How extreme winter weather impacts electric bills

Each year, Gibson Electric Membership Corporation sponsors two Tennessee students on the Youth Leadership Summit in Nashville, Tennessee, and two Kentucky students on the Frankfort Youth Tour.

This year’s Tennessee delegates were juniors Seth LaRue, Dyer County High School, and Madee Arflack, Peabody High School, and the Kentucky delegates were juniors Sydney Todd and Ella Gilbert, Carlile County High School.

Youth Leadership Summit

During their stay in Nashville, LaRue, Arflack and 44 of their peers representing electric co-ops from across the state participated in leadership development activities and learned more about what co-ops do for their communities. Students visited the YMCA Outdoor Center at Camp Widjiwagan for team building and a scavenger hunt. While there, they also participated in electric safety demonstrations.

At the state Capitol, students met with their representatives, Secretary of State Tre Hargett and Gov. Bill Lee. The summit also included some Nashville classics like the Goo Goo Cluster Store and the Country Music Hall of Fame, and delegates attended an Andy Grammer concert at the historic Ryman.

“I was uncertain what I was getting into, but it genuinely was a great experience to get to learn about electric co-ops and hang out with people that have similar hobbies and aspirations as me,” LaRue said.

“It taught me so much about teamwork, connecting with others and leading with heart,” Arflack said. “I left feeling inspired to make a difference and to always support those around me.”

Frankfort Youth Tour

Nearly 100 students representing Kentucky’s electric co-ops participated in the Frankfort Youth Tour, a program that offers student leaders a personal understanding of American history, civic engagement and their role as citizens and members of electric co-ops.

Lt. Gov. Jacquline Coleman welcomed students to the Capitol and encouraged them to find their passion and get involved in their communities. After touring the Capitol, students observed the Senate and House chambers while they were in session. Later, East Kentucky Power Cooperative provided bucket truck and safety demonstrations.

During lunch hosted by the Kentucky Electric Cooperatives Youth Tour delegation and the Rural Electric Cooperative Caucus, students met with elected officials and co-op leaders. For the 10^th consecutive year, in conjunction with the Frankfort Youth Tour, Kentucky’s co-ops partnered with Secretary of State Michael Adams to launch the 2025 Co-ops Vote initiative, a nonpartisan effort to boost voter turnout in rural communities across the country.

“Getting to meet and hear the political figures was something I’ll never forget,” Gilbert said. “It opened my eyes to what really goes on in our government.”

“I enjoyed sitting in the House gallery and the tour,” Todd said. “I thought it was fascinating.”

Gibson Electric Member Services Specialist Sarah Williams chaperoned the students on both trips.

Three schools served by Gibson Electric Membership Corporation – Bells Elementary School, Dyer School and South Gibson County High School – have been awarded STEM grants from Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in March.

TVA, in partnership with Bicentennial Volunteers, Inc., a TVA retiree organization, provides grants to develop science, technology, engineering, and math education programs for students that will inspire interest in STEM-related fields. The organizations have awarded nearly $8 million in STEM grants since 2018.

Citing specific projects or programs they hoped to implement, educators from across TVA’s seven-state region applied for grants of up to $5,000. Bells Elementary and Dyer each received $5,000, and South Gibson County High School received $3,500.

“We are grateful for TVA and Bicentennial Volunteers, Inc. for their continued investment in STEM education,” said Gibson Electric and Gibson Connect President and CEO Dan Rodamaker. “We celebrate with Bells Elementary, Dyer School and South Gibson County High School because the impact of the grants will extend far beyond the classroom. We appreciate our teachers for exposing our students to the diverse career opportunities available in STEM.”

For information on how to apply for a future STEM grant, please contact Gibson Electric at 731-855-4660, ext.1611.

Building floats in a sand-bottom, barely standing pole barn led Gibson Electric Field Engineer Mitzie Privitt to her husband Jerry and their shared passion for service. Three decades and over 700 floats later, Privitt is honored to serve as the president of the 87^th West Tennessee Strawberry Festival, Tennessee’s largest and longest-running festival.

“It’s my year to put my spin on the festival, which is awesome,” Privitt said. “I never thought I’d find myself here because I’m the worker bee that stays behind the scenes.”

