Guess who’s strengthening our communities

From smartphones and watches to connected appliances, thermostats and cameras, smart devices are becoming part of everyday life. These tools can keep us connected to our loved ones and make our homes more comfortable and efficient. But like any technology that collects data or stays connected to the internet, smart devices come with potential safety and privacy concerns.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when bringing smart devices into your home.

Smart devices are always “on”

Even when you’re not actively using them, most smart devices continue to listen, communicate, update or collect data. That constant connection can create vulnerabilities if a device isn’t set up or maintained properly.

How to stay safe:

• Review and adjust privacy settings so devices only collect what you’re comfortable sharing.
• Mute microphones or turn off devices when not in use.
• Keep devices unplugged when taking extended trips away from home.

“Set it and forget it” can lead to risks

It’s easy to install a smart device, enjoy the convenience and never think about it again. But just like any technology, smart devices need occasional check-ins to stay secure.

How to stay safe:

• Install software updates as soon as they’re available.
• Replace older devices that no longer receive updates.
• Periodically review which apps and services have access to your devices.

Smart devices often share data by default

Many smart home products collect audio, video or usage information and may share it with third parties for advertising or analytics.

How to stay safe:

• Read privacy policies before installing a new device.
• Opt out of data sharing whenever possible.
• Disable features you don’t use — such as voice assistants, motion recording or cloud storage.

Your home network matters

Smart devices rely on your Wi-Fi network to function. If that network is weak, unsecured or outdated, it can open the door to unwanted access.

How to stay safe:

• Use strong, unique passwords for your Wi-Fi and your device accounts.
• Update your router software regularly.
• Create a separate Wi-Fi network just for smart devices, when possible.

We help keep you safe

If you’re a Gibson Connect subscriber, your internet plan includes network protection and an app to monitor your devices at no extra cost. We handle the behind-the-scenes work — like keeping your router updated, your connection strong and your Wi-Fi blazing fast. ProtectIQ software is always scanning for viruses and keeps the bad guys from directly accessing your network. Download the new Gibson Connect Smart Home app to take control of your network with simple tools and smart features. Learn more at gibsoncoops.com/smarthome.

If you have questions about our Gibson Connect internet services and products, call us at 731-562-6000 or visit gibsoncoops.com. You can also find more information about smart thermostats and other home technology at energyright.com.

From online classes and telemedicine to family movie night, Gibson Connect gives rural residents and businesses the same high-speed internet people enjoy in big cities.

Monday, March 23, to Friday, March 27, is Broadband Appreciation Week, and Gibson Electric Membership Corporation is recognizing our members for supporting Gibson Connect and our dedicated fiber team for bringing fast, reliable internet to our communities.

“From the beginning, our members’ trust has fueled everything we do, and our employees’ dedication has helped us bridge the digital divide,” said Gibson Electric and Gibson Connect President and CEO Dan Rodamaker.

Gibson Connect is a wholly owned, not-for-profit subsidiary of Gibson Electric formed in June 2017 after former Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam signed the Tennessee Broadband Accessibility Act. The legislation allows private, not-for-profit, member-owned and member-controlled electric cooperatives to provide retail internet service to their members.

Fiber buildout to eligible Gibson Electric members began in 2018. Buildout was driven by members but moved quicker than anticipated thanks to their support and digital opportunity grants the cooperative received.

Since then, Gibson Connect has expanded service outside the Gibson Electric footprint through partnerships with municipalities and local utility providers.

“By serving nearby residents, we grow the network, help keep electric rates affordable for our members and extend the benefits of fiber internet across our region,” said Gibson Connect Vice President of Operations Charles Phillips. “It’s a win for our members and our communities.”

From fiber installation/repair technicians to technical support representatives to leadership, Gibson Connect employees know they are part of something special.

“I love being part of providing high-speed, fiber-based internet service to the homes of our rural members just as those before us did with electricity,” said Manager of Outside Plant Teresa Burkett. “Knowing that we are bettering our communities and making them stronger by providing affordable internet that’s the same as what’s available in larger cities gives us pride in our work.”

