2023 TECA Annual Meeting focuses on future

NASHVILLE – The 82nd  annual meeting of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association was held Sunday, Nov. 19, through Tuesday, Nov. 21, in Nashville. The theme of the event was “Co-ops Connect Today and Tomorrow,” and more than 350 electric cooperative leaders from across the state were present to consider how the actions of today can impact communities tomorrow.

“This event was an outstanding opportunity for co-op leaders to learn more about topics facing their co-ops,” said Mike Knotts, CEO of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association. “We challenged our attendees to cast aside preexisting notions of what an electric co-op does and to truly focus on meeting the current and future needs of their communities.”

Elections were also held for three positions on the association’s board of trustees. John Bowers, a manager for Pickwick Electric Cooperative in Selmer; Dion Cooper, CEO of Volunteer Energy Cooperative in Decatur; and Dana Salters, a director for Duck River Electric Membership Corporation in Shelbyville were elected to four-year terms.

Dan Rodamaker, president and CEO of Gibson Electric Membership Corporation in Trenton, was elected to serve as chairman of the association’s board of trustees. John Bowers was elected to serve as vice president.

“We appreciate the leadership that these individuals provide,” says Knotts. “Tennessee’s co-ops will be well-served thanks to their ideas and insights.”

TECA recognized excellence in communication efforts during the annual TopTenn Communications Awards ceremony. Gibson Electric Membership Corporation received an award for Best External Newsletter or Magazine Section; Appalachian Electric Cooperative, Best Internal Newsletter; Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative, Best Website; Gibson Electric Membership Corporation, Best Use of Social Media; Southwest Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation, Best Video; Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative and Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative, Best Photo; Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation, Best Annual Report; Middle Tennessee Electric, Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative and Appalachian Electric Cooperative each received awards in the Wild Card category.

“We’re excited to honor the exceptional work of these cooperatives,” says Trent Scott, TECA’s vice president of communications. “Congratulations to these co-ops whose outstanding communication efforts help them connect with their consumers in a meaningful way.”

Electric cooperatives serve more than 3 million consumers and 72 percent of Tennessee. The Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association provides leadership, advocacy and support for the association’s 25 electric cooperatives and publishes The Tennessee Magazine, the state’s most widely circulated periodical. Visit tnelectric.org or tnmagazine.org to learn more.

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Knotts addresses TVA board

TUPELO, MS – Today the Tennessee Valley Authority Board of Directors held a public listening session at the Cadence Bank Center in Tupelo, Miss. Mike Knotts, CEO of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association, addressed the board during the listening session, and a readout of his comments is below.

Cadence Bank Center | Tupelo, MS | 2:00 p.m. CST

 

Good afternoon. My name is Mike Knotts, and I have the pleasure of serving as the CEO of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association.  I appear here today on behalf of the 25 local power companies who collectively serve consumers in Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, and Mississippi. TECA’s members own and operate over $6B in assets, and their wholesale power bills comprise over 25% of TVA’s revenues.  

Cooperatives are unique among the TVA “family” of entities because co-ops are private companies, not government entities. Co-ops are owned by our specific, individual customers instead of a unit of government or even the public at large. This private-sector perspective brings a unique point of view and important context to the challenges we face. But because we are not for profit, we share in TVA’s purpose and labor every day to make our communities a better place. Electric co-ops empower rural and suburban Tennessee to grow and thrive, and our communities are smarter, healthier, more productive, and better connected because of electric co-ops. 

We urge each of you, as you exercise your fiduciary duty to TVA, to actively seek the advice and counsel of your private sector, cooperative partners. 

TVA and the 153 local power companies (co-op and municipal alike) have traditionally focused on our own core competencies…generation and transmission for TVA, and distribution for the LPCs. Each of the three competencies require unique skill sets and expertise. 

 So while the needs of today are beginning to blur the lines between generation and distribution, TVA and your cooperative partners remain inexorably linked through our history, common mission, and contractual relationship. 

It is that shared mission I ask you to consider today. 

Good organizations take the time to benchmark themselves against their peers, to evaluate the quality and effectiveness of its efforts. In the case of TVA, those peers are usually other large investor-owned utilities. I believe that many of the decisions you will consider tomorrow will be based on data that takes into account a comparison of this type.  

