January - February 2023 TCEC Rural Living

Happy New Year! Rural Living

Board

2023 is here and we are excited to announce that after months of planning and hard work, Tri-County Electric Cooperative in its partnership with Conexon to build a reliable and affordable high-speed internet, is about to go live!

We have been hard at work building our network so we can connect the first members and cannot wait to show you the many ways fiber will transform your daily life. Fiber internet will open a world of possibilities for online learning, efficient working from home, convenient telemedicine, endless streaming, gaming and entertainment options, and face-to-face real-time connections to family and friends.

I’m pleased to let you know that following our announcement last April of our partnership with Conexon to build a world class broadband fiber network, we have made great headway in the long process of bringing fiber broadband service to our communities. In July, we began the building process of our fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network.

At TCEC our sole reason for offering high-speed internet services through Conexon Connect, powered by TriCounty Electric Cooperative, is to meet the needs of members like you. We are working as quickly as possible to reach all our members with fiber so you will no longer have to rely on DSL, fixed wireless, or satellite internet to stay connected online.

In addition to the advantages mentioned above, we believe utilizing technology to improve production and simplify farm operations will be a huge benefit to our members in agriculture. We expect our local businesses to see vast improvements in communication and productivity due to fast internet speeds. All these things will help our local economy grow and aid in increasing traffic for businesses and attracting residents to our rural communities.

We are proud to be the first electric cooperative in the state to start

building a FTTH network. Using our experience of having operated in rural communities for more than 82 years, we are excited to watch this project progress and see the benefits it brings to our members.

In this issue of Rural Living, we encourage you to flip through the pages as we share more information on the status of this project.

If you haven’t already, visit conexonconnect.com to check your availability and register. It’s the easiest way to know exactly when fiber internet is coming to your neighborhood and sign up for service.

Feel free to reach out to us or Conexon Connect at any time with questions or concerns. You can call Conexon Connect at 1-844-542-6663 Monday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. or email their Customer Care team at info@conexonconnect.com.

TCEC and Conexon Connect are committed to the Florida communities we serve. We appreciate everyone’s patience as we continue our broadband journey and look forward to connecting members this year! Thank you as always for your support.

Wishing you and your loved ones the best year!

Board Meetings

Julius Hackett, CEO

TCEC Staff Julius Hackett, Chief Executive Officer Jeff Brewer, Vice President of Engineering Eileen Herndon, Vice President of Corporate Services John Tuten, Vice President of Operations Wendell Williams, Vice President of Finance

Team

Bobby Dodd President

Donnie Waldrep Vice President

George Webb Secretary/Treasurer

Junior Smith

Catherine Bethea

Johnny Edwards District

John Cruce District

Ann Herring District

Benny Bishop

of Trustees

Why Does Fiber Take So Long?

Construction of a fiber network is a complex process involving numerous contractors and is dependent on several variables that include length of the electric circuit, terrain, soils, weather, and other external factors. Distribution lines are a mix of overhead and underground construction which impacts the process as well.

It all starts with the design of the network that includes mapping the fiber route along the existing electric grid, from each substation to the poles and lines that will deliver fiber to individual homes and businesses. This important step sets the stage for a smoother and faster build.

Our project continues to unfold on a rolling basis, working through these seven steps for each designated construction zone. Below is a brief explanation of the seven steps:

Step 1: Make Ready Engineering

Once the design is set, engineers determine if modifications to any poles are required to support the fiber and the steel strand that accompanies it. Poles may need to be moved to make more space, or they may need to be replaced with stronger or taller poles.

Step 2: Make Ready Construction

During this phase, crews make the changes necessary to accommodate fiber. Line crews change poles, move transformers from one side of the pole to another, move wires on the pole, add new anchors to the poles, and perform other work to allow the fiber to be placed during fiber construction.

Step 3: Fiber Construction

Fiber crews will begin the process of adding fiber-optic cable and steel strands to pole lines, and the process can vary whether electric lines are above or below ground. If underground, asphalt, and concrete driveways will be bored under and a pedestal may be placed next to a transformer or junction box to allow for a service drop.

Step 4: Splicing

Once both the strand and fiber are placed and secured, splicing can begin. At this time, splicers splice the necessary cables at each end and tap point and mount the splices in enclosures secured to the distribution poles or in pedestals.

Step 5: Service Drop Construction

Service drop construction may be done simultaneously with some of the previously mentioned steps, or it may not be done until after the main line fiber is in place. The drop crews extend the fiber from the nearest splice point to the structure receiving service and leave coils of fiber in each location.