More than 21,000 members strong and backed by a 90 Net Promoter Score, Gibson Connect delivers world‑class service with hometown care. Our employees build it. Our members and subscribers power it. Together, we’re turning rural roads into digital main streets — and we’re just getting started.

Sign up or learn more about Gibson Connect online at gibsoncoops.com or by calling 731-562-6000.

This is the expanded version of the story that appeared in our cooperative magazines.

With the worst portions of historic Winter Storm Fern missing the Gibson Electric Membership Corporation service area, lineworkers were quick to answer the call for aid, traveling to Southwest Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation and Pickwick Electric Cooperative on Monday, Jan. 26.

“We were fortunate to sustain only minor outages that our crews restored quickly as the storm passed through our service area, so we were glad to send help to those in need,” said Gibson Electric Vice President of Engineering and Operations Barry Smith. “‘Cooperation Among Cooperatives’ is one of the seven co-op principles. We know had the situation been reversed, our neighbors would have answered our call for help.”

First Class Lineworkers Jonathan Minton, Payton Featherson, Jamie Moore and Brendon McGee helped local crews restore service to Southwest Tennessee members. After being released from Southwest, they joined Crewleaders Jeff Milam and Donny Thomas, First Class Lineworkers P.J. Haskins, Brad Stafford and Kirk Lowrance and Apprentice Lineworkers Connor Adams, Brock Swaw, Zach Sellers and Clay Sawyer assisting Pickwick.

Field and Compliance Engineer Team Leader Stacey Nicks and Field and Compliance Engineer Brand Nicolay traveled to Pickwick on January 28 to perform damage assessment, while Field and Compliance Engineer Mitzie Privitt took materials and meals to crews there. On January 29, Safety Coordinator Jon Jones performed crew visits there to encourage safe work practices.

Three Gibson Connect Fiber Technicians headed out Thursday, Jan. 29, with Michael Griffiths and Mitch Eddington assisting Southwest Tennessee EMC with installing services, and Taylor Landrum assisting Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative with splicing.

On Monday, Feb. 2, Service Crewleader J.J. Whitwell, Line Crewleaders Trent Cary and Kendall Byassee, First Class Lineworkers Jonathan Petty, Michael Atkins, Russell Hopper and Garrett Dowdy, Seventh-Period Apprentice Lineworker Hayden French and Apprentice Lineworkers Carson Vandiver, Brian Thomason, Colin Warren and Joel Edwards replaced the previous line crews at Pickwick.

Eddington and Fiber Technicians Wesley Cox and Jordan Finnell traveled to Meriwether Lewis to assist with fiber installation and splicing. On Feb. 19, Cox, Eddington, Finnell and Landrum joined local fiber crews in Prentiss County, Mississippi, to help connect their members following weeks of challenges due to Winter Storm Fern.

“This was a historic storm with a historic response,” said Gibson Electric and Gibson Connect President and CEO Dan Rodamaker. “More than 1,000 additional lineworkers from Tennessee, Arkansas, Georgia and Florida assisted areas with the greatest damage, representing the largest mutual aid effort in Tennessee in more than 20 years. We’re proud of our employees who stepped in to help.”

In total, 34 Gibson Electric employees assisted operations teams at four cooperatives, and we also released our three Service Electric contract crews and two Cruse Powerline contract crews to help Pickwick and Dickson Electric, respectively.

