Staying Cool and Saving Energy

The first bucket trucks appeared before the sun was even up. The logos painted across them didn’t match ours and the lineworkers inside called hundreds of miles away home, but that didn’t matter. Their mission was clear, they were here to help get the lights back on.

We are no strangers here at Southwest Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation to devastating storms and those unpredictable weather events leave thousands of our hardworking members without power. It never fails, though, neighboring electric cooperatives always answer the call. No matter if its floods, snows or even the ice storms like we experienced earlier this year — within hours, help from across Tennessee and even other states arrive in our service territory. Lineworkers begin rebuilding a system that’s not their own because that’s what co-ops do. We all work together and toward the same mission of bringing you the most reliable power we can. When the time comes, we, too, will answer the call and help our fellow co-ops in a time of need.

Long before the first pole was replaced, the sixth cooperative principle was already at work. Co-ops around the world and right here in West Tennessee operate according to the same set of core principles, and the sixth one is “Cooperation Among Cooperatives.” Meaning, co-ops serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together. Whether that’s done through local, national, regional or even international structures — what matters is that co-ops are helping co-ops serve their members in the best possible way.

STEMC is more than just your electric company — it’s a place where cooperation extends beyond power lines, connecting communities through a network of cooperatives working together to serve a greater purpose.

For many Tennesseans, September 1^st means one thing and one thing only — dove season. Fields fill with hunters at noon on opening day, making it one of the busiest hunting weekends of the year. Before you make your way to the field this weekend, make safety your first priority. Shooting power or fragile fiberoptic lines can disrupt electric and communication services for hundreds or thousands of your neighbors, putting convenience, and even safety, in the crosshairs.

Know your surroundings. Before opening day, scout the fields you intend to hunt on. That way you can keep yourself safe by identifying fences, ditches and uneven ground. While you are scouting, note the location of power poles and overhead power lines too. That way you can keep the power on for your family and neighbors by avoiding setting up and shooting toward electrical equipment.

Watch for power lines. When you are all set up and ready to go, keep those power lines in mind. Never shoot toward power lines or electrical equipment and if a bird lands on electrical equipment, do not attempt to retrieve it. We know it looks harmless to retrieve, but attempting to do so can bring you or your firearm too close to energized equipment. Coming too close could result in serious injury or death and it could damage the electric system.

Leave utility equipment alone. Aside from not retrieving a bird if it lands on electrical equipment, there are other electric co-op equipment that doesn’t need to be bothered while you are hunting. Don’t climb on poles and transformers. Utility boxes are not suited for seats or tables. Never place decoys or gear on utility equipment. Utility equipment can carry thousands of volts of electricity, and tampering with or climbing on it can have deadly consequences.

Be mindful of hunting dogs. No hunting trip is complete without man’s best friend, but unfortunately man’s best friend can’t read this safety article. Be sure to keep dogs away from substations and fenced utility areas for the same reasons you should stay away. If a dog becomes trapped near energized equipment, call Southwest Tennessee Electric and do not attempt a rescue yourself.

As always if anything goes wrong or if you have any questions before heading out, call your local Southwest Tennessee Electric office.

Back in the day, Southwest Tennessee Electric’s annual meeting was one of the biggest community gatherings of the year. Hundreds of members would come out for food, fun, fellowship and most importantly — to learn from and connect with their electric cooperative. I’d like to encourage you that our annual meeting is still a must-attend event today both for the enjoyment and engagement with your cooperative.

Our annual meeting is more than just a tradition. The gathering is part of what makes electric cooperatives different than power companies. Our members are more than just customers — they are owners — and that means member participation matters.

By coming to our annual meeting this fall, you have the opportunity to partake in delicious free food, entertainment, and door prize drawings. You also have the opportunity to stay informed, have a voice and connect with your community.

While we gather, members learn more about the things Southwest Tennessee Electric’s has been up to the past year, including system improvements and projects. Updates are provided on reliability, affordability, broadband, growth and future planning. Members are also able to share their opinions, whether its voting in director elections, asking questions or helping shape the direction of the cooperative.

My favorite part though is the connection. When you join us for the annual meeting, I, along with the rest of the team, want to shake your hand. Yes, we want to meet you. We want to know our members, and we want our members to know us. Aside from meeting co-op employees and leadership, you also get to visit with other members, or your neighbors if you will, and celebrate local accomplishments together.

