxville, but
you don’t have to look too hard to see good things happening right here.
Tennessee’s electric cooperatives provide energy to rural Tennessee,
but our interest in the communities we serve goes far beyond power. We
are working to be sure that our part of the state is strong and well
prepared to compete in the modern economy.
In November, I attended the Tennessee Electric Cooperative
Association’s annual meeting in Nashville. The theme for the event was
“Power and Opportunity,” and it was a good reminder of the impact our
cooperatives have on the communities we serve.
We provide more than power. We provide power and opportunity.
Our economic development efforts help bring new jobs to our service area.
The things that happen in rural areas may not get as much attention
as those in Nashville, but what goes on in our service areas matters.
Our youth programs help young people develop important leadership
skills. In 2018, Tennessee cooperatives sent more than 130 young people
to Washington, D.C., to learn about government and public policy. Each
co-op also sent two high school students to Nashville for the Tennessee
Electric Co-op Youth Leadership Summit to strengthen their leadership
and networking skills.
The things that happen in rural areas may not get as much attention
as those in Nashville, but what goes on in our service areas matters. It
matters to the people who live there, and it matters to our co-ops.
Tennessee’s electric cooperatives want to see the communities we
serve succeed. We want them to be places where businesses thrive,
families prosper and opportunities are abundant.
Last month, our nation did what we’ve only done a
handful of times — said a final goodbye to a president. In ceremonies
public and private, coupled with a national day of mourning, we
celebrated the life of President George H.W. Bush.
Reflecting on someone’s life provides a perspective that levels
things out. It’s not that we forget their shortcomings; it’s more that
we forgive them as we consider the whole of their time with us.
President Bush lived quite a life. Any one of his positions would
serve as the crowning achievement for most of us. That he attained the
presidency, however, wasn’t his most cherished goal. He served in many
other roles: naval aviator, congressman, CIA director and vice
president. How he wanted to be remembered was more important than the
position — whether as father, grandfather or even president of the
United States. It was to be a decent and honorable man in every
situation or vocation.
The Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association invited presidential
historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jon Meacham to speak at our
annual meeting in November. You can view the highlights of that event
below.
Meacham is a close friend of the Bush family, and he was one of four
people asked to deliver eulogies at President Bush’s funeral. In
eulogizing him, Meacham said that Bush’s “life code,” as the former
president described, was, “Tell the truth. Don’t blame people. Be
strong. Do your best. Try hard. Forgive. Stay the course.”
If you don’t think that’s how a leader should act, you’re doing it wrong.
As we enter a new year, we still face the same challenges with which
we ended 2018. Politically, we have new leaders who will have to deal
with economic, budgetary and social issues that impact us all — and each
other. There is no indication that dealing with any of these issues is
going to be easy or dealt with quickly. The problems might not be as
challenging as how we approach them.
Let’s hope our current leaders have the wisdom to follow Bush’s example: the nation over politics, people over party.
Once again, quoting Meacham, “Abraham Lincoln’s ‘better angels of our
nature’ and George H.W. Bush’s ‘thousand points of light’ are companion
verses in America’s national hymn. For Lincoln and Bush both called on
us to choose the right over the convenient, to hope rather than to fear
and to heed not our worst impulses but our best instincts.”
You don’t have to be president to have an impact. In everything you
do, you can have an impact on someone else. In fact, if you do as Bush
did and “tell the truth, be strong, do your best and forgive,” I
guarantee it will have an impact on everyone with whom you come in
touch.
I’ve said it before — we can disagree without being disagreeable.
Let’s at least begin 2019 with that attitude. Go with your best
instinct, and let that instinct be one of kindness.
Scenes from the 2018 TECA Annual Meeting
The 2018 annual meeting of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative
Association was held Sunday, Nov. 18, through Tuesday, Nov. 20, in
Nashville. The event brings community and co-op leaders together to
discuss energy, broadband, community development, technology and other
issues important to Tennessee’s electric cooperatives. This event is
designed to help local co-op leaders better serve their co-ops and their
communities, and we applaud their investment in education and training.
Presidential historian Jon Meacham talks about the strength of our nation and the dangers of partisanship.
A panel of community leaders help co-ops understand how to better support the areas they serve.
TECA CEO David Callis, left, and Board President Michael Watson discuss opportunities during the business meeting.A panel of co-op directors describe their decisions to invest in broadband.
Dr. Peter Muhoro with the Cooperative Finance Corporation highlights new technologies that will impact electric co-ops.
TECA Board President Michael Watson challenges co-op leaders to engage with their communities.
