Vanderbilt University, Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), Nashville Electric Service (NES), Duck River Electric Membership Corporation (DREMC), and Silicon Ranch Corporation broke ground today on a new solar farm that is now under construction in Bedford County, Tennessee. The 35-megawatt (MWAC) Vanderbilt I Solar Farm is expected to begin producing power before the end of 2022, bringing new renewable generation to the Tennessee Valley.
Originally announced in January 2020, the partnership was the first of its kind under TVA’s nationally-recognized Green Invest Program, which matches demand for green power from diverse business, industrial and organizational customers with new utility-scale solar projects located within the Valley. The award-winning renewable energy program offers customers an effective, timely, and cost-competitive solution to meet their sustainability goals in a way that benefits the broader community.
“Today marks a milestone for the Tennessee Valley as we break ground on the first project ever developed under TVA’s Green Invest program, and we are thrilled to be doing so with Vanderbilt University, our long-term partners NES and DREMC, and our local renewable energy partner Silicon Ranch,” said Jeannette Mills, TVA Executive Vice President and Chief External Relations Officer. “Together with 153 local power company partners, TVA is building the energy system of the future. Green Invest has positioned us to bring together customers and renewable energy partners who are all investing in our communities.”
In 2019, Vanderbilt announced its goal to power the campus entirely through renewable energy and become carbon neutral by 2050. The renewable generation from the Vanderbilt I will offset approximately 70% of Vanderbilt University’s annual Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions, or the equivalent of enough power to help serve more than 6,000 homes for one year.
“We are excited to partner with TVA, NES, and Silicon Ranch on this landmark solar project, which we hope will provide a model of collaborative, forward-thinking solutions that can be adopted by other organizations in our region and across the country,” said Daniel Diermeier, Chancellor of Vanderbilt University. “The Vanderbilt I Solar Farm will generate new jobs and tax revenues for the local community and also yield new educational and research opportunities for our faculty and our students—setting a bold precedent for how we can continue to work together on behalf of our shared future.”
Nashville-based Silicon Ranch is funding the project and plans to hire more than 250 craft workers, the majority of whom will be recruited from the Bedford County area and the military veteran community, to install the facility. Silicon Ranch will also own, operate, and maintain the Vanderbilt I Solar Farm, a disciplined approach the company takes with every project it develops.
“Several of our colleagues and I are proud Vanderbilt alumni, and all of us at Silicon Ranch applaud this world-class institution for its bold and thoughtful leadership,” said Matt Kisber, Co-Founder and Chairman of Silicon Ranch. “Thanks to Vanderbilt’s commitment and the vision of our friends at TVA, NES, and DREMC, Silicon Ranch is on pace to invest well over $1 billion in renewable energy projects across the Tennessee Valley, and we are proud to expand this legacy to Bedford County.”
To facilitate the Vanderbilt I Solar Farm, Vanderbilt entered into an agreement with TVA and NES, the university’s local power company. The solar project will interconnect to the electric grid through the distribution system of another local power company, DREMC.
“NES is proud to partner with TVA, Vanderbilt, DREMC and Silicon Ranch to reduce carbon emissions in our region,” said Decosta Jenkins, President and CEO of NES. “We are committed to providing safe, reliable, and affordable power while continuing to listen to our customers’ needs.”
“Duck River Electric is thrilled to support this project and our friends at Vanderbilt, NES, TVA, and Silicon Ranch on this journey,” said Scott Spence, President and CEO of DREMC. “It is a privilege to be part of helping Vanderbilt achieve their sustainability goals, while ensuring the members of Duck River Electric do not incur any of the expense.”
The Vanderbilt I Solar Farm will utilize Silicon Ranch’s transformative Regenerative Energy® land management model, a holistic approach to design, construction, and operations that co-locates renewable energy production with regenerative agriculture practices. The innovative platform delivers valuable environmental, social, and economic outcomes above and beyond the significant positive impacts a solar facility alone can generate, creating additional value for the surrounding communities and project stakeholders. Once the project is operational, Silicon Ranch will restore the land to a functioning grassland ecosystem while keeping the project in agricultural production through managed sheep grazing using regenerative land management practices.
Inspect outdoor tools before starting yard work
Can’t wait to get outdoors to start sprucing up your yard for spring? Take a few minutes before you power up your lawn tools to make sure they’re in good shape for the season ahead.
Here are some tips for spring cleaning your power tools.
Working with damaged or malfunctioning tools can cause injuries. Keep yourself and your family safe by inspecting, repairing and replacing tools that could turn a beautiful spring into a disaster.
Photo by Ra Dragon on Unsplash
Limit number of appliances in single outlet
How many appliances do you have plugged into the power strip in your TV room?
Take note: Each of those electronics uses a lot of electricity, so if you power up all of them at once, you could be overloading an electrical circuit. That’s because even though each plug goes into a separate socket on the power strip, the power strip itself is plugged into a single outlet.