Might I suggest to you that size alone is not the only measure for determining who is similar? Mission must also be considered as key factor. While TVA is unique as a government entity with the multi-faceted purposes of energy, environmental stewardship, and economic development – please hear me say that TVA is not alone in its mission to deliver wholesale energy at the lowest feasible cost while working to make the region the best place in the country to live, work and play.

Generation and Transmission Cooperatives share this purpose – 100%. And all across America, there are G&T’s who serve their communities in the way TVA serves our region. They collectively own and operative dams with hydroelectric generation, nuclear power plants, coal and gas facilities, and many G&Ts are aggressively promoting the implementation of renewable energy into the grid. In fact, TVA’s first CEO counted over 15 years of prior experience at one of the nation’s largest G&Ts -Oglethorpe Power Corporation in Georgia.  

Co-op G&T’s should be an important source of resources, collaboration, benchmarking, and comparison for TVA staff and for you in your role as a Board member – particularly in the coming months and years as you seek new and innovative ways to fulfill our shared mission.  

On behalf of TECA and our member cooperatives, we remain ready to work with you to ensure that TVA’s strategic direction remains focused on what is best for the people we jointly serve. They deserve nothing less. Thank you. 

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LaQuella Bond joins Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association as communications support specialist

LaQuella Bond
Communications Support Specialist

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association today announced that LaQuella Bond is joining the organization as communications support specialist.

Bond comes to TECA after spending 14 years working in the electric cooperative industry at Jackson Purchase Energy Cooperative in Paducah, Kentucky. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management from Mid-Continent University in Mayfield, Kentucky. In her new role, she will focus on enhancing customer service for The Tennessee Magazine and coordinate advertising and other support functions for the TECA communications department.

“LaQuella’s unique blend of people skills and industry experience make her a valuable asset to our team,” says Trent Scott, vice president of communications for the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association. “We are excited to see the positive impact that LaQuella will have on our interactions with co-ops, readers and partner organizations.”

“I am excited to join the team at TECA,” says Bond. “It is clear that the people here at TECA are passionate about what they do, and it is great to be a part of an organization that has such an impact on so many.”

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800 co-op employees volunteer for 2023 Day of Service

Nashville, TENN. – The seventh Tennessee Electric Cooperative Day of Service takes place today. More than 800 electric co-op employees are scheduled to volunteer some 2,100 hours to complete twenty-six individual service projects across the state. This year’s projects include cleaning up litter and storm damage and building beds and playgrounds to hosting supply and food drives and luncheons to celebrate educators and first responders.

“Each day co-op employees work to make life better for their communities, but the Day of Service takes that up a notch,” says Trent Scott, TECA’s vice president of communications and organizer of the event. “This event gives them the opportunity to light up more than homes and street lights. Across the state today, co-op volunteers are eagerly rolling up their sleeves and working on projects that will have a meaningful impact on their neighbors. Co-op care, and that is especially clear to see today.”

Sponsors for the 2023 Day of Service were TVA, Bass, Berry and Sims, Ervin Cable Construction, Silicon Ranch, Tennessee811  and The Tennessee Magazine.

In the seven-year history of the Day of Service event, 3,500 employees have volunteered more than 8,700 hours to complete 179 individual projects in co-op communities across the state.

Co-ops participating in the 2023 Day of Service and the projects they completed were:

  • Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation – Building a playground for Judy’s Hope. 
  • Fayetteville Public Utilities – Volunteering at the Hands of Mercy Mobile Food Pantry. 
  • Forked Deer Electric Cooperative – Hosting “A Drop in the Bucket” supply drive for Lauderdale and Dyer County Carl Perkins Centers. 
  • Fort Loudoun Electric Cooperative – Completing mission critical tasks for Second Harvest Food Bank and Isaiah 117 House. 
  • Gibson Electric Membership Corporation – Supply drive for Isaiah 117 House 
  • Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative – Volunteering with litter pick up and at a food distribution event and hosting a food drive.
  • Middle Tennessee Electric – Providing lunch for educators on Teacher Appreciation Day, revitalizing a playground at a local school and participating in a community tailgate at a Cannon County High School football game. 
  • Pickwick Electric Cooperative – Volunteering at the Jesus Cares Thrift Store. 
  • Powell Valley Electric Cooperative – Hosting First Responders Luncheons. 
  • Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative – Build beds for Sleep in Heavenly Peace. 
  • Southwest Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation – Hosting a canned food drive to donate to various food pantries throughout their service territory. 
  • Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association – Sorting food at Second Harvest Food Bank. 
  • Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation – Participating in Rock the Block with Habitat for Humanity, helping the chamber decorate the town square in Gainesboro, cleaning up tree damage from storms at Smith County Middle School and painting at “The Spot.” 
  • Volunteer Energy Cooperative – Volunteering at Meigs Ministries and Crossville Mission Bible Training Center and collecting supplies for Monterey Headstart and money for Birchwood Cares Center. 
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How to caulk windows

Caulking is one of the easiest fall home-improvement chores. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started.

