News and Events

Severe weather awareness week Feb. 17-22

February 18, 2013

Severe Weather Awareness Week

Tennessee Governor, Bill Haslam has declared February 17-22, Severe Weather Awareness Week. Although in our area, the most common time period for strong thunderstorms or tornados, is March through May, severe weather can occur any time of year here in the Tennessee Valley. So, now is the time to take action and prepare for that possibility by learning about severe weather and developing a safety plan of action for use when severe weather watches or warnings are issued. Being prepared could save your life and the lives of others.

The National Weather Service, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agencies and Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative ask you help spread the word by passing on information about severe weather safety to your family, friends and neighbors, State and local officials will conduct educational activities and exercises throughout the week to promote safety and awareness of severe weather phenomena such as: tornadoes, damaging winds, flash floods, lightning, and hail. Each day will focus on a specific type of weather.  Visit www.srh.noaa.gove and enter “Huntsville Severe Weather Awareness Week” in the “Search” box for more detailed information. You may also visit www.ready.gov/severe-weather for more information on preparing for an emergency situation.

Following are steps that you can take to protect your family and property in the event of a severe weather emergency:

• Build an Emergency Supply Kit, which will include items like non-perishable food, water, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries. You may want to prepare a portable kit and keep it in your car in case you are told to evacuate. This kit should include a pair of goggles and disposable breathing masks for each member of the family.
• Make a Family Emergency Plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact each other, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.
• Continually monitor the media – Be aware of storms which could impact your area.
• Know how you will be warned in an emergency (NOAA Weather radios with a tone alert are a good option. These are available for sale at your local SVEC office or at local hardware/variety stores).
• Know if you live or work in a flood prone area. Check with your local emergency management for details.
• Know where to take shelter (i.e.: basement, interior room/hall, bathroom, closet, etc.) if conditions warrant, and where shelters in your area are located.
• Ensure your home is ready – Elevate items in the basement which could be flooded. Bring in outdoor items such as children’s toys, patio furniture, garbage cans, etc. which could be blown around and damaged or could cause damage. Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage. If you notice a limb or tree close enough to potentially cause damage to a power line, please call your local SVEC office and notify them of the location. DO NOT attempt to trim trees near power lines yourself.
• Know how to shut off utilities, including power, water and gas, to your home. Have proper tools, (i.e.: wrench) ready and nearby.
• Find out what types of events and kinds of damages are covered by your insurance policy. Keep insurance policies, important documents and other valuables in a safe and secure location.
• Keep fire extinguishers on hand and make sure everyone knows how to use them.
• If you already have an emergency kit and a preparedness plan, this is the time of year to review it. Does the plan need to be updated due to changes in jobs, schools or living arrangements? Does everyone in the family know what to do in the event of an emergency? Are any of the items in your kit nearing expiration? Do they need to be replaced? Does your NOAA weather radio have fresh batteries? Keeping your plan and your kit up-to-date and practicing the plan could save lives and your property.

SVEC to conduct infrared scan of critical loads

January 28, 2013

During the weeks of January 28, Feb 4, and 11, Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative and its contract company will be conducting its annual infrared scan. This preventative scan, which is a part of SVEC’s on-going maintenance program, is an effective and efficient method of evaluating the co-op’s substations and critical service points. The scan will be done in the evening hours during the three weeks listed above. In the event of bad weather the scanning will be rescheduled.

Infrared thermography is a non-contact, non-destructive method of detecting possible problems on the electric system. This process can detect common problems in electric equipment that can lead to expensive or even catastrophic failure.

Trying to find these problems with regular visual or manual inspections is a costly and time consuming endeavor that still might not lead to locating the potential problems.

The scan is done at night (from about 5:00 pm. – midnight) and are generally scheduled in winter during peak heating season to test the system during times of greatest stress.

The workers will be in a marked SVEC vehicle and will begin by scanning the most critical part of the system - the substations. They will be checking critical equipment such as transformers, reclosers, and breakers. They will then scan the hospitals, industrial parks, shopping centers and other large electrical loads.

