you can rely on us! happy 75th anniversary talquin!...talquin assistance program (tap)…members...

Talquin Assistance Program (TAP)…Members Helping Members. See page 7

ELECTRIC COOPERATIVET A L Q U I N

AUGUST 2015

You can rely on us! Happy 75th

Anniversary Talquin!

Reliability… The Co-op WayAccording to Webster, reliability is “the extent to which an experiment, test, or measuring procedure yields the same results on repeated trials.” At Talquin, we have many procedures and measures in place to ensure that we provide safe and reliable energy to you, our Members, all of the time. Here are a few examples of the processes that we focus on for the continual improvement of our electric service.

One of our processes is system maintenance. Just like you get your car serviced to make sure it runs and you extend the life of the vehicle, we also perform maintenance on the equipment that keeps Talquin running. With our facility assessment program, we check every piece of equipment and foot of line on our system from the substation all the way to the meter. Talquin continually inspects and maintains 4,000 miles of power lines on our system.

Our substation technicians do the same thing with each of our 25 substations. They clean every inch of the equipment and keep weeds off the rocks that cover the protective grid. As they do this, all the equipment is thoroughly inspected to make sure that everything is running as it should. A lot of work goes in to keeping our substations operating at peak performance all of the time.

Another one of our practices is holding reliability meetings each month. We have a cross-de-partmental team that meets to discuss key issues that let us know where we may be able to improve our performance. This group reviews information such as outages that are over four hours in duration; outages that affect more than 50 Members; and all locations that have more than three outages in a three month span. By reviewing these and other scenarios, we are able to create solutions that continually improve the performance of our service.

One final example, but maybe the most significant for improving service reliability, is right-of-way (ROW) maintenance. Many of our Members do not realize this, but more than half of our outages have traditionally been caused by ROW issues. Recognizing this, we have in-creased our ROW budget by 50% and implemented a process that uses planners to go out in advance of ROW crews to get permission from property owners before trimming and cutting along the ROW. This process expedites our trimming schedule. Now, when our trimmers get out on the line, property owners already know what to expect, and our crews can spend more time trimming.

Our biggest focus for upcoming years is tree removal. So far this year, we have already removed over 3,400 trees that could affect our reliability. But do not think we have not considered the environment! We now have a tree replacement program that provides vouchers to property owners for more suitable trees to replace those that we have removed.

All of these processes, and many more, are performed continually, and our Board members keep us focused on our performance all of the time. We are proud to report that the duration of our outages has improved by 42% in just the past year, which means that we are definitely moving in the right direction.

We are your cooperative – a dedicated, dependable group of Board members and employees providing you with safe, reliable service!

2 THE CURRENT | AUGUST 2015

“The Current”August 2015Vol. MMXV No. 8USPS #356-710“The Current” is the official newsletter of TalquinElectric Cooperative, Inc., published monthly asan informational and educational service to themembers of the Cooperative. Periodical postagepaid at Tallahassee, Florida.

SUBSCRIPTION RATECooperative Member $1.50 per year. Talquin Electric Cooperative, Inc. is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

EDITORIAL OFFICESP.O. Box 16791640 West Jefferson StreetQuincy, Florida 32353-1679

Tracy Bensley, General ManagerKen A. Cowen, Director of Administrative Services/Editor

PRINTED BY:Graphic Press Corporation, Tallahassee, Florida

POSTMASTERIn using Form 3579 please give key letter and mail to “The Current,”P.O.Box 1679, Quincy, Florida 32353-1679

OFFICERSCarrie L. DurdenPresidentP.O. Box 541Havana, Florida 32333

William R. VanLandinghamVice-President519 Telogia Creek RoadQuincy, Florida 32351

Joseph AlexanderSecretary/Treasurer507 Deerwood CircleQuincy, Florida 32352

TRUSTEES

Dr. Clifford S. Bristol15333 N.W. CR 12Bristol, Florida 32321

Doug BruceP.O. Box 10855Tallahassee, Florida 32302

Sam Fenn3539 Lakeview DriveTallahassee, Florida 32310

Mal Green7882 Bandits RunTallahassee, Florida 32309

Bobby J. Strickland108 Coleman RoadCrawfordville, Florida 32327

Dr. David L. Wright1194 Solomon Dairy RoadQuincy, FL 32352

The Talquin Electric and TWWI Board regularly schedule their workshops on the 1st Monday of each month and meetings on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at the Headquarters’ Office in Quincy, FL at 7:00 p.m. For specific dates, times and locations, please refer to our website at www.talquinelectric.com. Notice of any changes will be listed on the website.

