Electric Cooperatives

Electric Cooperatives:
Powering Your Community
2013 Washington Youth Tour Writing Contest
Co-op Power
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Search What do I need to know before I write my short story?
The power to change lives
E
lectric cooperatives are different from
other utilities. Your locally owned electric
co-op gives a lot back to the community. In
fact, that’s a major part of its business plan. The
Electric Cooperative Youth Tour has brought
high school students to Washington, D.C.,
every June since the late 1950s. Electric cooperatives pick up the dime to send high school
students to Washington because it’s important to the long-term prosperity of their com-
munities for their leaders of tomorrow to learn
about the political process. Youth Tour participants return to their hometowns stronger
leaders with confidence that they can make a
difference.
“The Youth Tour
was truly the
experience of a
lifetime.”
Win a trip and scholarships
O
ne of the main responsibilities of your
electric cooperative is keeping its customers informed. Throughout this booklet,
Write a short story describing how local electric cooperatives go “beyond the wires” for
their members, supplying valuable community-building services and programs in addition to affordable, reliable electricity.
you’ll find valuable information detailing the
ways co-ops go beyond merely providing
electricity. They reach out to their communities, especially the local youths, offering valuable programs and resources to ensure
success for their future member-owners. Once
you have read over the information on every
page, you begin the task of writing your short
story. Your prize for showing the benefits of
cooperative power: an unforgettable trip to
Washington, D.C., June 14-20, 2013, with
hundreds of other students your age from
across the country. Not to mention the chance
to help pay for your college education with
scholarships of $3,000, $2,000 or $1,000
awarded by the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association if your story is judged one of
the top three in the state.
The rules
1. Only juniors in high school are eligible to participate.
2. Every short story must be titled “Electric Cooperatives: Powering Your Community.”
Short Story Due Date:
Co-op Representative:
3. Submissions must not exceed 900 words, including articles (“a,” “an” and “the”). The
exact word count must be included on your cover page. Entries must be typewritten
and double-spaced.
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Co-op Employee Email:
— Meghan
Sullenger,
Fayetteville Public
Utilities and
Tennessee’s
Youth Leadership
Council
representative.
Co-op Power
Getting started
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Search How do I get started?
e creative in your writing, utilizing the information
in this booklet and your own distinctive voice. Your
writing will be judged on three factors, at right.
Remember, you’re writing a short story, which gives
you more creative freedom than the rigid guidelines of
an essay. Your story should be an entertaining, informa-
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Search Upon what criteria will my short story be judged?
Appropriate treatment of theme and knowledge
of subject: 50%
To gain full credit in this category, you’ll have to effectively weave the information relating to the theme
throughout the short story. Judges will see indications
of additional research, a grasp of what information is
vital to making your story believable and credible and
creative ways of presenting that information.
Originality: 35%
Use a different, entertaining, effective way of presenting information that will educate a reader and
get your points across.
Grammar and composition: 15%
If you need an explanation here, check your English
textbook.
tive description of electric cooperatives.
Just electricity? Think again.
A
n electric cooperative is a member-owned business
with membership open to those who use its services.
It is democratically controlled and operated on a nonprofit basis. Tennessee’s rural communities are served by
23 rural electric systems. All told, they serve more than
1 million homes, farms, schools, churches, hospitals and
other industries across the state. One of the things that
makes rural electric cooperatives stand out above all sup-
pliers of electricity is their devotion to the communities
they serve. Unlike investor-owned utilities (IOUs), co-ops
are not in business to make a profit. Since the co-op’s employees are also its customers and owners, giving of the
cooperative’s time and resources to better the communities it serves only makes sense. A wide array of community-strengthening programs are offered by the state’s
rural electric co-ops, from loans for members to make efficiency upgrades to their homes
Cumberland EMC
Upper Cumberland EMC
Holston EC
Powell Valley EC
to safety presentations to area
Tri -County EMC
Plateau EC
Meriwether Lewis EC
schools to keep children safe
Gibson EMC
around electricity. While rural elecForked Deer EC
Caney Fork EC
Mountain EC
tric cooperatives do offer reliable
Middle Tennessee EMC
Sequachee Valley EC
service at some of the nation’s lowAppalachian EC
Southwest
Tennessee EMC
est rates, their commitment hardly
Fort Loudoun EC
stops there. Each co-op genuinely
Volunteer EC
cares for the residents of its service
Fayetteville PU
Tri State EMC
Chickasaw EC
Duck River EMC
area — its member-owners.