A note: Caulk around the windows’ molding and stay away from the movable parts that allow you to open and close the windows.

  1. Caulk on a day when your windows are completely dry inside and out and on a day that is not extremely hot or cold.
  2. Choose a good caulk: Some can be painted; different kinds are compatible with masonry, vinyl or wood; some are formulated for use in humid climates. Also, different caulks are for indoor or outdoor use. Read the label before purchasing.
  3. Collect the caulk, a caulk gun with a trigger, a putty knife, a sponge or rags, and a wire brush.
  4. Use the putty knife to scrape the old caulk off of the windows. If it won’t budge, buy a caulk softener.
  5. Clean the windows with a damp sponge or rag and then dry them. Wait until they are completely dry to apply fresh caulk.
  6. Fill the caulk gun with caulk and point it to the corner of the window farthest from you. Press the trigger and work your way backward. Get caulk in all of the joints.
  7. Smooth out the caulk by applying water to your fingers and working it into the cracks.
  8. Let the caulk dry, which can take several hours.
  9. Read the instructions that come with the caulk and the caulk gun; they’re more detailed and full of tips for success.
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Get your house ready for winter

Even if it’s not cold outside yet, it’s time to get ready for the day when the temperature falls.

Here are five fall jobs that will prepare your home for cold weather:

  1. Caulk windows and doors, even if you did it last fall. Cracks in old caulk can let cold air in and warm air out.
  2. Reverse the direction of ceiling fan blades so they circulate clockwise.
  3. Get your chimney inspected and cleaned if you plan to burn wood this season. Buildup of creosote can cause a chimney fire.
  4. Call an HVAC tech to inspect your central heating system, perform maintenance and do any needed repairs so you don’t lose heat once it gets cold.
  5. Change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors before heating season begins.

 

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Co-ops connect

October is Co-op Month — a time to celebrate the unique spirit of electric cooperatives and the profound connections they forge. It is a great time to consider the important role electric co-ops play in empowering rural Tennessee — fostering opportunities, connecting us to the world and paving the path from today to a brighter tomorrow.

Co-ops connect energy and community: At the heart of a co-op’s mission lies the commitment to power homes, schools, factories and businesses in your community. Co-op energy powers education, healthcare, commerce, connectivity and even transportation.

Co-ops connect people and opportunity: Tennessee’s electric co-ops are working to create new opportunities for the people and places we serve. From creating jobs through economic development to inspiring students through our educational programs, electric co-ops connect individuals with opportunities they might not otherwise have.

Co-ops connect small towns and global knowledge: Thanks to our investments in broadband, electric co-ops are connecting the communities they serve with the world. Co-ops bring the latest advancements in technology to the heart of our communities, ensuring that the benefits of progress are accessible to all.

Co-ops connect today and tomorrow: The world is changing rapidly, and electric co-ops are investing today to prepare for a brighter tomorrow. We’re building a robust and resilient electric grid to ensure that our communities are prepared for whatever lies ahead.

This Co-op Month, let’s remember that the very essence of our electric cooperative is to connect — energy and community, people and opportunity, small towns and global knowledge, today and tomorrow. Together, co-ops are not just utilities; they are a vital links in the chain that makes our community thrive. Let’s celebrate the power of connection and the cooperative spirit that keeps our lights shining brightly.

 

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Trimming Trees: A Key to Lower Electric Rates

Did you know that trimming trees around power lines can keep your electric rates lower? Overgrown trees lead to power outages and costly repairs, so the team at your local cooperative works hard to maintain the growth of vegetation near its infrastructure. Here are a few ways that these investments save you money in the long run.

