Ice Storm Impacts [UPDATED]

Tennessee’s electric cooperatives are closely monitoring a significant winter storm that will likely create power outages across West and Middle Tennessee this weekend.

Ice can create widespread damage to trees and power lines. Ice can increase the weight of branches by 30 times, and 1/2″ accumulation on power lines can add 500 pounds of extra weight. When ice is combined with high winds, as predicted for the next few days, the weight of ice and falling trees can damage poles and power lines.

Tennessee’s electric cooperatives have been busy this past week preparing for the upcoming ice storm. Preparations have included positioning personnel and equipment, checking supplies and reviewing emergency work plans. TECA staff has been in regular contact with the National Weather Service and emergency management personnel. Arrangements are also in place to bring in additional crews, if needed, from electric cooperatives in neighboring states.

New Sperry-Piltz Ice Accumulation Index predicts utility damage

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Developed by Sid Sperry with the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives and Steve Piltz with the National Weather Service, the SPIA Index can predict the projected footprint, total ice accumulation, and resulting potential damage from approaching ice storms. It is a tool to be used for risk management and/or winter weather preparedness.

You can learn more about the SPIA in this Weather Channel video.

View the latest SPIA index for the Memphis and Nashville regions.

How should your family prepare?

Remember the following tips to stay safe and warm should you find yourself in the dark as a result of this severe winter event:

  • Never touch a fallen power line, and assume all wires on the ground are electrically charged. Call your local electric co-op  to report it immediately. Avoid contact with overhead lines during cleanup and other activities.
  • In the event of an outage, an alternate heating source—such as a fireplace, propane space heater, or wood stove—may be used. Extreme caution should be taken.
  • Plan to stay in an area of the home where the alternate heat source is located.
  • Fuel- and wood-buring heating sources should be vented. Be sure to follow  manufacturer’s directions.
  • Make sure carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors are working properly.
  • Do not use a gas-powered oven for heating. A gas oven may go out or burn inefficiently, leading to carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Do not use a gas or charcoal grill inside the home. Do not use charcoal briquettes in the fireplace.
  • If you use a portable generator to power a heating source, be sure the generator is located outside your house for proper ventilation. Do not use a generator in an attached garage. Follow manufacturer’s directions for operating the generator.
  • Take special care not to overload a generator. Use appropriately sized extension cords to carry the electric load. Make sure the cords have a grounded, three-pronged plug and are in good condition.
  • Never run cords under rugs or carpets.
  • Never connect generators to power lines. The reverse flow of electricity can electrocute an unsuspecting utility worker.

Ideally, your family will stay warm until the power comes back on. But keep an eye on family members for signs of hypothermia, which include shivering, drowsiness, and mental and physical slowness. The elderly and young children are particularly vulnerable to hypothermia. Call 911 immediately if you notice these symptoms. At least one telephone in the house that does not depend on electricity should be available in the case of a power outage.

 

Video courtesy of our friends at PowerSouth Energy Cooperative.

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Green Giving

Energy efficient shopping, baking, and decorating holiday tips

Hosting a “green” holiday takes a little planning and effort, but the payoff can help your budget stay out of the red. So go ahead and deck the halls with energy savings by following these tips for energy-efficient shopping, baking, and decorating.

Green Shopping

Investing in a big gift? ENERGY STAR TVs and appliances save a bundle on power use. They feature a lower standby-mode consumption than an average device and generally use less energy in all functions.

Include a smart power strip as part of your gift. Most electronic devices consume energy, even when turned off.  In fact, such standby power consumption ranges from 5 percent to 10 percent of a household’s total energy consumption.

Smart power strips save energy by shutting off power to plugged-in gadgets when they go into standby mode. Many smart power strips also have one or two unmonitored, always-on outlets. Use these outlets to plug in devices that always need power, like a cordless phone base or alarm system.

Deck the House in Savings

Know a neighbor who gives the fictional Griswold family from “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” a run for their money? Give them strings of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). A high-quality LED has a life expectancy of 50,000 hours or more. Consider recycling the retired strands at HolidayLeds.com and get a 25 percent off coupon toward the purchase of LED holiday lights.

More isn’t always best. A small, thoughtful display stirs warm holiday feelings and you’ll be grateful when your January power bill doesn’t put a dent in your budget. Consider using timers for holiday lights, too. Set lights to turn on when it gets dark and off once viewers are snug in their beds.  Four to six hours should be plenty of time. And don’t forget using ribbons, wreaths, and garland—energy-free decorating traditions still deliver holiday cheer!