And if you have plugged a power strip into another one to increase the number of appliances you can power from that single outlet, you could be setting yourself up for trouble.
At a minimum, you could trip the circuit connected to that single outlet. Worst case, you could start a fire by overloading that circuit.
If your circuits are overloaded, it’s time to call a licensed electrician to upgrade the home’s electrical system so it can keep up with the demands new technology places on it.
Here’s how to tell if your home’s circuits are overloaded, according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International:
Here are some guidelines that could help you avoid overloading your circuits:
Photo by Roam In Color on Unsplash
These Boots Were Made for Skating
With the 2022 Winter Olympics underway, some of the world’s most exceptional athletes have taken the stage to compete for the gold. From snowboarding to skiing to figure skating, there are a variety of events taking place that will have you cheering for Team USA from your living room.
While the Olympics are happening on the other side of the globe, did you know that Tennessee is home to a company that specializes in none other than figure skating boots?
Last October, figure skating boot manufacturer SP-Teri announced plans to invest more than $430,000 to relocate and expand its headquarters and manufacturing operations from Nashville to McEwen, Tennessee.
It’s easy to wonder how such a specialty manufacturer like SP-Teri landed in a state as hot as Tennessee, so without further ado, let us explain.
Founded in California by Joseph Spiteri in 1963, SP-Teri has served elite figure skaters by manufacturing ice skate boots for more than 50 years.
When the founder’s son, George, decided to retire in 2019, a two-time Olympic figure skating competitor and current coach with Nashville Skating Academy, Bill Fauver stepped up to the plate to assist in purchasing the company as he had previously served SP-Teri as a brand and sales representative for Tennessee.
Thus, SP-Teri’s operations moved from California to Tennessee just months before March of 2020 when Nashville was struck by the horrific tornados.
SP-Teri was among the list of businesses that experienced complete devastation, and about three months after settling in Davidson County, the company had to find a new location for its operations.
Fast forward to 2021, company president Bill Fauver settled SP-Teri in McEwen, Tennessee, operating in the former OshKosh B’gosh building. McEwen is served by Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative.
Just when one might think that blue skies were ahead, Humphreys County experienced torrential flooding, and in its path was SP-Teri’s new facility.
Fortunately, aside from roof damage, the building remained intact, and SP-Teri was able to maintain production.
Now that 2022 is in full swing, things are looking up as the company is in talks with Chattanooga-based Moonlight Roller about manufacturing roller skate boots.
“That is the bright future,” said Fauver. “The company has done well out of Chattanooga and is trying to bring production to the United States.”
Although Fauver weathered two of Tennessee’s roughest storms, his outlook remains positive as the company will continue to operate here in Tennessee.
Regarding working with Moonlight Roller, Fauver mentioned that “there won’t be shipping issues” and that the company “will be able to pivot design changes easily.”
“We think there will be some opportunities for us to offer a complete roller skate down the road,” Fauver said.
While the company may be shifting its focus to roller skate boots in the short term, they will continue manufacturing ice skate boots, keeping SP-Teri’s legacy alive.
According to Fauver, the busy season is year-round for competitive skaters, but there is always an uptick in activity for public skating during the Olympics.
“You’ve got more skaters wanting to learn to skate, and then more people wanting boots,” he explained.
Whether it’s ice skating or roller skating, remember, the next time you find yourself slipping on a pair of skates, know that the boots may have been mastered in Tennessee.
This story originally appeared on the TNECD website. Thanks to Lindsey Tipton for permission to share.
Co-ops tell story of rural Tennessee during day on the hill
NASHVILLE – More than 140 electric co-op leaders from across the state were in Nashville on Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 15 and 16, for the 2022 Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association Legislative Conference. During meetings with legislators on Capitol Hill, co-op members and employees stressed the important role that co-ops play in their communities and briefed lawmakers on issues that impact rural and suburban Tennessee.
Gov. Bill Lee welcomed attendees to Nashville on Wednesday morning. “The services you provide to rural Tennesseans are incredibly important,” said Lee.
Tennessee’s electric cooperatives maintain a visible presence in Nashville and Washington, D.C., to protect the interests of co-ops and their consumer-owners. “Electric co-ops are complex and heavily regulated businesses, and the decisions made by legislators can have a significant impact on the affordability and reliability of the energy they provide to millions of families across Tennessee,” says David Callis, CEO of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association. “We must tell the electric cooperative story and educate lawmakers about the impact of proposed legislation.”
“Advocating for our members doesn’t stop at the edge of our service territory. It is critically important that our elected leaders keep cooperatives in mind when crafting laws and regulations that impact us,” says Dave Cross, president of TECA’s board of trustees and CEO of Plateau Electric Cooperative, headquartered in Oneida. “We have a responsibility to our communities to tell their story.”