Prevention of Power Outages. One of the primary reasons why tree trimming is essential is its ability to prevent power outages. Trees growing too close to power lines will cause outages when branches come into contact with the lines during storms or high winds. By regularly trimming trees, co-ops can minimize the risk of branches falling onto the lines and causing power outages. This proactive approach to tree maintenance helps ensure a more reliable electrical grid, reducing the need for emergency repairs and ultimately lowering maintenance costs.

Improved Reliability. Trimming trees around power lines not only prevents outages but also improves service reliability. Overgrown trees and branches can create intermittent faults, resulting in brief power interruptions. By keeping trees trimmed and maintaining a clear distance between branches and power lines, utilities can provide a more stable and reliable power supply, improving customer satisfaction and reducing the need for costly equipment repairs or replacements.

Decreased Maintenance Costs. Regular tree trimming near power lines leads to decreased maintenance costs for your cooperative. When trees grow too close to power lines, they may require more frequent inspections and trimming, which can be time-consuming and expensive. By maintaining a safe distance between trees and power lines through proactive trimming practices, co-ops reduce the frequency of maintenance visits, lowering labor and equipment costs. These savings can then be passed on to consumers, contributing to lower electric rates.

Mitigation of Safety Hazards. Trimming trees near power lines also helps mitigate safety hazards. Overgrown trees can pose a significant risk to public safety if they come into contact with power lines, potentially leading to electrocution or fires. By proactively managing vegetation around power lines, utilities can minimize these risks, ensuring safety for both the community and our crews. This reduces the likelihood of accidents and the associated costs of emergency response and potential liability claims.

Regular tree trimming near power lines plays a crucial role in maintaining a reliable electrical grid, preventing outages, improving service reliability and reducing maintenance costs. By performing proper vegetation management on the power system, your local cooperative can contribute to lower electric rates while ensuring a safer and more efficient energy infrastructure for all.

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Illuminating the Outdoors: The Benefits of Electric Outdoor Lighting

When it comes to creating a captivating and functional outdoor space, electric outdoor lighting can work wonders. Whether you want to enhance ambiance, improve safety or extend your time spent outdoors, electric outdoor lighting offers a myriad of benefits. Let’s explore the advantages of illuminating your outdoor areas with electricity.

Enhanced Ambiance and Aesthetics. One of the primary benefits of electric outdoor lighting is its ability to transform your outdoor space into a captivating and inviting environment. With a variety of lighting options available, such as string lights, spotlights, and pathway lights, you can create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Highlighting architectural features, trees or garden elements adds depth and visual interest to your outdoor areas, making them more visually appealing for both you and your guests.

Increased Safety and Security. Outdoor lighting plays a crucial role in enhancing safety and security around your property. Illuminated pathways, stairs and entrances help prevent accidents and tripping hazards, ensuring that you and your guests can navigate the outdoor space safely, even after sunset. Well-lit exteriors also act as a deterrent for potential intruders, as a well-lit property is less likely to be targeted. Motion-sensor lights add an extra layer of security by instantly illuminating when they detect movement and alerting you to any potential threats.

Extended Outdoor Living Time. With electric outdoor lighting, you can extend your time spent in outdoor areas long after the sun sets. Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering or simply enjoying a quiet evening outdoors, properly lit spaces allow you to fully appreciate and utilize your outdoor living areas. Electric lighting provides ample illumination for activities like dining, socializing or reading, making your outdoor spaces functional and enjoyable well into the evening hours. This is especially important as days begin to get shorter.

Electric outdoor lighting offers numerous benefits, from creating a visually appealing ambiance to enhancing safety and security. Illuminate your outdoor spaces with electric lighting and enjoy the multitude of advantages it brings to your outdoor lifestyle.

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Save Energy and Money: Four Tips for Cooling and Heating Your Home

Did you know that the energy used to cool and heat your home contributes to the biggest chunk of your monthly bills? By following some simple steps, you can reduce your energy consumption and save money while also doing your part for the environment. Let’s explore how regular maintenance, upgrades, insulation, air sealing and thermostat settings can help you achieve these goals.