Green-Baked Goodies

The U.S. Department of Energy estimates cooking accounts for 4 percent of a home’s total energy use. Add energy costs for refrigeration, hot water heating, and dishwashing and you’ve got a hefty kitchen price tag. As holiday parties and potlucks gear up, keep efficient cooking tips in mind.

Cut baking temperatures by 25 degrees with a ceramic or glass pan. These pans retain heat better than metal. Use the oven wisely by cooking in large batches, and fit pans into all available oven space. Keep the door closed. Each time you peek into the oven you let out hot air, causing the oven to work overtime to bring the temperature back up.

Get to know how long it takes to preheat your oven and make sure you’re ready to start cooking right away. Insert a stainless steel skewer through meat or baked potatoes to speed the cooking process, or cut food into smaller pieces to shorten cooking time.

Have a convection option on your stove? It helps reduce cooking time and temperature. Turn your electric oven off ten minutes before the end of the cooking time; it maintains the temperature that long. And last but not least, if you’re planning some kitchen time, lower your thermostat. The heat generated in your kitchen can help heat the entire house, especially if you leave the oven door open after you are done.

The holidays are a joyful time, and there’s little that feels as good as giving someone you love the perfect gift. Make that gift a positive one and keep the holidays green for both you and your loved ones.

Sources: U.S. Department of Energy

Christina Sawyer writes on safety and energy efficiency issues for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the Arlington, Va.-based service arm of the nation’s 900-plus consumer-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives.

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Don’t Take the Merry Out of Your Christmas

Before your family puts up a tree or hangs the stockings this holiday season, start a new tradition. Put safety at the top of your list. Too often the twinkling lights people see are on top of a fire truck or ambulance—the result of holiday accidents that could have been prevented.

Trees and lights are danger-prone holiday decorations. According to the United States Fire Administration, Christmas trees start an average of 260 house fires each season, resulting in more than $16 million in property damage. Another 150 house fires are sparked by holiday lights and decorative lighting, costing $8.9 million in damage. Typically, all of these fires are more severe and damaging, resulting in twice the injuries and five times the fatalities per blaze compared to average winter home fires.

Unsafe practices while putting up decorations are to blame for even more injuries. Nearly 6,000 individuals visit emergency rooms each year for falls that occur. Four thousand more are treated for injuries associated with extension cords.

But safety steps don’t end with bright decorations. Gifts trigger injuries, too. Toys that are not used as intended or used without proper supervision lead to avoidable accidents. Electrical shocks, burns, or injuries from sharp, pointed, or moving parts are to blame for many of these injuries according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

When it is time to deck your halls, take these precautions to ensure the safety of you, your family, and holiday guests:

TREES

Real or artificial, short or tall, Christmas trees are often the culprit for danger. Incorporate these safety guidelines in your decorating routine:

  • Make sure an artificial tree is labeled “fire resistant.” Be aware that “fire resistant” does not mean “fire proof.” Exercise caution when it comes to your tree.
  • Make sure a live tree is fresh and green. Dry, brittle limbs and shedding needles are a breeding ground for sparks. Water a live tree regularly to prevent it from drying out.
  • Place any type of tree away from heat sources such as fireplaces, vents, and radiators.

LIGHTS

Festive lights give homes a magical glow both inside and out. When decorating this season, a few simple safety tips can keep your spirits bright.

  • Do not overload electrical outlets. Most lights are designed to connect no more than three strands. Inspect the wires periodically to make sure they are intact and not warm to the touch.
  • Never leave lights on overnight or when no one is home.
  • Only use lights that have been approved by an independent testing laboratory.
  • Replace any strands that show signs of damage, such as bare or frayed wires, broken bulbs, or loose connections. Faulty lights can send an electrical charge through a tree and electrocute anyone who comes in contact with a branch.

GIFTS

The thrill of holiday presents is quickly forgotten when a gift leads to injury. Here are a few suggestions to keep children safe:

  • Select gifts that are age appropriate for the recipient. Toys recommended for older children pose too many risks for younger children to use safely.
  • Educate children on electrical safety when using any new toy or product that requires an electrical connection.
  • Review all instructions and safety guidelines included with new products before you allow the child to use it. This ensures the safety of the child and protects the integrity of the product.