As a youngster, Privitt watched and studied her mom build parade floats for Brown Shoe Company and had a ball tackling the homecoming floats with her class at Peabody High School. In 1991 when her son Taylor participated in the Gibson County Fair, Privitt built a float for him to ride in several local parades, including the Strawberry Festival. Two years later, Privitt was hired as the festival’s float builder, with area businesses also asking for her services.

Toiling over a Wendy’s restaurant float that featured a maypole, Privitt was ready to call it quits. Jerry, who was little more than an acquaintance at the time, stayed with Privitt helping her complete the job.

“I was a hot mess when we met but he continued to keep a check on me in that old pole barn,” she joked. “It was one day before the parade and that Wendy’s float was barely even started. I was on the verge of tears and ready to throw in the towel.  If he hadn’t stayed all day and night into the wee hours of the morning helping me, I never would have gotten Wendy’s maypole to Main Street.”

Privitt would learn that Jerry was worried about her being alone at the barn at night. Known for his care and concern for others, Jerry is the co-founder and executive director of the Humboldt Area Rescue Squad (HARS), a team of highly trained rescue technicians and EMTs. They married in 1997 and welcomed daughter Allie in 1998. They are grandparents to Jude and Joseph, and Privitt is honorary “Mimi” to her niece’s children, Olivia and Oliver.

In 2001, long after the pole barn was demolished and several temporary workplaces later, the couple built a shop at their house. Every year from Jan. 1 to the first week in May, Privitt builds 26 to 34 floats. From baby strollers to golf carts to 20-ft trailers, Privitt designs each float from start to finish.

“Customers usually come to me with little to no idea of what they want,” Privitt said. She builds floats for businesses, churches, pageant royalty and families. “The first questions I ask them are the age range of the children riding on the float, the number of children on the float and what those children love.”

She starts with a sketch. Once the design is approved, Privitt uses anything at her disposal – wood, PVC, cardboard, wallpaper glue and more – to bring her vision to life.

“I never know what I’m going to use, but I love working with tissue paper,” she said. “That is the most traditional part of the build that hasn’t been forgotten.”

Privitt found her love for art at a young age and took art classes in high school. She attended Lambuth College on scholarships for art, academics and tennis. Unsure how to make a living with art, she studied drafting at a Tennessee technical school.

Privitt joined Gibson Electric as a dispatcher in 2007 and moved to GIS technician in 2019. She was recently promoted to field and compliance engineer where she is blending the skills she has learned at the cooperative with those honed in her workshop.

“Talking to members is the same as talking to float customers,” Privitt said. “It’s all about finding out what they want and presenting them with what we can do on their budget and finding the best way to hook into our electric and fiber grid.”

While she spends most of the year juggling the responsibilities of work, family and passion projects ranging from float building to supporting HARS, Privitt will dedicate May 4-10 to the Strawberry Festival and the 36 events and estimated 75,000 people that will flock to Humboldt, during the week. As president, she chose this year’s festival theme, “It’s a berry good life: When our community unites, the celebration ignites,” which honors the 100-plus Strawberry Festival volunteers. When the floats she has lovingly crafted move down Main Street to the delight of families from across the state, Privitt will take a moment to reflect on her 32-year journey.

“Who would have thought something I did just in my free time would turn into 32 years’ worth of work?” she said. “It’s like an artist seeing their artwork in a museum. I just get to see mine in a parade.”

Visit https://strawberryfestivaltn.com/ for more information on the West Tennessee Strawberry Festival.

The comfortable spring weather is more likely to nudge you to open your windows than to turn on the air conditioner, making it the perfect time to prep your system for the summer heat.

The best time to service your home’s air conditioning system is when you don’t need it. If you put it off until it’s 90 degrees outdoors, you could be dealing with some down time that can leave your home uncomfortable.

Annual service is important because your technician will lubricate and clean moving parts and check for—and repair—potential problems. That will make it more likely that your system will run smoothly all summer.

Choose a technician who is licensed by the state. Chances are the same tech can come back in the fall to tune up your heating system.

If you need to replace your central AC unit, you may quality for an EnergyRight rebate from the Tennessee Valley Authority. Find more details about residential rebate programs and qualified contractors at https://energyright.com/residential/rebates/.