The results from this scan will allow the SVEC engineers and operations staff to prioritize maintenance and repair work to substantially reduce unscheduled outages, emergency repairs after hours and losses due to damaged equipment on the system.

The maintenance preformed based on the information from the infrared scan should result in SVEC’s members experiencing fewer outages. No one likes the inconvenience of a power outage but for our industrial and business customers a power outage is more than an inconvenience, it can mean loss of revenue. accordingly, preventative maintenance is a high priority for the cooperative.

In this time of rapidly rising energy costs SVEC is constantly looking at ways to keep down the cost of doing business in order to keep rates as low as possible. Avoiding costly unscheduled maintenance and loss of equipment with this kind of preventative analysis is one way of meeting that goal.

SVEC members can learn how they can lower their family’s energy use and about the availability of a variety of energy efficiency programs by visiting Energy Savers.

TV (Efficiency) Guides

December 12, 2012

High-powered TVs drain energy, so opt for efficient models

            Which appliance uses more energy: a refrigerator or television? Consumers may not realize that some large entertainment TVs—when used an average of five hours per day—can cost more to operate than a new, basic refrigerator.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, 44 percent of American homes have three or more television sets, and each new set adds to a home’s monthly energy bill.

In the market for a new television this Christmas season? You’re not alone—U.S. consumers purchased an estimated 40 million new televisions with an average screen size of 50 inches last year.

To keep your electric bills in check, here are some tips to consider before buying a new television:

Display Tactics

Three parts of a TV impact energy use: display technology, screen size, and resolution. Plasma and liquid-crystal display (LCD) are the two most popular types of display technologies. Plasma screens often are cited as the largest energy user―mainly because their large 42-inch to 65- inch screens typically draw between 240 watts to 400 watts.

LCD TVs don’t need much power to operate―111 watts on average. Most LCD screens range in size from 21 inches to 49 inches. These TVs fall into two categories: those with cold-cathode fluorescent lamps to illuminate the screen; and backlit models employing a light-emitting diode (LED). LED units offer several benefits, notably better picture quality and thinner and lighter screens. They also use slightly less energy, at 101 watts.

Most prospective buyers already have the ideal screen size in mind; remember that the larger the screen, the more energy you’ll drain. And although a high-definition TV (HDTV) transforms the latest blockbuster movie into a theater-like living room experience, these sets generally use more power to generate better picture clarity.

ENERGY STAR Boosts Ratings

            ENERGY STAR TVs cut an estimated $3.5 billion from consumer electric bills annually.  The joint energy efficiency ratings program of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) created the first set of voluntary television efficiency standards in 1998. Today’s ENERGY STAR-qualified screens use, on average, 40 percent less energy than standard models, whether you’re watching the latest hit show (active mode) or have the screen turned off (standby mode).           

            Standards are constantly ratcheting up. In 2008, a 50-inch ENERGY STAR-rated television used 318 watts on average. In 2010, those sets had to curb energy use to 153 watts or less, and by 2012 50-inch TVs could not drain more than 108 watts. ENERGY STAR provides an online guide so potential buyers can find qualified televisions ranked by energy use, size, brand, and display type at www.energystar.gov.

ENERGY STAR Partners like TopTen USA also maintain lists of the top energy efficient televisions (and other household appliances) based on size at www.toptenusa.org.

Look for Labels

            The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has recognized the need for education and easy comparisons for the amount of energy televisions consume. In 2011, a yellow Energy Guide label—a common sight on refrigerators, dishwashers, and other large appliances—became a requirement for TV.

            TVs now vary widely in the amount of energy they use. By comparing information on the Energy Guide labels, consumers will be able to make better-informed decisions about which model they choose to buy, based on how much it costs to operate per year.

            The label compares the annual operating cost of a specific television to the plug-in cost of similar models. The label must be attached to the front of all televisions; websites selling televisions must also provide an image of the label for prospective buyers.