Step 6: Drop Splicing

Drop splicing is the next to last step of the process. The splicer connects the last length of fiber at the tap point and mounts a network interface device (NID) at the structure with the final splice inside it.

After drop splicing is completed, the network is now ready to be turned over for installation to homes and businesses to start receiving service.

Step 7: Home or Business Installation

Finally, the fiber is installed from the NID to an ONT (Optical Network Terminal) inside the home or office, where it’s connected to a wi-fi router, tested, and determined to be ready to connect to broadband.

We’re on the move!

Make Ready Engineering contractors photograph and using a long measuring stick, measure every pole on our system to be sure structures can support the fiber.

Fiber Contractor wrapping excess cable on the pole, called a H-frame. H-frames are used to hold extra fiber wire on the pole making it easier to splice or add a junction in the future.

Make Ready Construction contractor preparing a pole to accommodate the fiber.

Fiber Contractor splicing the fiber and getting it ready to attach to enclosures secured to the poles.

Make Ready Construction contractors changing out poles, rearranging service on poles to make space for the fiber.

Fiber Buildout Phase Project

TCEC’s fiber project is expected to take between two and a half to three years to fully construct. It has been designed to be built in three phases. Below is a map indicating the build zone phases of the project for TCEC Members.

The locations shaded in green are areas of Phase I and are currently under construction. Phase I is on track to be completed by summer 2023. Those areas in pink are in Phase II and should be completed in 2024. Phase III includes those areas in blue and will be completed in 2025.

GEORGIA

The Power of Partnership with Electric Cooperatives

By Randy Klindt, Founding Partner, Conexon, and CEO, Conexon Connect

Like you, I come from co-ops. For more than two decades at three different electric cooperatives, I learned what makes cooperatives unique and why they are ideally positioned to serve their rural members with reliable, affordable high-speed fiber broadband along with the life-changing electricity introduced to members more than 80 years ago. At Missouri’s Co-Mo Connect and then OzarksGo, I led construction and operations to help launch two of the inaugural electric co-op fiber-to-thehome (FTTH) projects in the nation. As you can imagine, I learned many lessons along the way. In 2015, I translated my knowledge from these projects to start Conexon with the mission of bringing world-class fiber internet to close the digital divide for all rural Americans – by working with electric co-ops across the country to build community member-owned networks efficiently and affordably. At Conexon, we believe community-owned is the key: A fiber network is an investment in the future, and when members together own that resource, the future is bright. Conexon’s mission and methodology continue to pioneer the path as the defining standard for rural electric cooperative success. We remain committed to industryleading solutions and technology that allow our co-ops to build their networks as efficiently as possible so they can pass on affordable pricing on much-needed highspeed internet services to their members who have gone without this option for too long. Underserved and unserved rural residents deserve the same access to super-fast internet found in major cities across the country. That is why Conexon

is proud to build only 100% fiber networks, the gold standard of future-proof telecommunications solutions.

As our consulting business grew to include working with more than 275 co-ops nationwide and launching more than 60 FTTH networks to date, our team of co-op experts and telecom industry veterans consolidated their hands-on operational experience to create an entirely new model for bringing broadband to rural America. In 2021, Conexon Connect was launched as the internet service provider entity, a game-changing solution to operate and manage electric cooperative and investor-owned fiber networks. With the Connect partnership model, Conexon has introduced another way for co-ops to build and own a fiber network for its members without overwhelming co-op resources and staff. It was a big day for Conexon when TCEC announced its partnership to close the Digital Divide for Florida’s Big Bend. We are proud to work alongside TCEC on the state’s first FTTH project launched by a co-op. Since the announcement in April, momentum in the state has shifted: Four more Florida co-ops have signed on to FTTH projects with Conexon or Conexon Connect.

Within TCEC’s service territory, big things have happened as well: Construction on the network started in October in the Steinhatchee area. TCEC’s first member will be connected to fiber internet in January, just over 7 months from project announcement – a new standard for rapid network deployment. The $65 million build is expected to be completed within three years. 2023 will be an exciting year for TCEC, and it is truly an honor to be a part of your electric cooperative’s fiber journey.

Keeping Pets and Energy Bills Comfortable

Many of us consider our four-legged companions’ part of the family and we can’t imagine life without them. That’s why during the winter months, we make sure our whole family, including our four-legged members, is cozy––without taking a big “bite” out of our budget.

There are a few simple ways you can make your home more comfortable this winter, which can ultimately help you save on energy bills.

