Archive for year: 2019
NASHVILLE – 185 students, teachers and co-op chaperones have returned from a week in our nation’s capital as delegates of the 2019 Washington Youth Tour. The annual event, sponsored by the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association and the state’s 23 electric co-ops, provides young leaders with an opportunity to explore the nation’s capital, learn about government and cooperatives and develop their leadership skills. Students were selected for the trip by writing short stories titled “Electric Cooperatives – Connecting Communities” that explain how co-ops provide communities with much more than electric power.
“We take great pride in recognizing the best and brightest from across Tennessee,” said Todd Blocker, vice president of member relations for the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association and tour director. “By honoring their accomplishments through programs like the Washington Youth Tour, we show these future leaders that their co-op cares about the future. We want these young people to come home with a better understanding of their nation and new passion to serve their community.”
Tennessee’s Youth Tour delegates saw the White House and memorials to past presidents Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Franklin Delano Roosevelt as well as monuments honoring the sacrifices of veterans of World War II and the Vietnam and Korean Wars. During visits to the museums of the Smithsonian Institution, the touring Tennesseans saw and experienced natural, historical and artistic treasures. Other fun stops included historic homes of former presidents — George Washington’s Mount Vernon and Jefferson’s Monticello — as well as Ford’s Theater and a boat cruise down the Potomac River. The group also paid a solemn and sobering visit to Arlington National Cemetery where the delegtes laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns.
For many, the highlight of the trip was hearing from Holocaust survivor Ms. Esther Starobin at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Her advice to the delegates was, “Don’t be a bystander in this world. You have to know history and pay attention to it. Get involved and learn as much as you can with more than a single viewpoint.”
The group was welcomed to the U.S. Capitol by Sens. Lamar Alexander and Marsha Blackburn and members of the Tennessee congressional delegation who posed for photos and answered questions.
While in D.C., winners were announced in the statewide competition for the Robert McCarty Memorial Scholarships. Jacob Coble from Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative, Alyssa Hampton from Fayetteville Public Utilities and Melanie Garcia from Appalachian Electric Cooperative were awarded $3,000, $2,000 and $1,000 Robert McCarty Memorial Scholarships for having the first, second and third place papers of the more than 10,000 papers submitted across the state.
McCarty was an employee of Volunteer Energy Cooperative and longtime chaperone on the annual Youth Tour. McCarty lost a battle with cancer in 2015, and sponsoring cooperatives renamed the scholarships in honor of his love for young people.
Keslin Moore, a senior from Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative was awarded a $10,000 Cooperative Youth Ambassador Scholarship. Moore was a 2018 delegate of the Washington Youth Tour. In the year following the tour, delegates who remain engaged with their sponsoring cooperative and complete certain community service requirements are eligible for the scholarship. Moore’s name was randomly selected from among the 50 delegates from across the state who completed the requirements.
“An investment in these young people is also an investment in the communities we serve,” said David Callis, CEO of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association. “These are exceptional students, and our hope is that their youth tour experience empowers them to return home and make a difference in their communities.”
President Lyndon Johnson inspired the Washington Youth Tour in 1957 when he encouraged electric cooperatives to send youngsters to the nation’s capital. In the years since, more than 6,000 young Tennesseans have been delegates on the Washington Youth Tour.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tennessee’s electric cooperatives awarded $16,000 in scholarships to Washington Youth Tour delegates on Tuesday evening, June 18, in Washington, D.C.
Keslin Moore, a senior from Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative was awarded a $10,000 Cooperative Youth Ambassador Scholarship. Moore was a 2018 delegate of the Washington Youth Tour. In the year following the tour, delegates who remain engaged with their sponsoring cooperative and complete certain community service requirements are eligible for the scholarship. Moore’s name was randomly selected from among the 50 delegates from across the state who completed the requirements.
Jacob Coble from Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative, Alyssa Hampton from Fayetteville Public Utilities and Melanie Garcia from Appalachian Electric Cooperative were awarded $3,000, $2,000 and $1,000 Robert McCarty Memorial Scholarships for having the first, second and third place papers of the more than 10,000 papers submitted across the state.