  1. Regular Equipment Maintenance. Keeping your cooling and heating systems well-maintained is crucial for their efficient operation. Regularly clean or replace air filters to ensure proper airflow because clogged filters can make your system work harder and consume more energy. Schedule professional maintenance checks to identify and fix any issues promptly. This will keep your equipment running smoothly and reduce energy waste.
  2. Upgrades and Efficiency. Consider upgrading your cooling and heating equipment to more energy-efficient models. Look for appliances with the ENERGY STAR label, which indicates they meet high efficiency standards. These newer systems are designed to use less energy while providing optimal performance. Although the upfront cost may be higher, the long-term savings on your energy bills will be worth it.
  3. Insulation and Air Sealing. Insulating your home properly is like wrapping it in a cozy blanket. Adding insulation in your walls, attic, and floors helps to keep the desired temperature stable, reducing the workload on your cooling and heating systems. Additionally, sealing air leaks around windows, doors, and ducts prevents drafts and minimizes energy losses. Check for gaps and cracks and use weatherstripping or caulk to seal them. This will enhance the overall efficiency of your home and save energy.
  4. Thermostat Setting. Adjusting your thermostat settings can significantly impact your energy consumption. During the summer, set your thermostat a few degrees higher when you’re away or asleep. In winter, lower the temperature slightly in the same situations. Installing a programmable thermostat can help automate these adjustments, ensuring optimal comfort and energy savings.

By implementing these energy-saving measures, you can make a substantial difference in your monthly bills and contribute to a greener planet. Regular maintenance, equipment upgrades, insulation, air sealing, and smart thermostat usage are all simple steps that can save you up to 30% on your energy bills while helping the environment. Start making these changes today and enjoy the benefits for years to come.

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TVA announces 4.5 percent increase to base wholesale rates

CHATTANOOGA – Today the TVA board of directors approved a 4.5 percent base rate increase effective on Oct. 1, 2023. This, combined with the end of the 2.5 percent Pandemic Relief Credit set to expire on the same date, constitutes a  7 percent increase in the amount TVA charges local utilities for wholesale power. On average, 75 percent of an electric cooperative’s revenue goes to TVA for the purchase of wholesale power.

In response to today’s board action, Mike Knotts, CEO of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association made the following statement.

“Tennessee’s electric co-ops are concerned about the impact this rate increase will have on rural and suburban Tennessee. While we understand and support TVA’s need to invest in additional generation to ensure the lights stay on, rate actions of this magnitude will have real impacts on the families and businesses we serve. Co-ops will continue to work with TVA to ensure that Tennesseans continue to enjoy reliable and affordable energy.”

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Laden appointed to Member Services Specialist

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association is pleased to announce the appointment of Laura Beth Laden to the position of Member Services Specialist.

In this position, she will focus on the development of youth programs and member service activities. Laden first came to TECA as an intern before joining the staff full time in 2019.

Todd Blocker, vice president of member services for the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association, expressed confidence in Laden, stating, “Laura Beth’s passion for electric co-ops and our mission have made a positive impact on the association. She has an interest in youth programs, and I am excited to see how her contributions grow in this new role.”

“I am honored to take on this new responsibility and continue serving our cooperative members,” said Laden. “I am eager to collaborate with our co-ops on youth programs and to create positive experiences for our members.”

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Scott addresses TVA board

CHATTANOOGA, TN – Today the Tennessee Valley Authority Board of Directors held a public listening session at the Chattanooga Convention Center. Trent Scott, vice president of communications for the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association, addressed the board during the listening session, and a readout of his comments is below.

Chattanooga Convention Center | Chattanooga, TN | 2:00 p.m. EST

 

Good afternoon. My name is Trent Scott, and I serve as Vice President of Communications for the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association. TECA represents 25 consumer-owned electric co-ops that deliver power to 3 million homes and businesses.

In 1965 my father – Norman Scott – went to work for Southwest Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation, a TVA-served co-op in west Tennessee. He began his career as a groundman and worked his way up, retiring in 2004 as a district manager.

As a child, I remember sitting at my father’s desk following a storm. He would use Post-it Notes to keep track of power outages. These notes didn’t have GPS coordinates or addresses – just a name. He knew where each and every person lived, which substation breaker they were on and how the reports from the crews impacted them.

Today, this same task is performed by outage management software that aggregates data in real-time to pinpoint the location of damage to the grid.

We no longer live in a Post-it Note world.

Ours is an industry that evolves at a rapid pace.

Increasingly, critical areas of our economy, from education to healthcare, commerce to communication, even transportation, depend on reliable and affordable electric energy.

And while much has changed, a lot remains the same. Electric co-ops and TVA share a commitment to innovation, service, and boldly investing in our communities.

In 1983 my dad received this – a commemorative Coke bottle celebrating TVA’s 50th Anniversary. It reads “50th Anniversary, TVA, 1933–1983, Shaping Tomorrow Today.”