At the onset of the cold weather season, we replace the HVAC filter for better air quality and to help the unit operate more efficiently. You can also keep your home cozier by caulking and weatherstripping windows and doors. If your home is particularly chilly, you can tape or affix heavy, clear plastic to the inside of your window frames to create an additional barrier against the cold. Ensure that the plastic is tightly sealed to the frame to help reduce infiltration.

We know winter can be “ruff”, so we set our thermostat at 68 degrees, a “purr-fect” temperature for people and pets. This is especially important for smaller, short hair and senior dogs––not just for warmth, but for their general health. Puppies, kittens and older pets with arthritis or other ailments may have a harder time controlling their body heat and need the additional warmth when it’s chilly out. Pets that sleep close to the floor can be subject to cold drafts that enter your home through windows and exterior doors. If your pet’s bed is near a window or door that feels drafty, tightly roll up a towel and place it near the bottom of the door or window to eliminate the draft. Cutting down on cold drafts helps everyone feel more comfortable during colder months.

If possible, elevate your pet’s bed so it’s not placed directly on a cold floor. An old chair or sofa cushion works well. If you don’t use a dog bed, take some old blankets and create a donut shape on the cushion so the dog can snuggle and “nest” within the blanket. You can do the same for cats but on a smaller scale. Blankets enable pets to nestle into them, even when they aren’t tired, and provide a comfortable place for dogs and cats to curl up.

During the day, open your blinds and curtains to allow sunlight to warm your home. Close window coverings at night for an added layer of insulation.

We can’t control the weather, but we can provide advice to help you save energy and keep your family and furry friends more comfortable during the winter season.

At TCEC, we love our furry friends and know how important their safety and comfort is. We also want to help you save energy and money. Visit our website at www.tcec.com for additional energysaving tips or give us a call.

Lead System Operator Amy Straka with Raelyn

Accounts Receivable Supervisor Carol Timmons with Thomas

Member Services Representative Keith Ruff with Lucy

Serviceman Terry Barrs with Kimber and Bella

Member Services Supervisor Angela Eastabrooks with Rex, Buster, Koda, Reese, and Snickers

Accountant Denise Dyal with Chubb

Accounts Receivable/Payable Assistant Kisha Tolar with Sulli

Member Service Representative Tina Batton’s grandson, Arlo Bass with Jake

TCEC Family Grows by Three!

STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION

Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. is the recipient of federal financial assistance from the Rural Utilities Service, an agency of the U. S. Department of Agriculture, and is subject to the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended and the rules and regulations of the U.S. Department of Agriculture which provide that no person in the United States on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs), shall be excluded from participation in, admission or access to, denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any of this organization’s programs or activities.

The person responsible for coordinating this organization’s nondiscrimination compliance efforts is H. Julius Hackett, CEO. Any individual, or specific class of individuals, who feels that this organization has subjected them to discrimination may obtain further information about the statutes and regulations listed above from and/or file a written complaint with this organization; or the USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call (202) 720-5964 (voice or TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Complaints must be filed within 180 days after the alleged discrimination. Confidentiality will be maintained to the extent possible.

The nicest things come in small packages, wrapped in joy, filled with goodness, and sent with love! We are elated to announce the arrival of three new additions to the Co-op family. We wish each family the very best and lots of blessings on their new bundles of joy!

Apprentice Lineman Jacob Walker and his wife welcomed their son Rhett Daniel on October 17, 2022.

Member Service Representative Shelby Barritt gave birth to her 3rd son, Wilder Tripp, on October 17, 2022.

Apprentice Lineman Capas Kinsey and his wife welcomed daughter Raelynn Ruth on December 9, 2022.

Easy Chicken Alfredo

Recipe courtesy of Taste of Home

Ingredients

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts

• 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided

• 1/4 teaspoon pepper, divided

• 2 teaspoons olive oil

• 8 ounces uncooked fettucine

• 6 tablespoons butter, cubed

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream

Directions

• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

• 1/2 cup grated Romano cheese

• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 2 large egg yolks, lightly beaten

• Minced fresh parsley, optional

1. Sprinkle chicken with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. In large skillet, cook chicken in oil over medium heat until a thermometer registers 165 degrees, 8-10 minutes, turning once. Remove and let stand at least 5 minutes. Meanwhile, cook fettucine according to package directions.

2. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. Stir in cream, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, Romano cheese, nutmeg, and remaining salt and pepper. In a small bowl, whisk egg yolks, stir in small amount of hot cream mixture into egg yolks. Return all to the pan, stirring constantly. Cook and stir over medium-low heat until sauce has thickened slightly, and a thermometer reads 160°.

3. Drain fettucine; serve with Alfredo sauce, sliced chicken and remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Garnish with minced fresh parsley.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV)