Energize Your Wallet

There is power in a moment.

Sometimes powerful moments are obvious, like the day you got engaged, welcoming your first child into the world or sending them off to college. In business, it may be the ribbon cutting of your new shop or stepping into a new leadership role. Other times, powerful moments can be subtle, like sharing laughter around the dinner table, catching up with old friends or learning to care for others by watching strong leadership in action.

Whether the moments are everyday or extraordinary, Gibson Electric Membership Corporation plays an essential role in energizing the people and places we serve. Reliability is more than just keeping the lights on—it’s about providing the energy that powers today’s priceless moments and tomorrow’s endless opportunities. We energize every moment in ways you may not see, and it is our honor to carry out that mission every day.

Gibson Electric energizes connection.

Whether it’s offering broadband services that connect you to the world, creating opportunities to gather with others at our annual meeting or greeting you with a friendly face who knows you by name—we work hard to connect with our members.

Gibson Electric energizes opportunity.

When jobs are created, communities thrive. We provide reliable infrastructure and broadband access, attracting industries from across the globe. We help recruit and retain jobs. Our collaboration with local government means healthier communities, more jobs and brighter futures.

Gibson Electric energizes unity.

When disaster strikes from severe weather, we’re ready to assist our sister co-ops. We also unite over more than natural disasters though. We advocate for policies that benefit rural communities. Whatever the challenge, Tennessee co-ops come together for the betterment of their members.

Gibson Electric energizes compassion.

Energizing compassion means lending a hand to those in need. This past year, our co-op served our local community by providing grant funding to non-profit organizations. When there’s a need, we step up to the plate.

Gibson Electric energizes life lessons.

Sometimes the best lessons happen outside of the classroom. Whether it’s a student visiting the nation’s capital with Washington Youth Tour, learning how to inspire others through Youth Leadership Summit or engaging with other students in yearly 4-H camp programs, we are committed to training our next generation of leaders.

We’re here for you. For every good memory in your life and in our community, all of us at Gibson Electric Membership Corporation are working behind the scenes energizing every moment.

Gibson Connect, a wholly owned, not-for-profit subsidiary of Gibson Electric Membership Corporation, closed 2024 with a milestone, connecting its 20,000^th subscriber to high-speed fiber internet.

Bailee Mayfield of the Crockett Mills community near Alamo was the lucky subscriber and received a gift basket valued at over $250 that included a $100 Gibson Connect bill credit, Bluetooth speaker, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Onn tablet and Gibson-branded goodies.

Mayfield said she chose Gibson Connect after hearing good reviews from others using the service in her rural area. She depends on the internet to make phone calls since cell service is poor near her home. Her previous wireless service also did not provide the speed she needed for streaming.

“I can’t really do anything at my house without Wi-Fi, and I’m a big streamer,” she said. “The service in my area just wasn’t that good.”

Mayfield called to set up installation before Christmas and was surprised to see Gibson Connect fiber installation techs at her home to locate and mark underground utilities on Christmas Eve.

“It was a really smooth process to get everything started,” she said. “Once they came and marked, they were out there really quickly and were able to get me installed really quick and get me up and going super quick too. That was really pleasant, to not have to wait months to get something done.”

Charles Phillips, Gibson Electric vice president of technical services, and Teresa Burkett, Gibson Connect manager of outside plant, presented Mayfield with the gift basket and balloons at Tennessee Tractor LLC in Brownsville, where she was working on New Year’s Eve. Tennessee Tractor is a longtime Gibson Connect subscriber.

Phillips noted that Gibson Connect officially launched after then-governor Bill Haslam signed the Tennessee Broadband Accessibility Act. The legislation allowed private, not-for-profit, member-owned and member-controlled electric cooperatives to provide high-speed internet service to their members.

“Limited broadband access was hurting our rural communities, and our electric cooperatives across the state were poised to provide this vital service to our members at an affordable price with speeds and reliability matching if not surpassing internet service in larger, urban settings,” said Gibson Electric and Gibson Connect President and CEO Dan Rodamaker. “Since 2017, we have been committed to bridging the digital divide for our members and communities.”

Gibson Electric formed Gibson Connect in June of 2017, and fiber buildout to members began in April 2018. Gibson Connect routinely earns high marks with subscribers. The current Net Promoter Score (NPS), which measures customer satisfaction, loyalty and enthusiasm, is +90 on a scale of -100 to +100.