McCarty was an employee of Volunteer Energy Cooperative and long-time chaperone on the annual youth tour. McCarty lost a battle with cancer in 2015, and sponsoring cooperatives renamed the scholarship in honor of his love for young people.
More than 135 high school Juniors from across the state are in the nation’s capital this week for the 2019 Washington Youth Tour. The annual event teaches students about public policy, history, leadership and electric cooperatives. The tour is coordinated by local electric cooperatives, the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
“An investment in these young people is also an investment in the communities we serve,” said David Callis, CEO of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association. “These are exceptional students, and our hope is that their youth tour experience empowers them to return home and make a difference in their communities.”
Delegates will return home on Thursday, June 20, but they have already experienced a great deal on this year’s trip. For many, the highlight of the trip was hearing from Holocaust survivor Ms. Esther Starobin at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Her advice to the delegates was, “Don’t be a bystander in this world. You have to know history and pay attention to it. Get involved and learn as much as you can with more than a single viewpoint.” Learn more about Ms. Starobin’s story on the Holocaust Memorial Museum website.
NASHVILLE – More than 135 students from across Tennessee are headed to Washington, D.C., as a part of the 2019 Washington Youth Tour. The annual event, which begins on Friday, June 14, provides young leaders with an opportunity to explore the nation’s capital, learn about government and develop their leadership skills.
The Washington Youth Tour is sponsored by the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association and local electric cooperatives from across the state. Students were selected for the trip by writing a short story titled “Electric Cooperatives – Connecting Communities” that explains how co-ops provide communities with much more than electric power.
Delegates on this year’s trip will visit museums and monuments, including the White House and the Capitol Building. The group is also scheduled to meet with Sens. Alexander and Blackburn as well as other members of Tennessee’s Congressional delegation.
“Each year Tennessee co-ops provide education, leadership and scholarship opportunities to hundreds of students from across Tennessee,” said David Callis, executive vice president and general manager of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association. “Today’s young people are tomorrow’s teachers, Senators, doctors and entrepreneurs, and we’re investing in a brighter future for these young leaders and the communities we serve. Youth tour gives these students the opportunity to experience history and democracy up-close, and we hope they return with a deeper appreciation of America and a desire to serve their communities.”
President Lyndon Johnson inspired the tour in 1957 when he encouraged electric cooperatives to send youngsters to the nation’s capital. In the years since, more than 6,000 young Tennesseans have been delegates for the Washington Youth Tour. Politicians, business leaders, authors and athletes are Washington Youth Tour alumni, including Apple CEO Tim Cook.
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.
NASHVILLE – With the long, hot days of summer just around the corner, Tennessee’s electric co-ops provide these simple tips to save energy and money.
“There are some small things you can do to have a big impact on your electric bill,” says Todd Blocker, vice president of member services for the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association. “Taking a little time now can pay off big as temperatures rise.”
Use blinds and shades to keep your cool inside. Close draperies on windows in direct sunlight to keep the heat out.
Make wise choices with the thermostat. The smaller the difference between the outside temperature and the thermostat setting will reduce your cooling bill. Keep your thermostat as high as you can while remaining comfortable. We recommend 75 degrees. Programmable thermostats can automatically adjust the temperature when you are not home or awake.
Keep your HVAC unit in good working condition. Be sure your filters are clean. This is a cheap but essential thing to do every month or so. Schedule regular maintenance to clean and maintain your system.
Use fans to increase comfort. Running a fan will allow you to increase your thermostat setting by 4 degrees without reducing comfort, but remember to turn fans off when you leave the room. You can also use bathroom and kitchen fans to move humidity outside.
Seal the hot air out. A tube of caulk and some weather stripping can go a long way. Seal cracks to keep hot air out and cool air in.
Avoid using appliances and lights that create heat. Replace traditional lighting with LEDs that produce no heat. On hot days, avoid using ovens or stoves and instead use the microwave or grill outside.
Plant some trees. This takes some time to pay off, but it will eventually. Trees can shade your home and have a significant impact on your energy bill. Just be sure to remain mindful of your electric cooperative’s right-of-way. Don’t place trees underneath power lines, and call to have underground utilities located before performing any digging task.