Broadband was a topic discussed during visits with legislators. “We’ve invested heavily in broadband expansion, and you’re key to that,” said Gov. Lee. “Unless every Tennessean has access to opportunity – every kid in the urban center and every kid in the farthest-reaching rural communities – then we have not done our job. The ways we do that in large part is through the services and technology that you make possible.”
More than 100 legislative visits were made during the conference, and many legislators from across the state attended a reception honoring members of the Tennessee General Assembly.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Trent Scott | Vice President of Strategy | 615.515.5534 | [email protected]
Tennessee co-ops restoring power after ice storm
An early February ice storm left thousands of Tennessee electric co-op consumer-members without power Thursday, Feb. 3. The system left upwards of a 1/2 inch of ice in some places, the added weight bringing down trees and power lines as wind speeds topped 30 miles an hour.
Power outages were first reported Thursday morning by co-ops along the Mississippi River in far west Tennessee. By Thursday afternoon more than 20,000 co-op members were without power. Chickasaw Electric Cooperative in Somerville had more than 10,000 members without power, nearly half of its total membership. Southwest Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation, Gibson Electric Membership Corporation, Forked Deer Electric Membership Corporation and Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation also received damage from the storm.
“We are very sorry, but this will be a lengthy outage for some customer-members,” said Andrea Kee, spokesperson for Chickasaw Electric Cooperative in a social media post on Thursday evening. “This morning we reached out to other cooperatives for help, and we are happy to report that additional crews are headed this way to help with the storm repair. We sincerely appreciate our customer-members’ patience and support. Your comments on our social media pages and phone calls do not go unnoticed.”
“Crews have made great progress overnight getting larger outages resolved,” said Billy Gordon, vice president of technical operations for Southwest Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation in Brownsville. “For those members still without power, progress today will be slow as linemen spread out to work smaller individual outages one-by-one. Of our 137 different outages, 65 affect a single member.”
“We will restore service to everyone as quickly as we safely can,” said Dan Rodamaker, President and CEO of Gibson Electric Membership Corporation. “However, with a growing number of outage trouble spots and with the downed lines and broken poles that ice can cause, repairs may be time-intensive.”
Additional crews from Duck River Electric Membership Corporation, Tennessee Valley Electric Cooperative, Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative and Pickwick Electric Cooperative, along with multiple contract construction crews, are assisting with restoration efforts this morning.
Winter storm – tips to prepare
NASHVILLE – Electric co-ops across west and middle Tennessee today are preparing for a significant winter storm that is expected to impact the Volunteer State overnight and Thursday.
“Damage caused by ice can be widespread and create extended power outages,” says Trent Scott, vice president of corporate strategy for the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association. “Co-ops are closely monitoring forecasts and preparing crews and equipment to respond quickly if outages occur, and we encourage our members to get ready for the potential of power outages, especially in the hardest hit areas.”
When ice builds up, the added weight can break trees, poles and wires leading to power outages. Co-ops crews will work to restore power, but there are a few things you can do to prepare.
Stay warm
Plan to use a safe alternate heating source, such as a fireplace or wood-burning stove during a power outage. These are great options to keep you and your loved ones warm, but exercise caution when using, and never leave the heating source unattended. If you are using gasoline-, propane- or natural gas-burning devices to stay warm, never use them indoors. Remember that fuel- and wood-burning sources of heat should always be properly ventilated. Always read the manufacturer’s directions before using.
Stay fed
The CDC recommends having several days’ supply of food that does not need to be cooked handy. Crackers, cereal, canned goods and bread are good options. Five gallons of water per person should also be available in the event of an extended power outage.
Stay safe
When an outage occurs, it usually means power lines are down. It is best not to travel during winter storms, but if you must, bring a survival kit along, and do not travel alone. If you encounter downed lines, always assume they are live. Stay as far away from the downed lines as possible, and report the situation to your local electric co-op. Take caution when using generators. Follow all directions and do not connect a generator to your home’s electrical system without proper equipment and inspections. Check on the welfare of neighbors, especially the elderly.
February is American Heart Month
As soon as Christmas was over, stores and businesses started decorating with hearts in preparation for Valentine’s Day.
But American Heart Month isn’t just about romance. It’s about keeping your heart healthy by eating nutritious food and regulating blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Even if your New Year’s resolution to eat healthier and exercise regularly is already a distant memory, February is a great time to kick-start your healthy heart routine.
The electric appliances you might already have in your kitchen can help.
For example, a multicooker like the Instant Pot can steam and air-fry meat and vegetables without oil. A slow cooker can prepare chicken and beef dishes without added fats, too, if you let them simmer in broth, juice or another liquid and let the meal stew all day.
An electric indoor grill draws the fat from meat into a drip pan below the grate instead of using it to cook the dish. And a blender with blades sharp enough to shred ice makes it simple to whip up smoothies for breakfast and snacks so you and your family get plenty fruits and veggies, even in the morning.