So, consider this your personal invitation to our upcoming annual meeting from me. The annual meeting is more than a meeting. It is one of the few times each year we can gather in one place as a co-op family. Whether you’ve attended for years or this would be your first, we hope you’ll join us on August 14^th, 2026 at the fairgrounds in Jackson, TN.

BROWNSVILLE – Eight students from Southwest Tennessee Electric discovered how 900 words can change everything after attending the 2026 Washington Youth Tour. Faith Tate from Brighton High School, Amber Taylor from Chester County High School, and Lillian Rutledge, Leliahanna Taylor, Keira Warren, Wyatt Butcher, Avonlea Haynes, and Cecilia Chambers, all from Munford High School were among the 140 other student delegates from Tennessee who attended the weeklong trip, June 12-19.

“Washington Youth Tour was an unforgettable experience,” said Faith Tate, student from Brighton High School. “I had the opportunity to meet students from across the state and country, learn firsthand about our nation’s history and government and directly see how electric co-ops invest in young leaders. I’m incredibly grateful to Southwest Tennessee Electric for this trip.”

All eight students participated in and won the Electric Cooperative Creative Writing Contest. It’s available to students enrolled as high school juniors and who live in an electric co-op service area. The students wrote a short story of 900 words explaining how co-ops are “Energizing Every Moment” by providing communities with energy, education, broadband, economic development and more. By showing the benefits of cooperative power, the students joined 2,000 other students from across the country in Washington, D.C. for the Washington Youth Tour.

Each day of the Washington Youth Tour brought more impressive sights, opportunities for photos and lots of memories with other students who became lifelong friends. Among some of those activities were a tour of Monticello, the Smithsonian, Mt. Vernon and numerous monument tours including the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial and the World War II Memorial. Delegates also toured the capitol and met representatives from Tennessee who advocate for electric co-ops and their communities. Other highlights included visiting the Spy Museum, seeing the Sunset Parade, viewing the musical “Mean Girls at Toby’s Theater and watching the changing of the guard followed by the wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

“Electric cooperatives are committed to investing in the next generation, and Washington Youth Tour is one of the most impactful ways we do that,” said BJ Bernard, vice president of member services for the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association and tour director. “The trip combines leadership development, education and relationship-building in a way that leaves a lasting impression on students.”

The Washington Youth Tour began in the late 1950s. President Lyndon B. Johnson inspired the trip and since then, more than 6,000 students from Tennessee have participated in this fast-paced leadership opportunity. TECA and the member-owned electric cooperatives across the state are proud to sponsor this unique learning experience and help shape the next generation of informed, engaged citizens.

Southwest Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation provides energy to more than 50,000 residential and commercial consumers in Chester, Crockett, Fayette, Hardeman, Haywood, Henderson, Lauderdale, Madison, McNairy, Shelby, and Tipton counties. We are a not-for-profit, consumer-owned cooperative whose purpose is to deliver safe, reliable, and affordable energy through innovation and a people-first culture. We exist to power thriving communities and enhance the quality of life of every member we serve.

The Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association provides leadership, advocacy and support for Tennessee’s 23 electric cooperatives and publishes The Tennessee Magazine, the state’s most widely circulated monthly periodical. Visit tnelectric.org or tnmagazine.org to learn more.

The time is here. It’s practically summer and you have plans to better the outside of your home. Maybe you are considering putting in a new pool, a new mailbox or maybe even some new flowering trees. Whatever the project might be — you need to call 811 before digging any holes. This simple, initial, important and free safety step will save you from headaches and hazards.

Calling 811 keeps people safe. Plain and simple, calling 811 before digging helps prevent serious injuries or worse. Underground electric, gas and communication lines aren’t always obvious. Hitting one could lead to electric shock, explosions or other life-threatening situations — all that could be prevented by one quick call.

Calling 811 protects critical infrastructure and prevents outages. Damaging underground utilities can knock out power, internet or gas for the entire neighborhood. Giving 811 a call before starting any projects helps keep the lights on and essential services running for everyone.

Calling 811 saves time, money and frustration. Hitting a buried line could lead to costly repairs, project delays and potential fines. Dialing 811 is free, easy and can keep a job on track without unexpected and expensive setbacks.

Tennessee 811 is a nonprofit organization that helps homeowners and contractors locate underground utility lines so that digging can proceed safely. With one call, you can notify the owners of various underground utility lines who, within a few days, will mark the locations of the lines. Calling is required by law. If you dig without calling and damage utility lines, fines can be assessed and repair costs will come out of your pocket.