Visit our efficiency resource guide on tnelectric.org or contact your local electric co-op for more tips and suggestions.
The following resources are available for use in July.
- Leadership column – Celebrating America and our Communities
- Safety Article/Press Release – Move Over and Save a Life
- Safety Template Letter to the Editor – Move Over
- Media release/magazine article – NRECA legislative conference
Other Resources
Social Media
Posts for July
July 1 – Move Over for utility workers in Tennessee. It’s the law. #moveoverTN [LINK TO ARTICLE ABOVE ON YOUR WEBSITE OR AT TNELECTRIC.ORG.]
July 2 – Their job is dangerous enough. #moveoverTN
July 3 – A motorist’s guide to utility work sites and Tennessee’s Move Over law #moveoverTN #Infographic [LINK TO http://tnelectric.org/2017/06/27/move-over/]
July 4 – “America is hope. It is compassion. It is excellence. It is valor.” – Paul Tsongas
July 5 – Electric co-ops provide power and opportunity to 71 percent of Tennessee. #cooportunity
July 8 – Tennessee’s Move Over law requires motorists to slow down or change lanes when approaching a utility vehicle with flashing lights. Learn more at moveovertennessee.org. #moveoverTN [LINK TO https://youtu.be/uem13hqAaZE]
July 9 – Tennessee’s electric co-ops work to make the communities we serve places where ideas take hold, products are crafted and opportunity is abundant. Learn more at http://tnelectric.org/cooportunity#cooportunity [INSERT IMAGE BELOW]
July 10 – You can help them get home safely. #moveoverTN
July 11 – When you think about all the ways we use and depend on electricity to power our lives, it’s easy to see its value continues to shine! #cooportunity
July 12 – Looking for plans for the weekend? Check out The Tennessee Magazine’s calendar of events. [LINK TO TNMAGAZINE.ORG/EVENTS]
July 15 – It pays to be safe. Visit everydaysafe.org for tips to keep your family safe around power lines.
July 16 – Do you know your eScore? Visit [CO-OP SITE OR 2ESCORE.COM] for information and incentives to make your home more comfortable and efficient.
July 17 – Post photo of crews behind the scenes. Explain how their work keeps the lights on. [PHOTO]
July 18 – Lineworkers face many dangers: High voltage. Heights. Bad weather. You. Pay attention and move over. #moveoverTN
July 19 – Link to Letter to the Editor above at local paper or on your own site.
July 22 – Lineworker is the 9th most dangerous job in America. Do your part to make it a little safer and #moveoverTN
July 23 – Opportunity isn’t found. It’s made. Electric co-ops support the creators, innovators, makers, dreamers and everyday Tennesseans who are redefining success. #cooportunity [INSERT IMAGE BELOW]
July 24 – State law requires motorists to move over or slow down when passing roadside utility vehicles. #moveoverTN
July 25 – The best way to honor a veteran is to hire one. Electric co-ops are committed to honoring and employing veterans, military service members and their spouses. Learn more: [Insert link to Serve Our Co-ops; Serve Our Country website: http://www.servevets.coop] #NationalHireAVeteranDay [OR POST PHOTO OF CO-OP EMPLOYEES WHO ARE VETERANS]
July 26 – Each day, electric co-ops enable the communities we serve to prosper. Learn more about how co-ops help empower growth in rural and suburban Tennessee at http://www.tnelectric.org/cooportunity. #cooportunity [INSERT IMAGE BELOW]
July 29 – Post photo of crews behind the scenes. Explain how their work keeps the lights on. [PHOTO]
July 30 – Electric co-ops provide power and opportunity in the communities we serve. #cooportunity [SHARE VIDEO BELOW]
The following resources are available for use in June.