Pickwick EC
Tennessee Valley EC
S
ure, your local electric cooperative supplies your home and school with affordable, reliable electric service. But it’s
about more than keeping your lights on.
As you begin your short story, think of
the following areas where your local electric co-op strives daily to strengthen your
community and ensure its future success.
• Green power
• Energy efficiency
• Youth programs
• Job creation and industrial
development
• Community involvement
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Co-op Power
Electricity THEN & NOW
Accustomed as we are to the finer things
that electricity offers us, we sometimes
forget that the area in which we live,
rural America, was the last to receive the
benefits of electricity. Certainly, rural
America was revolutionized when cooperative electric lines finally eliminated
the isolation imposed by darkness.
THEN
NOW
In the days before electricity came to
rural areas, families kept their food cold
by storing it in cellars or springhouses.
When homes were electrified, refrigerators allowed these families the convenience of having their food inside the
home and helped prevent food spoilage.
THEN
NOW
Can you imagine doing your homework
by the flickering light of a kerosene lamp?
That’s what students in rural areas had to
do before electric lines were run to their
homes. Today, electricity provides students with much more than better light.
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Search How did electric cooperatives come about?
A brief history of electric cooperatives
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Mid-1880s: Electricity was available in many of America’s larger cities, but electrification of rural
areas was deemed infeasible.
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May 18,1933: President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Tennessee Valley Authority Act, which helped bring affordable electricity to rural areas.
Early 1930s: Private power companies still considered it unprofitable to build
lines in rural areas. Without the aid of electricity, the economies of rural areas
were tied exclusively to agriculture.
May 11, 1935: President Roosevelt created the Rural Electrification Administration, which made federal funds available to provide rural electric service.
Power companies showed little interest; leaders of farm organizations proposed the formation of nonprofit electric cooperatives.
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1935-1948: Tennesseans formed 23 electric cooperatives to bring electricity
to rural areas.
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2012-2013: Nearly 1,000 rural electric cooperatives, including 23 in Tennessee, provide electricity to 30 million people across the U.S. TVA continues to provide low-cost power generated
by hydroelectric dams, nuclear plants, coal-fired plants and “green energy” sources such as
wind, solar and methane gas through its Green Power Switch program.
1949: Post-war enthusiasm and adaptations of military technology, materials and equipment
propelled rapid growth of rural electrification. By the 1950s, the Tennessee Valley Authority
had become the nation’s largest energy supplier.
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Co-op Power
Search What are the basic building blocks of my electric cooperative?
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Today’s technology
Seven Cooperative Principles
History shows that every generation has life
transformed by, or greatly influenced by, a
particular technology. Examples are railways
and electricity in the 19th century, radio in the
1920s and 1930s, television and computers in
the 1950s and 1960s, video recorders in the
1980s and mobile phones and telecommuni-
cations in the 1990s. Technological changes
in the 20th century transformed medicine,
biotechnology, the handling and transmission of information and transportation. What
will be the “cutting-edge” technology that reshapes our lives in the 21st century? The possibilities are endless.
Owned and operated by those they serve, cooperatives are organized under
a set of guidelines called the Cooperative or Rochdale Principles. Although
much has changed since rural Americans first pooled their resources to
bring power to their homes, the Seven Cooperative Principles still serve as
the basis on which Tennessee’s electric cooperatives are governed, closely
tying cooperatives to the communities they serve.
Geothermal Heat Pumps
• While they cost a little more to buy, CFLs
quickly return that money through lower
monthly utility bills.
• Reduce energy use by half
• Year-round comfort
• No noisy or unsightly outdoor unit required
• Can provide free hot water
Automated Meter Reading
(AMR) Systems
• Give real-time updates on electric system
status
• Among the most accurate metering devices available
• Provide environmental benefits by reducing the number of co-op vehicles that are
on the road
Compact Fluorescent Lamps
(CFL Bulbs)
• Can be applied nearly anywhere that incandescent lights are used, including
three-way and dimmable fixtures
• Use a third of the amount of electricity as
incandescent bulbs
• Last 10 times longer and give off one-quarter the heat of traditional incandescents
Heat Pump Water Heaters
• Provide free cooling and dehumidification
• Reduce carbon dioxide emissions
• Use 50 percent less energy than natural
gas water heating
• Use almost three times less energy than resistance water heating
Electric Cars
• Improved energy efficiency
• Reduce carbon emissions
• Can be recharged at night during off-peak
hours
Electric utilities are staying on the “cutting edge” by promoting products that
are energy-efficient, cost-effective and
environmentally friendly. These products save consumers money, save natural resources and cut down on emissions
and pollutants.