“We’re really proud of those numbers and our expert staff,” Phillips said. “From our installation technicians to our technical support representatives, our team works hard to ensure our members get the service and support they need. We’re also thankful to our members who continue to tell their friends and family about the world-class service Gibson Connect provides. We could not have reached this milestone without their support.”

Gibson Electric is a local, not-for-profit, member-owned and member-controlled electric cooperative serving almost 40,000 homes and businesses in eight west Tennessee counties (Crockett, Dyer, Gibson, Haywood, Lake, Madison, Obion and Weakley) and four west Kentucky counties (Carlisle, Fulton, Graves and Hickman). Gibson Connect provides high-speed, fiber-based broadband service access to the cooperative’s eligible members. For more information about Gibson Electric and Gibson Connect, visit gibsoncoops.com.

Since 2009, Gibson Electric Membership Corporation employees have donated more than 10,000 pounds of food to local food banks through the annual Dan’s Cans Food Drive in December. In 2024, employees added 800 pounds to the impressive 15-year total.

Donations from each member service center went to nonprofits serving those areas:

Alamo – Crockett Cares

Clinton – Mission House

Tiptonville and Troy – Reelfoot Rural Ministries

Trenton – Dyer Cumberland Presbyterian Church

“What a Christmas blessing,” said Sandy Moss of Dyer Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The church sponsors a backpack feeding program for Dyer Elementary School students living in food insecure homes, providing them with meals and snacks for the weekends. “These donations are an answer to prayer.”

Other organizations also requested kid-friendly items in addition to canned foods. Employees responded with mac and cheese, ramen noodles, toaster pastries, juice boxes, peanut butter, cereal, fruit cups, apple sauce, ravioli and more.

“Cooperatives around the world operate according to the same core principles and values, the seventh being Concern for Community,” said Gibson Electric and Gibson Connect President and CEO Dan Rodamaker. “I’m touched by our employees’ concern for their communities. While they demonstrate this concern throughout the year, it is especially meaningful during the holidays. I am truly grateful to work with such a dedicated, caring group of people.”

With winter months approaching, Gibson Electric Membership Corporation wants to remind our member-owners of federal funding available to help pay for heating your home.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can help you pay your heating or cooling bills or get emergency services during an energy crisis. You may be eligible for help with your energy bills based on your income.

In Tennessee, LIHEAP is administered through a network of 19 local agencies that reach all 95 counties. LIHEAP is a one-time assistance offered to help defray heating and cooling expenses, as long as funding is available.

The online application and eligibility requirements are available at https://thda.org/help-for-homeowners/energy-assistance-programs/low-income-home-energy-assistance-program-liheap.

Gibson Electric member-owners in Crockett, Dyer, Lake, Obion and Weakley counties should contact the Northwest Tennessee Economic Development Council at 731-364-3228, and member-owners in Haywood and Madison counties should contact the Southwest HRA at 731-989-5111 for more information and assistance with applications.

In Kentucky, LIHEAP is administered by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, which contracts with Community Action Agencies across the state to receive LIHEAP applications and provide recipient benefits. Qualified applicants are encouraged to contact their local agency outreach office for specific application instructions. West Kentucky Allied Services, Inc. serves Gibson Electric member-owners in Carlilse, Fulton, Graves and Hickman counties. Contact 270-247-4046 or find your local office at https://wkas-ky.org/contact/.

If you don’t qualify for low-income assistance, but need additional time to pay your bill, you can set up your own payment arrangement through our app or online portal. If you need assistance with a payment arrangement, please call your local member service center:

• Alamo – 731-696-5961
• Clinton – 270-653-2425
• Tiptonville – 731-253-7181
• Trenton – 731-855-4660
• Troy – 731-536-5920

In today’s fast-paced world, staying connected with friends and family has never been more essential. With that in mind, Gibson Connect has launched our Friends and Family Campaign to give our subscribers the chance to share the gift of high-speed internet with those who are important to them, all while earning rewards. New subscribers will not only benefit from their new reliable, high-speed internet, but they, too, will receive a reward.

How it Works

• Refer a Friend Credit: Current subscribers who refer a new subscriber will receive a $20 bill credit for each successful referral.
• Welcome Aboard Credit: New subscribers who join through a referral will also enjoy a $20 bill credit applied to their first bill.