Gibson Electric and Gibson Connect President and CEO Dan Rodamaker announced SmartTown at the Gibson Electric Membership Corporation’s 88^th Annual Members’ Meeting held Thursday, March 20, at Lara Kendall Elementary School in Lake County.

During the business meeting, Rodamaker shared the cooperative’s plans to launch SmartTown, community-wide managed Wi-Fi, through Gibson Connect. SmartTown provides Gibson Connect subscribers with seamless connectivity in public spaces. It can also play a pivotal role during emergencies, providing connectivity when other modes of communication have failed.

“SmartTown is another way we can strengthen our impact in our communities,” Rodamaker said. “While our Gibson Connect subscribers will benefit on the go, SmartTown is especially useful for first responders working in our rural areas. We’re excited to announce more about SmartTown soon.”

Rodamaker also touted the security Gibson Connect provides subscribers, noting that Gibson Protect IQ, a free service included with all residential subscriptions, protected subscribers from 2.7 million web threats, intrusions, viruses and malware.

“We take our responsibility to provide you and your family with safe and reliable electric and internet service seriously,” he said. “Safety will always be our top priority.”

Rodamaker shared with members that the cooperative upgraded transformers at its Polk substation in 2024 and added second transformers at its Ridgely and Pierce substations.

“With redundant transformers now in place at each of our substations, we’ve significantly increased service reliability for our members,” he explained.

The annual meeting also included live entertainment, giveaways and food. Members were treated to complimentary barbecue sandwiches and hot dogs catered by Big Daddy’s Meat Wagon in Ridgely and music from the award-winning High Road band. Members received a bucket, light bulbs and a tape measure at registration and picked up other giveaways at the event booths. Several lucky winners received Gibson Electric and Gibson Connect bill credits, gift cards, tumblers and more.

After the annual meeting adjourned, the Gibson Electric and Gibson Connect board met and re-elected officers.

Gibson Electric is a local, not-for-profit, member-owned and member-controlled electric cooperative serving more than 39,000 homes and businesses in eight West Tennessee counties (Crockett, Dyer, Gibson, Haywood, Lake, Madison, Obion and Weakley) and four Western Kentucky counties (Carlisle, Fulton, Graves and Hickman). Gibson Connect is a wholly-owned, not-for-profit subsidiary of Gibson Electric, working to provide high-speed, fiber-based broadband service access to all the cooperative’s eligible members.

After a widespread, weather-related disaster, Gibson Electric Membership Corporation line crews work to restore electric service as quickly as possible.

The task requires coordination among all crews and must be done methodically to maintain safety. Electric cooperatives like Gibson Electric follow a basic principle to bring back power: Restore service to the greatest number of people in the shortest time possible.  

“Even though you may see lights come on in homes nearby and see line crews driving by your house, we ask members without power to remain patient after widespread storms,” said Gibson Electric Manager of Operations Daniel Goode. “Please know the crews aren’t ignoring you; they are just working their way down a long list of damages that, with each fix, will restore power to the largest group of consumers.”

The priority of repairs generally follows this order:

1. Transmission lines. These high voltage lines carry electricity from generating plants to substations (or between substations). Since tens of thousands of people could be served by one transmission line, damage here needs to be taken care of first.
2. Substations. These electrical facilities contain equipment that switch or regulate the voltage of electricity. They lower the voltage from the transmission lines so the electricity can be transmitted through the distribution lines. Problems here can affect thousands of consumers.
3. Main distribution lines. You see these along roadways. They carry electricity from the substations to groups of consumers, like towns or housing developments.
4. Tap lines. These lines run from the main distribution lines to utility poles and underground transformers outside houses or buildings.
5. Individual service. These lines run from the transformer on the pole along the road or street or underground to the consumer’s electric meter on the side of the home or business.

Gibson Electric members can report outages on the Gibson Co-ops app by clicking “Report Outage” at the top of the home screen or by calling 8-00-977-4076. Members can also view outages on the app or online at gibsoncoops.com.

NASHVILLE – More than 100 electric cooperative leaders from across the state gathered in Nashville on Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 18 and 19, for the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association’s Legislative Conference. Co-op members and employees joined together at the Doubletree Nashville Downtown to learn more about and discuss the pressing issues impacting the communities they serve.