Make sure safety ranks at the top of your “to do” list this holiday season. Like the old Christmas song says, there is no place like home for the holidays—especially when your family is safe and your home is filled with good cheer.

Sources: United States Fire Administration, Consumer Product Safety Commission

Sara Peterson writes on safety and energy efficiency issues for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the Arlington, Va.-based service arm of the nation’s 900-plus consumer-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives.

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Conover recognized for conservation efforts

Friends of Radnor Lake, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and preserving the natural integrity of Radnor Lake State Natural Area, recently announced that TECA’s Robin Conover was the recipient of the organization’s Environmental Award.

The Environmental Award is given annually to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and made notable, voluntary contributions in conserving Radnor Lake’s precious resources. Conover has been actively involved with Friends of Radnor Lake for almost 20 years, including serving as a board member since 2002. Conover has contributed her talents to co-write and edit the Friends of Radnor Lake newsletter. She has also produced the Friends of Radnor Lake annual wall calendar featuring her photographs of Radnor Lake since 2006, donating one-hundred-percent of the proceeds to the protection of Radnor Lake.

Conover serves Tennessee’s co-ops as Vice President of Communications of TECA and Editor of The Tennessee Magazine. You can learn more about Friends of Radnor Lake at radnorlake.org.

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TECA Telecom brings broadband to neglected rural Tennessee

TECA Telecom is helping to bring broadband Internet to Tennessee thanks to a partnership with the National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative. This partnership allows TECA member systems to make satellite internet available to their members in underserved areas where traditional high-speed services are currently not being delivered.

Exede broadband service brings together the highest capacity satellite in the world, state-of-the-art ground equipment and breakthrough web acceleration technology. Exede Internet service is owned and operated by ViaSat, an American company with a long history in satellite innovation for the government, business and residential military customers here in the U.S. and around the world. All Exede plans provide up to 12 Mbps of speed and begin at $49.99 per month.

Contact Todd Blocker for more information on Exede Internet.

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Protect Electronics, Prevent Hazards

Big-ticket electronics, such as televisions, computers, and gaming consoles, are at the top of many holiday wish lists—but safety may not be. Purchasing, installing, and operating these items safely protects not only the expensive equipment, but also your entire home. The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) offers the following tips, and for more information, visit holidaysafety.org.

Safety tips

  • Always purchase electrical devices from a reputable retailer that you trust. Be especially wary when making online purchases.
  • Check that all electrical items are certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Canadian Standards Association (CSA), or Intertek (ETL).
  • Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions before use.
  • Send warranty and product registration forms for new items to manufacturers in order to be notified about product recalls. Recall information is also available on the website of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (http://www.cpsc.gov).
  • Never install an exterior television or radio antenna close enough to contact power lines if it falls.
  • Never remove the ground pin (the third prong) to make a three-prong plug fit into a two-prong outlet.
  • All appliances and cords should be kept in good condition. Examine them regularly for damage, and repair or dispose of damaged items.
  • Keep cords out of reach of children and pets.
  • Make sure entertainment centers and computer workstations have enough space around them for ventilation of electronic equipment.
  • Keep liquids, including drinks, away from electrical devices. Spills can result in dangerous shocks or fires.
  • Unplug equipment when not in use to save energy and reduce the risks for shocks or fires. Power strips or surge protectors make a good central turn-off point.
  • Always unplug electrical items by grasping the plug firmly rather than pulling on the cord.
  • If you receive any kind of shock from a large appliance or any other electrical device, stop using it until an electrician has checked it.
  • If an appliance smokes or sparks, or if you feel a tingle or light shock when it’s on, stop using it. Discard and replace it or have it repaired by an authorized service provider.

 Extension cords

  • Extension cords are meant to provide a temporary solution. They should not be used as a long-term or permanent electrical circuit.
  • Never use a cord that feels hot or is damaged in any way. Touching even a single exposed strand can result in an electric shock or burn.
  • Only use weather-resistant, heavy gauge extension cords marked “for outdoor use” outside.
  • Keep all outdoor extension cords clear of snow and standing water.
  • Arrange furniture so that there are outlets available for equipment without the use of extension cords.
  • Do not place power cords or extension cords in high traffic areas or under carpets, rugs, or furniture (to avoid overheating and tripping hazards), and never nail or staple them to the wall or baseboard.

 Surge protector or power strip?