This February, redefine “romance” to include helping your partner get and stay healthy. Recommit to those New Year’s resolutions and celebrate Heart Month by protecting yours and those of your loved ones.
Wash Your Washer
Staying home more often than usual means you’re probably using your appliances nonstop. And that means you need to clean them more often.
Don’t overlook the appliances that aren’t in the kitchen.
It seems like your clothes washer would be a self-cleaning machine because it’s used for cleaning. But the more you use it, the more it needs a good scrubbing to get rid of built-up detergent and ward off mold.
Here are a few pre-spring cleaning tips for the laundry room:
Top-loading washers: Built-up detergent and fabric softeners can clog the machine if you don’t remove it regularly. To do that, remove the dispensers for those liquids and scrub them with soap, water and a non-scratch sponge. Then, fill the washer with hot water and add a cup of bleach. Let it sit for an hour before running a full wash cycle—with an empty tub. Then, fill it again, and this time add a cup of white vinegar and run a full wash cycle again. Finally, run a wash cycle with nothing but hot water.
For your first load of laundry after you clean the tub, wash whites only in case any residual bleach is still in the washer.
Front-loading washers: Get rid of mold and grime that get trapped in the door seal. Use a toothbrush and a solution of eight or nine cups of water and one cup of bleach to scrub the seal. Then, clean the tub the same way you would sanitize a top-loader, above.
Don’t forget about your dishwasher, too. Many people do not realize that newer dishwashers have filters that should be cleaned manually. Be sure to remove and clean the filter monthly of food particles and grease buildup that cause bad smells in your dishwasher. Clean debris away from the filter, then twist filter to remove (or consult your manufacturer’s guide). Scrub the filter with a soft brush or cloth under hot water until clean; then replace filter.
Vantage Point Adds Environmental and Cultural Resource Services
“Construction projects across the country are facing increased environmental and cultural resource requirements,” says Chad Glanzer, President of Vantage Point Solutions. “The ability to provide these services in-house streamlines how our clients meet those requirements.”
The in-house team will help clients fulfill requirements of the National Environmental Protection Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, and the Clean Water Act, as well as state and tribal historic preservation offices, the Army Corps of Engineers, and FCC Form 620/621.
Environmental services include floodplain mapping, wetland delineation, biological and environmental studies, and agency coordination. Cultural resource services include literature reviews, reconnaissance surveys, site evaluation, mitigation plans, excavation and recovery projects, artifact curation, construction monitoring, and determination of effect.
Jana Morehouse
The new department is led by Jana Morehouse, a Registered Professional Archeologist and Department of the Interior-qualified Principal Investigator with over 15 years of experience in the industry. In this new role, Morehouse oversees a team of archeologists and environmental scientists whose experience spans the country in areas ranging from coastal monitoring to historical architecture. “We study the past to help others in the future,” Morehouse says. “As part of the Vantage Point team, we are leveraging that experience to improve and streamline client projects.”
Being part of a larger spectrum of services has additional benefits for clients, according to Morehouse: “Being fully integrated means we understand the entire project and can see problems before they become a problem. We can proactively fix things before they cause delays.”
Since it’s founding in 2002, Vantage Point has offered multiple integrated services under the same roof. In recent years that has included a focus on clearing hurdles to construction: The Right-of-Way and permitting team has been expanded significantly, and an Aerial Make Ready department was added in 2017.
The new Environmental department – which includes both environmental and historical preservation staff – is an extension of that focus, says Glanzer: “It’s easier for clients. Every project encounters an issue at some point, and being all on the same team means there’s less runaround to get to a solution. Experts are already engaged.”
The Environmental department will work alongside the existing Right-of-Way team, providing comprehensive permitting expertise directly integrated with OSP project managers.
Vanderbilt solar farm to be built in Duck River Electric Co-op service area
Vanderbilt University, Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), Nashville Electric Service (NES), Duck River Electric Membership Corporation (DREMC), and Silicon Ranch Corporation broke ground today on a new solar farm that is now under construction in Bedford County, Tennessee. The 35-megawatt (MWAC) Vanderbilt I Solar Farm is expected to begin producing power before the end of 2022, bringing new renewable generation to the Tennessee Valley.
Originally announced in January 2020, the partnership was the first of its kind under TVA’s nationally-recognized Green Invest Program, which matches demand for green power from diverse business, industrial and organizational customers with new utility-scale solar projects located within the Valley. The award-winning renewable energy program offers customers an effective, timely, and cost-competitive solution to meet their sustainability goals in a way that benefits the broader community.
