November & December 2016Vol. 20 • No. 2 A

Giving Back is the Co-op Way

As some of you might know, cooperatives across the globe adhere to the same Seven Cooperative Principles that guide all of our decisions — from how we run the co-op, to how we engage with our local communities. Concern for community is the seventh principle, and

it is one that all employees of Tri-County Electric value year round. But during the holiday season, concern for community seems especially important.

Electric cooperatives have a proud history of giving back. Whether it’s providing meals to area football teams and cheerleaders before a big Friday night game, mentoring a high school student, sponsoring a local baseball team, or organizing fundraisers for United Way or Relay for Life, you will find your cooperative employees working in their communities, helping their friends and neighbors.

TCEC members help us give back, too. Through the Energizing Education program, members can round up their energy bills to the next dollar amount, and the extra change goes toward helping those in need — right here in our community.

This summer our members donations accounted for $7,500 in scholarships awarded to deserving local students headed off to college this fall.

So many families struggle to make ends meet on a daily basis. This struggle can be especially hard during the holiday season. But there are many ways you can give back to the community that go beyond dollar donations. Take some time to go through your closets and find clothes that no longer fit or have lost their use. Bag those items and take them to your local Salvation Army, Goodwill or church clothing drive. Volunteer for a local food or toy drive, deliver meals to the sick and the elderly, or simply make a meal for a neighbor in need.

No matter how great or small the act, every time we give back, we strengthen our community. So take the time to give back this holiday season. You’ll be glad you did.

Julius Hackett, CEO

Trustee Neal Brown Retires After 24 Years of ServiceOn Sept. 17, 2016, Trustee

Neal Brown retired after 24 years of dedicated service on the Board of Trustees and to the members of District 3.

During his tenure, Mr. Brown served as Vice President of the TCEC Board, and a Director on the Boards of Seminole Electric Cooperative and

Florida Electric Cooperatives Association. He has been an advisor, a friend and a mentor to many of us at the Cooperative and his guidance and leadership will be greatly missed by all of us.

We wish him the best and hope he enjoys spending time with his family and grandchildren. 23773001

On the cover:

System Engineer Antonio Richardson and Lineman Cody

Holden participating in career day at Madison County Central School.

Hidden somewhere in this issue of Tri-County Rural Living are two member account numbers. Look carefully, one might be yours. If you find your account number exactly as it appears on your bill for electric service, we’ll credit your bill up to the amount of $150!* You have until Dec. 31, 2016, to claim your credit by calling Carol Timmons at (850) 973-2285, Ext. 203 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. You must contact the TCEC representative before the deadline to collect your prize.

* Total credit on bill will not exceed $150.00. This one-time credit is valid only on the current balance. Any balance remaining after the $150.00 applied credit is the member’s responsibility.

Find Your Hidden Account Number & Get a $150 Bill Credit!

2 November & December 2016

BRRRCHILLYHOT CHOCOLATEICE SKATEICICLE

MITTENSSCARFSNOWFLAKESNOWMANWINTER

Meet Your Newest TrusteeDonnie G. Waldrep is the newest

member of the TCEC Board of Trustees and represents District 3, which includes the communities of Greenville and Madison. He was elected during the 76th Annual Meeting. Donnie is a lifelong resident of Madison County and lives in Greenville with his wife, Karen. He attended Greenville High School and North Florida Community College.

Donnie is the owner of FL-GA Wholesale Tire. Although being a business owner is a full-time job, in his spare time he enjoys farming, raising cattle and timber. He is very civic-minded and is a Mason and member of Madison Lodge #11, and a Shriner and member of Marzuq Shrine in Tallahassee, Fla.

“I’m very proud and humbled to be a member of the Tri-County Board of Trustees,” says Waldrep. “I am accessible to every member of TCEC if they need to discuss any problems or have ideas that may improve operations.”

C G T I K V U I K L S Z S B U U A P S S H A I A J W W L N D K T M J I C H Y J V X M P D G P X U E Q S O Z A I I I L H L Q S O P E B M T E C S O H X K P F G E J T C A I T S C A R F F I N E S H X C A O T T K O W B N N D F H L Z E Q W H Q E S O M O O C E B Y A Z Y M W W Z A C H L U W C U M Z I F C N O I N R I P N V X H L F R L L M B N Z B C O K A I T A L P J T P R I U L K S D T Y X X E U R F T V E I D E K M K R I R M U S N O W M A N P V O X

Find these words hidden in the puzzle:

WINTER WORD SEARCH

If the holiday season is nudging you toward good deeds, consider

giving the

Gift of Light a special gift that will provide an electric bill credit for the co-op member of your choice.