Powering Communities/Empowering Members

Carrie Durden, Board President Tracy Bensley, General Manager

AUGUST 2015 | THE CURRENT 3

Talquin Cost Saving Measures One of the areas covered by Talquin’s Administrative Services is maintenance of all Talquin facilities. We recently implemented several energy efficient improvements at two of our older Member Service Offices, based on recommendations from our Energy Services Manager, Dan Ard.

These improvements included replac-ing old lighting fixtures with more energy efficient ballasts and lamps; adding insulation and adding “dead air space” to the entrance of one of our buildings to help reduce conditioned air loss. The overall payback for these improvements is approximately three years and the quality of the work space is an added bonus. As a cooperative, we know that every dollar counts and we strive to operate in the most efficient manner for our membership. Come by or call any Member Service Office and ask about how you can schedule your own energy analysis or go to our website at www.talquinelectric.com to learn more about ways to reduce your energy consumption.

Safety First!! Talquin Electric’s Safety Committee is composed of a cross section of employees who address potential safety concerns throughout the Cooperative. The members of this committee meet each quarter. They help make Talquin safer for employees and the public by:

1. Developing and making recommen-dations for safe work rules aligned with the standards established by OSHA.

2. Reviewing incidents – they make recommendations, classify what safety rules were violated, if any, and deter-mine if the incident was avoidable or unavoidable.

3. Conducting site inspections of all Talquin facilities and recommending any necessary corrective action to make sure the cooperative is as safe as possible.

The SAFE way is always the BEST way!

Left to right: Back row - Steve Timmons, Mike Greene, Chris Ward (Chairman) and An-drew Clark. Front row - Natalie Barrett, Michael Harper, Randy Peevy, Anthony Grang-er, and Scott Hartsfield

Department Highlight

Our goal is to collect school supplies in our Member

Service Offices for local area schools in the month of August. There are many who cannot afford the basic school supplies for their children’s education – maybe we

can help.

Back to SchoolSupply Drive


trading post Trading Post GuidelinesIn order to continue to provide The Trading Post in every issue of The Current, we are asking Members to adhere to the guidelines listed below when submitting an ad. If an ad does not meet the new criteria, it will not be published. There is no cost to place an ad in The Trading Post.

• Members may submit one ad every three months (four times a year)

• Ads must be twenty-five words or less• Must be typed or printed legibly in ink• No registered businesses may run an ad• No changes after ad submission• Deadlines are the first day of the month

preceding the month of publication (For example, December 1st is the deadline for the January edition.)

• Members must provide name, phone number, and account number. No email addresses will be published.

Mail ads to: “The Current”, Talquin Electric Cooperative P.O. Box 1679, Quincy, FL 32353-1679 or e-mail to: [email protected]

MiscellaneousOld-fashioned jams, jellies and preserves, made from locally-grown produce. Scup-pernong, mayhaw, strawberry, blackberry, Vidalia onion and hot pepper. Great for gifts! 562-5038Oak Entertainment Center, TV opening 39x28, $400.00. Solid Wood Computer Hutch, $250.00. Oak Dining Table with six chairs and small hutch, $400.00. 251-64824x8 Pool table w/accessories, sago palms and more. 875-1547Armadillo traps. Humane, 2 - door. Pressure treated wood construction. Pre-scented. No bait or funneling required. $70.00 383-6380One Cemetery Plot, Culley’s MeadowWood, with vault, $2,000, will consider other offers, 544-3758Navy blue damask Thomasville couch. 8 years old. Rarely used. Can send photos. One beam was repaired. $70. Boys “Harley Da-vidson” bicycle - Good shape $40. 567-5103Under the cabinet Microwave & dishwasher. White , in great shape. Ready to be installed and used. $110 each or both for $200. 539-8383Camcorder - Sony HDR-CX440 HandyC-am, new in box. $250. 539-7775 after noonPool Table, regulation 1972 Gandy. Bumpers, slate, felt in excellent condition. Q-sticks & rack, balls, table light, extras. $500.00 (serious only) 510-0854Wood Exterior Entry Door w/window on top 36”x80”, new-unused, purch @Lowes for $324-Now $225. Toshiba 32” TV w/remote-EX+, $30 call/text 459-9594Storage Shed – 24’ by 12’, wood. Painted, sealed, pitched roof. Window in unit with ability for AC hookup. Neutral color; $6,000; open to an offer. 309-0488Non fiction military books and VCR tapes. Make offer. 510-6845Antique trunk 32”L x 19”W x 22”H $125 OBO. Small antique rounded top trunk 27”L x 13”H x 16”W $100 OBO. 442-44492 dog feeders $15 each, game cart (used one time) $50. 926-8167 Christian caregiver 25+ yrs experience, per-sonal care, meds, meals, light housekeeping, errands, etc. Reliable. Excellent references. 575-8906Records 33 1/3 – around 100 ct $10 each. Sofa bed – queen sized, excellent condition, flower w/ cream background, $185. Comput-er desk – cherry $175. Other items. 576-0698Loving, experienced female caregiver seeking full or part time position; reliable transporta-