Much to the chagrin of my mother, this lived in my parent’s china cabinet. There in the dining room, next to grandma’s silver, was this TVA Coke bottle. My dad loved this industry and the opportunity it provided him to serve his community.

This year, TVA celebrates its 90th anniversary, and the slogan “Shaping Tomorrow Today” printed on this now 40-year-old bottle of Coke, could not be more profound.

The decisions we make today have lasting impacts.

There are great opportunities facing the Tennessee Valley, but with those come very real challenges.

As this board works to solve those challenges, let me encourage you to view co-ops as partners.

Tennessee’s electric co-ops provide TVA with well over $3 billion of revenue each year, but our partnership can represent much more. We can be a source of capacity as well. Whether it be energy efficiency and demand response programs or added flexibility to develop our own generation, electric co-ops are ready to work alongside TVA to solve the Valley’s energy needs.

We value our partnership, we share your commitments, and we’ve been here since the beginning. We want to help you “Shape Tomorrow Today.”

Thank you

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Become a fan of fans

Running indoor fans on hot summer days can help your family stay cool and your energy bills remain manageable.

A few tips:

  • Running a fan is cheaper than running the air conditioner. If August presents you with a comfortable, breezy day, turn the a/c off and run floor fans instead.
  • If you have ceiling fans, run them while the a/c is on. Fans don’t cool a room, per se. Instead, they move air around to create a breeze that feels cool on the skin of anyone in the room. For summer, the fan will push air downward if you switch the blades to move counter-clockwise. You might even be able to turn the thermostat up a few degrees while ceiling fans are running.
  • Turn off all fans if you’re not in the same room as the fans. The fan isn’t cooling the room; it’s cooling the people in it. So if a room is empty, a running fan is a waste of electricity.
  • If your fans are mounted in windows, don’t use them on days when the outdoor air is hotter than the indoor air. Window fans—and your window-mounted air conditioner’s fan setting—pull outdoor air into the house.

Photo by Sidekix Media on Unsplash

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Teach kids about back-to-school electrical safety

The beginning of a new school year seems like a good time to teach your children about electrical safety. Some bases to cover:

  • Stay away from power lines and transformers at school or along the way.
  • Same goes for electrical equipment on school property.
  • Don’t stick pens, pencils or other objects into electrical outlets. The Electrical Safety Foundation International reports that almost seven children a day are treated in hospitals for burns or electrical shocks because they tampered with wall outlets.
  • Warn teens who are driving to slow down when they see utility crews working on the road.
  • If an electrical power line is on the street, assume it is live and stay away from it.
  • Don’t plug too many electric devices into an electrical outlet or a power strip. Especially in an older dorm, the wiring isn’t equipped for an overload.
  • Extension cords are intended for temporary use only; don’t plug one in and leave it there for the whole school year.
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Jones Appointed to Governor’s Nuclear Energy Advisory Council

Today, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced the appointment of Chris Jones, CEO of Middle Tennessee Electric, to the Tennessee Nuclear Energy Advisory Council. The council was created earlier this year to position Tennessee as a national leader for nuclear energy innovation and advancement.

Jones joins appointees from a broad range of industry experience. The council will build upon the state’s legacy in nuclear innovation and drive continued investment to create a nuclear energy ecosystem for the future of Tennessee, including business development, government relations and stewardship of natural resources.

“Tennessee can lead America’s energy independence and deliver continued economic growth with safe, reliable and clean nuclear energy for the future,” said Gov. Lee. “I am confident that these appointees will use their unique industry expertise to ensure that Tennessee is the top state for nuclear energy companies to invest and succeed, creating quality jobs and greater opportunity for Tennesseans.”

“This is an investment in Tennessee’s future, and we are fortunate to have a proven leader like Chris representing local utilities and each and every Tennessean who depends upon them for reliable and affordable electricity to power their homes and businesses,” says Mike Knotts, CEO of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association. “New nuclear development like small modular reactors is the path to a sustainable tomorrow, bolstering economic growth, fostering energy independence and providing Tennessee – and the nation – with clean, abundant, and reliable energy. We commend the administration for taking this bold step to extend Tennessee’s legacy as a leader in the nuclear sector.”