Co-op directors and staff network and share ideas during the annual meeting.
Washington Youth Tour delegate Maria Howard talks about the impact the trip had on her life.
NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association, a trade association representing the state’s 23 electric cooperatives, announced recently that Shelby Vannoy is joining the association as political affairs coordinator.
Vannoy will assist with the association’s legislative and grassroots efforts. “I am honored to join the staff at TECA,” says Vannoy. “Their advocacy efforts give a voice to 2.5 million co-op consumers across the state. I look forward to working with co-ops to ensure that rural and suburban issues are heard on the state and federal level.”
Vannoy is a recent graduate of the University of Tennessee Martin with a degree in agricultural business.
“The decisions made in Nashville and Washington, D.C., can have a significant impact on the consumers we serve,” says Mike Knotts, vice president of government affairs for TECA. “It is important for co-ops to be engaged with lawmakers, and we are excited that Shelby is joining our team.”
State’s electric cooperatives gather in Nashville to explore the opportunities facing co-ops
NASHVILLE – “Power and Opportunity” was the theme of the 77th annual meeting of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association, held Sunday, Nov. 18, through Tuesday, Nov. 20, in Nashville. More than 350 electric cooperative leaders from across the state attended the event where they explored the impact of co-ops and challenged one another to meet the needs of their communities.
“Each day, electric co-ops enable the communities we serve to prosper,” says David Callis, executive vice president and general manager of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association. “Rural and suburban Tennessee is well positioned to grow, and our role in that success has been and continues to be significant. The powerlines we build carry more than power. They deliver power and opportunity.”
Elections were held for three positions on the association’s board of trustees. John Roberts, a director for Pickwick Electric Cooperative in Selmer; Jimmy Gregory, manager for Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation in Carthage; and Dave Cross, manager for Plateau Electric Cooperative in Oneida, were elected to four-year terms.
“We congratulate those selected to serve on the TECA board of trustees,” says Callis. “Their talents and ideas will be valuable as we work to serve Tennessee’s electric cooperatives and their consumers.”
The fourth annual TECA Top Tenn Communications Awards were presented during the event. Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative received an award for Best External Newsletter or Magazine Section; Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation, Best Internal Newsletter; Duck River Electric Membership Corporation, Best Website; Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative, Best Use of Social Media. Duck River Electric Membership Corporation, Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation and Gibson Electric Membership Corporation each received Awards of Excellence in the Wild Card category, with Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation, Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative and Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative earning Awards of Merit.
“It is important for electric cooperative consumer-owners to be educated and informed,” says Robin Conover, TECA’s vice president of communications and editor of The Tennessee Magazine. “We honor these winners for telling the electric cooperative story in a professional way.”
NASHVILLE – More than 400 electric co-op employees participated in the 2018 Tennessee Electric Cooperative Day of Service on Thursday, Oct. 18. Twenty-five individual service projects were completed across the state with 13 co-ops allowing 425 employees to volunteer more than 1,000 hours in service to their local communities.
“It’s amazing what giving hearts and willing hands can do!” says Vanessa Clayborn, manager of member services at Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative in Centerville, Tenn. “We had 53 employees participate in this year’s Day of Service, and the results are staggering and life-changing for those who participated and those we helped.”
“It is really incredible to see the passion that co-op employees have for their communities,” says Trent Scott, vice president of corporate strategy and organizer of the event. “We frequently talk about service to community, and this event puts words into action in very real and tangible ways.”
Service projects completed for this year’s event include four energy efficiency workshops or safety demonstrations, five parks and playgrounds cleaned and refurbished, seven food and clothing drives, four luncheons for local veterans or first responders and two home building projects.
This is the second Day of Service event conducted by Tennessee co-ops. In its two-year history, 756 employees have volunteered more than 2,000 hours in service to their communities.
Photos from the 2018 Day of Service event:
First responders luncheon at Powell Valley Electric Cooperative
Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association trail maintenance at Radnor Lake
Food and clothing drive at Pickwick Electric Cooperative
Clothing drive at Fayetteville Public Utilities
Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation participating in Community Partnership housing project
Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative food drive
Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation food drive
First responders luncheon at Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative
https://www.tnelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/44337457_738922366448099_7444343823473311744_o.jpg9081728Trent Scotthttps://www.tnelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/TECA-logo-full-light.pngTrent Scott2018-10-19 10:50:002018-10-19 10:51:04Day of Service has impact
NASHVILLE – More than 180 volunteer lineworkers from 20 electric co-ops across Tennessee are heading to Georgia, Florida and North Carolina to assist with Hurricane Michael recovery efforts. This is the largest storm assistance effort made by Tennessee co-ops in recent years.