- Leadership column – Keeping your electric bill low when the temperature gets high
- Energy efficiency – Seven smart tips to save energy this summer
- Media release/magazine article – NRECA legislative conference
Other Resources
Social Media
Posts for June
June 3 – Electric co-ops provide power and opportunity to 71 percent of Tennessee. #cooportunity
June 4 – Want to make smart energy choices this summer? Save money with these great tips. [LINK TO EFFICIENCY ARTICLE ABOVE ON YOUR WEBSITE]
June 5 – Share article from tnmagazine.org. [LINK TO ARTICLE ON TNMAGAZINE.ORG]
June 6 – Electric co-ops provide power and opportunity in the communities we serve. #cooportunity [SHARE VIDEO BELOW]
June 7 – Do you know your eScore? Visit [CO-OP SITE OR 2ESCORE.COM] for information and incentives to make your home more comfortable and efficient.
June 10 – Tennessee’s electric co-ops work to make the communities we serve places where ideas take hold, products are crafted and opportunity is abundant. Learn more at http://tnelectric.org/cooportunity#cooportunity [INSERT IMAGE BELOW]
June 11 – It pays to be safe. Visit everydaysafe.org for tips to keep your family safe around power lines.
June 12 – Looking for plans for the weekend? Check out The Tennessee Magazine’s calendar of events. [LINK TO TNMAGAZINE.ORG/EVENTS]
June 13 – #TNWYT
June 14 – #TNWYT
June 16 – Today is #FathersDay . We celebrate the dads on our team who power their home and their community. [POST PHOTO OF LINEMAN WITH THEIR CHILD/CHILDREN]
June 17 – #TNWYT
June 18 – #TNWYT
June 19 – #TNWYT
June 20 – Post photo of crews behind the scenes. Explain how their work keeps the lights on. [PHOTO]
June 21 – Today is the first day of #summer. Check out these tips to prepare your AC unit for the hot days ahead from energy.gov [LINK TO https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/maintaining-your-air-conditioner]
June 24 – This Lightning Safety Awareness Week, we hope you’ll keep these #StormSafety tips in mind and be #EverydaySafe.
June 25 – Remember this #StormSafety tip: When you hear thunder roar, go indoors! LightningSafetyAwarenessWeek #EverydaySafe
June 26 – Opportunity isn’t found. It’s made. Electric co-ops support the creators, innovators, makers, dreamers and everyday Tennesseans who are redefining success. #cooportunity [INSERT IMAGE BELOW]
June 27 – Why risk it? If you find yourself caught in a storm, quickly seek shelter indoors until it has passed. #LightningSafetyAwarenessWeek #EverydaySafe #StormSafety
June 28 – Each day, electric co-ops enable the communities we serve to prosper. Learn more about how co-ops help empower growth in rural and suburban Tennessee at http://www.tnelectric.org/cooportunity. #cooportunity [INSERT IMAGE BELOW]
NASHVILLE – More than 50 electric co-op leaders from Tennessee traveled to Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, April 30, to talk with members of the Tennessee congressional delegation about issues important to the state’s rural and suburban communities.
During meetings with lawmakers, co-op leaders discussed energy, connectivity and other topics, including:
- highlighting the need for rural and suburban America to be included in future infrastructure investments
- supporting legislation that protects the tax exempt status of co-ops receiving income from infrastructure grants or FEMA reimbursements. An unintended consequence of the recent Tax Cuts and Jobs Act changes the way co-ops account for such income, placing tax exemption at risk in some cases and increasing costs for ratepayers.
- TVA rates and ownership of transmission assets owned by TVA and the Power Marketing Administrations.
Lawmakers were also invited to visit their local co-ops to meet employees, attend annual meetings and tour co-op facilities.
“We bring co-op leaders to Washington, D.C., to build relationships,” said David Callis, executive vice president and general manager of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association. “We want lawmakers to know and trust us, and we want them to think about us as they make decisions. Visits like this provide us with a valuable opportunity to educate lawmakers about co-ops and our communities.”
Photos from the event are available online.
Senator Todd Gardenhire (R – Chattanooga) has successfully moved Senate Bill 481 though the Senate. It passed by a vote of 27-5 on March 18. This legislation includes utility workers among other first responders and will subject offenders that commit assault against them to enhanced penalties.
The bill has also been approved by the House of Representatives. In a rare show of bi-partisan sponsorship in this General Assembly, Representative Darren Jernigan (D – Nashville) successfully shepherded the legislation with minimal opposition. Only Governor Lee’s signature remains for this change to become law.