Although surge protectors and power strips both allow you to plug several devices in one location, it is important for consumers to understand that they are not interchangeable. A true surge protector includes internal components that divert or suppress the extra current from surges, protecting your valuable electronics from electrical spikes, while a power strip simply provides more outlets for a circuit.

Source: Electrical Safety Foundation International

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American Blackout

Filmed as a fictional docudrama, National Geographic Channel’s “American Blackout,” premiering tonight, depicts the first 10 days immediately following a nationwide blackout caused by a cyber attack that takes down the entire electric power grid. The movie focuses on several different storylines of how people deal with the blackout. The movie is presented in “real time” by using video clips from recent events, like Superstorm Sandy, Hurricane Katrina, the 2003 Eastern US blackout, and footage of President Obama addressing the nation.

While the movie is an excellent reminder to be prepared for routine power outages and natural disasters, the current design and operation of the American power grid makes a total electric grid failure, as depicted in the movie, highly unlikely in the real world.

Electric cooperatives take cybersecurity seriously; they have and will continue to take significant steps to protect the reliability and security of the electric system – transmission, generation and distribution. We also partner with federal agencies, including the Department of Energy and Homeland Security, to research threats, strengthen security measures and mitigate risk.

To help your family be better prepared for inevitable, routine power outages, visit redcross.org.

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Bowers named PEC president

John Bowers was selected by the PEC Board of Directors to fill the position of President upon the retirement of Karl Dudley.

Bowers started his career at PEC in 1992 as an electrical engineer after graduating from Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville. He received his Professional Engineering license in 1996. In 1997, Bowers was promoted to substation superintendent and shortly thereafter he assumed the manager of operations position. In 2010 he was named vice-president of operations.

John and his wife Karen live in Ramer and have two children, Seth and Sophie. The family attends the Fourth Street Church of Christ in Selmer.

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FPU earns high marks on TVA compliance audit

Fayetteville Public Utilities (FPU) has received high marks after an exhaustive audit performed by Tennessee Valley Authority’s Distributor Compliance Group.

During a presentation to FPU’s board of directors, Walter Haynes, representing TVA, told board members that FPU’s compliance audit was “one of the cleanest” he has seen since TVA began performing compliance assessments of each of TVA’s local power companies.

“The compliance audit that TVA does is an audit that looks at the operations of Fayetteville Public Utilities to determine if you are in compliance with the wholesale power contract that you have with the Tennessee Valley Authority,” he explained.  “The compliance audit looks at 14 different areas that are required by the wholesale power contract we have with FPU.”

According to Haynes, each of TVA’s 155 power companies will be assessed on a recurring four-year cycle, with testing focused on contract areas of billing, discriminatory practices and uses of revenue. And, while FPU was scheduled to have its compliance audit performed next year, CEO and General Manager Britt Dye requested TVA perform the audit this summer.

“Because of some not-so-favorable publicity that another utility had from a comptroller’s audit from the state of Tennessee, Britt (Dye) asked us to come on in and do the compliance audit,” Haynes explained, referring to the scathing audit handed down on Lincoln County Board of Public Utilities last year.

Of the 14 areas of focus on TVA’s compliance report, FPU was in full compliance in eight of those areas, Haynes said.

“FPU had a terrific compliance audit,” Haynes told the board. “Fayetteville Public Utilities exhibits a culture which promotes compliance with the TVA contract.

“Fayetteville Public Utilities is very, very fortunate to have the experience and knowledgeable staff that’s here. It’s something you should be very proud of,” he said. “I can tell you in working with a total of eight distributors, that’s not always the case with all utilities.

“…this is the sixth compliance audit I’ve seen, and this is the cleanest compliance report of those six.”

The compliance audit revealed six reportable results, all of which are minor issues, Haynes said. The issues identified – none of which had a financial impact – have been corrected or have a plan in place to be corrected and include such actions as adopting written documents to specify TVA-approved rate codes, installing a demand meter for one customer required to have such a meter and refunding 51-cents to a customer for an incorrect adjustment.

“When we get down to the meat of what has to be corrected,” he said, “it’s almost nothing in all areas. None of these are bad.”

Following Haynes’ presentation, Dye expressed his appreciation to the FPU staff for their work and said he is pleased with the results.