The dangerous Category 4 hurricane brought strong wind, significant rainfall and widespread power outages to the northern Gulf Coast. Tennessee co-op are assisting with efforts to reconstruct the severely damaged electric infrastructure in the region.
The Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association in Nashville coordinates requests for mutual aid and makes travel and lodging arrangements for crews who respond.
“Working on high-voltage lines on a sunny day is dangerous, but in disaster conditions the danger is exponentially greater,” says David Callis, executive vice president and general manager of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association. “Please keep these brave volunteers in your prayers.”
Below is the most up to date list of crews and their locations:
Appalachian Electric Cooperative – 11 lineworkers to Talquin Electric Cooperative in Quincy, Florida
Caney Fork Electric Cooperative – Nine lineworkers to United Energy in Statesboro, North Carolina
Chickasaw Electric Cooperative – Five lineworkers to Grady Diverse Power Cooperative in LaGrange, Georgia
Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation – nine lineworkers to Grady Electric Membership Corporation in Cairo, Georgia
Duck River Electric Membership Corporation – 14 lineworkers to Colquitt Electric Membership Corporation in Moultrie, Georgia
Fayetteville Public Utilities – eight lineworkers to Diverse Power Cooperative in LaGrange, Georgia
Fort Loudoun Electric Cooperative – eight lineworkers to Mitchell Electric Membership Corporation in Camilla, Georgia
Gibson Electric Membership Corporation – eight lineworkers to Carroll Electric Membership Corporation in Carrolton, Georgia
Holston Electric Cooperative – nine lineworkers to Talquin Electric Cooperative in Quincy, Florida
Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation – eight lineworkers to Excelsior Electric Membership Corporation in Statesboro, Georgia
Mountain Electric Cooperative – 12 lineworkers to Mitchell Electric Membership Corporation in Camilla, Georgia
Plateau Electric Cooperative – four lineworkers to Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative in Wewahitchka, Florida
Powell Valley Electric Cooperative – 12 lineworkers to Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative in Live Oak, Florida
Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative – 10 lineworkers to Mitchell Electric Membership Corporation in Camilla, Georgia
Southwest Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation – 10 lineworkers to Grady Electric Membership Corporation in Cairo, Georgia
Tennessee Valley Electric Cooperative – 10 lineworkers to Mitchell Electric Membership Corporation in Camilla, Georgia
Tri-County Electric Cooperative – eight lineworkers to Diverse Power Cooperative in LaGrange, Georgia
Tri-State Electric Cooperative – five lineworkers to Mitchell Electric Membership Corporation in Camilla, Georgia
Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation – 11 lineworkers to Flint Energies in Warner Robbins, Georgia
Volunteer Energy Cooperative – 10 lineworkers to Sumpter EMC in Americus, GA
Evolving technology is changing how energy is generated and distributed through the electric grid to homes and businesses. These changes have brought new challenges and opportunities to electric co-ops working to keep pace with the evolving landscape.
Within the electric cooperative workforce, new skills and experience are needed to help co-ops meet shifting market and consumer demands. This is why electric co-ops are recruiting fresh talent to help us provide even greater value to our members.
Co-ops are owned by the people we serve. This subtle fact impacts everything that happens at the cooperative.
People – the consumers we serve – always come before profits, and our employees are serious about the responsibility that we have to provide power to our communities. The work that we do not only makes life more comfortable and convenient, but we also make the hospitals operate, the factories run and the cell phones, computers and other technology that we rely on each day function.
Our employees power everyday life for our region. It is a serious – and sometimes hazardous – job that is incredibly rewarding and full of opportunity.
There is a broad range of highly-trained professionals working behind the scenes at your local co-op.
Lineworkers are the most visible and identifiable employees of the co-op, but their responsibilities go far beyond climbing poles and repairing lines. They can also pinpoint an outage from miles away and restore power remotely.
Experts in information technology are increasingly important to safeguard the grid and protect data and other sensitive cyber assets. Engineers provide ongoing expertise and guidance on the operations side of the utility, particularly as system upgrades and more renewable energy choices become available.
Professionals in business administration, communication and digital media help co-ops deliver messages through multiple platforms and keep members informed of critical information in today’s 24/7 media environment.
Electric co-ops are looking for people with technical skills who also understand our mission to serve our communities and members.