“Linemen and other utility workers should certainly be counted among first responders in the communities they serve,” says Mike Knotts, vice president of government affairs for TECA. “This legislation shows the support that these community heroes have from their co-ops and from state lawmakers.”
The pace of activity in the 2019 General Assembly has peaked as many Committees have closed and bills are moving quickly toward the House and Senate floors. The focus of the legislature is shifting to formation of the state’s budget, and TECA will be working diligently to see that budget priorities that benefit electric co-ops are heard by the Finance committees.
Chief among them is funding of the Tennessee Broadband Accessibility Grant Fund for which Governor Lee has proposed $20 million of new funds. In 2018, the Legislature increased Governor Haslam’s request by 50% in the final budget ($10 million proposed, $15 million funded). Key members of the Finance Committees have expressed interest in a similar increase for 2019, but additional funding is by no means assured.
TECA continues to track other important pieces of legislation moving through the 2019 General Assembly.
Increased Penalty for Illegal Drone Use
Senate Bill 306 by Senator Jon Lundberg (R – Bristol) and Representative Bud Hulsey (R – Kingsport) has been signed into law by Governor Bill Lee.
This legislation increased the penalty to a Class E felony for operating a drone over a critical infrastructure facility without the consent of the owner. This makes a violation punishable by one to six years in prison and a fine of up to $3,000.
The law defines critical infrastructure facility to include “An electrical power generation system; electrical transmission system, either as a whole system or any individual component of the transmission system; or electrical distribution substation.”
It was previously a misdemeanor offense, which made enforcement of the violations a low priority of law enforcement. Should your cooperative feel the need to notify your local authorities of violations, you may now let the call center know that the crime is a felony and warrants dispatch of officers to investigate.
Cooperative Broadband Clarifications Passes House 81-8
Having already been passed by the Senate on a unanimous vote, House Bill 172 by Pat Marsh (R – Shelbyville) was considered by the House of Representatives on Monday, April 8. The bill clarifies elements of the Broadband Accessibility Act to encourage competition in co-op-served areas. After a brief discussion (Debate on the bill can be viewed here) the bill passed on a vote of 81–8.
NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association, a trade association representing the state’s 23 electric cooperatives, announced recently that Mallory Dunavan is joining the association as political affairs coordinator.
“I am excited to be part of the team at TECA,” says Dunavan. “Electric co-ops are important to the communities they serve, and co-ops have a great reputation in Nashville for standing up for rural and suburban Tennesseans.”
Dunavan will assist with the association’s legislative outreach and grassroots efforts. A native of McKenzie, she is a 2017 graduate of the University of Tennessee with a masters degree in public policy & administration. Before coming to TECA, she served as a lobbyist for McCord Government Relations.
“It may seem far off for many of us, but the actions taken in Nashville and Washington, D.C., can have real consequences for the consumers we serve,” says Mike Knotts, vice president of government affairs for TECA. “It is important for co-ops to work with lawmakers to be sure they understand how co-ops work and what we do. We are excited that Mallory is joining our team.”
NASHVILLE – Gov. Bill Lee announced Monday that five electric co-ops in Tennessee will receive more than $6.2 million in broadband accessibility grants. Electric co-ops received nearly half of $14.8 million in state grants awarded by the state.
“Rural and suburban Tennessee cannot grow and prosper without access to reliable, high-speed connectivity,” says David Callis, executive vice president and general manager for the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association. “Tennessee’s electric co-ops are responding to this need and making significant investments to bring this service to the homes and businesses they serve. The state’s broadband accessibility grant program speeds the process of expanding high-speed internet to communities that have no other options.”
“I am pleased to announce that we are getting our rural areas up to speed and expanding broadband in the areas that need it most,” said Lee. “I am committed to ensuring connectivity in every corner of our state as broadband impacts our goals for health care, education, economic development and beyond.”
According to the FCC’s 2018 Broadband Deployment Report, nearly one in four rural Tennesseans lack access to broadband. In addition to the $20 million included in Gov. Lee’s recommended budget for fiscal year 2020, these grants will continue to close the access gap ensuring rural Tennesseans have the tools needed for growth and prosperity.
