The future of energy: Five big myths

Powerlines
November 2012 | Volume 25 • Number 11 | www.powersouth.com/powerlines
| info@powersouth.com
The future of energy: Five big myths
The electric industry is in a period of significant
shifts in public policy toward heightened
environmental protection and energy scrutiny.
Energy misconceptions include these five
energy myths:
Myth #1: The U.S. is facing an energy crisis.
According to the Energy Information
Administration (EIA) and the American Gas
Association:
• The U.S. produces about 2 billion barrels
of oil annually, ranking third behind Russia
and Saudi Arabia.
• The U.S. is ranked first in natural gas
reserves, with at least 300 trillion cubic feet
of proved reserves, though that estimate
has been as high as 487 trillion cubic feet.
• The U.S. has 259 billion short tons of
recoverable coal, which equates to
about a quarter of the world’s coal. Coal
consumption in the U.S. is about 1 billion
tons annually.
• We have more than 100 nuclear reactors,
and only about three percent of the dams
in the U.S. are electrified.
• We are just now beginning to understand
energy efficiency potential, especially in
industry.
Myth #2: We must make radical energy
changes to save the environment.
According to the Environmental Protection
Agency’s Air Trends Data:
• Nitrous oxide (NOx) has decreased
52 percent in the last 30 years.
• Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) has decreased
83 percent in the last 30 years.
• Ground level ozone has decreased
27 percent in the last 30 years.
Myth #3: The U.S. must alter its behavior
as an example to the world.
According to estimates from the United Nations
and International Energy Agency:
• China produces 20 percent of the world’s
carbon dioxide (CO2), compared to 16
percent 20 years ago.
• CO2 increases from 1992 to 2010 in China
were 240 percent; India, 157 percent; Iran,
139 percent; South Korea, 97 percent; and
Brazil, 91 percent.
• CO2 increases in the U.S. from 1992 to 2010
were 10 percent.
Myth #4: Renewable sources of power can
replace traditional sources.
According to the EIA, America’s current energy
mix is broken down as follows:
Coal
42 percent
Natural Gas
25 percent
Nuclear
19 percent
Hydro
8 percent
Wind
3 percent
Solar
Less than 1 percent
Other
2 percent
If all our current resources were removed, the
existing 4 percent in wind and solar couldn’t fill
in giant gaps. For example, the state of Texas
met its all-time peak Aug. 2, 2010 of 63,594
megawatts. Of that total, only 500 megawatts
was produced by wind. Renewables are simply
not capable of meeting demand.
In addition, Germany, Greece, Scotland,
Switzerland and Spain have already put
strict renewable requirements in place, only
to experience doubling energy costs, grid
instability, loss of reliability and significant debt.
Myth #5: The environmental movement
has the answers to our energy future.
• The Sierra Club is opposing the addition of
environmental controls at two Wyoming
coal-fired plants.
• Sierra Club took $26 million from
Chesapeake Energy before deciding to
oppose natural gas in principle. “It’s time
to stop thinking of natural gas as a kinder,
gentler energy source,” says Sierra Club
Executive Director Michael Brune.
• Nuclear energy is the only source of
baseload energy that produces no
airborne emissions or CO2. However, the
Sierra Club’s Board of Directors reported
that it opposes the licensing, construction
and operation of new nuclear reactors
utilizing the fission process.
• Sierra Club has sued to stop a solar power
project in California and opposed a wind
energy development in Maryland.
What is the way forward?
“We need to keep all options viable,” says Lance
Brown, PACE Executive Director. “Whether it
is investment in new technologies or finding
solutions to existing ones, we need to aim for a
healthy balance of all our resources – fossil fuels
and renewables.”
“We should learn from others and make it
a collaborative effort,” he says. “In order to
debunk myths and find answers, we’ve all got
to work together.” g
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1
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
A commitment to community
Southern Pine EC’s (SPEC) four locations in Atmore,
Brewton, Frisco City and Evergreen, Ala., play a key role in
community outreach programs year-round. This Christmas
season, the co-op is working on four programs – a food
drive, Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes, Christmas
Angels and a Christmas Card art contest.
Christmas food drive
This year is the 13th year SPEC will hold a food drive in its service
area, gathering canned food items for local food banks. The 2012
recipients include Christian Ministries in Atmore, Excel Baptist
Church, New Providence Baptist Church in Evergreen and Healing of
the Soul Outreach in East Brewton.
Each person donating three non-perishable food items for the drive
is included in a drawing for $50 given away at each SPEC location.