Simply put, we believe co-ops build a better world, and we are looking for talented people to join us. Contact your local co-op to learn more about a career that is close to home, but far from ordinary.
https://www.tnelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/lineman.jpg6621000Trent Scotthttps://www.tnelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/TECA-logo-full-light.pngTrent Scott2018-09-27 16:39:012018-09-27 20:28:51Close to home but far from ordinary
NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association submitted feedback regarding the Rural Utilities Service’s e-Connectivity Pilot Program during a comment period provided by the RUS.
The e-Connectivity Pilot Program was was made possible by a $600 million appropriation from Congress in the Consolidated Budget Act of 2018. The USDA is working to create new funding and finance offerings through this pilot program to expand rural broadband in underserved rural and tribal areas.
Comments made by TECA to the RUS highlighted the successes of Tennessee’s electric co-ops in broadband and the need for additional funding to speed deployment. TECA affirmed comments made by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and requested consideration of seven additional suggestions:
Projects that achieve universal service inside a provider’s service territory should be incentivized over similar projects that leave significant gaps in coverage between communities
Projects that leverage additional investment in broadband infrastructure beyond the receipt of a grant itself should be incentivized over a similar project(s) that rely solely upon the program itself for its existence
Allow applicant(s) an opportunity to rebut any challenges of eligibility by third parties
Allow flexibility to award funds to any party participating in a partnership or other project that involves multiple eligible parties
Allow grants to be payable in multiple awards, rather than a single payment, if so desired by the recipient
Allow a small percentage of grants to be usable for start-up expenses of subsidiary entities
Provide loan products inside the pilot program at an interest rate below what is otherwise available by existing RUS programs, including FFB loans, or other more advantageous terms.
“We believe that the RUS’s e-Connectivity Pilot Program has the potential to have a meaningful impact on the expansion of broadband in rural Tennessee,” says Mike Knotts, vice president of government affairs with the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association. “We appreciate Secretary Purdue and the team at RUS for considering the input of Tennessee’s electric cooperatives.”
You can read TECA’s full comments below.
[pdf-embedder url=”https://www.tnelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/TECA-RUS-e-Connectivity-Comments.pdf” title=”TECA RUS e-Connectivity Comments”]
https://www.tnelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/glenn-carstens-peters-203007-unsplash.jpg9981500Trent Scotthttps://www.tnelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/TECA-logo-full-light.pngTrent Scott2018-09-25 16:03:502018-09-25 16:16:58TECA submits e-connectivity comments to RUS
NASHVILLE – More than 140 lineworkers from 15 Tennessee electric cooperatives will soon be heading to North Carolina to assist with Hurricane Florence recovery efforts. The massive hurricane is expected to leave widespread damage across much of the Atlantic seaboard.
Tennessee electric co-op crews are planning to leave from multiple locations beginning on Wednesday morning. Most will ride out the storm in western or central North Carolina before heading further east once the storm passes through. It is unclear how long they will be in North Carolina.
“Our crews have a reputation for responding quickly, working safely and showing compassion to those who have been impacted by storms like this one,” says David Callis, executive vice president and general manager of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Associaiton. “We commend their desire to serve and wish them well in the days to come.”
Please keep the people of the Atlantic coast, as well as our volunteer lineworkers and their families, in your thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.
Below is a list of Tennessee co-ops providing assistance and the name and location of the co-op they will be helping. This information is likely to change as the storm nears the coast.
Appalachian Electric Cooperative in New Market, Tenn. – 12 lineworkers to Piedmont EMC in Hillsboro, North Carolina
Caney Fork Electric Cooperative in McMinnville, Tenn. – eight lineworkers to Pee Dee EC in Wadesboro, North Carolina
Chickasaw Electric Cooperative in Somerville, Tenn. – five lineworkers to Randolph EMC in Asheboro, North Carolina
Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation in Clarksville, Tenn. – 10 lineworkers to South River EMC in Fayetteville, North Carolina
Duck River Electric Membership Corporation in Shelbyville, Tenn. – nine lineworkers to Lumbee River EMC in Red Springs, North Carolina
Fayetteville Public Utilities in Fayetteville, Tenn. – eight lineworkers to Tri-County EMC in Dudley, North Carolina
Holston Electric Cooperative in Rogersville, Tenn. – eight lineworkers to Lumbee River EMC in Red Springs, North Carolina
Meriwether Lewis Electric Membership Corporation in Centerville, Tenn. – five lineworkers to Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative in Buxton, North Carolina
Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation in Murfreesboro, Tenn. – 15 lineworkers to Carteret-Craven EC in Newport North Carolina
Plateau Electric Cooperative in Onieda, Tenn. – 13 lineworkers to South River EMC in Fayetteville, North Carolina
Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative in South Pittsburg, Tenn. – 10 lineworkers to Four County EMC in Burgaw, North Carolina
Southwest Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation in Brownsville, Tenn. – 10 lineworkers to Jones-Onslow EMC in Jacksonville, North Carolina
Tri-County Electric Membership Corporation in Lafayette, Tenn. – eight to Energy United in Statesville, North Carolina
Tennessee Valley Electric Cooperative in Savannah, Tenn. – 10 lineworkers to Central EMC in Sanford, North Carolina
Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation in Carthage, Tenn. – 12 lineworkers to Four County EMC in Burgaw, North Carolina
NASHVILLE – Three Tennessee electric co-ops will receive almost $3 million to help expand broadband availability. Gibson Electric Membership Corporation, Holston Electric Cooperative and Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative each submitted winning bids in the most recent Federal Communications Commission Connect America Fund II (CAF II) reverse auction.