The six Tennessee co-ops receiving a total of $6,296,177.61 in this round of state grants include:
- Appalachian Electric Cooperative: $1,739,581 serving parts of Jefferson and Grainger Counties
- Gibson Electric Membership Corporation: $588,974 serving the Gadsden Community in Crockett County and part of Gibson County
- Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative: $1,832,728.16 serving part of Humphreys County
- Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative: $817,406 serving the Griffith Creek community in Marion County
- Volunteer Energy Cooperative: $1,317,488.45 serving the Spring Creek community in McMinn County
Learn more about electric co-op broadband in Tennessee on our Co-op Broadband page.
NASHVILLE – Today the White House delivered its 2020 budget proposal to Congress. Among the items included in this year’s budget was a proposal to sell federally-owned utility assets.
The Tennessee Valley Public Power Association released a joint statement today co-signed by David Callis, executive vice president and general manager of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association.
The statement reads in part:
Congress has repeatedly voted against privatization of part or all of TVA assets, most recently in the FY19 appropriations process. We hope our elected representatives will once again reject this misguided proposal.
Local power companies that distribute TVA power strongly support the public power model, and divestiture of transmission assets would have a negative effect. TVA’s transmission assets have been paid for by the ratepayers of the Tennessee Valley, and we believe they should not be sold to interests who may not place a priority on public power or the Valley’s interests.
Our respective organizations will pursue all options to protect electric ratepayers and the TVA assets they have paid to build as well as the public power model, which is as relevant today as it was 80 years ago.
For more than 50 years electricity sales, not government appropriations, have paid for the operation and maintenance of TVA’s assets. According to 2013 study by the Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy, TVA has returned to the U.S. Treasury more than $3 billion on the government’s original investment of $1.4 billion.
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.
The following resources are available for use in April.
- Leadership column – A life on the line – National Lineman Appreciation Day
- Youth Leadership Summit article/press release
- TCC Young Leaders Conference article/press release
- Youth Tour print ads are available here.
Other Resources
Social Media
Posts for April
April 1 – It’s #AprilFoolsDay ! Don’t be fooled by these common #energyefficiency myths.
April 2 – April is National Kite Month. Fly them high, but watch for power lines. #everydaysafe
April 3 – Share article from tnmagazine.org. [LINK]
April 4 – Tennessee’s electric co-ops work to make the communities we serve places where ideas take hold, products are crafted and opportunity is abundant. Learn more at http://tnelectric.org/cooportunity#cooportunity [INSERT IMAGE BELOW]
April 5 – April is National Safe Digging Month. Know what’s below. Call 811 before you dig. [LINK TO http://www.tenn811.com/]
April 8 – Today is National Lineman Appreciation Day. Don’t forget to #thankalineworker [LINK TO LEADERSHIP COLUMN ABOVE]
April 9 – [CO-OP NAME] has more than XXXXX security lights on our system. Contact your local office to have a security light installed at your home or business
April 10 – This is Work Zone Awareness Week. Tennessee law requires motorists to #moveover for utility workers. Learn more at moveovertennessee.org. [LINK TO MOVEOVERTENNESSEE.ORG]
April 11 – Share article from tnmagazine.org. [LINK]
April 12 – It pays to be safe. Visit everydaysafe.org for tips to keep your family safe around power lines.
April 15 – Opportunity isn’t found. It’s made. Electric co-ops support the creators, innovators, makers, dreamers and everyday Tennesseans who are redefining success. #cooportunity [INSERT IMAGE BELOW]
April 16 – What’s your eScore? Visit [CO-OP SITE OR 2ESCORE.COM] for information and incentives to make your home more efficient.
April 17 – Electric co-ops provide power and opportunity in the communities we serve. #cooportunity [SHARE VIDEO BELOW]
April 18 – Spring is in the air. Enjoy your weekend.
April 19 – Monday is #earthday. Teachers should look into the great Earth Day resources on Education.com [LINK TO https://www.education.com/activity/earth-day/ ]
April 22 – Today is #earthday. Learn more about the work TVA is doing to benefit the environment and the people of the Tennessee Valley. [LINK TO https://www.tva.gov/Environment ] OR Post a photo/video of your cooperative solar project and talk about how it impacts your co-op.