“Today marks a milestone for the Tennessee Valley as we break ground on the first project ever developed under TVA’s Green Invest program, and we are thrilled to be doing so with Vanderbilt University, our long-term partners NES and DREMC, and our local renewable energy partner Silicon Ranch,” said Jeannette Mills, TVA Executive Vice President and Chief External Relations Officer. “Together with 153 local power company partners, TVA is building the energy system of the future. Green Invest has positioned us to bring together customers and renewable energy partners who are all investing in our communities.”
In 2019, Vanderbilt announced its goal to power the campus entirely through renewable energy and become carbon neutral by 2050. The renewable generation from the Vanderbilt I will offset approximately 70% of Vanderbilt University’s annual Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions, or the equivalent of enough power to help serve more than 6,000 homes for one year.
“We are excited to partner with TVA, NES, and Silicon Ranch on this landmark solar project, which we hope will provide a model of collaborative, forward-thinking solutions that can be adopted by other organizations in our region and across the country,” said Daniel Diermeier, Chancellor of Vanderbilt University. “The Vanderbilt I Solar Farm will generate new jobs and tax revenues for the local community and also yield new educational and research opportunities for our faculty and our students—setting a bold precedent for how we can continue to work together on behalf of our shared future.”
Nashville-based Silicon Ranch is funding the project and plans to hire more than 250 craft workers, the majority of whom will be recruited from the Bedford County area and the military veteran community, to install the facility. Silicon Ranch will also own, operate, and maintain the Vanderbilt I Solar Farm, a disciplined approach the company takes with every project it develops.
“Several of our colleagues and I are proud Vanderbilt alumni, and all of us at Silicon Ranch applaud this world-class institution for its bold and thoughtful leadership,” said Matt Kisber, Co-Founder and Chairman of Silicon Ranch. “Thanks to Vanderbilt’s commitment and the vision of our friends at TVA, NES, and DREMC, Silicon Ranch is on pace to invest well over $1 billion in renewable energy projects across the Tennessee Valley, and we are proud to expand this legacy to Bedford County.”
To facilitate the Vanderbilt I Solar Farm, Vanderbilt entered into an agreement with TVA and NES, the university’s local power company. The solar project will interconnect to the electric grid through the distribution system of another local power company, DREMC.
“NES is proud to partner with TVA, Vanderbilt, DREMC and Silicon Ranch to reduce carbon emissions in our region,” said Decosta Jenkins, President and CEO of NES. “We are committed to providing safe, reliable, and affordable power while continuing to listen to our customers’ needs.”
“Duck River Electric is thrilled to support this project and our friends at Vanderbilt, NES, TVA, and Silicon Ranch on this journey,” said Scott Spence, President and CEO of DREMC. “It is a privilege to be part of helping Vanderbilt achieve their sustainability goals, while ensuring the members of Duck River Electric do not incur any of the expense.”
The Vanderbilt I Solar Farm will utilize Silicon Ranch’s transformative Regenerative Energy® land management model, a holistic approach to design, construction, and operations that co-locates renewable energy production with regenerative agriculture practices. The innovative platform delivers valuable environmental, social, and economic outcomes above and beyond the significant positive impacts a solar facility alone can generate, creating additional value for the surrounding communities and project stakeholders. Once the project is operational, Silicon Ranch will restore the land to a functioning grassland ecosystem while keeping the project in agricultural production through managed sheep grazing using regenerative land management practices.
MTE’s Chris Jones receives national communications award
Murfreesboro, Tenn. – Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE) President and CEO Chris Jones has received the 2022 J.C. Brown CEO Communication Leadership Award. The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) presented Jones the award at the organization’s CEO Close-Up Conference Jan. 10 in Phoenix.
According to NRECA, the J.C. Brown Award “recognizes an electric cooperative or public power district CEO/general manager who is committed to advancing communication at the cooperative and in the electric cooperative industry.”
Jones has an extensive background in the communications field, graduating from the University of Tennessee with a degree in communications and starting his career as a journalist and editor. He went to work at MTE in 1999, serving as communications coordinator and the VP of communications and member services before being named CEO in 2013.
“We should understand, yet not be intimidated by, the reality that communication is work that is never finished and demands intentionality and continuous improvement,” Jones said. “I have been studying communication since college and attempting to execute it throughout my professional career, and I know I still have much to learn and improve upon. However, I am humbled by and appreciative of this recognition from NRECA.”
Jones emphasizes the importance of clear, simple and repeated communication across multiple channels to all of MTE’s audiences, always striving to meet the goal of making the lives of MTE members better. In recent years, his leadership and robust communication efforts have navigated the organization through a major tornado in its service area, several severe weather events, the acquisition of United Communications, the merger with the Murfreesboro Electric Department, the continued impacts of COVID-19 and a complete brand refresh.
His nomination was given a perfect score by one of the three judges who helped select this year’s winner and another mentioned his “notable” use of a strategic plan to communicate the organization’s mission and goals with both employees and members.