“In order to successfully serve our communities, it is important to fully understand the impact of proposed legislation and simply what’s to come in the political environment,” says Ryan King, vice president of government affairs for TECA. “It is critical that we monitor the impacts of legislation and regulatory actions in order to remain good stewards of the resources with which we have been entrusted.”

In addition to updates and panel discussions, co-op leaders were able to meet with legislators in the Cordell Hull State Office Building to stress the important role co-ops play in their communities and provide input on issues that matter to their service areas.

“One of the many strengths of electric cooperatives is the commitment to advocate for the communities we serve,” says Dan Rodamaker, President and CEO of Gibson Electric and chairman of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association Board of Trustees. “I appreciate the co-op leaders who took the time to visit with legislators, ensuring they understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing rural and suburban Tennessee. These conversations are essential to shaping policies that protect reliable, affordable energy and strengthen the communities we power.”

TECA’s day on the hill wrapped up with King along with Chris Jones, CEO of Middle Tennessee Electric, and Mike Partin, CEO of Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative, representing co-ops across the state during the House Business and Utilities Subcommittee. All three testified on the health of Tennessee’s electric cooperatives.

Mark your calendar for Thursday, March 20, and our 88^th Annual Members’ Meeting.

Gibson Electric Membership Corporation invites you to Lara Kendall Elementary School at 200 N. College Street in Ridgely, Tennessee, for an evening of fun and learning as cooperative employees and members enjoy fellowship and leaders conduct the 2025 business meeting.

New to this year’s schedule is Power Hour. Cooperative representatives will be available between 5 and 6 p.m. to provide one-on-one assistance to members whether it’s technical support with the new app, help understanding your bill or more information about the co-op’s programs and services.

Registration starts at 6 p.m., and members will receive a gift and a ticket to win one of ten $150 bill credits that can be applied to a Gibson Electric or Gibson Connect bill. Members’ children will be eligible to win one of three $75 gift cards.

Entertainment begins at 6:15, with the Grammy-nominated group High Road taking the stage. Gifted pianist and vocalist Sarah Davison leads the group, which includes Rachel Crick on fiddle and harmonies and Kristen Bearfield on guitar and harmonies. High Road combines country, bluegrass, Gospel and contemporary Christian music to create their original sound.

Also at 6:15, employees will serve members with free barbecue sandwiches, hot dogs, chips, dessert and drinks.

Door prizes will be awarded at 6:45 followed by the business meeting at 7. During the business meeting, Gibson Electric leaders will provide an update on the cooperative’s operation, including a financial report. Gibson Electric and Gibson Connect President and CEO Dan Rodamaker will also report on significant activities that have taken place during the past year and plans for the co-op.

The business meeting will conclude at 7:30, and the remaining door prizes will be awarded.

“As a not-for-profit, member-owned and member-controlled cooperative, we enjoy the opportunity to visit with those we serve,” Rodamaker said. “We hope you’ll join us at our annual meeting!”

If you are a member with special needs and you plan to attend this meeting, Gibson Electric asks you to contact your local member service center and ask for ext. 1611, by Monday, March 10, so the cooperative can try to accommodate you.

Update: We’ve added Power Hour to our annual meeting schedule. From 5 to 6 p.m., Gibson Electric and Gibson Connect experts will provide one-on-one support on everything from downloading the new app and accessing the features to understanding your bill and energy use.

Step into the Christmas Toy Store at Reelfoot Rural Ministries in Obion, and you’re likely to hear conversations reminiscent of those heard in any retail store.

“Should I get the alarm clock or the hand warmers? The hand warmers will keep him warm while he waits for the bus, but the alarm clock will get him out of bed to catch the bus.”

After a thoughtful pause, the mother chooses the alarm clock.

For almost 50 years, Reelfoot Rural Ministries (RRM) has made Christmas brighter for tens of thousands of families in northwest Tennessee and southwest Kentucky through its Christmas Toy Store, two rooms stocked with toys, electronics, outdoor equipment and more provided by generous donations. RRM leaders and volunteers sum up the magic of the season in one word:

Faith.

“I’ve had a good lesson about faith,” said RRM Finance Director Donna Chism. “God has His hands in all this.” Throughout her 19-year tenure at the nonprofit, Chism admits there have been stressful days and sleepless nights wondering how the team would raise the money needed to stock the store.