“We were scheduled to have a compliance audit from TVA in 2014 but requested that audit in 2013,” Dye said after the meeting. “This was a detailed audit that checked compliance with our TVA contract, and the results were very good. We are working to provide the proper documentation in the few issues noted in the audit, and there was no financial impact associated with those issues.”

Janine Wilson, chairman of FPU’s board of directors, praised Dye and the FPU employees after the board was informed of the audit results.

“It was no surprise to me or the other board members that FPU had extremely high marks on the recent compliance report,” Wilson said after the meeting. “Mr. Dye and the employees at FPU go above and beyond the call of duty to make sure that things are done correctly and report to the board each month on compliance issues.

“We are all proud of the job that they do, and this community should be proud of such a well-run organization,” she added. “Congratulations to the entire staff at FPU.”

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Sequachee Valley safety demo trailer

Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative recently completed their Live Line Safety demonstration trailer.

“We have already hosted a few safety demonstrations for volunteer fire departments, two for CRC co-op camp in Dunlap and a contractor’s meeting hosted by Lowe’s,” says SVEC’s Shelby Potterfield.

The trailer was built by district operations manager Jarvis Wooten and line foreman Dean Cartwright. In the photo, Dean Cartwright shows a group of volunteer fire fighters from Dunlap the importance of a lineman’s personal protective equipment.

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MLEC reaches member service milestones

Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative is proud to announce that My Power My Way, MLEC’s prepay electricity option, has reached 500 users since the program’s start in March. MyUsage.com, MLEC’s online energy monitoring service, has reached a total of 200 users.

With My Power My Way, residential members pay for electricity before it is used much like putting gas in their vehicle. When the tank gets low, homeowners will receive an alert via phone, text, or email with a reminder to add more money to their account so that the electric service stays active. The program eliminates late fees and deposits for participating accounts.

MyUsage.com, is free and allows all MLEC members to watch their daily electric consumption online. They see firsthand how daily temperatures and personal activities relate to higher energy consumption and higher energy bills.   They can sign up to get emails when a higher than normal amount of energy is consumed by the account in a 24-hour period.

“Both services encourage homeowners and businesses to monitor their energy use and make changes to how and when electricity is used,” says President and CEO Hal Womble. ”

For more information on My Power My Way or MyUsage.com call your local office or visit www.mlec.com.

Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy® cooperative, is a non-profit organization offering reliable, low-cost electricity to 35,000 members in Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Lewis and Perry counties. Member – electric power companies of Middle Tennessee. Remember to play it safe around electricity.

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TVA board approves budget, rate increase

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. ― The Tennessee Valley Authority board of directors approved a $10.5 billion fiscal year 2014 budget at its meeting Thursday and a 1.5 percent retail rate increase – TVA’s first increase in two years.  Less than the economy’s modest growth in inflation since TVA’s last rate increase in 2011, the rate adjustment will add about $1.50 to the monthly power bill of a residential consumer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity.

“While we never like to raise rates, this small adjustment is necessary to meet our 2014 revenue requirements and operate our system safely and reliably,” said TVA President and CEO Bill Johnson. “We will also make critical capital investments to keep reliability high and meet environmental standards and contribute to paying down debt.” TVA’s fiscal year 2014 budget anticipates 4.6 percent lower sales year over year and is about 6 percent less than 2013, including capital expenditures of $3.3 billion for Watts Bar 2 nuclear plant and clean air controls at Gallatin Fossil Plant. Johnson said TVA’s priorities include “living within our means” by bringing operations and maintenance expenses in line with recent trends in declining electricity sales and revenues.  “Demand for our product is down and that won’t change anytime soon. The weather, the economy, energy efficiency/demand response, and rate design are all factors,” Johnson said. “We’re working harder than ever to reduce our costs, but they are not declining at the rate of our sales and revenues.”

TVA is executing a plan to reduce O&M costs by $500 million by 2015 with employees and leadership identifying efficiencies, cost reductions and cost avoidance opportunities. Nearly $150 million in reductions have been achieved this fiscal year with plans for an additional $150 million by the end of 2014 and another $200 million in 2015.

“We are taking action to improve TVA’s operations and financial health so it continues to serve the region for years to come,” Johnson said.  Additional priorities include evaluating future operations of the remainder of the coal fleet, preserving the unfinished Bellefonte nuclear plant as an option for future power generation, continuing to explore Small Modular Reactor nuclear technology, promoting economic development in the region and updating the Integrated Resource Plan, the long-term strategy for TVA’s energy supply as they enter FY14.