Voluntary and Open Membership
Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all people able to use
their services and willing to accept
the responsibilities of membership.
Democratic Member Control
Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members,
who actively participate in setting
policies and making decisions.
Members’ Economic Participation
Members contribute equitably to,
and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative.
Autonomy and Independence
Cooperatives are autonomous, selfhelp organizations controlled by
their members.
Cooperation Among Cooperatives
Cooperatives serve their members
most effectively and strengthen the
cooperative movement by working
together.
Concern for Community
While focusing on member needs,
Education, Training and Informaco-ops work for the sustainable detion Cooperatives provide education velopment of their communities.
and training for their members,
elected representatives, managers
Continue reading to discover how
and employees so they can conelectric cooperatives apply these printribute effectively to the developciples to make a difference in their
ment of their cooperatives.
communities.
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Co-op Power
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Search Are there any other resources to help me?
The value of your cooperative
Electric cooperatives do a lot more than just sell electricity — their valuable services help you, the member-owner, spend your energy dollars wisely. Co-ops have built
their solid reputations through continuous improvement of existing services. And you can bet that your co-op is always searching for additional products and services
to benefit you. Read on to find energy services offered by many of Tennessee’s electric cooperatives:
• The Tennessee Valley Authority’s energy right® New Homes Program offers cash incentives
to co-op members who build all-electric homes following energy-saving standards.
• Cut your energy costs and increase your comfort with an electric heat pump, the most efficient heating and cooling system in today’s market. Qualified buyers get low-interest financing, either through TVA’s energy right financing program or through the co-op’s own financing
program. The co-op even sends a heat pump inspector to your home, just to make sure the
heat pump is installed properly and functioning correctly.
• The energy right Home e-Valuation survey is one easy way to assess your current energy use
and make plans to reduce future use. Survey results are evaluated and returned to you, complete with energy-saving recommendations specifically tailored to your home and lifestyle.
Best of all, this service is free!
• Local co-ops encourage residential and industrial customers to participate in the Green
Power Switch from the Tennessee Valley Authority. Members purchase energy generated
using renewable and cleaner energy resources — wind, solar power and methane
gas — in blocks of 150 kilowatt-hours (equal to about 12 percent of a typical household’s monthly use).
• Local cooperatives sponsor the In Concert with the Environment program to teach children about the importance of conserving energy and resources.
• Programs for water heater rebates, zero-interest financing and even free units for new homes
make it more affordable than ever to choose electric water heaters.
• Surge suppression equipment helps protect your appliances and sensitive electronic
equipment from damage caused by internal or external power surges. A co-op employee
checks for proper grounding at your home and makes equipment recommendations suited
to your needs. Two-step protection — meter base and point-of-use devices — can be leased
or purchased.
• Cooperatives work hard to provide uninterrupted electric service, but weather-related outages do occur occasionally. Leased or purchased generators can provide emergency backup service for your home, farm or business. And co-op employees are happy to offer technical
assistance for proper sizing and wiring.
• Security lighting provided by your local electric cooperative helps you feel safer and enjoy
outdoor nighttime activities. Photocell-activated lighting is installed on your property and
maintained by the co-op for only a few dollars per month.
