Southwest Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation participates in 2024 Tennessee Electric Cooperative Day of Service

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.

This time of the year is the season of change from cool Spring days into the thrills of the hot Summer.

Your electrical cooperative will also be changing soon. As of July 12, 2025, I will be retiring as your president after 28 ½ years of service at Southwest Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation. I have enjoyed my 13 years as the Covington District manager, and the 15 1/1 years as the president has helped me grow exponentially. I am proud of the developments STEMC has made throughout the years that have helped our membership flourish.

1. Strong, skilled, and educated employees
2. Excellent environmental operations that help us keep the lights on
3. Acquisition of Aeneas Internet and Telephone to bring our membership better internet service
4. Better member service through:
   • The opening of our new Atoka district office
   • More communication about changes happening at STEMC
   • Strong engineering planning for future needs

It has been the job of the STEMC Board of Directors to choose the next president, and they have selected the current Vice President of Engineering, Clint Malone, to replace me in July. I firmly believe that he will be able to advance STEMC even further than I have.

The STEMC Annual Meeting is scheduled for August 8^th at the Jackson Fairgrounds Park – maybe I’ll see you there!

Thank you for allowing me to serve you all these years, and please give a warm welcome to the new president of STEMC.

Take care and stay safe.

J. Kevin Murphy

Sunshine and springtime are in our future, and that means farmers are preparing to get back in the fields. It’s no secret that farmers work year-round to feed and clothe the world, but that doesn’t mean that they are exempt from electrical safety hazards. Here are some tips to share with the farmer in your life before they head out for planting season. 

Have a Plan. Start each morning on the farm with a plan of the day’s work. Know what jobs will happen around power lines and have a plan to keep yourself and everyone else on the farm safe – that includes those running planters or spraying fertilizer. Not only could a hazard halt your operation, but it could also impact your community’s electricity and broadband access. 

Stay Away from Lines. Always keep yourself and equipment at least 10 feet away from power lines in all directions. Have someone spot for you when moving bigger and taller equipment to make sure no lines are contacted. Always lower equipment to its lowest level before moving or transporting them. Wind, uneven ground or other factors outside of your control can cause equipment to contact power lines. 

Call Your Co-op. Use qualified electricians for work on any farm electrical systems. Do not attempt to raise or move a power line to allow equipment or yourself to cross a path. Call your co-op for assistance. If you come into contact with a line, call 911 or your co-op immediately and, if possible, stay in your vehicle until help arrives. 

Southwest Tennessee EMC wishes all our farmers a safe and happy planting season. We thank you for all that you do for our community, and if we can ever help in anyway, please let us know. 

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, and you might still be looking for an idea for date night. We can help you out with a plan that will not only make the evening special but also save you energy at the same time.

Make Dinner at Home. Skip the crowd this year and make dinner in your own kitchen! You can surprise for your significant other or make it together. Make it energy efficient by using microwaves, slow cookers, toaster ovens, rice cookers or grills. These small appliances will save you time and money and bring you closer together. Look for recipe ideas online at tnmagazine.com.

Turn Off Your Electronics. While this should be done on every date, this occasion can be extra special by turning off your phone and television. That way you can spend uninterrupted time with your Valentine and save energy at the same time.

Cozy Up. What better way to end the evening by turning down the thermostat and grabbing a blanket to cuddle up together. Lowering the thermostat can save you money on your energy bill during cooler months.

Whichever way you choose to celebrate, Southwest Tennessee EMC wishes you a Happy Valentine’s Day!

BROWNSVILLE – Southwest Tennessee EMC was recently honored with a Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association TopTenn Communication Award in recognition of its work to educate and inform electric co-op members. The honor was presented during TECA’s 83^rd annual meeting in Nashville. 

The STEMC marketing department was honored with the 2024 Best Website award following the successful launch of their redesigned website on January 1, 2024. After several months of dedicated work, the marketing team created a user-friendly and informative platform aimed at better serving their members. The new website featured improved functionality and easier access to key resources, showcasing the team’s commitment to providing an exceptional online experience.

“We’re excited to honor the incredible work of these cooperative communicators,” Trent Scott, TECA’s vice president of communications, says. “It is vital for co-op members to be informed, and we congratulate these winners for telling the electric cooperative story in such an appealing way.”

TECA’s annual event was held Sunday, Nov. 17, through Tuesday, Nov. 19, in Nashville. More than 350 electric cooperative leaders from across the state were present to consider how electric co-ops power every moment.

Electric cooperatives serve more than three million consumers and 72 percent of Tennessee. The Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association provides leadership, advocacy and support for the association’s 25 electric cooperatives and publishes The Tennessee Magazine, the state’s most widely circulated periodical. Visit tnelectric.org or tnmagazine.org to learn more. 

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, Southwest Tennessee 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, but also 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.

Southwest Tennessee EMC energizes connection.

Whether its 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.

Southwest Tennessee EMC 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.

Southwest Tennessee EMC 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.

Southwest Tennessee EMC energizes compassion.