tion; dependable w/ glowing references; also great w/ pets. 878-2870Dining room cabinets – antique etc. make an offer. 509-930-8212Gowns for sale size 20-24 black, dark blue and light blue – best offer. Old chest soda or ice machine, Kimball piano $200. 322-9578Bedroom Set: Twin bed headboard, mattress and boxspring, chest, dresser & mirror, night stand. In very good condition. $350. 556-8164

Real EstateLog Cabin, 3 miles from Keaton Beach Ma-rina. 2 bedrooms, loft,2 bathrooms, wood-work handmade. Carport for boats,vehi-cles. Must see to believe. $200,000. 309-0320Lake Talquin 3.6 ac. water front on Ben Stoutamire road in Leon County. 906-94612006 DWMH, 3BR/2BA with bonus room, 1800 sf, asking $46,000. Must be moved at buyer expense. call or text 509-4854Havana DWMH 2.16 acres, newer roof, floor-ing, paint 10x19 sunroom, fireplace, large metal shed, water & elec, 3 stall lean-to’s off shed - for sale only. $89,000. 294-452887.7 acres of land located at Old Federal Rd. Make an offer. 509-930-8212

Automotive 2013 Toyota 4Runner Trail Edition. Naviga-tion, sunroof, heated seats, all options, remote start, adoptive suspension and is 4-wheel drive. 36,000 miles. $30,000 or OBO. 406-209-1009Vintage Hubcaps (4), fit 14” wheel, 60’s Era, Very Nice Condition $100.459-95941981 Honda Goldwing Motorcycle 1100cc, recent timing belt and starter, 40k, very nice. $2,000. 421-9783Small truck camper shell (silver). Will negoti-ate for truck tool box. 510-6845

2008 Toyota Highlander. V-6 black w/ tan leather interior. Extremely clean. Michelin tires, serviced regularly. 155,000 miles. No accidents. Great vehicle priced at $11,900. 445-3623/229-997-2080One old RV –make an offer. Plenty of brand new brakes – make an offer. 509-930-8212

Farm/Garden

2001 John Deere 120 excavator, good con-dition, ready to work - $22K. 6 ft finishing mower, good condition- $500. 933-5118Help wanted: need someone to work around house part time. Reasonable pay also ½ acre garden space free to person who wants to work. 875-3183

FREE

4 tires and rims for Yamaha ATV. First come! 539-9376Chesapeake Bay Labrador dog. 3 yrs old, neutered, has chip in ear. Needs fenced yard w/ room to run. Free dog and leash. 339-4381 Cedar Tree – you cut and take. 576-0698

Marine

2 old boats w/ trailer. Make an offer. 509-930-8212

Wanted

Old hit and miss engine Preferably a smaller engine. 379-8539 or 933-4983Passenger or Cargo van: ton, 350-360 series, in good condition, reasonably priced. Used Refrigerator in good condition. 879-5509Need any old gravely 2 wheel walk behind tractor (Model I-8). Any condition ok. Also attachments. 508-1641

4 THE CURRENT | AUGUST 2015 Powering Communities/Empowering Members


Energy Tip

Keep yourself cool: this one is kind of a no-brainer, but it bears mentioning. The most cost efficient way to keep cool is to wear light clothing and drink lots of water! It won’t cost you anything and the effects will be immediate!

Water TipWhen the kids want to cool off, use the sprinkler in an area where your lawn needs it the most. Beat the heat and water your lawn!

Your Account Number = a Gift Card for You!

Located somewhere in this issue of The Current is a Member account number. Look carefully; it might be yours! If you do find your account number exactly as it appears on your bill for electric or water service, you win a $50 gift card! You have until September 30, 2015 to claim your gift card by calling Alisia Hounshell at 850-627-7651, from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday –Friday. You must contact the TEC representative before the deadline to collect the prize!