Johnson said that TVA employees remain focused on delivering outstanding service while carrying out TVA’s unique mission of delivering safe, clean, reliable energy at low rates as well as promoting economic development and providing resource stewardship.

The new budget and rate adjustment go into effect with TVA’s new fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1, 2013.

Additional Board Actions

The board also approved new programs to foster economic growth in the Tennessee Valley. The TVA Valley Commitment Program will give credit to manufacturing customers for their ongoing commitment to the Valley. The Small Manufacturing Rate Program will give small industrial customers a rate alternative for operating during off-peak demand periods. These new programs and enhancements are intended to serve as interim measures while TVA works with customers and other stakeholders on a longer-term rate strategy, Johnson said.

In other action, the board:

  • Approved a five-year extension of the Environmental Adjustment; up to $3.5 billion in contracts for fuel and purchased power, and up to $4 billion of long-term bonds.
  • Approved TVA entering contracts for hydroelectric modernization and transmission system construction and modification services.
  • Approved changes to the annual and long-term employee performance goals incentive programs.
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Herrod joins TECA staff

NASHVILLE – Krista Herrod of Hendersonville joined the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association Monday, Aug. 19, as an administrative assistant. A 2010 graduate of Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro with a degree in nutrition and food science, Herrod previously worked as a receptionist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. She grew up in Hendersonville and graduated from Beech High School. In her spare time, Herrod enjoys running, traveling and scrapbooking.

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Chickasaw EC recognized as solar leader

Somerville, Tenn.—A renewable energy survey recognizes the customers of Chickasaw Electric Cooperative as one of the top consumers of solar-generated power in the nation. According the report from the Solar Electric Power Association, CEC generates an average of 216.7 watts of solar energy per customer, the fifth most of any utility in the nation.

This is the first time Chickasaw EC has ranked on the survey. The recognition follows the installation of the West Tennessee Solar Farm in early 2012, which generates 5 megawatts of solar power brought onto the TVA power grid through Chickasaw EC.

The West Tennessee Solar Farm, located in Haywood County, is a cooperative program between the University of Tennessee, Chickasaw EC, TVA and others. It adds about five megawatts of solar power onto the TVA grid, which is enough to power 500 homes. The power harnessed at the solar farm enters the TVA grid through Chickasaw EC lines. The West Tennessee Solar Farm is the largest single source of solar power in the TVA system.

John Collins, General Manager for Chickasaw EC accepted a plaque to mark the occasion at the utility’s August 6 annual meeting in Somerville.

“It is a true honor to be recognized by SEPA for our efforts to add solar power to the TVA system,” Collins said. “The West Tennessee Solar Farm is a tremendous asset to our community and to know it is one of the top per capita generating systems in the country is a feather in our cap.”

TVA currently owns or purchases more than 6,315 megawatts of renewable generation capacity, including 77 megawatts of solar energy.

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Touchstone Energy Balloon Team comes to Tennessee

The 37th Annual Chapel Hill Lions Club Super Pull of the South has held on Friday and Saturday night, Aug. 19 and 20, drawing some of the biggest crowds in the history of the event.

The weather was beautiful both nights and the track was in perfect shape as pullers came from all over the country to take part in one of the premier events of the National Tractor Pull Association (NTPA) circuit.

Touchstone Energy Cooperatives were a proud sponsor of the event, and the balloon team was on site for tethered rides both nights. A few lucky co-op staffers and directors had an opportunity to fly with the team.

 

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PEC to interconnect massive solar farm

SELMER, Tenn. — Strata Solar is working with the Tennessee Valley Authority and Pickwick Electric Cooperative to develop the two largest solar energy installations in the Tennessee Valley near Selmer in McNairy County, Tenn.

Strata Solar will build and maintain two 20-megawatt solar farms interconnected to the TVA power system through Pickwick Electric Cooperative. TVA will buy the electricity at market rates under TVA’s Renewable Standard Offer program.

Together, the two installations could generate enough electricity in one year to power 4,000 average homes in the Tennessee Valley.

“This project will add a tremendous amount of solar power to our already strong renewable lineup,” said Patty West, TVA director of Renewable Energy Programs. “Because TVA is purchasing the output at market rates, the electricity will also be among our cheapest solar power, moving us toward our vision of being a national leader in providing low-cost and cleaner energy.”