Energizing compassion means lending a hand to those in need. This past year, our co-op served our local community by donating funds to non-profit organizations quarterly from Southwest Members Care and donating items to local Carl Perkins Centers. When there’s a need, we step up to the plate.

Southwest Tennessee EMC 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 Southwest Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation are working behind the scenes energizing every moment.

A new year means new beginnings – that could mean a new you, a new job or even new habits. 2025 can easily be the year to make energy efficiency a new habit while also reducing your energy bill. Unlike many resolutions, energy efficiency doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Here are five new habits you can adopt this new year to save energy.

Seal Air Leaks. Air leaks around doors and windows, which can lead to lost energy quickly. It’s an easy fix though. Seal these openings by applying caulk and weather strips.

Unblock Air Vents. It’s easy for furniture, toys or even shoes to accidentally find a home on top of an air vent. This leads to your system working harder to either heat or cool your space. Do a quick look around the house and make sure nothing is blocking them.

Power Down Electronics. Electronics that are plugged in, even when turned off, still use energy. When you are done, be sure to unplug your electronics. Using smart power strips can also cut power to devices when they aren’t in use if you forget to unplug.

Take Shorter Showers. This one may be the hardest, but let’s face it – everyone can take shorter showers! Taking a shorter shower means less water that your heater must warm up, which in turn will lower your bill.

Wash Full Loads of Laundry. If you are able, wait until there’s enough clothes in the hamper to wash a full load of laundry. This will save you time, money and of course, on your energy bill. If you need to wash a smaller load, adjust the water level setting accordingly.

This time of year we focus is on counting our blessings and naming them one by one. Family, friends and health are likely at the top of the list, but it is easy to take for granted things that we depend on every day. Hopefully electricity is a blessing you are counting this Thanksgiving, because let’s face it,  preparing for the holidays would be a real challenge without it. This year you can do more than just write electricity on one of your turkey hand fingers and work to make this Thanksgiving as energy efficient as possible.

Turn down the thermostat. While cooking the feast, knock the thermostat down a few degrees. With a full house and the oven going, you know it will be hotter than normal. It’s a win-win situation – keep yourself and company more comfortable, while saving energy at the same time.

Stuff the oven. Every family has their secret recipe for stuffing the best turkey. Now, your family has the secret recipe on saving on your electric bill at the same time. Your oven will be running all day, so make the most of it by cooking several dishes at once. A variation of 25 degrees in either direction from the recommended cooking temperature will still produce what you need it to.

Keep cleanup easy. Instead of hand washing, load the dishwasher completely full. With the mountain of dishes waiting in the wing, it will be more efficient to rely on the dishwasher. This gives you more time to fellowship with your visitors too. Don’t rush the leftovers. Don’t be in a hurry to get all your leftover food in the refrigerator. Let them cool on the counter and then put them away, that way your refrigerator doesn’t have to work as hard. The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service recommends putting away food within two hours after being kept warm for best food safety practices.

BROWNSVILLE – Employees from Southwest Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation participated in the 2024 Tennessee Electric Cooperative Day of Service on Thursday, Oct. 17. This year, volunteers focused their efforts on collecting food, hygienic items, cleaning supplies, and therapy crafts, benefiting Carl Perkins Centers in Haywood, Madison, Tipton, and Chester Counties.

The project gave all our employees the opportunity to gather specific supplies that the Carl Perkins Center in each county requested. These supplies are crucial to have available for children and families that are affected by abuse. Collectively, employees of STEMC gathered over 1,100 items to donate to the Carl Perkins Centers in our service area.

“We chose Carl Perkins Center because of their outstanding work in supporting children and families in preventing and dealing with child abuse in West Tennessee. Their dedication to aiding families in such a tough time of their lives aligns perfectly with our cooperative’s mission to support and uplift our local communities,” said Kenley Mitchell, coordinator of the Day of Service project at Southwest Tennessee EMC. “Electric cooperatives have a unique and deeply rooted relationship with the communities we serve. We are not just service providers; we are neighbors and partners who want to make this wonderful region we live in a better place,” added Kevin Murphy, President of Southwest Tennessee EMC.

Projects like the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Day of Service are important to STEMC because they allow employees to give back and make a tangible difference in the lives of their own neighbors and friends. “Our mission is to enhance the quality of life in our communities through innovative energy solutions and exceptional service,” emphasized Kevin Murphy, President.

Statewide Impact

The Tennessee Electric Co-op Day of Service is coordinated by the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association. Thirty-one separate community service projects were completed as a part of this year’s event. More than 630 electric co-op employees devoted more than 1,300 volunteer hours across the state.

Since its inception, the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Day of Service has made a significant impact across the state. Over the past eight years, the program has completed 210 projects with the help of 4,164 volunteers who have collectively contributed 10,000 hours of service. These efforts have not only improved local communities but also strengthened the bond between electric cooperatives and the people they serve.

Southwest Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation is a consumer-owned, not-for-profit electric utility that serves more than 50,000 meters in Chester, Crockett, Fayette, Hardeman, Haywood, Henderson, Lauderdale, Madison, McNairy, Shelby, and Tipton Counties. Learn more about Southwest Tennessee EMC at www.stemc.com.