Ask one of our Member Service Representatives for more information about

the perfect Christmas gift .

Let us remember that the Christmas heart is a giving heart. A wide open heart that thinks of others first.

November & December 2016 3

Over 600 members were in attendance at Tri-County Electric Cooperative’s 76th Annual Meeting on Sept. 17 at Van H. Priest Auditorium in Madison. The TCEC Annual Meeting is held on the third Saturday in September every year, with this year breaking the record for the most members in attendance.

Maybe it was the fresh donuts and coffee, or the uplifting entertainment provided by the Madison County Boys Choir that drew members from Jefferson, Taylor and Madison counties to attend. Or perhaps it was the opportunity to hear Hall of Fame Speaker Steve Gilliand and the chance to win the big door prize, a 2005 Chevy pick-up.

The first 500 registered members received a TCEC folding bag chair, and all registered members received a $25 bill credit and a ticket for their chance to win one of 100 door prizes!

Special guests included representatives from Seminole Electric Cooperative and Florida Rural Electric Cooperatives Association, county commissioners from across our service territory, and Senator Bill Montford. Not all of the excitement was for the adults however, CFL Charlie had a gift bag for all the kids and the City of Madison Police Department was on the scene to prepare child IDs for everyone 18 and under.

Members residing in Districts 3, 5, and 6 came out to vote for their Board Trustee. Mrs. Catherine Bethea, District 5, ran unopposed and will continue as the voice of D5 for another term. With the retirement of Mr. Neal Brown, District 3 was an open seat. Mr. Donnie Waldrep, nominated from the floor during the business session of the meeting, was voted in by members residing in D3. District 6 members voted on two candidates, Mr. Lonnie Griffin and Mr. Gary Fulford, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. prior to the business session of the meeting. Madison County’s Supervisor of Elections and staff oversaw member voting for D6. Incumbent Mr. Gary Fulford won the election with the majority of votes.

TCEC Board President, Mr. Gary Fulford, opened the meeting and invited the audience to stand for the presentation of colors by Jefferson County Middle/ High School Junior ROTC Color Guard. Antonio Richardson, system engineer for the Cooperative, led the invocation at the conclusion of the Pledge of Allegiance. President Fulford proceeded with the introduction of guests and his comments to the membership. CEO Mr. Julius Hackett addressed members with an update on the Cooperative and gave a brief overview on power restoration efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Hermine. Dylan Rivers, Cooperative Attorney, presided over the business meeting as Cooperative Board Treasurer, Mrs. Catherine Bethea, gave the Treasurer’s report and confirmed that an official quorum had been met to conduct business. Board of Trustees for Districts 3, 5, and 6 were announced. With no further comments from TCEC members, Rivers adjourned the meeting. Bruce and Marcia McCall left the meeting big winners of the grand prize Chevy pick-up, previously owned by the Cooperative.

With the peak number of members in attendance came an increased amount of traffic and longer lines to get to the fun. The Madison County Sheriff ’s Department and the City of Madison Police Department played a crucial role in helping to facilitate registration and voting for such a large group of members and families.

The mood was a joyful one, even in the wake of the recent widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Hermine. Members were able to take a break from cleaning up debris, rebuilding their homes, and aiding neighbors in need to enjoy a morning of fellowship with people, who, like them, believe in the cooperative difference and know that their voice is vital to the future of Tri-County Electric Cooperative.

Record-breaking Attendance at 76th Annual Meeting

Bruce and Marcia McCall are the proud new owners of a 2005 Chevy pick-up truck gently used by TCEC. The McCalls were the lucky one in 600 ticket holders for the grand prize of 100 door prizes given away at this year’s Annual Meeting.

4 November & December 2016 November & December 2016 5

In the early morning hours of Sept. 2, Hurricane Hermine, a Category 1 hurricane, came across Tri-County Electric’s service territory, packing 80 mph sustained winds. In her wake she left downed trees, broken poles, flooded homes and businesses, and many of us without power! Every Cooperative employee worked to get the lights turned back on for our members.