“Food pantries are in a desperate need right now, and they are
always very thankful when we are able to help,” says Melanie
Harrison, SPEC Manager of Communications.
Operation Christmas Child
Since 2002, SPEC has served as an Operation Christmas Child dropoff point. Each year, Operation Christmas Child distributes gift-filled
shoe boxes to needy children in over 90 countries.
SPEC arranges for a truck and trailer to arrive at each of its four
offices. Co-op employees load the shoe boxes in the truck before
it is sent to a relay station in Tillman’s Corner, Ala. More than 2,700
boxes were dropped off at SPEC in 2011, and they expect more to
be delivered this year.
PowerSouth’s Lowman Power Plant hosted
its annual charity golf tournament Oct. 6 at
Deerfield Golf Club in Chatom, Ala.
“We wanted to do something special for the students that
emphasized our commitment to the community while assisting
with art education in our local schools,” said Harrison. “The students
became very excited about the contest, and we received lots of
wonderful submissions.”
Judges from other electric co-ops in PowerSouth’s service area
selected a winner and first and second runners up to receive $60,
$40 and $20 art kits. In addition, the winning student’s teacher
received $100 toward art supplies for her classroom. The winner’s
drawing will be included on the cover of SPEC’s December issue of
Alabama Living magazine, and SPEC’s Christmas cards will include
artwork from the top three students.
The winning drawing will be framed and given to the school for
display, and another copy will be displayed at SPEC’s corporate
office.
“We work to develop programs with our members that relay our
commitment to the communities we serve,” Harrison said. “Whether
it’s during the Christmas holidays or not, we try to reach out to the
people, businesses and organizations in our area to help in every
way we can.” g
“Operation Christmas Child is a program we feel very strongly
about, and it has been well received in the community,” said Vince
Johnson, SPEC CEO and General Manager.
Christmas Angels
Sometimes the smallest efforts make the biggest difference,
as is the case with SPEC’s sponsorship of Christmas Angels.
Each of the co-op’s four locations select a child or elderly
person from the Christmas Angel program. In turn, SPEC buys
toys, clothing and other items to ensure the children and
elderly have a merry Christmas morning.
Christmas Card Art Contest
The newest addition to SPEC’s Christmas community
programs is the Christmas card contest. This year, fourth
and fifth graders from Pollard-McCall School in the McCall
Community were asked to create a drawing using crayons,
markers or colored pencils. The only guideline was to make
it a Christmas theme.
2
Lowman golf tourney raises $1,000
for tri-county Child Advocacy Center
All proceeds benefited the Regional Child
Advocacy Center, an umbrella agency for the
“Almost Home” program, a licensed foster
home, and the Center, which provides services
to sexually abused and seriously physically
abused children in Clarke, Washington and
Choctaw counties.
Fifty-three men participated in the 18-hole
golf classic that included a longest drive award,
closest to the pin awards and closest to the
dot awards. Participation included
31 PowerSouth employees.
First flight winners included Billy Brewer,
Lowman Plant Electrician, Curtis Boutwell
and Danny Moseley. Second flight winners
included Wayne Harrison, Lowman Plant
Maintenance Scheduler, Jesse Grimes and
Danny Kinchen.
PowerSouth employees Derick Dearmon (left) and Justin Williams present a check for $1,000 to
Child Advocacy Center Representative Mary English.
Closest to the pin winners were Jesse Grimes
and Andre Phillips. Closest to the dot winner
was Tim Whitley, and longest drive winner
was Glenn Gunter, Lowman Maintenance
Technician. g
A decade of service
PowerSouth’s Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer Ferrell Walton and his wife, Elaine, were
recognized Nov. 2 at the annual Covington County
Sav-A-Life banquet for 10 years of service to the
Sav-A-Life ministry.
Sav-A-Life is a non-denominational Christian
ministry that promotes a culture of life, health and
morality.
Winner of SPEC’s Christmas Card Contest was Grace Morgan, a fifth grader
in Mrs. Bell’s class at Pollard-McCall School.
3
PowerSouth maintains A- credit rating
Three major credit agencies have affirmed
PowerSouth’s rating of A-, a rating that provides
significant financial savings for PowerSouth and
our members.
“Our credit ratings continue to have a positive
impact on PowerSouth’s standing in the
financial community,” said Ferrell Walton,
PowerSouth Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer. “We benefit from competitive interest
rates on current borrowings, and the Aratings will have a significant effect on future
borrowings, particularly bonds.”