General Assembly app updated for 2022
Tennessee legislators will return to Nashville on Jan. 11 for the second session of the 112th Tennessee General Assembly. During this year’s session lawmakers will consider legislation that can have an impact on Tennessee families and businesses. That makes it important to stay informed and, at times, reach out to your elected officials.
The Tennessee General Assembly app features a continually updated, searchable database of contact, staff and committee information as well as district maps, photos, leadership roles and social media profiles for members of the Tennessee House and Senate. It also contains information on the governor and his cabinet and the Tennessee congressional delegation.
The app was developed through a partnership between the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association and Bass, Berry & Sims PLC. TECA has published an annual directory of the General Assembly for more than 50 years. “Each year, we collect and maintain information on legislators, and we believe that all Tennesseans should have easy access to this information for their lawmakers,” says David Callis, executive vice president and general manager of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association. “The app makes it easier than ever to connect with your elected representatives.”
The free app is available for iPhone, iPad and Android devices and can be found by searching for “Tennessee General Assembly” in the Apple App Store or Google PLAY Marketplace.
Keep pets warm, too
Sure, your cat or dog was born with a thick, furry coat to help it stay warm all winter, but if you’re cold, your pet probably is, too. A few easy habits will make your precious pet more comfortable—and safe—during the coldest days, indoors and out.
For starters, keep your house comfortably humidified. Your heating system can dry out indoor air, so consider placing a portable humidifier in the rooms where your pet spends the most time. And whenever you bring your dog back inside after a walk, dry it off, from head to toes—and in between the toes.
Keep Fido inside your comfortably heated home as much as possible during the winter and don’t let Fluffy out at all.
Cats love to cozy up to an operating space heater, but the appliance can burn their skin. They also can knock it over, and if it doesn’t shut itself off and you’re in another room, this could create a fire hazard.
If you use space heaters, consider investing in one with panels and vents that are too small for them to poke their paws through. Look for a model with mesh or a grill on front so pet hair can’t get into the heater and damage the device or start a fire.
Ceramic models stay cool to the touch; those are safest for pets, according to MetLife, which sells pet insurance.
Avoid leaving a pet in a room with a space heater unless you’re there, too. Even the best built-in safety features are no substitute for human supervision.
Store electric decorations safely
But are you piling tangles of electric light strands into a box that’s a little bit too small? And how about the extension cords that let you plug your tree into an outlet that was way too far away for a regular cord to reach.
It’s a good bet that those extension cords are still plugged in.
Once this holiday season is over, take as much care with electrical cords as you do with the family heirlooms that help make your holidays special. Here are five ways to keep your light strands in good shape and prevent them from becoming next winter’s fire hazard.
Stay warm on the coldest days
January and February typically are the coldest months of the year. That doesn’t mean you have to be cold for two months, especially inside your own home.
Dressing in layers, wearing socks with your slippers and staying active are no-cost, no-tech ways to stay cozy indoors even when all you can see for miles is snow and ice. Other tips for staying warm are:
December Destruction
Weather impacts us all. And this past December was no exception, bringing severe weather to our region. The losses were devastating. My heart goes out to everyone who was affected by the storms. I truly hope that things are on the mend and life is improving. While we all do our best to be aware of severe weather and keep our families safe by hunkering down in an interior closet or a concrete bunker as tornadoes pass, protecting the electric grid is another story entirely.
Storms can severely impact businesses and different industries in a variety of ways. For example, several years ago, I participated in an educational conference that was primarily attended by people involved in agriculture. At that time, there was a large storm system packing hurricane-force winds moving into the Southeast. I was concerned about the effects it would have on the electric grid. The other attendees were concerned about their crops and livestock. All of us were concerned — but for very different reasons. That was an eye-opener for me.
While weather impacts us all, for those of us in the electric utility industry, what happens to our systems affects everyone. In our industry, we keep a close eye on the weather, depending on the National Weather Service, local and national meteorologists, private weather and climate experts, and our own in-house specialists. In early December, we knew the potential for damaging storms existed at least two days before the storms hit on the 10th and 11th.
But no matter what precautions we take to limit loss of life, we can’t do anything about the infrastructure that keeps our homes comfortable and the economy moving.
The December storm was one of the most devastating to hit our region in more than a decade. Not only were many lives lost and homes and businesses destroyed, but the infrastructure that provides power to all of us was also severely damaged.
Your cooperative depends on wholesale delivery of power by the Tennessee Valley Authority, which generates the power and then uses its transmission system to deliver electricity to your local utility.
The destruction to TVA’s transmission system was the worst since 2011; the storm damaged 97 TVA power structures (towers and poles), and 29 transmission line sections were downed. Some towers were destroyed. The result was that even if local utility lines were intact, there was no power to the substation to be able to serve those people.
Compounding this disaster was a lack of materials available to effect repairs. Transformers, which are required to bring the electricity safely into your home at voltages you can use, have been in short supply for months. In recent years, multiple storms have affected numerous utilities, resulting in limited inventories. Manufacturers and suppliers have yet to meet increased demand after being sidelined during the pandemic.