Current plans call for the solar farms to have more than 160,000 solar panels installed on over 300 acres. Each farm will be four times bigger than the largest current solar installation on the TVA system – the University of Tennessee’s 5-megawatt West Tennessee Solar Farm that opened in 2012 in Haywood County, Tenn.

“We are thrilled to be working with TVA & PEC on these pioneering solar projects,” said Markus Wilhelm, founder and CEO of Strata Solar. “The town of Selmer has been extremely welcoming to Strata and very helpful throughout the project planning. We are looking forward to bringing a wealth of new jobs and an abundance of renewable energy to such a fine city.”

Karl Dudley, president of Pickwick Electric, said, “We are proud to be an integral part of TVA’s goal to build a stronger renewable portfolio. This project will also spur economic development in our area, and that is always a good thing.”

The Strata Solar projects have been accepted into TVA’s Renewable Standard Offer program, pending an environmental review and interconnection studies that must be completed before construction begins. TVA is accepting public comments on the environmental review at www.tva.com/environment/reports/strata/ through Aug. 13, 2013.

TVA currently owns or purchases more than 6,400 megawatts of renewable generation, including 77 megawatts of solar energy. It also supports the renewable energy industry through its Green Power Switch, Green Power Providers, and Solar Solutions Initiatives programs.

Strata Solar LLC, based in Chapel Hill, N.C., is an integrated solar energy company that owns and operates commercial and utility scale solar energy systems. With over 150 megawatts commissioned and a gigawatt under development, Strata is one of the nation’s largest solar integrators. For more information, please visit www.StrataSolar.com.

 

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TECA purchases new facility in Nashville

The Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association announces its purchase of a 14,125-square-foot office building located at 2964 Sidco Drive in the 100 Oaks area of Nashville.

TECA purchased the building from Knestrick Construction, which will continue to operate out of the building as a tenant. The association will occupy  approximately 10,000 square feet of space in the recently renovated facility. TECA is in the process of selling its current building on Spence Lane where it has operated for more than 50 years.

“We are excited about the new location,” says David Callis, executive vice president and general manager of TECA.  “The central location, Interstate  access and close proximity to restaurants and other amenities make this a great location for our association. We will be easily accessible to our member cooperatives from around the state and be near Legislative Plaza, downtown and the airport.”

TECA will continue to operate from its facility at 710 Spence Lane until the relocation is completed in September.

Our future address:
Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association
2964 Sidco Drive, Nashville, TN


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2013 Washington Youth Tour

More than 140 high school juniors from across Tennessee experienced an in-depth look at our nation’s capital during the 2013 Rural Electric Youth Tour.

Students from across the state were rewarded with a weeklong tour of Washington, D.C., for writing winning short stories titled “Electric Cooperatives: Powering Your Communities” describing how locally owned, member-controlled electric cooperatives provide valuable community-building support in addition to reliable and affordable electric service.

The Washington Youth Tour is a joint effort of Tennessee’s local electric cooperatives, the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association and National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. Each school year, cooperatives sponsor a short story contest for high school juniors. Winners are awarded spots on the expense-paid trip to our nation’s capital the following June as part of the Washington Youth Tour. This year’s tour ran June 13-20 and included meeting with elected officials, visits to Washington’s popular tourist stops and time to visit with winners representing other co-ops across the state.

Students on the tour visited 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 conflicts. Strolls through the varied museums of the Smithsonian Institution afforded the students opportunities to learn more about science, history and art. Other fun stops included homes of former presidents — George Washington’s Mount Vernon and Jefferson’s Monticello — a performance of “Shear Madness” at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, a boat cruise down the Potomac River and tours of the National Museum of Crime and Punishment, Ford’s Theatre and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.

The Youth Tour also included a solemn and sobering visit to Arlington National Cemetery, where the group laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns. And the Tennessee group marveled at the precision and skill of the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps and Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon at the Sunset Parade, performed in front of the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial’s iconic statue re-creating the flag-raising over Iwo Jima during World War II.

No trip to Washington, D.C., would be complete without a lesson or two in government and civics. The group was welcomed to the U.S. Capitol by Reps. Marsha Blackburn and Stephen Fincher, and their staff members treated students to a special after-hours, VIP tour. Students also met Sens. Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker as well as former Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen. Several representatives also spent some time with their constituents outside the Capitol and posed for photos.