Tune in to Savings

If you’re not in the market for a new TV but want to make sure your model is operating efficiently, these tips may help you save energy:

• Turn off the TV and other connected devices when they’re not being used—consider using smart power strips to eliminate continually power draw.
• Reduce TV brightness by turning down the LCD backlight―you’ll save energy and still retain good picture quality.
• Turn on the power saver mode, which many new TVs offer
• Control room lighting. While many energy-saving tips reduce brightness of the screen, you can compensate by dimming lights around your TV.

Your television set isn’t the only energy-guzzler in your residence. Visit www.TogetherWeSave.com to find more ways to save energy and money at home.

SVEC Sponsors Holiday Food Drive and Angel Trees

November 7, 2012

Give the Gift of Love this Christmas – Participate in SVEC’s Holiday Food Drive and Angel Tree Programs

With Thanksgiving and Christmas right around the corner, and many families in the area experiencing economic hard times, there will be hungry families and children without much under the tree this holiday season.

Our local food banks will be seeing high demand in the next few months and agencies that deal with the needs of children are seeing higher than normal requests for help.

Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative is again doing their part to help fill in the gaps this holiday season by sponsoring their Holiday Food Drive and Angel Tree Programs and by providing grants from the SVECares program.

According to volunteers from the local food banks, while they appreciate all donations, items that they need most include: protein items such as peanut butter, canned meat, dry or canned milk and dried beans; cereal items such as noodles, oatmeal, rice and breakfast cereals; and canned fruit. Personal hygiene items such as soap, shampoo, detergent and deodorant are also in high demand as are baby items such as, diapers, wipes, baby formula and baby food.

To participate in the annual SVEC Holiday Food Drive bring in six or more non-perishable food items to be donated to the local food banks in the county where the food is donated. While supplies last, as a “thank you” for your generosity, SVEC will present you with “The Best of the Season,” a 20-page cookbook of family favorite recipes from the families of the SVEC service area and an SVEC Christmas potholder for your holiday baking. You may purchase additional sets of the cookbook and pot-holder for $5 each. The proceeds will be donated to the local food banks as well. The food banks who are affiliated with the Chattanooga Food Bank can purchase food by the pound at a very low cost allowing them to stretch their donation dollars even farther to serve even more people. In fact, for only $6.25 the food bank can provide 100 lbs. of food to a need family, so monetary donations are very welcome.

If you are bringing in canned goods, please remember to check the expiration dates of the canned goods. If they are past expiration they will have to be discarded.

The “angels for the SVEC Angel Trees are ready with the names of local children whose families are in need of financial assistance this year. The Pikeville and South Pittsburg offices also have the names of a few local nursing home residents who do not have family to remember them at Christmas.

The “angel tags” are set up in the lobbies of each of the local SVEC offices. We encourage those who can spare a little extra for a child or nursing home resident who has very little, to stop by this week and pick up a name. The Department of Human Services needs the gifts back by December 7 or before in order to get them all delivered before their case workers are off for Christmas vacation. We ask that members take a name and purchase an age appropriate toy and/or clothing for the recipient and return it unwrapped, to the local SVEC office in a gift bag by December 9 to ensure delivery before Christmas.

SVEC to sponsor 14th Annual Senior Expo

September 24, 2012

All seniors, 55 years and older, make plans to join SVEC and community and health organizations at the 14th annual Senior Expo beginning next week. The event will offer health screenings, light breakfast, informational sessions, lunch and door prizes. The schedule for Senior Expo week will be:
 

Sequatchie County - Dunlap                                                                                                                          
Senior Citizens Center/                                                    
Seq Co Fair Bld - Old Middle School Gym     
October 2, 2012
View More Information on Sequatchie Senior Expo Here
                     

Bledsoe County - Pikeville
First Southern Baptist Church
323 South Main Street
October 3, 2012  
View More Information on Bledsoe Senior Expo Here                                                                           

Grundy County -   Gruetli Laager        
Gruetli Laager Community Center 
27804 SR 108                                                  
October 4, 2012
View More Information on Grundy Senior Expo Here         

Marion County - Jasper (NEW LOCATION)
First Baptist Church
108 West 3rd Street
October 5, 2012 
View More Information on Marion Senior Expo Here                                                                                              

SVEC sends aide to Louisiana cooperative

August 30, 2012

Cooperatives are close knit communities so much so that “cooperation among cooperatives” is one of the seven guiding principles that make up the foundation of all cooperative businesses. We at Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative have received assistance from sister cooperatives from across the state and region in restoring power after storms have damaged our system. In the spirit of cooperation we have, when possible, also reached out to other cooperatives in their time of need to help rebuild and restore power to their members.