Days began early and ended late. Linemen worked in the dead of night repairing the damage and returned back to the office to find hot meals waiting for them, courtesy of the employees working in the office. Our members offered their support too, they brought baked goods and delivered food during the day to linemen who otherwise refused to stop working for a mid-day meal.

It takes a team to make any operation run smoothly, and that’s what we had here at the Cooperative: co-workers supporting each other, members supporting their co-op, and all of us working together to get the lights back on for every member.

All of us at the Cooperative appreciate the cards, comments and thoughtfulness of our members who supported the linemen during the power restoration effort.

Hurricane Hermine

Early Friday morning over 13,000 members were without power.

6 November & December 2016 November & December 2016 7

8 November & December 2016

Going Solar Just Got Easier for Tri-County Electric Cooperative Members

Members served by Tri-County Electric Cooperative, TCEC, will soon be able to enjoy the benefits of solar energy without the costs and complications of rooftop panels or personal solar systems, thanks to a new program announced by TCEC in partnership with Seminole Electric Cooperative (Seminole).

CEO Julius Hackett said that under the Cooperative Solar program, TCEC member consumers can receive energy

from a large-scale solar facility that distributes energy to individual residences while avoiding the complications of rooftop solar.

“Our new program allows members to subscribe to solar energy from a cooperative-maintained facility, eliminating individual installation concerns such as improper roof orientation, shaded roofs, local zoning restrictions, landlord prohibitions, or long-

term contracts and payments for solar panels,” said Hackett.

“TCEC takes the risk out of ownership and maintenance, while you receive electricity produced by the sun without hassles,” he added.

Tri-County’s Cooperative Solar program will begin enrollment in early 2017. To determine if the program is suited for their specific needs, members should call (850) 973-2285.

A T C E C S O L A R P R O J E C T

Share ThePower OfThe SunOffered to you by yoursafe, reliable, andtrusted energy partner

Cooperative Solar is good for the community – and good for our future!

For more information, please provide your information below:

A T C E C S O L A R P R O J E C T

Complete and drop off at your co-op office or insert in an envelope and mail to:Tri-County Electric Cooperative

2862 W. US 90Madison, FL 32340

NAME ACCOUNT #

ADDRESS

PHONE

CELL

CITY STATE ZIP CODE

I AM INTERESTED IN MORE INFORMATION ON THE:Cooperative Solar Program

2862 West US 90 Madison, Florida 32340 850.973.2285 800.999.2285 Fax 850.973.1209 www.tcec.com

Application for Medical Essential Service I certify that I have, or someone in my household has, a medical need for electricity. This condition is certified by a licensed physician. I understand that it is my responsibility to pay any outstanding utility bill to the Cooperative and that failure to do so will result in termination of utility services. I also understand that electricity served to my residence is subject to unscheduled interruptions and that it is my responsibility to report them to the Cooperative. Medical Essential Service accounts are so identified to serve as a reference for determining priorities in the effort to restore service in the event of widespread or prolonged outages affecting the Cooperative’s system. The Cooperative cannot and does not express or imply that it provides uninterrupted electrical power. The Cooperative advises the patient or account holder to provide for an alternate source of care or electricity in the event electrical service to their location is interrupted.

Member Name: _____________________________________________ Account # _________________ Service Address: _______________________________________________________________________ Primary Phone #: _________________________ Secondary Phone #: ___________________________ Text Alerts: Yes No E-Mail Alerts: Yes No E-mail Address: _______________________ Alternate Contact: ___________________________________Alternate Contact Phone # ____________ Member Signature: _______________________________________________ Date: _______________ By signing above the Member acknowledges responsibility to provide necessary accommodations during a service interruption, either through an alternate power source or location. The member also acknowledges this form must be resubmitted annually, the Cooperative must be notified if Medical Essential Service changes and the member has reviewed Cooperative Policy 602 (attached).

Physicians Statement of Certification This is to certify that _______________________________ has a medical need for electricity and could suffer life threatening conditions if without electricity for more than ________ hours. The patient has been advised of the effects of being without electricity as it pertains to their medical condition; alternate options for the patient in the event of an extended interruption in power have been reviewed. Physician’s Name: __________________________________ Physician’s Phone #: ________________________ Office Address: ______________________________________________ ________________________________ Physician’s License or Certification #________________________________

Physician’s Signature: __________________________________________________ Date: _________________

Medical Essential Service ProgramAt Tri-County Electric, we know

that electric service is important to our members. For those individuals with a medical condition that requires the use of life-sustaining equipment, reliable power is a vital necessity. That’s why we have the Medical Essential Service program (MES) to provide special consideration for their accounts.