Other members appointed to the council include:

  • Commissioner David Salyers – Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation
  • Braden Stover – Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
  • Director Patrick Sheehan – Tennessee Emergency Management Agency
  • Dr. Loong Yong, Ph.D., Spectra Tech – Congressional Delegation Designee
  • Adam DeMella, ADG Strategies – Congressional Delegation Designee
  • Don Moul – Tennessee Valley Authority Representative
  • Jeff Smith – Oak Ridge National Laboratory Representative
  • Dr. Wes Hines, Ph.D., University of Tennessee – Higher Education Representative
  • Tracy Boatner, East Tennessee Economic Council – Workforce Development Representative
  • Mayor Terry Frank, Anderson County – Local Government Representative
  • Jennifer Stone, Thompson Engineering, Inc. – Energy Production Representative
  • Dr. Hash Hashemian, Ph.D., Analysis and Measurement Services – Nuclear Industry Representative
  • Michelle Amante-Harstine – Member At-Large
  • Blake Harris – Member At-Large
  • Steve Jones – Member At-Large
  • Maria Korsnick – Member At-Large
  • Dr. Padma Raghavan, Ph.D. – Member At-Large

In addition to signing Executive Order 101 this year, Gov. Lee also partnered with the Tennessee General Assembly to create a $50 million Nuclear Fund in the state’s Fiscal Year 2023-2024 budget. The fund will establish a nuclear development and manufacturing ecosystem built for the future of Tennessee by providing grants and assistance to support nuclear power-related businesses that choose to relocate or grow in the state.

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MLEC activates EV fast chargers at Hohenwald office

As automakers retool their factories to build electric vehicles (EVs), many more EVs will be on the roadways in the next decade. Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative is helping to make sure that Tennessee is ready with charging infrastructure.

On June 29, MLEC announced that it has installed two chargers at its 28 Park Avenue South, Hohenwald, Tennessee office as part of Fast Charge TN, a partnership between the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), and Seven States Power Corporation.  This Fast Charge TN installation is part of the regional Fast Charge Network that will cover major travel corridors across TVA’s seven-state service area and will complement the broader efforts of the National Electric Highway Coalition, which seeks to enable long-distance EV travel by placing fast chargers along interstates and major highways throughout the United States.

“We moved quickly to participate in Fast Charge TN because we want to make it easy for people to choose EVs so our community can enjoy the environmental and economic benefits of electric transportation,” said MLEC President and CEO Keith Carnahan. “The funding from TVA and TDEC makes it possible to add fast chargers in our community by providing 80% of the project cost.”

TVA and TDEC have brought together local power companies, state and local government partners, and others to pave the way for over 200,000 EVs on Tennessee Valley roads by 2028. The benefits that these EVs bring to the Tennessee Valley region are significant:

  • Attracting good jobs — $13.8 billion in EV and battery manufacturing have helped create over 10,000 EV-related jobs.
  • Reducing carbon emissions from gasoline vehicles by almost 1 million metric tons per year or the equivalent of the carbon sequestered by 1 million acres of US forests in one year.
  • Reinvesting $120 million in the local economy every year from electric refueling.
  • Saving drivers up to $1,000 in fuel and maintenance costs every year.

“TVA is partnering with local power companies like Meriwether Lewis EC and state agencies like TDEC to invest in charging infrastructure across the Tennessee Valley region because electric vehicles benefit everyone,” said Justin Maierhofer, TVA regional vice president. “These investments allow TVA to save drivers money and attract good jobs and tourism– all powered by electricity from TVA and your local power company.”

“Tennessee’s air is cleaner as measured by federal air quality standards than it has been in generations, and a clean environment helps drive economic development,” TDEC Deputy Commissioner Greg Young said. “TDEC is partnering with TVA and MLEC on the development of this station to continue Tennessee’s environmental and economic momentum while further entrenching our state as the epicenter of the electric vehicle transition.”

“This charging location does more than charge cars — it connects Hohenwald to the Fast Charge Network and plays an important role in putting our region on the leading edge of the new electric economy,” said Carnahan.

“As the go-to technology partner for local power companies across the Tennessee Valley, Seven States is proud to support the growing demand for EV charging infrastructure,” said Betsey Kirk McCall, President and CEO of Seven States Power Corporation. “This project is the latest example of how partnerships between private, public, and nonprofit entities can produce lasting real-world impacts on our economy and environment.”