April 23 – Be #everydaysafe when swimming: Never swim near boat ramps or launching docks!
April 24 – Each day, electric co-ops enable the communities we serve to prosper. Learn more about how co-ops help empower growth in rural and suburban Tennessee at http://www.tnelectric.org/cooportunity. #cooportunity [INSERT IMAGE BELOW]
April 25 – Post photo of crews behind the scenes. Explain how their work keeps the lights on. [PHOTO]
April 26 – Looking for plans for the weekend? Check out The Tennessee Magazine’s calendar of events. [LINK TO TNMAGAZINE.ORG/EVENTS]
April 29 – Share article from tnmagazine.org. [LINK]
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.”
To learn more, visit www.mlconnect.com or email [email protected].
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.
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.”
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.
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.
The following resources are available for use in March.
- Leadership column – ### Cents of every dollar
- Youth Tour print ads are available here.
Other Resources
Social Media
Posts for March
March 1 –Electric co-ops provide power and opportunity for Tennessee. #cooportunity [LINK TO VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4sNfj4oRko&t=4s]
March 4 – Today we are taking young leaders to Nashville for the 2019 Youth Leadership Summit #2019YLS #cooportunity [LINK TO ARTICLE ON TNELECTRIC.ORG]
March 5 – Looking for Tennessee’s future leaders? They are at #2019YLS this week in Nashville, and the future looks bright. #cooportunity [PHOTO]
March 6 – Our #2019YLS students are learning about government and co-ops this week in Nashville. #cooportunity [PHOTO]
March 7 – Energy tip: Changing your air filter can save you energy and money
March 8 – Don’t forget to spring forward on March 10. #DST
March 11 – It pays to be safe. Visit everydaysafe.org for tips to keep your family safe around power lines
March 12 – Tennessee’s electric co-ops work to make the communities we serve places where ideas take hold, products are crafted and opportunity is abundant. Learn more at http://tnelectric.org/cooportunity #cooportunity [INSERT IMAGE BELOW]
March 13 – Check out the talented winners of the latest #Shutterbug photo contest sponsored by The Tennessee Magazine [LINK TO WINNERS AT TNMAGAZINE.ORG].
March 14 – #DidYouKnow [CO-OP NAME] belongs to you? Because we are a co-op, we’re led by you – our members! [INSERT GRAPHIC BELOW]
March 15 – The Tennessee General Assembly app – sponsored by the state’s electric co-ops – is your connection to your elected representatives. Get it for free at http://www.tnelectric.org/gaapp
March 18 – Each day, electric co-ops enable the communities we serve to prosper. Learn more about how co-ops help empower growth in rural and suburban Tennessee at http://www.tnelectric.org/cooportunity. #cooportunity [INSERT IMAGE BELOW]
March 19 – #Spring begins tomorrow. What do you enjoy most about the warmer weather?
March 20 – Today is the first day of #Spring! Here are some tips to save energy this spring. [LINK TO https://www.energy.gov/articles/10-energy-saving-tips-spring]
March 21 – Here’s a tip for #spring #landscaping: Plant efficiently today and save for years to come! [INSERT IMAGES BELOW]
March 22 – Opportunity isn’t found. It’s made. Electric co-ops support the creators, innovators, makers, dreamers and everyday Tennesseans who are redefining success. #cooportunity [INSERT IMAGE BELOW]
March 25 – Tennessee law requires motorists to #moveover for utility workers. Learn more at moveovertennessee.org. [LINK TO MOVEOVERTENNESSEE.ORG]
March 26 – Monthly electric bills go up and down based on how much energy you use. Our [LEVELIZED/BUDGET] billing option can take the guess work out of your monthly bill. Sign up today. [LINK OR NUMBER TO CALL
March 27 – Share article from tnmagazine.org. [LINK]
March 28 – What’s your eScore? Visit [CO-OP SITE OR 2ESCORE.COM] for information and incentives to make your home more efficient.