It’s simple! The new subscriber just needs to enter the phone number of the referring existing subscriber in the referral code box during the sign-up process.

Building Community, One Connection at a Time

The Friends and Family Campaign is more than just a referral program; it’s a celebration of community and the bonds that bring us together. By sharing Gibson Connect with those closest to you, you’re not only helping them access quality internet service, you’re also fostering a stronger, more connected community.

As we approach the holiday season, think of all the moments that can be shared online—family gatherings, virtual celebrations, and staying in touch with loved ones near and far. By participating in this campaign, you can help ensure that everyone has the tools they need to connect.

For more information, visit www.gibsoncoops.com or contact our member service team at 731-562-6000.

As national cooperative month begins, Gibson Electric Membership Corporation is excited to celebrate you—our valued member-owner. Let us show our appreciation for your support by joining us at your local member appreciation event.

Why Cooperative Month Matters

Gibson Electric stands apart from traditional utilities because we’re owned by you—the people who use our services. This unique model means you have a say in how we operate and share in our successes. Cooperative Month is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the benefits of being a member-owner and the spirit of our community.

Member Appreciation Event: What to Expect

Your lunch is on us. We’ll have your choice of pulled pork or pulled chicken sandwich, chips, drinks and desserts. You may register and pick up your food to go, or you can dine-in and visit with us. The event will also feature booths highlighting some of our most popular services like Gibson Connect Internet, phone and television, and convenient PayGo Billing. Be sure to pick up giveaways at our booths.

These events are a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow members, enjoy delicious food, and learn more about the services we offer. Come celebrate with us and see firsthand how Gibson Electric is committed to serving you.

Thank You for Being a Part of Our Cooperative

As we celebrate Cooperative Month, we want to express our sincere gratitude for your support and participation. Your involvement is what makes Gibson Electric a success. We look forward to seeing you at our Member Appreciation Event and to another year of cooperation and community spirit.

Events will be held on the following dates from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

October 3 at Clinton Member Service Center

October 15 at Troy Member Service Center

October 17 at Trenton Operations Building

October 22 at Alamo Member Service Center

November 7 at Tiptonville Ellington Assembly Hall

We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Do you hit the snooze button when someone starts talking about kilowatts, electricity usage, or energy efficiency? It’s true—sometimes these can be pretty dry topics. What if you could get serious money back to make your home more energy efficient? And you could continue to keep more cash in your wallet every month because of those efforts?

Here’s the Scoop

Uncle Sam will pay you to make your home more energy efficient. If you’ve upgraded appliances or made home weatherization improvements to your primary residence since 2023, you may be eligible for tax credits or rebates for energy-efficient improvements. Here’s a sampling of what’s covered: upgraded exterior windows and doors, insulation high-efficiency (think Energy Star-rated) heat pumps, water heaters, heating, and cooling equipment, appliances, and switching to an electric vehicle or adding a home charger or rooftop solar system.

More Money, More Comfort

So, how does it work? Federal tax credits of up to $3200 per year can be claimed with your federal income taxes for the year when the upgrades are made. Just complete IRS Form 5695, follow IRS instructions, and include the form when filing your tax return. You’ll need to know the total cost of the upgrades and include relevant receipts. Given how annual total limits are structured, consider spreading your home energy efficiency improvements over a few years. Planning your upgrades can help maximize the annual credit amounts you can claim. As with any tax matter, consulting a tax professional is a good idea.

Don’t Leave Money on the Table

While the federal tax credits are managed by the IRS, federal energy rebates are handled by the states. Check here to see if your energy efficiency improvements qualify for a rebate. Keep in mind, you’ll need similar documentation and the total amount spent on the upgrades. Your wallet will thank you for the effort needed to get the cash back!

Play it Again

Let’s recap why it (literally) pays to amp up your energy efficiency efforts. Energy-efficient upgrades typically reduce consumption, lower utility bills over time and lessen the environmental impact. Not to mention, you can say adios to drafts and cold spots with energy-efficient windows and doors, and hello to improved indoor air quality with cleaner heating and cooling systems. So, what are you waiting for?

The Bottom Line

Gibson Electric Membership Corporation is all about helping our members save money and energy. Follow us on our social channels or check out gibsoncoops.com to learn more about how you can take advantage of these federal incentives for other ways to start putting more money back in your wallet.