When Hurricane Isaac hit the Gulf Coast Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning, the damage and devastation left many electric cooperatives with great losses to their electrical distribution system and thousands of their members without power. SVEC monitored the storm as it approached land and after coordinating with our state association, the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association, tomorrow morning we will send seven linemen, two operations managers, five trucks, equipment and supplies to Dixie Electric Membership Corporation (DEMCO) in Greenwell Springs, Louisiana, near Baton Rouge. DEMCO serves over 100,000 members and at the time of this press release, has over 57,000 members without power.

Please keep your thoughts and prayers with our crews and their families as they travel and work away from home. Also remember the people of the Gulf Coast area as they again endure the loss and hardship resulting from this most recent hurricane.

SVEC Conducting Pole Attachment Count and Transformer Survey

August 17, 2012

Residents of Bledsoe and Sequatchie Counties may have noticed Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative utility workers or contractors in or around their yards lately looking at utility poles and transformers. SVEC currently has two projects in progress that require workers in the field gathering information.

Adam Howell a contract employee with Utility Support Services is conducting a joint pole use count for SVEC and Bledsoe Telephone to get an accurate count of how many and which utility poles the two cooperatives are sharing.

Howell is doing much of his work after normal SVEC hours and is driving a vehicle bearing a sign stating that he working under contract to Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative. The count is expected to take at least six more weeks, running into early October.

SVEC field engineer, Kevin Boston is in the process of updating SVEC’s transformer records. With our new automated mapping and outage management system the size and location of each transformer and pole on our system can be accessed in an instant from our offices or by the linemen from their truck computer.

Having this information easily accessible helps the co-op provide SVEC members with the most efficient service possible. In the event of a storm or outage, accurate transformer records can speed up the restoration of service to our members. The information also helps our engineering and operations departments in their planning for future growth and maintenance of the system.

Should there be any concerns or questions, contact Danny Kirkendoll at 423-837-5042, 1-800-923-2203 extension 5042 or your local SVEC office.

Don't Let Summer Heat Place Strain on your Electrical System

July 25, 2012

Increased electrical use in summer can place strain on a home’s electrical systems. During the hot summer months, consumers run the risk of overloading wiring systems due to the extended use of air conditioning and other cooling mechanisms, possibly resulting in serious shock or fire. If the home has an old or damaged electrical system, it has an even higher chance of danger.

Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative and Safe Electricity urge everyone to be aware of the added stress placed on a home’s electrical systems during summer months and the steps you can take to keep your loved ones safe.

Underwriters Laboratories estimates more than one-third of houses in the United States are more than 50 years old. Considering the increase in appliance usage and related electrical demands over the past half century, many older homes are not adequately wired to handle and support the increased demands.

Outdated wiring can become overheated due to the increased loads required to run the appliances typically found in today’s homes. If the wiring is deteriorating or crumbling it can be damaging its own insulation putting the system at risk for fire.

According to the NFPA, faulty electrical wiring contributes to tens of thousands of fires, hundreds of deaths, and more than a thousand injuries, not to mention more than half a billion dollars in damages. In order to help protect you and your family watch for these warning signs:

• Lights often flicker, blink or dim momentarily
• Circuit breakers trip or fuses blow often
• Cords or wall plates are warm to the touch or discolored
• Crackling, sizzling or buzzing is heard from outlets

If you have any of these present, you should have your home inspected by a professional.

To find out how you can make your home more energy efficient contact your local SVEC office and ask about our In-Home Energy Evaluation Program. Have a professional energy advisor inspect your home and make recommendations for improving the energy efficiency of your home. You may be eligible for financing and/or rebates to help you make those improvements.