Keep in mind that private utility lines will not be covered by a call to Tennessee 811. Examples of private lines are water and sewer lines that run from your meter to your house. You might need to contact your local or city government, tax assessor or registrar of deeds to help locate these lines. Also not covered are customer-owned lines such as those for invisible fencing, outdoor lighting and irrigation. Tennessee 811 maintains a list of private locators. For a fee, these professionals can help you locate these underground lines.

Tennessee 811’s call center is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by calling 811 or 1-800-351-1111 or via an online e-ticket program at tenn811.com. The website also has an FAQ section to answer more specific questions about the process and what to expect.

 May is National Electrical Safety Month, which reminds us to use electricity safely at home and at work.

 The month’s organizers offer commonsense advice that can prevent fires, shocks and accidents with electric devices and cords.

 The Top 10:

 1. Check cords, plugs and extension cords for fraying or damage, and replace any that are worn.

 2. Avoid overloading outlets or power strips, and use surge protectors for sensitive electronics.

 3. Keep appliances and cords away from water to prevent shocks.

 4. Never run cords under rugs or across high-traffic areas.

 5. For households with children, install tamper-resistant outlets and teach kids not to insert objects into outlets

 6. Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors should be tested monthly, and batteries replaced as needed.

 7. If you use portable generators, always operate them outdoors and away from windows or doors to avoid carbon monoxide hazards.

 8. Maintain proper spacing around heaters and electrical appliances. Keep at least 3 feet of clearance on all sides from furniture, curtains or other flammable items to reduce fire risk and allow proper airflow.

 9. Same goes for portable space heaters, which are convenient but pose fire risks if misused. Keep at least 3 feet of clearance from furniture or curtains, place them on a stable surface and unplug when not in use.

 10. Keep cords away from water. We often operate appliances in bathrooms, kitchens, garages and basements. Water and electricity don’t mix.

 Electrical Safety Month is a good reminder that small precautions can prevent accidents and reduce the risk of fires and injuries. Taking a few minutes to inspect and maintain your electrical devices can help keep your home safe all year long.

Southwest Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation (STEMC) has completed power restoration to all members following a historic winter storm that caused widespread damage across the electric system. More than half an inch of ice was measured in some parts of the service area—levels not seen in this region in decades.

At the height of the storm, over 7,000 members were without power, making this one of the most significant winter storm restoration efforts in recent history. In response, more than 150 lineworkers and support personnel worked across the system to safely restore service.

The storm caused extensive damage, particularly in Chester, Henderson, and Madison counties, where heavy ice led to downed lines, broken poles, and widespread infrastructure damage. In many cases, repairs required rebuilding and replacing equipment across large portions of the system rather than performing isolated fixes.

“This storm caused the kind of widespread damage that takes a lot of time to repair,” said Clint Malone, President & CEO of STEMC. “We’re incredibly grateful to the lineworkers and support teams — both local and visiting — who worked long hours in difficult conditions to restore power. We’re also deeply thankful to our members for their patience and understanding throughout this process. The damage was intense, and so was the response.”

Preparation played a critical role in limiting the damage and the length of outages. Ongoing vegetation management — including proactive tree trimming — and routine system maintenance helped prevent additional damage and reduced the scope of outages in some areas. Just as important, the cooperative’s longstanding mutual aid network allowed crews from co-ops across the region to step in quickly when help was needed. Electric cooperatives regularly train and prepare for large-scale events like this, and that preparation proved invaluable during this restoration.

During the response, STEMC received assistance from Forked Deer Electric Cooperative, Gibson Electric Membership Corporation, and Chickasaw Electric Cooperative, whose lineworkers and support teams worked alongside local crews to accelerate restoration efforts.

With service now fully restored to its own members, STEMC has begun assisting neighboring utilities by sending crews to Pickwick Electric Cooperative and Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative, continuing the cooperative tradition of helping others when disaster strikes.

“Electric cooperatives are built on a foundation of neighbors helping neighbors,” President & CEO Malone added. “This storm tested our system and our people, and I couldn’t be more proud of how our team, our neighbors, and our members came together.”

STEMC encourages members to report any lingering issues or concerns to 1-888-440-1990 and reminds the public to continue exercising caution around electrical equipment following severe weather.

For more information, visit stemc.com or follow Southwest Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation on social media.