Visit these Web sites to learn more about specific programs offered by electric cooperatives:
Appalachian Electric Cooperative
www.appalachianelectric.coop
Forked Deer Electric Cooperative
www.forkeddeer.com
Mountain Electric Cooperative
www.mountainelectric.com
Caney Fork Electric Cooperative
www.caneyforkec.com
Fort Loudoun Electric
Cooperative www.flec.org
National Rural Electric Cooperative Association www.nreca.org
Gibson Electric Membership
Corporation www.gibsonemc.com
Pickwick Electric Cooperative
www.pickwickec.com
Chickasaw Electric Cooperative
www.chickasaw.coop
Cumberland Electric Membership
Corporation www.cemc.org
Duck River Electric Membership
Corporation www.dremc.com
Electric Power Research Institute
www.epri.com
Fayetteville Public Utilities
www.fpu-tn.com
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Holston Electric Cooperative
www.holstonelectric.com
Meriwether Lewis Electric
Cooperative www.mlec.com
Middle Tennessee Electric
Membership Corporation
www.mtemc.com
Plateau Electric Cooperative
www.plateauelectric.com
Powell Valley Electric
Cooperative www.pve.coop
Rural Utilities Service
www.usda.gov/rus/
Sequachee Valley Electric
Cooperative www.svalleyec.com
Southwest Tennessee Electric
Membership Corporation
www.stemc.com
Tennessee Council of
Cooperatives
http://tennesseecouncilofcoops.org
Tennessee Valley Public Power
Association www.tvppa.com
Tri-County Electric
Membership Corporation
www.tcemc.org
Tennessee Electric
Cooperative Association
www.tnelectric.org
Tri-State Electric
Membership Corporation
www.tsemc.net
Tennessee Valley Authority
www.tva.gov
Upper Cumberland Electric
Membership Corporation
www.ucemc.com
Tennessee Valley
Electric Cooperative
www.tennesseevalleyec.com
Volunteer Energy Cooperative
www.vec.org
Co-op Power
Search How do electric cooperatives help their members and the environment?
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How to reduce energy use
You’d probably be hard-pressed to think of another industry that actually encourages consumers to use less
of its product. But a variety of programs from Tennessee’s electric cooperatives advise member-owners
on how to conserve energy and use the electricity they
buy as effectively and efficiently as possible, lowering
members’ bills and delaying necessary costly expansion
of the nation’s electric grid to accommodate the continual rise of energy demand.
Gaining control of their electric bills starts with
members learning all they can about energy conservation and efficiency. While they’re not the
same thing, they are close relatives, and electric
co-ops gladly assist members to teach them how
each can help.
Conservation occurs when we reduce total
consumption of electricity, often achieved by
simply turning off anything that consumes electricity when not needed.
Energy efficiency occurs when we replace or upgrade the essentials in our
lives (e.g., appliances, lighting, insulation), allowing us to realize the same
benefit with less electricity.
With help from the Tennessee Valley Authority’s energy right®
program, local co-ops are assisting members with free energy audits. Co-ops and TVA
also offer in-home energy evaluations. Certified
evaluators perform inspections of members’
homes and make specific recommendations to
help the members save energy. Both programs
provide homeowners with customized, detailed
reports that pinpoint the sources of
major energy use and offer suggestions on how members could use
that energy more efficiently.
Cooperatives encourage all their
members to find out how they use
electricity and take steps to be
more efficient. The cumulative effect of small steps in homes and
businesses will have a direct impact on our nation’s entire electric
grid — reducing demand during
peak periods, cutting emissions of greenhouse gases
and lowering overall costs to co-ops and their memberowners. Energy efficiency also helps manage load
growth and delays the need to build new electric generation facilities.
methane gases to their distribution
mixes.
The Tennessee Valley Authority and
electric co-ops, working in
cooperation with the environmental community,
developed Green Power
Switch, a renewable energy initiative to bring green power to
Valley consumers.
Green Power Switch is sold to residential consumers in 150-kilowatt-hour
blocks (about 12 percent of a typical
household’s monthly energy use). Each
block adds $4 to the customer’s
monthly power bill.
TVA built the first commercial
wind-powered turbines in the Southeastern U.S. on Buffalo Mountain in
Anderson County. Solar generation
sites are located in the service areas
of participating public power companies. And methane gas is providing power at the
Allen Fossil Plant in Memphis.
Distributors and TVA also work with customers
through the Generation Partners program, which
provides technical support and incentives for the installation of renewable generation systems.
Green programs
With advancements in technology coupled with
growing concerns of greenhouse gases emitted in
the generation of electricity, renewable energy
sources have been getting a lot of attention from elected representatives, electricity consumers and energy
distributors. Much research and development remains to be done before large
portions of our electricity mix is supplied by more “green” sources of energy.
But Tennessee’s electric cooperatives
and the Tennessee Valley Authority are
adding increasing amounts of power
generated by the wind, sun and
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Co-op Power
Search What do cooperatives do for their communities?