According to Standard & Poor’s Aug. 31
RatingsDirect report, the rating reflects
PowerSouth’s well-managed fleet of generating
assets, low-cost purchased power, wholesale
rates that allow member co-ops to charge fairly
competitive retail rates, a hedging program
that helps minimize gas price fluctuations and
a comprehensive risk management policy. Also
a factor in the rating is S&P’s assessment of a
gradually strengthening economy.
“The cooperative’s generation
facilities are well diversified both
in number and fuel type, which
provides flexibility as fuel prices
change. The addition of nuclear
capacity in 2016 will further
diversity the cooperative’s
resources.” — Fitch Ratings
Moody’s Investor Service indicated that drivers
behind its positive rating included the stability
of all the co-op’s long-term wholesale power
contracts with our distribution members, along
with wholesale electric rates that are in line
with the Southeast region.
“PowerSouth’s stable rating outlook reflects
our expectation for continued stability in
the company’s operations and financial
performance,” Moody’s reported. g
FITCH AF
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PowerSouth’s annual Trustee Update is
Jan. 23-25, 2013, at the Hilton Sandestin
Beach Golf Resort and Spa. During the
meeting, trustees and key operating
personnel of PowerSouth’s distribution
members will learn about issues
impacting PowerSouth and our industry.
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We are family
Due to the amputation of one of her legs, Cindy Hill, guard shack employee at PowerSouth’s
Lowman Plant, needed construction work done at her home. “I was in a bind and needed someone
to help me get a ramp built so I could get inside my home easily,” she said. “The guys here at the
plant came through for me. We’re like family around here…we take care of each other.” Special
thanks to (left to right) Jamie Waite, Joey Ramey, Russ Jones, Kenny Weaver, Greg Brunson, Wayne
Phillips and Nick Grana. Not pictured are Scottie McBride and Daryl Beck.
PowerSouth mourns board member
Fitch Ratings also cited PowerSouth’s diverse
power supply.
Graham named AOPA Boss of the Year
The Andalusia Office Professionals celebrated
Bosses Day Oct. 16 with a luncheon. At the event,
Ron Graham (left), PowerSouth Energy Resources
Manager, was named Boss of the Year. Graham was
nominated by Kim Arrington, PowerSouth Fuels
Department Secretary.
Arrington wrote in her nomination of Graham,
“Ron loves his community and the kids in the
community. He is a member of the Rotary Club,
volunteers as a baseball coach, serves as an
Andalusia High School Athletic Booster Club officer
and active member of Bethany Baptist Church and
supports his family in their school, sports and civic
organizations as well.”
“His employees respect him and admire his
concern for them and their families and for his
passion to his work, family and community. I feel it
takes a very strong, disciplined and organized man
to be able to be a great manager, volunteer in the
community and still have time to be a loving father
and husband. He is well deserving of this title.”
4
2013 Trustee
Update
PowerSouth board member Ken Nichols died
Oct. 3, leaving PowerSouth to mourn the loss of
a great leader and friend.
Nichols represented Covington EC (CEC) on the
PowerSouth Board of Trustees.
Nichols earned a bachelor’s degree in business
from Troy University. He served on the
Andalusia City Council and was a member
of the Board of Directors of CEC for 33 years,
where he served as Secretary/Treasurer. He was
CEC’s representative to the PowerSouth Energy
Cooperative Board of Directors for 12 years.
“Ken Nichols’ passing
is a great loss for the
entire PowerSouth
family,” said Gary
Smith, PowerSouth
President and CEO.
“He made a lasting
impression on our
company, as well as
Covington EC. He will
be missed by many.”
Survivors include his wife, Bobbie, two children
and two grandchildren. g
2013 advertising kits to be distributed
The 2013 advertising kits for PowerSouth
distribution members will be distributed to
marketing and communications personnel in
November.
The kit includes advertisements for use in print
and radio outlets, as well as feature articles.
The ad campaign focuses on answering
the question “Why?” behind many energy
efficiency recommendations. Topics
include heat pump water heaters, energyefficient windows, heating ventilation and
air conditioning (HVAC), insulation and
weatherization.
For more information about the campaign,
contact Cheryl Cotton at cheryl.cotton@
powersouth.com or (334) 427-3420. g
“The issues that impact our industry
are complex and sometimes difficult to
understand, and it’s often impossible to
fully grasp the implications of decisions
we must make on a daily basis,” said
Michael White, CEO and General
Manager of Gulf Coast EC and Chairman
of PowerSouth’s Member Relations and
Strategic Planning Committee. “Trustee
Update provides us an opportunity to
network with our peers and glean vital
information from industry experts and
PowerSouth team members.”