Over the next ten years, Gibson Connect, a subsidiary of Gibson EMC, will receive $1.22 million, Holston Connect, a subsidiary of Holston EC, will receive $530,000 and ML Connect, a subsidiary of Meriwether Lewis EC, will receive $1.18 million.
These three Tennessee co-ops were among 35 nationally that will receive $225 million to help defray the costs of deploying broadband in underserved areas. The CAF II auction marks the first time that the FCC allowed electric cooperatives to bid for funding as broadband service providers.
“We are pleased to see the FCC recognize that electric co-ops have a unique opportunity to bring broadband to rural and suburban America,” says David Callis, executive vice president and general manager of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association. “Tennessee’s electric co-ops have demonstrated our ability to successfully deliver broadband, and we will continue to seek out innovative funding sources and partnerships to make this happen.”
NASHVILLE – It is an exciting and exhausting time, the culmination of a season of hard work. However, the rush to harvest can also yield tragic outcomes. Each year, dozens of farm workers are killed and hundreds are injured in accidents involving power lines and electrical equipment.
“Things get very busy this time of year on the farm, and it is all too easy to forget the danger that may be just overhead,” says Trent Scott, spokesperson for the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association.
Review with all workers the farm activities that take place around power lines. Inspect the height of farm equipment to determine clearance. Keep equipment at least 10 feet away from power lines – above, below and to the side – a 360-degree rule.
“Take the time to lower grain augers before moving them, even if it’s only a few feet,” says Scott. “Also use extreme caution when raising booms or buckets on equipment.”
Tennessee’s electric cooperatives encourage farm workers to take these steps to ensure a safer harvest season:
Use care when raising augers or the bed of grain trucks around power lines.
Use a spotter when operating large machinery near power lines. Do not let the spotter touch the machinery while it is being moved anywhere near power lines.
As with any outdoor work, be careful not to raise any equipment such as ladders, poles or rods into power lines. Remember, non-metallic materials such as lumber, tree limbs, ropes and hay will conduct electricity depending on dampness, dust and dirt contamination.
Never attempt to raise or move a power line to clear a path!
Don’t use metal poles to break up bridged grain inside bins. Know where and how to shut off the power in an emergency.
Use qualified electricians for work on drying equipment and other farm electrical systems.
Operators of farm equipment or vehicles must also know what to do if the vehicle comes in contact with a power line: Stay on the equipment, warn others to stay away and call 911. Do not get off the equipment until the utility crew says it is safe to do so.
“If the power line is energized and you step outside, high-voltage could flow through your body,” Scott said. “Stay inside the vehicle unless there’s fire or imminent risk of fire.”
If this is the case, jump off the equipment with your feet together, without touching the ground and vehicle at the same time. Then, still keeping your feet together, hop to safety as you leave the area.
Once you get away from the equipment, never attempt to get back on or even touch the equipment. Some electrocutions have occurred after the operator dismounts and, realizing nothing has happened, tries to get back on the equipment.
It is very important that all farm workers and seasonal employees are informed of electrical hazards and trained in proper procedures to avoid injury.
For other tips on how to be safe around electricity visit www.everydaysafe.org or call the safety experts at your local electric cooperative.
https://www.tnelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/farmsafety.jpg9941500Trent Scotthttps://www.tnelectric.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/TECA-logo-full-light.pngTrent Scott2018-09-10 10:04:522018-09-10 10:04:52Electric co-ops urge farmers to take time to reap safe harvest