This program is designed to provide Tri-County Electric members with reasonable prior notice of power interruption due to scheduled service maintenance, which in turn, will allow them time to secure back-up power for their medical equipment.

MES accounts are also identified to serve as a reference for determining priorities in the effort to restore service in the event of widespread or prolonged outages affecting the Cooperative’s system. Once all high-voltage transmission

lines, distribution substations, and main distribution lines are safely repaired, priority for service line repair to individual homes with MES can be assigned.

The MES application is available on our website, www.tcec.com, or from any of our Member Service Representatives. Simply fill out the application, have your physician complete the Physicians Statement of Certification, and return this to the Cooperative. Remember, your MES designation must be certified annually.

Examples of qualifying equipment include:

® oxygen concentrator ® heart monitor ® controlled medication ® controlled atmosphere

November & December 2016 9

2017 Youth Tour Applications

Available Now! Every June, thousands of high school juniors from

across the country come together at the United States capital for the once-in-a-lifetime experience that is known as the “Electric Cooperative Youth Tour.”

Annually, Tri-County Electric sponsors four students to attend this tour. The Youth Tour journey begins in December when students from all across the TCEC service area submit their applications, along with an essay, and undergo an interview before a panel of judges. The applicants then enjoy a two-day trip to Florida’s capital for Youth Day. The top scorers are invited to go to Washington, D.C.

Saturday begins with an early flight out of Tallahassee to embark on what is an educational and

once-in-a-lifetime week in Washington, D.C. Upon arrival, students join other Florida participants and begin touring the nation’s capital. The week does not disappoint — participants will tour the Arlington National Cemetery, the Holocaust Museum, take a cruise on the Potomac River, witness the U.S. Marine Corps Sunset Parade, and much more. Students return home changed; they will have met new friends and experienced many aspects of community and government.

All TCEC member dependents who are high school juniors are eligible to apply. The 2017 Youth Tour applications are available now at www.tcec.com and from 11th grade guidance counselors at all high schools in the TCEC service territory. 2525001

Application Deadline:Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016

Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Board Meeting Notes for Sept. 12, 2016

With all trustees, key cooperative personnel, guests, and the attorney present, the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. was held on Monday, Sept. 12, 2016, in the Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. headquarters office building located in Madison, Fla. Reports to the Board included those of the August 2016 FECA Summer Leadership Conference, August 2016 Seminole Electric Cooperative Board Meeting, Finance Committee, Policy Committee, Building and Land Committee, and the CEO. Action taken by the Board included the following: approval of the Sept. 12, 2016, Board Agenda and the Aug. 8, 2016, Board Meeting Minutes. The Policy Committee recommended and the Board approved revised Policy 604, “Connections, Reconnections and Associated Practices;” approval of Consent Agenda Items as written and recommended by the CEO, which included the WPCA for September 2016 as established by resolution; RUS Form 7 for July 2016; the list of new members for July 22–Aug. 23, 2016, and Aug. 24–Sept. 12, 2016; and Safety and Accident Report for July 2016 along with the System Outage Report. Other action taken by the Board included approval of employee benefits with NRECA as presented; authorization for the electric receivable accounts, which appear to be uncollectible, for the appropriate accounting designation. Final plans for the 2016 Annual Meeting were discussed and a Certificate of Mailing of Official Notice of Annual Meeting was presented for the Secretary’s signature. District 3 Trustee Neal Brown was presented with a Resolution of Appreciation for his 24 years of service to the Cooperative.

Gary Fulford Catherine BetheaPresident Secretary-Treasurer

Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Board Meeting Notes for Aug. 8, 2016

With all trustees except one, key cooperative personnel, guests, and the attorney present, the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. was held on Monday, Aug. 8, 2016, in the Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. headquarters office building located in Madison, Fla. Reports to the Board included those of the Finance Committee, Policy Committee, Building and Land Committee, and the CEO. Action taken by the Board included the following: approval of the Aug. 8, 2016, Board Agenda and the July 11, 2016, Board Meeting Minutes; and a resolution approving Amended and Restated Amendment No. 4 and Second Amended and Restated Amendment No. 5 to the Wholesale Power Contract between Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. and Seminole Electric Cooperative, Inc.; acceptance of bids for the construction, grading, and purchase of a circuit switcher and relay panels for the Hwy. 6 substation; acceptance of bids for the construction and purchase of materials for the Sonnie transmission rebuild project; and acceptance of bid for herbicide spraying application. Other action taken by the Board included approval of Consent Agenda Items as written and recommended by the CEO, which included the WPCA for August 2016 as established by resolution; RUS Form 7 for June 2016; the list of new members for July 12–21, 2016; the Safety and Accident Report for June 2016 along with the System Outage Report.