Speakers include Buzz Miller, Vice
President of Nuclear Development at
Southern Company; Greg Canfield,
Director of the Alabama Department of
Commerce; Patrick Michaels, Director
of the Center for Study of Science at the
CATO Institute; Peter Ricchiuti, Economist
and Futurist; Sheldon Petersen, CEO of
Cooperative Finance Corporation; Bill
Willingham, General Manager of the
Florida Electric Cooperative Association;
and Fred Braswell, CEO of the Alabama
Rural Electric Association.
Topics at the Trustee Update will
include overviews of PowerSouth’s
telecommunications infrastructure and
power supply perspectives; industry
overviews; economic perspectives; and
reports from national and statewide
organizations.
For more information or to register, please
contact Mark Ingram at mark.ingram@
powersouth.com or (334) 427-3330,
or Wanda Woods at wanda.woods@
powersouth.com or (334) 427-3369. g
5
New analysis finds EPA regs would
cost 1.5 million jobs over next 4 years
A new analysis of regulations from the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that
would impact the coal-based electricity
industry projects that seven rules would
reduce U.S. employment by 1.5 million jobs
over the next four years. The analysis was
conducted by National Economic Research
Associates (NERA) on behalf of the American
Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity (ACCCE) and
described in a 129-page report, “Economic
Implications of Recent and Anticipated EPA
Regulations Affecting the Electricity Sector.”
“If the EPA is allowed to continue its aggressive
anti-coal agenda, the American economy
will lose another 1.5 million jobs in the next
four years,” said Mike Duncan, president and
CEO of ACCCE. “The EPA does not consider
the economic consequences of their actions,
which in this case will not only erase American
jobs; it will raise annual costs to families
by hundreds of dollars, the equivalent of a
monthly grocery bill.”
Key findings of the NERA analysis include:
• The regulations will cause employment
losses totaling 1.5 million jobs over just the
next four years, with a quarter million of
those job losses occurring in the Midwest.
Employment losses will continue beyond
that timeframe, averaging 544,000 to
887,000 jobs annually.
• Electricity consumers will spend as much
as $67 billion more for electricity.
• The average family’s income will drop by
$200 to $500 annually, which is equivalent
to a family’s monthly grocery bill.
• An unprecedented number of coal-fueled
power plants will be forced to shut down.
Between 54,000 to 69,000 megawatts of
coal-fueled electricity generation will be
shut down, mostly because of the EPA
regulations. This is roughly equivalent
to the combined electricity supplies of
Ohio, Virginia and Iowa. This is also more
than the total electricity supply of either
Pennsylvania or Florida.
• The electric sector faces enormous
compliance costs. Electricity generators
would be required to spend $15 billion to
$16.7 billion annually on compliance costs
over the next two decades.
A summary of NERA’s report is available on the
ACCCE website at www.americaspower.org. g
Source: Business Wire, Oct. 26, 2012
ACRE D.C. trip
winners chosen
Four PowerSouth employees have been
selected as our 2013 Action Committee
for Rural Electrification (ACRE)
Legislative Conference trip winners.
Winners include Dewayne Jackson,
Lowman Plant Operating Technician
4, and his alternate, Ronnie Chapman,
Lowman Utility Technician 5; Mickey
Snell, Lowman Electrical Instrument
Supervisor, and his alternate Lane
Taylor, Lowman Inventory Control
Supervisor; Todd Merrill, Central
Generation Operating Technician, and
his alternate, Thomas Smith, Central
Generation Plant Technician; and Jamie
Hawkins, Technician Metering 6, and
his alternate, Ralph Gunter, System
Operator I.
Total number of employees:
125 493
New employees
were hired in 2011
618
Operating Technician
69
boardUPDATE
6
Conecuh County....................................................... 2
Crenshaw County....................................................10
Administrative Clerk........................................ 18
HARVEY BRENTS, Operating Technician 6
Escambia County...................................................... 1
Mobile County............................................................ 3
Monroe County.......................................................... 2
Montgomery County.............................................. 4
Pike County................................................................... 2
Washington County............................................106
FLORIDA:
Holmes............................................................................. 2
Jackson............................................................................ 1
# of employees
Walton.............................................................................. 1
Washington................................................................... 2
11-15 years..........................................................................82
16-25 years......................................................................135
26-30 years....................................................................... 66
31-35 years.........................................................................73
He and his wife, June, have two
children, Jessica Smith Meriwether
and Jill Smith, and two grandchildren,
Sam and Layton Meriwether. g
Coffee County...........................................................15
Maintenance Technician...............................36
(Multiple levels/disciplines)
6-10 years............................................................................85
“It is an honor to serve the members of Covington EC, as well as
PowerSouth, as part of the board of trustees,” Smith said. “I believe
strongly in what we do within the cooperative system, and I hope
to contribute positively for years to come.”