Tennessee’s Youth Tour delegation joined other trip winners from across the country for Youth Day on Monday, June 17. More than 1,500 students came together to swap stories of their Washington experiences. They listened to presentations by former Nebraska State Sen. David Landis, who told, in character, the story of the late U.S. Sen. George W. Norris of Neb., explaining the formation of and the politics surrounding the creation of electric cooperatives and the Rural Electrification Act. And Mike Schlappi, a four-time Paralympic medalist and two-time wheelchair basketball champion, urged the young attendees, “Just because you can’t stand up doesn’t mean you can’t stand out.”

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Best of Tennessee 2013

It’s time for you to have your say in determining the best Tennessee has to offer. We again invite — and urge — you to help name the honorees of the 2013 Best of Tennessee Readers’ Choice Awards, which recognize winners from the three regions of the Volunteer State. And just for nominating your favorites, you’ll be entered in a drawing for entertaining Tennessee-themed prizes. Vote in as many or as few categories as you feel knowledgeable, but keep in mind that only ballots with 15 or more categories with at least one vote will be eligible for the prize drawing.

You can vote for up to three “Bests” in any given category. As an example, if you have a favorite state park in each region of the state — West, Middle and East — then you can vote for one in each.

votePlease be as specific as possible. For example, for Favorite Hiking Trail, specify the name of the trail such as the Fiery Gizzard Trail in the South Cumberland Recreation Area. Please include the towns where businesses or parks are located. Generic answers will not be counted. To celebrate the uniqueness of Tennessee, please exclude national franchises and chains (restaurants, coffee shops, hotels, etc.) from your responses.

Our annual “Best of Tennessee” is a fun way to interact with our readers and honor the great aspects of our state.

Official Rules

  • No purchase necessary.
  • One entry per person.
  • Ballot must be postmarked no later than Thursday, Aug 15, 2013.
  • To be eligible for the prize drawings, ballots must have a “Best of Tennessee” vote in at least 15 categories.
  • You can cast votes in any or all of the regions.
  • Drawing to be held by Friday, Aug. 30.
  • Must be at least 18 years old to win.
  • Grand-prize winners will be notified by mail.

Best of Tennessee results will be published in the October edition of The Tennessee Magazine. Electric cooperative employees and their immediate families are not eligible for the prize giveaways.

Enter online for a chance to win $250

You can vote online. To encourage online balloting, we will randomly choose one entry from our online submissions to win $250.

How to enter via mail

Complete the contact information form below, cast your votes on the ballot on the next page and mail both to the address on the form below.

Prize packages

Winners will be chosen randomly from a drawing of all entries received. Three grand-prize packages will be awarded (one each from West, Middle and East Tennessee). Remember, you must vote in at least 15 categories to be eligible for the prize drawing.

Winners will receive certificates courtesy of Tennessee State Parks for up to a four-night stay at any of the six state resort park inns. The resort parks are Fall Creek Falls, Henry Horton, Montgomery Bell, Natchez Trace, Paris Landing and Pickwick Landing. Visit www.tn.gov/environment/parks.

Each winner will receive a basket of farm-direct and locally made artisan foods from Pick Tennessee Products, a division of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.

The Tennessee Magazine will award $250 to each winner to spend while you’re enjoying your state park visit.

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Co-ops alarmed by Obama proposal

NASHVILLE – In a speech today at Georgetown University, President Obama announced a broad federal mandate to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from electric power plants. The President will instruct federal regulators to apply the Clean Air Act to carbon dioxide emissions from power plants, effectively outlawing coal-burning facilities.

“More than 40 percent of electricity used in Tennessee comes from coal, so the President’s plan will be a disaster for Tennessee families and businesses,” says Mike Knotts, director of government affairs with the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association. “Reliable, low cost electricity is the backbone of the U.S. economy.”

While the President’s plan will impose costly regulations on all consumers, Tennessee’s electric cooperatives are especially concerned about this proposal because rural and low-income Americans already spend disproportionately more on energy than others.

“The President’s proposal will make electricity more expensive, causing families and businesses to sacrifice even more,” says Knotts. “Without question, electric bills will get bigger for the Americans who can least afford to pay them.”

Tennessee’s electric cooperatives will actively monitor this proposal, review its impact on ratepayers and keep members informed and engaged on the issue.

The Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association represents Tennessee’s 23 not-for-profit, member-owned electric cooperatives and the 1.1 million consumers they serve across rural and suburban Tennessee. Click here to learn more and get involved.

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