The many faces of your cooperative
Your electric co-op does a lot more for you and your community than just deliver electricity to homes and businesses. Clockwise from right: Holston Electric Cooperative partners with other community organizations to sponsor an annual lake cleanup; Middle
Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation donates to local causes like Big Brothers of
Mt. Juliet through its Customers Care program; Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative
sponsors youth sports teams; Gibson Electric Membership Corporation and Tennessee’s
other electric co-ops send employees to 4-H Electric Camp to educate seventh- and
eighth-graders on electricity and basic sciences; and Caney Fork Electric Cooperative
employees visit area schools for job counseling and safety demonstrations.
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Co-op Power
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Empowering members
The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association distribute information through member newsletters and publications
like The Tennessee Magazine. Each month for more than 50 years, the magazine has
brought entertaining features, electricity information and local electric cooperative
news to more than 500,000 co-op member-owners across Tennessee. Every issue is
packed with articles and graphics on energy efficiency and electrical safety that coop-
erative members can use to take control of their electric bills by
effectively using the energy they’re buying while staying safe.
View past issues at your cooperative’s website, or call your
co-op to request a paper copy.
Below are two such articles found on the pages of past issues of The Tennessee Magazine:
Power line safety
Power lines bring electricity from generating plants to our communities and into our
homes. Here are some basic rules about power line safety:
• Never climb power poles or transmission towers. A typical overhead distribution
line has 7,200 volts per wire. Voltages on major transmission lines are as high as
500,000 volts. Either can deliver a deadly shock.
• Never climb trees near power lines. The human body is an excellent conductor of
electricity, and you could become its path from the lines to the ground.
• Stay away from downed power lines. Always assume a downed power line is live
and life-threatening. Keep children and pets away from downed lines. Do not attempt to remove a person or animal caught in power lines. Do not attempt to re-
move tree limbs or other objects from a downed line. Warn others to stay away and
call your electric cooperative.
• Never drive over a downed power line or under a low-hanging line.
• Beware of downed lines touching a vehicle. Stay away from the vehicle and the line.
If a power line hits your car while you’re inside, stay put and wait for help. If the car
catches fire, then jump clear without touching metal and the ground at the same
time. Shuffle away, keeping both feet on the ground.
• Keep ladders, antennas, kites and poles away from power lines. Weatherproofing on
overhead wiring is not insulation. If you are holding any of these items and they
come into contact with a power line, you could receive an electrical shock.
Efficiently use appliances to save energy
Whether you have the newest, most efficient electric appliances or you’re hanging
onto some that practically qualify as antiques, you can use them smarter so they
waste less energy.
Here are some free and easy ways to cut waste — and your energy bill:
• Move your refrigerator away from the stove, dishwasher and heating vents.The heat from
those devices makes the refrigerator work harder to stay cold, so it runs less efficiently.
• If your refrigerator’s coils are exposed, vacuum them every three months. When dirt
builds up on the coils, the appliance has to use more energy to keep your food cold.
• Repair the gaskets on your refrigerator’s door if they come loose. Damaged gaskets let
cold air leak out of the refrigerator.
• Stop rinsing dishes by hand before you load them into the dishwasher, especially if
yours has a pre-rinse or rinse/hold cycle. Simply scrape leftover food from the plates
and let the dishwasher do the rest.
• Set your dishwasher to its “energy-saver” feature and leave it there so it saves energy
every time you use it.
• Match the size of your pots and pans to the size of the stovetop burner you’re using.
Placing a small pot on a large burner wastes a lot of heat.
• Cover pots and pans with lids so you can cook at a lower burner setting.
• Select the “small load” setting on your washing machine when you don’t have enough
laundry to fill the tub. At that setting, less water will flow into the washer.
• Clean your clothes dryer filters after each load. This not only keeps the appliance from
overheating and working too hard, it can prevent a fire.
• Set your water heater to 120 degrees. That’s hot enough, even though some manufacturers preset theirs to 140 degrees.
• Use a programmable thermostat to heat and cool your home. You’ll save money on
your electric bill by giving your heating and air unit a break while you’re away.
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Co-op Power
Search Can I read a sample of past winners’ short stories?