Clarke County........................................................... 90
Covington County...........................................322
0-5 years.........................................................165
Smith represents Covington EC on PowerSouth’s board, replacing
board member Ken Nichols who passed away Oct. 3.
Choctaw County....................................................... 2
(Multiple levels/disciplines)..........
Utility Technician................................................37
(Multiple levels/disciplines)
The Legislative Conference is April 28
through May 4, 2013. The winners will
join more than 3,000 co-op leaders
from around the country. They will
meet with congressional leaders
and tour historic sites in the
Washington, D.C. area. g
Smith is employed by The First
National Bank of Dozier, Ala., and is a
member of Brantley United Methodist
Church. He currently serves as
Chairman of Covington EC’s Board of
Trustees.
ALABAMA:
Baldwin County.......................................................... 6
Most common job titles:
Years of service:
Willie Smith, Jr. of Brantley, Ala., was elected to the PowerSouth
Board of Trustees during the Oct. 26 board meeting.
Where they live:
Butler County.............................................................12
The winner of the $100 gift card
for employees who registered new
members was Clay Carter, Plant
Technician at Central Generation.
Covington EC’s Smith elected to board
66
PowerSouth by the numbers
36-40 years...........................................................................5
Educational levels:
MISSISSIPPI:
Wayne............................................................................... 2
High School Diploma........................................194
2-year Technical Degree.....................................92
2-year Associates Degree...................................58
Some College............................................................38
Bachelor’s Degree................................................184
Master’s Degree........................................................13
Juris Doctorate/PhD................................................ 5
Certified Public Accountant................................ 2
Professional Engineers........................................... 9
Professional Engineers in Training.................. 2
7
EMPLOYEE NEWS
Reserve Pt. A Lodge
now for events
The last day for PowerSouth employees
to reserve Pt. A Lodge for PowerSouth
2013 functions is Nov. 9. A memorandum
or e-mail request must be submitted
to Angela Riley, Procurement Services
Department Secretary, stating the
date(s) requested for company functions.
Scheduling is done in the order received.
Employees who wish to reserve the Lodge
may do so by completing reservation
forms available from Riley in Procurement
Services. Forms may be requested after
Nov. 9 and returned before 4:30 p.m.
on Monday, Nov. 26. Requests will be
randomly drawn to determine the order
reservations are made. Employees will be
informed of their reservations by Nov. 30
and must remit payment to Angela Riley
no later than Friday, Dec. 14 in order to
hold reservation(s).
After Nov. 26, lodge reservations for
the 2013 calendar year for PowerSouth
functions will be granted on a first-come,
first-served basis.
After Nov. 30, employees can make
reservations by contacting the
Procurement Services department.
Employee rental prices for the lodge are
$50 per day along with a $100 damage
deposit, which is refundable if the lodge
is left in a clean, undamaged condition.
Beginning January 2, 2013, reservations
are opened to the public, including
churches and civic groups.
RV hook-ups are now available for a fee
of $20 per day per outlet. There are two
30-amp outlets and two 50-amp outlets.
Please refer to the ‘Recreational Vehicles
(RVs) & Campers’ section of the Lodge
Rental Agreement for further details. You
may obtain a copy of this agreement by
contacting Angela Riley at ext. 3287. g
8
8
EMPLOYEE NEWS
Lose - Lose - Win
Gary Smith
President and CEO
PowerSouth
I recently came across a study by Sebastian
Rausch and John Reilly titled Carbon Tax Revenue
and The Budget Deficit: A Win - Win - Win
Solution. Mr. Rausch and Mr. Reilly are with the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Joint Program on the Science and Policy of
Global Change, an organization for research,
independent policy analysis and public education
in global environment change. By their own
definition, a group that seeks to provide
leadership in understanding the effects of global
warming or climate change.
The study expands on a Congressional Budget
Office recommendation to tax carbon dioxide
emissions at $20 per ton starting in 2013 and
increasing at a rate of 5.8 percent in real terms,
annually. The carbon tax would raise more than
$1.5 trillion over a 10-year period. The authors
state their research indicates the carbon tax could
be a win-win-win situation where (1) Congress
could reduce personal or corporate income tax
rates, extend payroll tax cuts, maintain spending
on social programs, or some combination of
those options; (2) income tax cuts would spur
growth of the economy, encouraging more
private spending and hence more employment
and investment; and (3) carbon dioxide pollution
and oil imports would be reduced.