The “Cooperation Among Cooperatives” earned praise from members receiving the additional manpower. Here are just a few of the kind comments we received on our Gibson Electric Facebook page:

“Thank you for helping Pickwick to get power back to my son’s home and the many more around him. They greatly appreciate y’all. This momma thanks you too.” — Connie Tutor Andresen

“Thank you for restoring our power in Timber Ridge! Appreciate the hard work and sacrifice being away from home and family.” — Jo Ann Schumann

“So thankful for y’all and all you did to get us powered up again down on Winchester Lane at the State Line. Thank you doesn’t begin to express our gratitude. My 86-year-old momma sure was happy to get lights back on! She said to send you all great big hugs! Thank you!” — Beth Smith

“There are no words to express our gratitude. THANK YOU! May the Lord richly bless the linemen that helped restore our power in Pickwick (and bless the families they left behind to help us). — Tammie Raye

“Your amazing guys restored our power in our neighborhood in Counce. We appreciate their sacrifice and them taking time away from their families to help us! I gave them a big hug and heartfelt thank you this morning! I told them they are our heroes!” — Michael-Kristy Shoup

When Richard BeDen started his career in accounting, he was equipped with a luggable computer he carried from audit to audit.

“It had two floppy disk drives and a small, green screen,” he recalled. “It was packed in what looked like a small suitcase on wheels, and we ‘lugged’ it around with us.”

The earliest models weighed 28 pounds and had no battery.

By the time BeDen retired from Gibson Electric Membership Corporation on Jan. 9, 2026, the weight and portability of laptop computers and iPads made the technology needed to do his job far easier to carry.

“Technology has been the biggest change over my career,” he said.

BeDen was raised primarily around Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Clemson University and was a student there when the Tigers won their first football national championship in 1981.

After years as an auditor in the private sector, BeDen spent one year at Southwest Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation before joining Gibson Electric in March 2010. His title would later change from vice president of accounting and finance to chief financial officer.

He found the not-for-profit model of the cooperatives to be a good fit.

“The service attitude versus hitting the bottom line is so much better,” he said.

As CFO, BeDen was ultimately responsible for ensuring the cooperative was a good steward of its finances. While largely behind the scenes, BeDen’s contributions to the leadership team and co-op in general helped strengthen Gibson Electric’s financial foundation for years to come.

He enjoyed the people he worked with and their shared commitment to serving members.

“We were all heading for the same goal,” he said. “Our ideas for how we got there might be different, but the result was always good. We put our members first.”

What’s next

BeDen lined up a full slate of volunteerism and fun to fill his days in retirement. He looks forward to working with RIFA in Jackson and the Samaritan’s Purse and Eight Days of Hope disaster relief and homebuilding teams. He also has some projects to do around the house and plans to be a regular at the Jackson Senior Activity Center.

Spending more time with family is also on his to-do list. Richard and his wife of 26 years, Kendra, have three children, Kelsey Powers, Kaley Dunavant and Kameron BeDen, and five grandchildren, Liam, Lydia and Crew Powers and Charlotte and Caroline Dunavant. The couple attends West Jackson Baptist Church, where they are involved in their Sunday school group.

“Richard is one of those people you just enjoy being around,” said Gibson Electric and Gibson Connect President and CEO Dan Rodamaker. “He was quick with a smile and a laugh and always provided sound financial guidance. We miss him, but we’re happy for him to enjoy this next chapter of life.”

Prior to BeDen’s retirement, Julie Grogan was promoted to succeed him.

Data centers may feel like a big-city phenomenon, but more of them are showing up in rural communities like ours for good reason. Rural areas offer what data centers need most: affordable land, room to grow and access to transmission lines that can move large amounts of power.

What makes data centers different from other large businesses is their appetite for electricity. These facilities run 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Servers must stay online constantly, which means power has to be reliable every minute of every day.

Powering data centers creates both opportunities and challenges. On the plus side, data centers have the potential to bring steady, long-term load growth that helps support investments in the local grid. With proper planning and policy support, those upgrades could benefit all Gibson Electric members and help keep electric rates steady.

Providing power to data centers presents challenges too. These large facilities can be constructed and operating in as little as one year, but ensuring the necessary infrastructure, equipment and electricity requires longer lead times and significant financial investment.

While Gibson Electric does not currently serve any data centers, co-ops nationwide are fielding requests and inquiries from tech companies, and we could receive similar requests. As a member-owned cooperative, our responsibility is twofold: to listen to the communities we serve and to provide reliable, affordable electric service to all Gibson Electric members.

No matter what the future holds, our priority is to ensure all decisions reflect our member-owners’ best interests.