To learn more about the Fast Charge Network, calculate how much money an EV could save you or locate EV charging stations on your travel route, check out  https://energyright.com/ev/.

Learn more about Fast Charge TN here:  www.tn.gov/EVFastCharge.

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Tennessee electric cooperatives respond to announcement of more than $800 million of funding to expand broadband access in Tennessee

Today the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Biden administration announced Tennessee will receive $813 million as part of the federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. This funding will strengthen Tennessee’s broadband infrastructure and address inadequate service that remains a challenge for many areas of the state.

Tennessee’s electric cooperatives fully support the state’s commitment to ensure that every resident has access to affordable and reliable broadband connectivity.

“Today’s announcement of BEAD resources is exciting for Tennessee,” said Mike Knotts, CEO of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association. “Electric cooperatives have established an excellent track record of rapidly deploying broadband networks to the most rural parts of our state. These funds will only accelerate the ability of electric cooperatives to provide that same service to even more unserved and underserved Tennesseans.”

Electric co-ops in Tennessee have taken swift action to tackle the challenges posed by a lack of reliable broadband service. Cooperatives have made remarkable progress in meeting the pressing demands for improved access. With the new opportunities presented by BEAD, electric cooperatives will continue to collaborate with partners at the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development to ensure the allocated resources are utilized effectively to establish robust and dependable broadband networks that will meet to the needs of Tennesseans.

“ECD is a strong partner for broadband providers in Tennessee, including electric cooperatives, and Tennesseans can be proud of the state’s stewardship of broadband deployment resources,” said Ryan King, Vice President of Government Affairs for TECA. “We have full confidence their administration of the BEAD program will hit the mark to extend broadband service to as many Tennesseans as possible, as efficiently as possible.”

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Electric Co-ops award $16,000 in scholarships to Tennessee students

2023 Robert McCarty Scholarship winners 3rd place, Claire Townley, Tennessee Valley Electric Cooperative; 2nd place, Cole Coffman, Southwest Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation; 1st place, Livia Benefield Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tennessee’s electric cooperatives awarded $16,000 in scholarships to Washington Youth Tour delegates on Monday evening, June 19, in Washington, D.C.

Ernee Webb, a senior from Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation was awarded a $10,000 Cooperative Youth Ambassador Scholarship. Webb was a 2022 delegate on the Washington Youth Tour. Delegates who remain engaged with their sponsoring cooperative during their Senior year and complete certain community service requirements are eligible for the scholarship. Webb’s name was randomly selected from among the 25 delegates from across the state who completed the requirements.

Livia Benefield from Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative, Cole Coffman from Southwest Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation and Claire Townley from Tennessee Valley 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 thousands of papers submitted across the state for this year’s contest. 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.

Hannah Stokely, a delegate from Holston Electric Cooperative, was selected as Tennessee’s representative on NRECA’s Youth Leadership Council. Stokley will attend NRECA’s 2024 PowerXchange meeting in Austin, Texas.

One hundred and twenty-eight high school Juniors from across the state are in the nation’s capital this week for the 2023 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.

“Investing in these young people not only nurtures their potential but is an investment in the future of rural and suburban Tennessee,” said Mike Knotts, CEO of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association. “It is exciting to consider the impact that these talented young people will have on their communities, and electric cooperatives are honored to support their academic journeys.”

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2023 Youth Tour underway

One hundred and seventy student-delegates, teachers and co-op advisors from across Tennessee are headed to Washington, D.C., as a part of the 2023 Washington Youth Tour. The annual event, which begins today, 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 “Co-ops Connect” that explains how co-ops connect Tennessee communities with energy, education, broadband, economic development and more.

Delegates on this year’s trip will visit museums and monuments, including the Smithsonian museum complex, the White House and the Capitol Building. The group is also scheduled to meet with members of Tennessee’s Congressional delegation.

“The Washington Youth Tour is more than just a trip,” says Todd Blocker, vice president of member relations for the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association and tour director. “It’s a transformative experience that ignites a love of history, inspires leadership, and empowers young minds to shape the future. Witnessing the awe-inspiring monuments, engaging with our nation’s leaders, and connecting with a community of peers, youth tour can cultivate a lifelong passion for active citizenship.”

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.

“If you’ve ever been on youth tour, you know the positive impact it has on the lives of these young adults,” says Blocker. “It’s always exciting to watch them grow, learn and lead throughout the course of the trip.”

 

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