The study models different cases, under which
the revenue from the taxes is used in different
ratios to reduce income tax rates, maintain or
expand social programs and incentivize business
growth with increased investment tax credits. As
one would assume, these measures could spur
economic growth more quickly than investment
in social programs. The study also concludes the
continuation or expansion of social programs will
result in transfers of wealth from those that pay
income taxes and those that emit carbon to the
poor. The study acknowledges investment in the
social programs will have a cooling effect on the
economy; however, the economy should benefit
because the poor save less than the wealthy and
will re-circulate the money into the economy to
create demand.
The proposition that increased taxes would
spur the economy is counter to most economic
theory. Even Keynesian economists admit that
long-term taxes and government spending harm
the economy. The reason the MIT study finds
increased taxes spur the economy is because the
study assumes full employment (which we do
not currently have) and that there will be no loss
of revenue from GDP. In essence, everyone will be
fully employed and the increased cost of a carbon
tax will not result in our products being displaced
in the global market with lower-priced products
from countries that are not burdened by a carbon
tax. Both scenarios appear to be very unlikely, and
I would expect the carbon tax would cause our
economy to shrink dramatically.
However, the study concludes the carbon tax
will lower fossil fuel use under all scenarios,
reducing carbon dioxide emissions and lowering
oil imports. The carbon tax on gasoline would
make fuel-efficient vehicles more attractive to
consumers and make it easier for automobile
producers to sell vehicles that meet efficiency
standards. The carbon tax would also create
support for renewable energy and encourage
those technologies by making “dirtier”
technologies more expensive. It is logical that
increased gasoline costs would reduce travel and
encourage the use of more efficient vehicles, if
we can afford them.
MIT is an outstanding school with very strong
programs in many technical fields. Professors and
students do renowned work in many subjects,
and it is obvious this study required much time
and effort. However, the study demonstrates the
results we get when a group has an agenda and
bends the inputs of complex variables to meet
their ends. In this case, the authors conclude
that increased taxes, enhanced social programs,
transfers of wealth to the poor will benefit the
economy and decrease carbon emissions. I,
however, believe the carbon tax would injure the
economy, reduce employment and drastically
reduce GDP. It would reduce carbon dioxide
emissions. Which leaves us with a lose – lose –
win situation. It is not a bargain I would strike.
I hope you have a good month.
g
HQ employees to participate
in Community Christmas
Employees at PowerSouth’s headquarters
and Central Generation locations who are
interested in participating in the Community
Christmas program will be able to receive their
children’s request cards beginning Nov. 12.
This will be the 10th year PowerSouth
employees provide toys, clothing, diapers
and other gifts through the Community
Christmas program. In 2012, PowerSouth will
sponsor 100 children in the program, which
allows qualifying families to receive assistance
providing gifts for their children through the
help of anonymous donors.
Andalusia Community Christmas officials
expect almost 600 children between 2 and
12 years old will be sponsored this year in
the Andalusia, Red Level, Pleasant Home and
Straughn school districts.
According to PowerSouth Activities
Committee Member Wanda Woods, gift
packages should be valued at $50-$60 and
are to be returned to PowerSouth by Nov. 30.
In turn, PowerSouth will deliver the packages
to the Kiwanis Building. PowerSouth will have
bags available for all gifts.
Employees who don’t want to sponsor a child
on their own are encouraged to co-sponsor
with another employee on one child’s gifts.
For additional information, contact any
Activities Committee member, including Kim
Arrington, Amy Colvin, Lisa Cravey, Lisa Haney,
Diane Howell, Dennis O’Neal, John Shaw, Lisa
Veasey and Woods. g
Are you PowerStrong?
PowerSouth’s Human Resources Department is
looking for employees interested in serving on
the 2013 PowerStrong Team, a
company-wide wellness team
promoting the importance
of physical and emotional
well-being.
Outgoing 2012 team co-leaders were Kelley
Fore and Tabitha Wiggins. Other 2012 team
members include Helen Bradley,
T.J. Defee, Emily Smith, Skip Spurlin,
Jason Stearns, Shannon Wilkerson,
Chuck Moore, Bo Welcher and
Beverly Wilson.
“A healthier lifestyle can
boost employee morale and
add some enjoyment to the
work day,” says Suzanne Craft, PowerSouth
Human Resources Coordinator. “We’re looking
for employees to be empowered toward
promoting a healthy lifestyle.”