Like always, we pulled together. TVA, Tennessee’s electric co-ops, municipal power providers and contractors restored power as quickly as possible to the communities impacted. Even in the face of tragedy, it was encouraging to see how many rushed to provide assistance when neighbors needed help.
We’ve done this before, and we’ll do it again. We can’t prevent disasters; we can only plan on how we respond. Hopefully, it will a long time before we have to do it again — at least on this scale.
Please click here to learn how you can help recovery efforts.
How you can help tornado victims
On the evening on Friday, Dec. 10, a series of violent tornadoes ripped through Tennessee and Kentucky. Hundreds of homes were damaged or destroyed, and 77 lost their lives.
In the wake of the storm, many are looking for opportunities to assist.
Danny Jowers, emergency management
director for Obion County stands in front of a mountain of donated items in the Samburg, Tenn., resource center.
“The outpouring has been phenomenal,” said Danny Jowers, emergency management director for Obion County as he worked in the Samburg resource center that was established in the days following the storm. “We have plenty of supplies, but if someone wants to make a monetary donation, find a way to do that. People are going to need funds to get their lives back – for housing, for rent or other things they’ll need.”
Several organizations are working in or collecting funds for the affected areas. Some are focused exclusively on co-op employees, while others are providing support for entire communities.
Below is a list of some ways to help victims of the tornadoes.
Kentucky Rural Electric Disaster Fund
Kentucky Electric Cooperatives has organized a fund to assist members of the co-op family who face challenges after disasters and for the aid of communities served by co-ops. Contribute online: https://kyelectric.coop/2021/12/15/kentucky-rural-electric-disaster-fund/
Sensus/Xylem Matching Fund
Sensus, an associate member of TECA, has partnered with Americares to collect funds for those impacted. Sensus/Xylem will match funds up to $25,000 for any donations provided. These funds will go directly into affected areas to assist with real-time needs. Contribute online: https://mywatermark.benevity.org/community/fundraiser/5759
Additional Community and Faith-based Funds
Obion County Tornado Relief Fund
Security Bank and Trust Company
securitybanktn.com • 731-642-6644
Samburg Relief Fund
Security Bank and Trust Company
securitybanktn.com • 731-642-6644
Lake Road Relief Fund
Simmons Bank
simmonsbank.com
The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee
Middle Tennessee Emergency Response Fund
cfmt.org/tornado2021 • 888-540-5200
American Red Cross
redcross.org • 1-800-RED CROSS
Southern Baptist Churches Disaster Relief
tnbaptist.org • 615-373-2255
United Methodist Committee on Relief
umcmission.org • 800-862-4246
Churches of Christ Disaster Relief
churchesofchristdrt.org • 937-308-7593
Samaritan’s Purse
samaritanspurse.org • 828-262-1980
If you are aware of other groups or funds who are supporting the recovery effort, please contact Trent Scott.
Tornado recovery efforts continue
“It hit home,” said Jason Mills, line foreman for Gibson Electric Membership Corporation’s Tiptonville office, of the tornado that damaged parts of Lake and Obion counties on Friday, Dec. 10. “The loss of life hurts – that makes this one a little different.”
Crews today were focusing their efforts on Samburg and the Reelfoot Lake – areas that were directly hit by Friday evening’s storms. The level of devastation is sobering, even for lineworkers accustomed to storm damage.
Crews from Gibson Electric Membership Corporation have been working 16 hours days since the event to restore power. They have been assisted by crews from Chickasaw Electric Cooperative, Forked Deer Electric Cooperative, Pickwick Electric Cooperative and Southwest Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation, along with several contract crews from Service Electric.
Co-op leaders are pleased with the progress that has been made. By Tuesday afternoon, power had been restored to all but 750 consumers.
To Gibson members still without power, Mills reminds them to be patient. “Hang in there,” he said. “We’re working tirelessly to get this done. As soon as we are physically able to get the power back on, we will.”
“What can I say about Gibson Electric? They’re the best in the country I think,” said Danny Jowers, director of emergency management for Obion County. “It’s been phenomenal. There are lots of crews here helping. That’s what co-ops do. If you go help others, and when its time, they come here and help you.”
Tennessee co-ops recover from tornado damage
Crews from Tennessee’s electric co-ops worked through the weekend after a line of severe storms, some producing long-track tornadoes, moved through Tennessee Friday evening and Saturday morning. Initially more than 20,000 co-op consumers were affected by outages, but crews have reduced than number down to fewer than 4,000.
Gibson Electric Membership Corporation, which provides power to particularly hard hit areas of northwest Tennessee and southwest Kentucky, continues to restore power to those impacted. They are being assisted by crews from neighboring co-ops including Southwest Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation, Pickwick Electric Cooperative, Forked Deer Electric Cooperative and Chickasaw Electric Cooperative; neighboring municipal systems including Jackson Energy Authority and Milan Department of Public Utilities; and several contract crews from Service Electric.