Every year, it all comes together, with the Christmas Toy Store serving 656 children in 2024.

“That’s a miracle in itself,” said RRM Dental and ReelHOME Coordinator Brandy Rudd. Rudd, who has been with the organization for 12 years, has also benefited from the Christmas Toy Store when her husband unexpectedly gained full custody of his three children.

“I was worried,” Rudd recalled. “My kids thought it was the best Christmas ever.”

Planning for the best Christmas ever is a year-round process. Families submit applications for the Christmas Toy Store in November, paying a small fee of $5 per child. All programs at RRM are income-based except for its thrift shop. Federal guidelines are used to determine household income levels.

The shop is open four days in December. On days the shop is closed, RRM staff hit the stores to restock the shelves.

“We know the numbers,” Chism said. “We’ve got it down to a science.”

Families come at their assigned time and get 30 minutes per child to pick out their presents. Items are categorized by large, medium and small, with families choosing one of each for each child. There are stuffed animals for younger children, colognes for teenagers and art sets, headphones, fishing poles, bicycles and more for all ages.

When the store closes for the season, Chism moves any remaining funds into the next year’s budget. In July, the RRM team will look for deals and begin stocking the shop again.

In addition to donations, the Christmas Toy Store is dependent on volunteers, many of whom return each year.

“Reelfoot Rural Ministries has our heart,” said Kathy Craig. She and her sister Judy Holt have been helping families in the Christmas Toy Shop for six years. “We’re making people happy,” Holt said. “It’s just a blessing.”

Gene and Lyn Saltzman make the trek from Concordia, Kansas to Obion each year, staying on site at RRM from September to mid-February to help with a variety of tasks. During the holidays, Lyn helps families with their applications for the Christmas Toy Store, stocks the merchandise and registers families on shopping days. She is also heavily involved with the food pantry while Gene helps make pick-ups for the pantry and thrift store. The couple has also planted a garden to provide fresh produce for the food pantry.

“It’s fun here,” Gene said. “I like the people and the community.” Lyn added that RRM is “just like a family.”

“You won’t find a better team,” Chism agreed. “We love each other, and we love our community. We’re doing God’s work, and it’s such a blessing to do our part.”

RRM also has the ReelHOME program that helps older adults stay in their homes by making their houses safer, more accessible and more efficient, emergency relocation assistance for families displaced by fire, natural disasters or domestic violence, Backpack Buddies program for Lake County School District students, children’s school supplies, Lake County Imagination Library sponsorship and on-site dental and eye clinics for which leaders are actively looking for a dentist and optometrist to see clients.

For more information about Reelfoot Rural Ministries, visit reelfoot.org or call 731-538-9970.

When outdoor temperatures drop, our electricity use increases. That’s because we’re doing more activities inside, and our heating systems are running longer and more often to counteract colder outdoor temperatures.

Here are a few things you can do to save money during times of extreme winter weather:

• Select the lowest comfortable thermostat setting and turn it down several degrees whenever possible. Your heating system must run longer to make up the difference between the thermostat temp and the outdoor temp.
  • Pro tip: Seal air leaks around windows and exterior doors with caulk and weatherstripping. Air leaks and drafts force your heating system to work harder than necessary.
• Stagger your use of major appliances such as dishwashers, ovens and dryers.
  • Pro tip: Start the dishwasher before you go to bed and use smaller countertop appliances like slow cookers and air fryers to save energy.
• Ensure that your heating system is optimized for efficiency with regular maintenance and proper insulation.
  • Pro tip: Make sure your filter isn’t clogged and dirty. Replace it as needed.
• When possible, use cold water to reduce water heating costs.
  • Pro tip: Setting your water heater thermostat to 120 degrees can help you save energy and reduce mineral buildup and corrosion in your water heater and pipes.
• Unplug devices when not in use to eliminate unnecessary energy use. Even when turned off, electronics in standby mode consume energy.
  • Pro tip: Plug devices into a power strip so you can turn them all off at once with the push of a button.

By adopting energy conservation practices during periods of extreme cold, not only can you save money on your electric bills, but you can also contribute to the resilience of the power grid, keeping our local community warm and connected.