If you have any suggestions or
questions, please contact Craft
at ext. 3224 or Lynda Carnley,
PowerSouth Human Resources Coordinator, at
ext. 3465. Deadline to sign-up for the team is
Nov. 30. g
newemployeeprofile:
Brandon Horn
Recent Auburn
graduate
Brandon Horn
was hired Sept. 5
as Engineer III in
the T&D Planning
and Reliability
Department.
Horn is originally from Athens, Ala.,
and received a degree in electrical
engineering from AU.
“I wanted to work in the power field
and PowerSouth had a couple of job
openings that interested me,” he said.
“PowerSouth seemed like a great
company to work for.”
During his brief time at PowerSouth,
Horn says he has been learning the
relays, equipment and programs used in
his job.
“I have really been impressed with all the
technology PowerSouth implements,”
he said.
During his free time, Brandon enjoys
just about anything outdoors, including
hiking, camping, fishing and golfing. g
System Summary
Quick Facts
October 2012
System peak (unadjusted):
1,274 megawatts — Oct. 6
September 2012
Average Cost of Service — 71.14 M/KWh
Average Cost of Service YTD — 69.76 M/KWh
Minimum temperature: 41 degrees
Maximum temperature: 89 degrees
Average temperature: 70 degrees
Gantt rainfall: 0.94 inches for the month
CP Demand Billed — 1,605,202
CP Demand Billed YTD — 15,217,114
MWh Sold — 679,519
MWh Sold YTD — 6,142,829
9
EMPLOYEE NEWS
Comings and Goings
Service anniversaries
Barbara Whitehead
Lowman Plant
40 years, Nov. 27
Ronald Williamson
Central Generation
38 years, Nov. 18
Jimmy Eiland
Information Systems
37 years, Nov. 19
Larry Avery
Power Delivery
35 years, Nov. 1
Welcome
Bryan Parker, Economic Development
Representative in the Business Development
Division, effective Oct. 1.
Roger Hammonds
Central Generation
35 years, Nov. 9
Phillip Spivey
Substation O&M
33 years, Nov. 19
Stanley Poole
Florida District
29 years, Nov. 14
Kevin Brown
Lowman Plant
29 years, Nov. 28
Caleb Goodwyn, Economic Development
Representative in the Business Development
Division, effective Oct. 1.
Levi Sasser, Custodian in the Procurement
Services Department, effective Sept. 25.
Jena Majors, Work Study in the
Telecommunication Services Department,
effective Oct. 15.
Goodbye and good luck
Mark Shane Lewis, Maintenance Technician
at the Lowman Plant, effective Oct. 19. g
Promotions
Steve Griffin
Lowman Plant
27 years, Nov. 1
Robert Beckham
Lowman Plant
27 years, Nov. 5
Dewain Dearmon
Lowman Plant
27 years, Nov. 6
Morgan Rogers
Lowman Plant
27 years, Nov. 6
Norman Howard
Lowman Plant
27 years, Nov. 7
Steve Mathews
Building Maintenance
26 years, Nov. 3
Brian Howard
T&D Eng. & Const.
22 years, Nov. 3
James Wade
Lowman Plant
22 years, Nov. 12
Congratulations to Robert Hadley on his
promotion to Substation O&M Specialist II in
the T&D O&M Department, effective Sept. 24.
He was previously Technician Substation.
Congratulations to Tabitha Wiggins on her
promotion to General Accountant II in the
Finance and Accounting Department,
effective Oct. 1. She was previously
Administrative Clerk. g
Congratulations to Henry Russell Wallace on
his promotion to Technician Substation in the
T&D O&M Department, effective Sept. 30. He
was previously Custodian.
Ken Davis
Lowman Plant
22 years, Nov. 12
Mark Criswell
Lowman Plant
22 years, Nov. 12
Nick Grana
Lowman Plant
22 years, Nov. 12
Scottie Henderson
Lowman Plant
22 years, Nov. 12
Percy Harris
Lowman Plant
21 years, Nov. 11
Mel Moseley
Lowman Plant
17 years, Nov. 13
Lamar Crowe
Telecommunications
16 years, Nov. 11
Mark Craig
Accounting
12 years, Nov. 13
Sympathy
Our heartfelt condolences are extended to
Brent Bracke (Central Generation) on the
death of his father, Harry B. “Butch” Bracke, 69.
He died Sept. 28.