How to Save on Your Energy Bill This Summer

June 28, 2012

With temperatures climbing into the triple digits this week, air conditioners and fans will be running constantly to keep us cool and comfortable. Even though temperatures will be setting record highs, your electric bill does not have to be. Enjoy some cool savings this summer by following these energy saving tips:

1. Set your home's thermostat to 75 degrees or higher.

2. When cooling your home, keep your windows locked.

3. Ensure all windows, doors and window air conditioner units are properly weather stripped.

4. Change HVAC filters monthly.

5. Run ceiling fan paddles on medium, blowing downward.

6. Close shades and drapes during the day.

7. Wash your closthes in cold water and clean your dryer's lint trap before each load.

8. Use a clothes line instead of a dryer for drying clothes.

9. Use a microwave for cooking when possible.

10. Turn off unnecessary lights and computers, monitors, gaming systems, televisions and cable receivers when not in use. 

More energy saving tips are available at www.togetherwesave.com, or download the "Save Energy, Save Money - Tip of the Day" smartphone app for free, available for iPhone and Droid. 

For those who want some serious energy saving advice for your unique home, an In-Home Energy Evaluation will give you the answers you need to make your home the most energy efficient possible. Call Joan Davis at 423-837-5045 for more information.

SVEC to Conduct Infrared Scan of Critical Loads

March 9, 2012

SVEC to conduct infrared scan of critical loads

During the weeks of March 12, 19 and 26, Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative and its contract company will be conducting its annual infrared scan. This preventative scan, which is a part of SVEC’s on-going maintenance program, is an effective and efficient method of evaluating the co-op’s substations and critical service points. The scan will be done in the evening hours during the three weeks listed above. In the event of bad weather the scanning will be rescheduled.

Infrared thermography is a non-contact, non-destructive method of detecting possible problems on the electric system. The camera shows areas of varying heat in differing colors. Excessive heat shows up as a “glow.” Overheating is a sign of impeding trouble. High temperatures indicate too much electrical resistance, failing components, ground faults, short circuits or other common problems in electric equipment that can lead to expensive or even catastrophic failure.

Trying to find these problems with regular visual or manual inspections is a costly and time consuming endeavor that still might not lead to locating the potential problems.

The scan is done at night (from about 5:00 pm. – midnight) because the lower night time temperatures reduce the possibility of false readings caused by heat from the sun. The scans are generally scheduled in winter during peak heating season to test the system during times of greatest stress.

The workers will be in a marked SVEC vehicle and will begin by scanning the most critical part of the system - the substations. They will be checking critical equipment such as transformers, reclosers, and breakers. They will then scan the hospitals, industrial parks, shopping centers and other large electrical loads.

The results from this scan will pinpoint any “hot spots” in the SVEC electrical system which will allow the SVEC engineers and operations staff to prioritize maintenance and repair work to substantially reduce unscheduled outages, emergency repairs after hours and losses due to damaged equipment on the system.

The maintenance preformed based on the information from the infrared scan should result in SVEC’s members experiencing fewer outages. No one likes the inconvenience of a power outage but for our industrial and business customers a power outage is more than an inconvenience, it can mean loss of revenue. accordingly, preventative maintenance is a high priority for the cooperative.

In this time of rapidly rising energy costs SVEC is constantly looking at ways to keep down the cost of doing business in order to keep rates as low as possible. Avoiding costly unscheduled maintenance and loss of equipment with this kind of preventative analysis is one way of meeting that goal.

Cooperatives Are the Fabric of Your Community

January 16, 2012

                Last year, the U.S. Senate―building off similar action by the United Nations General Assembly―designated 2012 as International Year of Cooperatives. As a result, cooperatives everywhere are celebrating our unique not-for-profit, member-owned and -controlled business model.