“The tornadoes left broken poles on every road they crossed from the Mississippi River to the eastern boundary of our service area,” said Barry Smith, Vice President of Engineering and Operations for Gibson Electric Membership Corporation. “The damage amounts to hundreds of broken poles.”
“Even with all of Gibson EMC’s lineworkers and lineworkers from neighboring utilities, repairing the monumental damage is a painfully slow process,” said Dan Rodamaker, President and CEO of Gibson Electric Membership Corporation and Gibson Connect, the co-op’s broadband subsidiary. “We know how very difficult a lengthy outage is for our members and we are pushing hard to restore electric and internet service as quickly as we safely can.”
Restoration to all homes able to receive power may take several more days.
“The images coming out of northwest Tennessee and southwest Kentucky are truly remarkable,” says David Callis, executive vice president and general manager for the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association. “Tennessee’s electric co-ops, municipal power providers and contractors are working together to restore power as quickly as possible to those communities. Even in the face of tragedy, it is encouraging to see how many rush to provide assistance when neighbors need help.”
Duck River Electric Joins Project UNITE Initiative to Speed Broadband Deployment to Underserved Members
Columbia, Tenn. – Duck River Electric Membership Corporation (DREMC), an electric provider serving 2,500 square miles of middle Tennessee, and United Communications, Middle Tennessee’s leading provider of fiber and fixed wireless internet services, announced today that they are collaborating to expand broadband access to underserved areas across Middle Tennessee.
Industry data indicates that while average household demand for internet data has grown over 38 times in the past decade, approximately 18% of Tennesseans live in unserved areas for broadband internet. The lack of broadband infrastructure in rural areas has resulted in a digital divide, subjecting those without high-speed internet to a significant disadvantage in career development, telemedicine, and social engagement opportunities.
DREMC reinforces its commitment to the members they serve by advancing high-speed internet connectivity. Through the development of a robust fiber backbone that enhances service dependability, DREMC is not only delivering safe and reliable electricity at the lowest possible cost but also supporting United in building a reliable fiber and fixed wireless network in the region.
United is a subsidiary of Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE), and that partnership supports the effort to deliver high-speed internet to underserved areas in Middle Tennessee, the mission of United’s Project UNITE initiative. By collaborating to bridge the digital divide, United, MTE, and now DREMC can expedite the delivery of high-speed internet to areas of need. Specific to DREMC, the relationship solidifies expansion for broadband, especially for many communities that lack adequate internet access.
Project UNITE was initiated by United to focus on rural communities to connect unserved homes and businesses, partner with local stakeholders, companies, and governments seeking grant support, and deliver industry-leading customer experience.
The announcement was made by Scott Spence, President and CEO of DREMC, and William Bradford, President and CEO of United Communications, in conjunction with Chris Jones, President, and CEO of MTE, at the DREMC Office in Columbia, TN, on December 10, 2021.
“DREMC is proud to be part of the solution to the internet needs of members in underserved areas. The first step in this journey began in 2018 with the initial work needed to develop a 386-mile fiber backbone that allows DREMC to better serve members and provide important infrastructure for established internet providers to utilize,” said Spence. “Today, we are excited to partner with United Communications to further leverage what DREMC has built for the benefit of the members we serve. This is a key step in being part of the solution to deliver reliable, competitively priced internet with a focus on customer care.”
The effort to build out the southern Tennessee network is greatly enhanced by DREMC’s foresight and proactivity in establishing a fiber ring throughout their service area that is expected to be complete in mid-2022. United’s expertise in fiber and fixed wireless, combined with DREMC’s assets and permits, provides an effective and efficient way to enter the next phase of delivering broadband and a world-class smart grid.
“United is a local company that serves our customers with the same focus and care that Duck River Electric delivers to their members,” said Bradford. “This relationship creates a powerful bond between two companies that can benefit from each other’s resources and expedite the pathway to internet access, speed, and reliability that everyone deserves. For example, in partnership with MTE, we have been able to build and offer connectivity to over 12,000 unserved locations,” added Bradford. “We understand the special relationship cooperatives have with their members and believe we can apply the knowledge and experience we gained with MTE’s success and leverage that for the benefit of DREMC members.”
“A fundamental cooperative principle is cooperatives supporting cooperatives.” Added MTE President and CEO Chris Jones. “I’m so pleased to see MTE’s broadband company, United Communications, in a position to support our sister cooperative in expanding important service to DREMC members.”
As more planning develops, DREMC members will be able to check if their address is serviceable by United and register their interest by visiting https://united.net.
Additional information on the partnership can be found at www.United.net/DREMC or learn more about Project UNITE at www.United.net/project-unite.