After a late-night storm settles and most folks head to bed, Gibson Electric Membership Corporation crews are just getting started.

Gibson Electric lineworkers and Gibson Connect fiber technicians work in all weather, day and night, to restore power and keep communities connected.

At the roadside, they set cones, position bucket trucks and service vans and get to work. Whether they’re troubleshooting a downed power line or diagnosing a damaged fiber drop, the tasks are complex and demand full concentration. Passing vehicles that speed, drift close or fail to move over can kick up gravel and break focus, putting everyone at risk.

Minutes or hours later, service is restored. Those moments are quiet but meaningful: Lights return, connections come back, and families wake up to a normal morning. Our crews take pride in their work, the Gibson logos on their hard hats and vehicles and the people they serve.

“Rain or shine, day or night, our lineworkers and fiber technicians are here for you,” said Gibson Electric Safety Coordinator Jon Jones. “Every safe decision behind the wheel helps them get home to the people who love them.”

How you can help:

• Slow down near bucket trucks, service vans, and flashing lights or any crew in reflective vests.
• Move over. On a four‑lane road, when safety and traffic conditions allow, move into the lane farthest from the work area. If changing lanes isn’t possible on a two‑lane road, reduce speed and give extra space.
• Watch for cones, cables and flaggers. Proceed through work zones with caution.
• Stay off your phone and avoid other distractions. Keep your eyes on the road.
• Be patient. Crews may stop or reposition without warning.

“‘Move Over’ isn’t just the law; it’s what gets our people home,” Jones said. “A little care behind the wheel goes a long way in protecting their safety and yours.”

What can 900 words do? More than you think.

They can open doors to unforgettable experiences, lifelong friendships and even thousands of dollars in scholarships. They can take you from your hometown to the steps of the U.S. Capitol. All it takes is one short story and your imagination.

The Electric Cooperative Creative Writing Contest invites high school juniors to write a 900-word story showing how electric cooperatives are “Energizing Every Moment.” Co-ops power communities through reliable energy, broadband expansion, education, economic development and more. Your story should creatively capture that impact while entertaining and informing readers.

What makes a winning story?

Judges are looking for appropriate treatment of theme and knowledge of subject, originality, creativity, grammar and composition. To stand out:

• Develop interesting characters, a clear setting and time frame of the story.
• Include at least three specific examples of how co-ops connect their communities.
• Incorporate at least one of the seven cooperative principles.
• Make it memorable. Your words should spark curiosity and connection.

900 life-changing words

Andrew Runions remembers exploring the Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C., with two new friends in June 2017.

“It’s the day I remember best,” Runions, a Crockett County native, said. “We went and explored the museums and really built our friendships on the fly. The Washington Your Tour is great for building social skills.”

Runions graduated from Crockett County High School in 2018, headed for Middle Tennessee State University and a future career in medicine. In his first semester, he changed his major from biology to political science.

“The Washington Youth Tour had something to do with that,” Runions said. “Spending time at the Capitol, I grew a love for that environment. It inspired me to change my career path.”

After graduating from MTSU in 2021, Runions earned his law degree from Belmont University in 2025. Today, he’s clerking for Judge Timothy Easter in the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals in Nashville.

He encourages high school juniors to take the leap and write the story.

“It’s important as a citizen to understand and learn about our history,” he said. “The Washington Youth Tour is a great first step to get immersed in that environment and an amazing trip you’ll remember for the rest of your life.”

Your story could be the first step toward an incredible journey. For details and inspiration, visit tnelectric.org or gibsoncoops.com. For entry details, call your local member service center or 731-855-4660 ext. 1615.

If there’s one word chilling the blood of politicians across the aisle today, it’s affordability. From housing to healthcare, education and energy, costs are rising everywhere — and no one is happy about it.

This time of year can be especially hard. Severe winter weather drives up heating costs. There are many reasons for increasing costs in the energy sector, from increased electrification to spiking infrastructure costs and regulatory pressures.