                If you’ve read the SVEC section of the Tennessee Magazine or the SVEC Member Newsletter that comes with your electric bill, then you know SVEC is an electric cooperative—as a result, you and everyone else who receives electric service from us is  a member, not a customer. Because you and your fellow members govern how Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative operates, our top priority remains providing safe and reliable service and keeping your electric bills affordable. Local control also means we’re in the business of improving the quality of life in the communities we serve, from collecting food and monetary donations for the local food banks to advice on how you can make your home or business more energy efficient.

Electric co-ops are just one type of cooperative operating in America. Dairy cooperatives produce nearly 90 percent of our nations’ milk. Credit unions? They’re cooperatives, too, with more than 8,000 across the country serving 91 million consumers. You can also find housing, hardware, and even funeral co-ops throughout the U.S.

Some agricultural marketing cooperatives have become household names: Sunkist, Ocean Spray, and Blue Diamond Almonds for example. But we have other cooperatives right here in our service area. Our members in Bledsoe, Sequatchie and Grundy counties receive their telephone service from Bledsoe Telephone Cooperative and Ben Lomand Telephone Cooperative. Farmers in the area purchase many of their supplies from their local Tennessee Farmer’s Co-op. And everyone knows “you don’t have to be a farmer” to benefit from membership in the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation – also a cooperative. And members who have their money in the Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union are banking with a co-op.

                Together, all of us are a key part of our local economy. We provide good jobs to folks who live right here―your neighbors and friends. We deliver goods and services that keep our communities humming. We’re happy to lend a hand when we’re able, and we enjoy being involved with schools and community organizations.

                While not a new concept― Benjamin Franklin started the first cooperative, the Philadelphia Contributionship for the Insurance of Houses from Loss by Fire, in 1752 (it still operates today!)―the cooperative form of business continues as an integral part of our lives each day.

                So this year make a New Year’s resolution to learn about and support yourl ocal hometown cooperatives.

SVEC Sponsored Senior Expo's a Success

October 17, 2011

SVEC Sponsored Senior Expo's a Success

The thirteenth annual series of Senior Expo's organized and sponsored by Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative were again a great success.

The 2011 health and information fairs were held the week of October 4-7 in Sequatchie, Bledsoe, Grundy and Marion counties.

Local health care providers, businesses and agencies in each of the above counties offered area seniors, 55 and older, access to a number of valuable medical services and information, free of charge.

In total, there were over 375 senior participants and over 150 exhibitors at the four events.

The Marion County event, held at the Kimball Church of Christ’s fellowship hall, featured free cholesterol, and blood sugar screening offered by Grand View Hospital, vision screening provided by the South Pittsburg Lions Club, hearing screening by Hamilton Hearing; spinal scans by Dr. Monty Long of Affordable Chiropractic in Dunlap, flu shots given by Rite Aid Pharmacy of Dunlap and blood pressure screenings offered by several local health care providers.

A representative from Memorial Hospital’s Breast Center was on hand to discuss the importance of early detection in the prevention of breast cancer. She scheduled mammogram appointments for eligible women for December 30, the date the Memorial mobile coach is scheduled for a visit to Marion County. The unit will be set up in the parking lot at the Kimball Church of Christ. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the Mary Ellen Locher Breast Center at Memorial at 423-495-4040. It is a local call from Marion County.

The informational sessions included several very helpful seminars. These included: “Avoiding Identity Theft,” Stretch Your Dollars with Couponing,” “Wills and Power of Attorney,” “The Prevention and Healthy Management of Diabetes,” “Evaluating Medicare Part D,” “Alzheimer’s and Care Giving,” “Personal Safety for Seniors,” and “Safe, Healthy Homes.”

The seminars were presented by representatives of UT Extension, Sequatchie Valley Head Start, Legal Aid of East Tennessee, Health Education Resources, The Area Agency on Aging and Disability, the Marion County Sheriff’s Dept. and Memorial Home Health.

Participants were served a light breakfast sponsored by SVEC after having their blood drawn; and a delicious meal of vegetable soup, broccoli cheese soup, assorted sandwiches, cookies and soft drinks donated by SVEC and Western Sizzlin’ Restaurant.

A drawing for several very nice door prizes donated by the vendors concluded the morning's activities.