Scott Patterson
Central Generation
12 years, Nov. 27
Brent Bracke
Central Generation
11 years, Nov. 5
Jason Stearns
Lowman Plant
10 years, Nov. 11
Jaime Waite
Lowman Plant
8 years, Nov. 15
Marlin O’Guynn
Lowman Plant
8 years, Nov. 15
Suzanne Craft
Human Resources
8 years, Nov. 15
John Wiggins
System Protection
8 years, Nov. 22
Ashley Sasser
Accounting
7 years, Nov. 14
Bill Marler
Fleet Services
10 years, Nov. 18
Josh Sightler
Information Systems
6 years, Nov. 6
Mickey Simmons
Economic Development
9 years, Nov. 3
Derek Dillard
Substation O&M
8 years, Nov. 8
Leslie Singleton
Lowman Plant
6 years, Nov. 27
Adam Elmore
System Protection
5 years, Nov. 12
Board meeting dates
Don’t forget: The November and December board meeting dates are
Friday, Nov. 16, and Friday, Dec. 21. All employees are asked to wear
business professional attire on board meeting days.
Eric Hicks
Substation O&M
3 years, Nov. 30
Jerold Syphrit
Lowman Plant
2 years, Nov. 29
Retirement
10
10
Jim Helms
T&D O&M
1 year, Nov. 21
Brock Wallace
Information Systems
1 year, Nov. 28
Congratulations to Arnold J. Guy on his retirement, effective Sept. 30.
He was most recently IC&E Technician at the McIntosh Plant. g
Congratulations to Brett Mack
(Environmental Services) and his
wife, Angie, on the birth of their son,
Rowan James (left), Sept. 25. Rowan
weighed nine pounds, eight ounces
and measured 22 inches long. He was
welcomed home by big sister Everly.
kids
Coston Wilkerson
Central Generation
12 years, Nov. 27
CO-OP
Bill Sexton
Central Generation
12 years, Nov. 27
Our heartfelt condolences are also extended
to Ronald Williamson (Central Generation)
on the death of his daughter, Mandy
Williamson Bradley, 35. She died Oct. 22. g
Happy
birthday to:
November 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Windell Bedwell
Neil Howell
Danny Taylor
James Taylor
November 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Benjie Elmore
Bubba Evers
Ray Smith
November 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kenneth Jones
Ashley McKee
Mike Mitchell
November 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jennifer Kelley
November 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Shaw
November 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jamie Hawkins
November 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Binion Jones
Shep Lucas
Jessie McConico
Kim Nawlin
November 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Art Brunson
Skip Spurlin
Patrick Thrash
November 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jennifer Brooks
Nick Grana
November 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clifton Brown
Robert Gilley
Taylor Williams
November 13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lisa Cravey
November 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Veronica Wallace
November 15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kent Ikner
Marc Kyzar
November 16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Willie Jackson
Russell Keith
November 17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joey Short
Sam Sullivan
November 19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jim Kelley
Teresa Nelson
November 20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Madison Moseley
November 21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Roger Hammonds
Greg Robbins
November 22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dwight Dunn
Kurt Taylor
November 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mike Hardage
David Weems
November 24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tracy Johnson
November 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Angela Kelly
John Turvin
November 28. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jamie Jones
November 29. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Willie Williams
Congratulations to Kim Nawlin
(Procurement) on the birth of her
grandson, Avery Marcus Nawlin (right),
on Sept. 18. Avery was eight pounds,
12 ounces and measured 20 ¾ inches
long. He is the son of Jason and Anna
Nawlin. Avery is also the great nephew
of Waylon Dunn (Central Generation).
11
P.O. Box 550
Andalusia, AL 36420
healthfair
Powerlines is published monthly for the
employees and members of PowerSouth
Energy Cooperative.
Communication Manager
Mark Ingram
Media and Communication Coordinator
Christi Scruggs
Media and Communication Specialist
Emily Smith
Photography
John Dean
Harold Dubose
Chris Flood
Communication Department
PowerSouth Energy Cooperative
2027 East Three Notch Street (36421)
P.O. Box 550 (36420)
Andalusia, AL
info@powersouth.com
www.powersouth.com
Ouch! That hurt!
DeAndra Pyron, Rate Analyst 2, was one of 219 PowerSouth employees to get a seasonal
flu shot during PowerSouth’s 2012 Health Fairs. Pyron participated in the Health Fair
at headquarters on Oct. 30. Other services provided included vision screenings, blood
pressure checks, a complete blood count (CBC blood work) and age-related screenings
like Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) for men over age 40. The fairs were conducted at
headquarters and Lowman Plant and were free to all employees. This year’s fairs had a
combined 283 attendees. g
Powerlines is online at
www.powersouth.com/powerlines
Send comments or story suggestions by
e-mail to info@powersouth.com.
To request a printed version of this issue:
Sandy Neal
(334) 427-3712
sandy.neal@powersouth.com