Understanding these conditions is important to make sense of how we got here. It’s also important to understand how co-ops fit into the picture — and that we are on your side.

Here at Gibson Electric Membership Corporation, we’re not just an energy company, and you’re not just a customer. Electric cooperatives are different from every other kind of utility because we are owned by the people we serve. As a member-owner, you’re a part-owner of the company that purchases and distributes power to you. This is a responsibility we take seriously.

We are speaking up for you in Nashville, Frankfort and in Washington, D.C., to advocate for commonsense energy policies that protect affordability along with the reliability and safety of our energy supply. Too many interest groups are willing to accept policies that increase costs for everyone in service of their own agendas. Co-ops are the voice of reason on your behalf.

We also look out for you by providing regular and reliable information about our cooperative, issues affecting the energy supply, programs and services to help you reduce energy use and tips to stay safe around electricity in all weather conditions. Knowledge is power, and it’s essential to rely on information you can trust. 

And as demand on the grid grows every day, we are also planning for the future with you in mind. We understand that economic growth is critical, but we also know that it can’t come at the expense of our members. This attitude is no accident. It’s built into the way we operate. Because we’re a cooperative, we are accountable to you, first and last.

Thank you for allowing us to serve you.

Gibson Electric Membership Corporation is more than a utility; we’re neighbors working together to power and connect our communities. Our Annual Members’ Meeting on Thursday, March 26, at Crockett County High School in Alamo is your chance to come together, catch up with friends and help guide the future of your cooperative.

Here’s what makes the evening special:

Registration begins at 6 p.m.
Every member will receive a gift and a ticket for a chance to win one of five $200 bill credits and other door prizes.
Kids can enter to win one of three $75 gift cards because we love celebrating our youngest members too!

Enjoy a free meal and fellowship.
We’ll serve barbecue sandwiches or hot dogs, chips, dessert and your choice of a soft drink or bottled water.

Family-friendly entertainment starts at 6:15 p.m.
Local youth from Kincaid Gooch Studio will share their talent with members. Founded in 1963 and located in Alamo, Kincaid Gooch is one of the largest private vocal studios in the nation. Attracting students from across West Tennessee and North Mississippi, Kincaid Gooch is known for its unique take on coaching and training for pop vocal performance.

Business meeting starts at 7 p.m.
Hear updates on how your cooperative is serving you today and planning for tomorrow. Cooperative leaders will share highlights from the past year and what’s ahead.

“As a member-owned cooperative, connecting with the people we serve is vital to our operations,” Rodamaker said. “Making it a fun evening for our member-owners and employees is icing on the cake. We hope you’ll join us!”

Need special accommodations?
Please call your local member service center and ask for ext. 1611 by Monday, March 9, so we can assist you.

Play this quick guessing game to find out who’s strengthening our communities:

I’m about the width of a human hair.
I can carry a heavy load — fast.
I help connect communities and bridge the digital divide.
I am faster and more reliable than my competition.
I enable smart grid technology for better power management.
I help improve Gibson Electric Membership Corporation’s services.

Did you guess fiber lines?
Fiber-optic lines are thin strands of glass that transmit data using light instead of electricity. Each strand is tiny but powerful, carrying massive amounts of information at lightning speed — far faster and more reliable than copper or coaxial cables. These lines are the backbone of high-speed internet and other communication services like phone and streaming.

Just like power lines, fiber lines require care. Here are a few safety tips:

• Call before you dig. Dial 811 before digging to avoid damaging underground fiber lines.
• Don’t shoot near fiber lines. During hunting season — especially dove season — never aim toward utility poles or lines. A single shot can damage fiber and disrupt communication for entire communities.
• Stay clear of lines. If fiber is attached to poles, keep away when trimming trees or using ladders. Treat all downed wires as if they are energized.
• Report damage immediately. If you see a broken or exposed line, call Gibson Electric. Never try to fix it yourself.

If you have questions about our Gibson Connect fiber internet or are ready to sign up, visit gibsoncoops.com, call 731-562-6000 or contact your local member service center.