Southwest Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation provides energy to more than 50,000 residential and commercial consumers in Chester, Crockett, Fayette, Hardeman, Haywood, Henderson, Lauderdale, Madison, McNairy, Shelby, and Tipton counties. We are a not-for-profit, consumer-owned cooperative whose purpose is to deliver safe, reliable, and affordable energy through innovation and a people-first culture. We exist to power thriving communities and enhance the quality of life of every member we serve.

Dove hunting season in Tennessee is underway. While it is an exciting time for hunters, there are some essential hunting safety tips to keep in mind, especially when it comes to power and fiber lines.

Know your surroundings. Before you begin your hunt, identify where power and fiber lines and any other electrical equipment are on the property. Remember, just because you are used to the lines being there, they can still carry high voltage and pose a serious risk of electrocution.

Avoid contact. As with any outdoor activity, maintain a safe distance from power lines and electrical equipment. Be especially cautious in wooded areas where lines might be less visible. Also, be careful where you place stands. Never place deer stands on utility poles or climb utility poles. A good rule of thumb is to stay at least 10 feet away from both lines and any electrical equipment.

Don’t shoot at or near powerlines. When you see a dove sitting on a power line, avoid the temptation to take a shot. If you shoot a power or fiber line, you could cause a power outage or even a communication outage for an entire community, and let’s face it you could even miss the dove while doing so. That risk is definitely not worth the reward.

Be a responsible hunter. While it is a fun hobby, hunters are still responsible for their shots and any damages caused from them.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Southwest Tennessee EMC at 1-888-440-1990. Let’s work together to protect critical infrastructure while enjoying the great outdoors.

As the newly selected President and CEO of Southwest Tennessee EMC, I am honored to be part of its nearly 100-year legacy of service. My career with STEMC began 11 years ago with my most recent role being Vice President of Engineering. As I step into this new position, I reflect on our past while embracing the opportunities that lie ahead.

When the Rural Electrification Act was passed in 1936, it brought electricity to rural communities that had been left in the dark—both literally and figuratively. At the time, 90% of farms lacked electric power, and this legislation became a symbol of progress, bridging the gap between urban and rural areas. Fast-forward to 2017, when the Tennessee Broadband Accessibility Act empowered electric cooperatives to leverage their infrastructure to deliver high-speed internet to their members. Once again, the same spirit of innovation and service was embraced. Both advancements transformed lives, expanding access to modern conveniences and driving improvements in education and healthcare.

At STEMC, our members are at the heart of everything we do. Your success is our success, and we are committed to continuously enhancing the value we provide. Looking ahead, my vision for our cooperative is not simply to meet expectations but to exceed them—delivering exceptional service, ensuring reliability, and exploring new ways to improve your quality of life. Our mission goes beyond keeping the lights on—it’s about providing the energy that powers today’s priceless moments while unlocking 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.

This new chapter is an exciting opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to you and evolve in response to your changing needs. Together, with our passionate, talented, and hard-working team, we will embrace challenges, foster collaboration, and deliver unparalleled service. Whether through innovative investments in our electric system or the adoption of emerging technologies, we will remain steadfast in our dedication to serving you. I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and firmly believe that the best is yet to come.

Clint Malone

On average, this is the hottest month for Tennesseans. Weather Spark, an online weather database, reports the average high in Nashville is typically 89°F with a low of 71°F in July. While we know the weather report can vary, chances are you’re searching for ways to stay cool that won’t break the bank. Here are three practices to keep in mind to help you be energy-efficient, save money on your electric bill and cool down this summer.

Use ceiling fans. Ceiling fans are a great alternative to air conditioning in order to stay cool. Be sure your fans are set to rotate counterclockwise during the warmer months. This will allow a cool breeze in the room without overloading the A/C. Remember, ceiling fans cool people and not rooms. So, be sure to flip the switch off on the fans when you leave the room.

Keep blinds and curtains closed. Even though the natural light and being able to see outside is a great way to bring life into your home, the sunlight coming through your windows quickly heats up your house. Set reminders to close the blinds or draw the curtains to during the hottest part of the day to keep your home cooler. You can always open blinds and curtains back up towards the evening.

Set your thermostat higher. As temperatures increase, try setting your thermostat a few degrees higher than you normally would. Every degree you raise it can save energy and the money in your pocket. Consider doing this especially when you aren’t home during the day or while on vacation.