Gary Fulford Catherine BetheaPresident Secretary-Treasurer

BOARD MEETINGSThe regular monthly meeting of

the Board of Trustees of Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. will be held the second Monday in each month at 3:00 p.m. in the central office building of the Cooperative located at 2862 West U.S. 90, approximately two miles west of the city of Madison.

This Publication’sInspirational Moment

“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.”

1 Timothy 2:1–2 (NLT)

HOLIDAY SCHEDULE REMINDERAll Tri-County Electric offices will be

closed Nov. 24 & 25 for Thanksgiving; Dec. 23 & 26 for Christmas; and Jan. 2, 2017, for New Year’s. We will have standby crews available for power restoration if needed. Please see

“To Report Electrical Problems or Outages” on Page 11 of this newsletter.

The TCEC staff and employees appreciate the honor of serving you. From all of us, please have a wonderful Christmas and a bright, happy New Year!

10 November & December 2016

To Report Electrical Problems or Outages

Please Call:

850-973-2285 or

1-800-999-228524-HOUR SERVICE

THANK YOU

Tri-County Rural LivingVol. XX No. II

November & December 2016TRI-COUNTY RURAL LIVING, the voice of your member-owned, taxpaying electric utility, is published bimonthly — more if necessary — through the auspices of Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. as a service to its member-owners. Postage is paid at Blountstown, Fla.

BOARD OF TRUSTEESJunior Smith

D-1Bobby Dodd

D-2Donnie Waldrep

D-3George Webb

D-4Catherine Bethea

Secretary-Treasurer, D-5Gary FulfordPresident, D-6

Albert Thomas, Jr.Vice President, D-7Malcolm V. Page

D-8Elmer Coker

D-9

EDITORIAL OFFICES2862 West US Hwy. 90

Madison, FL • (850) 973-2285PUBLICATION COMMITTEE

Julius HackettCEO

Eileen HerndonExecutive Assistant

Kaitlynn CulpepperCommunity Relations Specialist

Michael Curtis, Madison Media Group

WriterSTAFF

Jeff BrewerManager – Engineering

Stephanie CarrollManager – Corporate Services

Darrell TutenManager – OperationsWendell M. Williams

Manager – Finance

Send CHANGE OF ADDRESS NOTICES to:Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc.

2862 West US 90Madison, FL 32340

The Best Holiday Turkey RecipeIngredients

½ stick salted butter, softened1 12-pound turkey, completely thawed and all giblets

removed2 tbsp salt2 tsp pepper2 stalks celery, cut in lengths to fit turkey cavity1 medium sweet onion (such as Vidalia) cut in half1 large carrot, cut in lengths to fit the turkey cavity2 c boiling water

Directions1. Adjust the oven racks so a covered roasting pan fits

easily inside. Preheat the oven to 500° F.2. Rub the butter and sprinkle the salt and pepper on the

outside and in the cavity of the turkey. Put the celery, onion and carrot in the cavity.

3. Place the turkey, breast-side up, in a large roasting pan.4. Pour the boiling water into the pan and cover with a

tight-fitting lid. Put the pan in the oven.5. Start a timer when the oven temperature returns to

500° F. Bake for exactly 1 hour, then turn off the oven.

Do not open the oven door! Leave the turkey in the oven until the oven completely cools; this may take 4–6 hours.

6. Reserve the pan juices and refrigerate the turkey if it will not be served soon after roasting.

Recipe Source: The Food Network

Electric bills increase during the winter for a variety of reasons: holiday gatherings, houseguests, and shorter days and longer nights. Small measures, like turning down your thermostat, replacing incandescent bulbs with LEDs, and washing clothes in cold water can help control energy costs.

Source: TogetherWeSave.com

November & December 2016 11

Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc.2862 West US 90Madison, FL 32340