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Last year’s first-place winner:
Travis Clark of Nolensville, a student at Ravenwood High School, was the state winner of the 2012 Washington Youth Tour Writing Contest. As the top winner, Travis,
part of the Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation Youth Tour group, also won a $3,000 scholarship to use at the college of his choice.
‘Electric Cooperatives: iPower the Future’
“All rise,” the bailiff announced as the judge took his seat.
whom I may provide power for but be proactive and motivate students of the
“The murder case of IOU vs. Electric Cooperatives will now begin. Is the prosecommunity as well!”
cution ready for their opening statement?” the judge questioned.
“Hmm, very nice, indeed. But is it not true that you are government-controlled
“Yes, your honor, we are. Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, let me take you back organizations?”
to a time when the world was dark, cold and unforgiving. I am talking about the
“As much as I admire your efforts to incriminate me, I must be so inclined as
time before electric power, a time when Tennesseans were plunged deep into
to deny that statement. While it is true my humble origins began with such ordarkness. For much of the early 19th century, our people suffered under the delin- ganizations as the Tennessee Valley Authority, founded by President Franklin
quency of lamps or candlesticks … that is, until the 1920s. It was the decade our
D. Roosevelt to bring power and jobs to the citizens of the Tennessee Valley
deceased IOUs came into this world and vanquished the darkness to not only our during the midst of the Great Depression, I am free to operate based on the
fellow Tennesseans but the whole nation as well! Members of the jury, I incline
wishes of the community for which I was created. And I must say as an examyou to see reason in the death of the IOU!” The prosecution then took his seat, and ple, by 1948, 23 separate electric cooperatives rose in the state of Tennessee
the defense lawyer took his stand.
to benefit all its people. Even more so, by 1949, TVA became the largest energy
“As members of our community, I implore you to look past the deception the
supplier in the U.S., using the power of democracy to economically transform
IOUs have created! Electric Cooperatives, like our fair democracy today, are run
all those I serve.”
and managed by you, the community! If so, doesn’t that make us all guilty of de“I still do not feel you answered the question properly.”
siring fair and affordable electricity? Doesn’t that make us all
Electric Cooperatives straightened up in his witness chair and
guilty of promoting clean and efficient energy? Does it not make
proudly proclaimed: “No, I am not! Unlike the IOUs, I am managed
us all equally guilty of promoting a strong and vibrant commuby all members of the cooperative. Utilizing the power of the peonity? Members of the jury, I ask that you think of your own electric
ple’s will to do right by the community, not by the desire of the
bills and consider what really killed the IOU! That is all, your
company for profits!”
honor.”
“Humph,” the prosecutor snarled, “No further questions.”
“If both sides have finished their opening statements, then the
With the end of the prosecution’s stand, the defense called one
prosecution may begin their examination,” the judge requested.
manager of a past IOU for examination. “So you used to manage
“To begin the prosecution, we would like to call personally the
an IOU, correct? Can you tell me your exact purpose as an IOU and
Electric Cooperatives to the stand,” the prosecution sneered. “Elecwhat you planned to do for the community?”
tric Cooperatives, is it or is it not your duty to provide electricity to
“As a once lucrative business, our main goal was profit. Sure, we
those you only so desire?”
at times schemed behind the public’s noses to ensure a healthy
“Absolutely not!” Electric Cooperatives bellowed. “My sole duty is
bottom line, but it was all for the good of the economy and comby Travis Clark,
to provide affordable electric power to all members of the commumunity! After all, jobs are what matter!”
Ravenwood
nity, no matter their income or geographic location! It is my job to
“But that doesn’t tell us squat about what you planned for your
High School
promote safety to all my users, encourage and provide clean and
community! Is it not true the IOUs became so focused on price
Middle Tennessee
more efficient appliances to my members, educate not only those
they TWICE had to be regulated by the government through the
Electric Membership
Corporation service area
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Co-op Power
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Search Who won scholarships in last year’s short-story contest?
2012 Second- and Third-Place Winners
Gage Kerr of Lutts was
last year’s second-place
winner. The Collinwood
High School student
won a $2,000 scholarship
to the college of his
choice. He represented
Tennessee Valley Electric
Cooperative.
Danielle Zayas of
Sparta received third
place in 2012 and was
awarded a $1,000 scholarship. Danielle is a student at White County
High School, which is in
the Caney Fork Electric
Cooperative service
area.
Federal Power Act and Public Utility Holding Act? What does that say about your
commitment to your community?”
“I admit those were unfortunate times for us, but we did make billions in profit!”
“Members of the jury, I ask you to use all of what you have heard today to infer
that Electric Cooperatives did not intentionally kill the IOU but excelled in the art
of providing clean, efficient and safe power to the hardworking members of the
community as well as ensuring the bright development of communities to come.
That is all.”
Afterward, the judge ordered the jury into a private room to decide on the verdict. After quick deliberation, the jury resumed their position in the courtroom.
“Has the jury reached a verdict?”
“Yes, your honor, we have. We find in the case of IOU vs. Electric Cooperatives
that Electric Cooperatives is only guilty of providing responsible and green energy,
including ensuring the future success of a bright community. Electric Cooperatives
is free of all charges and allowed to resume the honored duty of serving the community.”
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Co-op Power
Search If my short story wins, what will I do in Washington, D.C.?
A typical day in D.C.
6:30 a.m.
7 a.m.
8 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
11:15 a.m.
12:30 p.m.
1:45 p.m.
2:30 p.m.
4:15 p.m.
5:45 p.m.
8 p.m.
11 p.m.
Depart hotel
Breakfast at Old Country Buffet
Arrive at Mt. Vernon
Depart Mt. Vernon
Lunch at Hard Rock Cafe
Tour Madame Tussauds Wax Museum
Depart Madame Tussauds Wax Museum
Tour Washington National Cathedral
Depart Washington National Cathedral
Sunset Parade at Iwo Jima Memorial
Depart Sunset Parade
Lights out
On these two pages are some of the many sights
you’ll see during your six-day trip to Washington,
D.C. Clockwise from above are the Changing of the
Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington
National Cemetery, the Jefferson Memorial, Sunset
Parade, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Jefferson’s
Monticello, the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, World War II
Memorial and Washington Monument.
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Search If my short story wins, what will I do in Washington, D.C.?
New friends
Tons of fun
Memories to last a lifetime
History
Pageantry
Awe-inspiring sights
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Co-op Power
Search What have others said about the Washington Youth Tour?
A few last words
from the 2012 Youth Tour
“The Youth Tour has been one of the most
memorable and life-changing trips I have ever
been on. I have made some great new memories and some even greater new friends.”
— Erin Noel, Gibson Electric Membership Corporation
“The Youth Tour is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get an exclusive look at our capital and
meet some amazing people along the way. You
will see sights you’ll never forget.”
— Travis Clark, Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation
“The Washington Youth Tour was the most
amazing experience I have had the privilege to
be a part of. Words cannot express what this
trip has meant to me. It will change your life.”
— Blake Tate, Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative
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Nearly 130 students representing 22 electric cooperatives and one municipal system
across the state participated in the 2012 Youth Tour. Here’s what some of them had
to say about their experiences.
Several Youth Tour participants also auditioned to represent Tennessee on the Youth Leadership Council, select students — one from each state — who attend various
cooperative meetings to hone their leadership skills. Fayetteville’s Meghan Sullenger, a part of the Fayetteville Public
Utilities Youth Tour group, was chosen as Tennessee’s representative. Her responsibilities include attending the 2012
Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association Annual Meeting in Nashville and representing the state at National Rural Electric Cooperative
Association events.
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Search What have others said about the Washington Youth Tour?
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“As a delegate of the Washington
Youth Tour, I grew as a person, as
a citizen and as a leader.”
— Rachael Wolters, Duck River Electric
Membership Corporation
“I learned so many new things
and saw many places I will never
forget. Like everyone says, ‘It’s a
once-in-a-lifetime trip!’”
— Morgan Williams, Southwest Tennessee
Electric Membership Corporation
“The Washington Youth Tour is a
life-changing experience I wouldn’t
trade for anything in the world.”
— Danielle Zayas, Caney Fork Electric
Cooperative
“The Washington Youth Tour was
truly amazing! I made lifelong
friends and memories I’ll never
forget.”
— Summer Jackson, Tennessee Valley Electric Cooperative
‘THE Trip of a Lifetime’
Each day of the Washington Youth Tour brings more impressive sights, opportunities for
photos and lots of memories. Among activities filling the agenda are tours of Washington, D.C, and all its landmarks and memorials, like the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, above, and the White House, opposite page.
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Sponsored by the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association