Watts Happening Grape Harvest Festival

August 29th – 8 am to 4 pm

FAMU 6505 Mahan Dr, Tallahassee

Channel your inner Lucille Ball. Kick off your shoes. Let down your hair. And squish some grapes. The grape stomp, is just one part of the wine festival, which opens up 45 acres of muscadine grapes to visitors and festival goers. Other activities include a 5K vineyard run, grape and wine sampling, pick your own grapes, grape throwing or and hula hoop competition and kids’ petting zoo.

Flea Across Florida

September 11th -12th ; from Jacksonville to Pensacola

See small town USA while driving across Florida via Hwy 90 as you visit flea mar-kets, antique shops and yard sales. Visit their website at www.thefleaacrossflorida.com to view their map – and those are just the ones they know about!

Leon County Senior Outreach: Explore Lunch and Learn to stay connected

No reservations needed to join the fun. 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM. Featuring a deli-cious catered lunch for $6 per plate. Call 891-4065 for more information.

www.sccleanenergy.com

August

18th Fort Braden - Fort Braden Community Center

20th Lake Jackson - Lake Jackson Community Center

25th Chaires/Capitola - Dorothy C. Spence Community Center

September

3rd Miccosukee - Miccosukee Community Center

9th Bradfordville - Wildwood Pres-byterian Church Fellowship Hall

10th Woodville - Woodville Com-munity Center


6 THE CURRENT | AUGUST 2015

From its beginning in 1912, Girl Scouts of the USA has been dedicated to helping all girls build character and skills for success in the real world. In our own backyard we have the Girl Scout Council of the Florida Panhandle that serves around 5,000 girls between ages 5-17 in 19 counties. One of the ways they help is by providing Girl Scout Camp. The council has three camps and one is a Talquin Electric Member– Camp for all Seasons. Besides giving the girls an appreciation for the outdoors, it also teaches them leadership skills, increases their confidence and helps them realize new talents. If you are interested in giving back to a council that has given so much to our community, go to www.gscfp.org/camps.html or call them at (850) 386-2131/1-888-271-8778 (Toll Free) for more details.

Upgraded Water SystemIn June, Talquin completed construction of a new 250,000 gallon elevated water storage tank off Chaires Cross Road in eastern Leon County. This tank will serve the Members in the Leon East Regional water system providing much needed storage for fire protec-tion and helping to maintain adequate pressure throughout the system. Other ongoing work includes site restoration, installation of system controls for automation, landscaping and fencing which should be completed within the next few weeks.

Member of the Month

Girl Scouts Council of

the Florida Panhandle

Sign up for TAP(Talquin Assistance Program to help Members in crisis who can-not pay their utility bill) at any Member Service Office or online at www.talquinelectric.com



Always Notify Us When Your Power Is Out: In order to ensure that we know when your power is out, ALWAYS con-tact us in one of the following ways if you experience an outage:

Repor t your e lectr ic or water outage on our webs i te at www.talquinelectric.com

Report via Phone:

Automated System: 1-866-899-4832

Live Operator: 1-888-802-1832

Or the fastest way to let us know if your power is out is via text.

Register to report your outage via text on our website.

Text #OUTAGE to 85700 to report electric outages once you are regis-tered and receive text updates when power is restored.

Apple Spinach Salad

1 – 10 oz. package spinach – torn

2 – Grannysmith apples – diced

(1/2 cup cashews) – put on top

½ cup Golden raisins – mix

Dressing:

¼ c sugar

¼ c apple cider vinegar

¼ coil

¼ t garlic salt

¼ t celery salt

Mix and pour over spinach. Sprinkle nuts on top

Olga L. Martin, Talquin Member

2372925947


“THE CURRENT”TALQUIN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. P.O. BOX 1679QUINCY, FL 32353-1679

TALQUIN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.

Office Locations

Headquarters1640 W. Jefferson StreetQuincy, Florida 32351

(850) 627-7651 or

Quincy Member Services Office1607 W. Jefferson StreetQuincy, Florida 32351

(850) 627-9666

Wakulla Member Services Office681 Wakulla Arran Rd.

Crawfordville, Florida 32327(850) 926-7422

Hosford Member Services Office20557 NE Cooperative Way

Hosford, Florida 32334(850) 379-8679

Lake Jackson Member Services Office4808 Portal Drive

Tallahassee, Florida 32303(850) 562-0125

Bradfordville Member Services Office

6724 Thomasville RoadTallahassee, Florida 32312

(850) 893-6853

Service Interruptions (Outages) Should Be Reported To

1-888-802-1832

(live operator)

1-866-899-4832 (automated systems)

Visit us and report and view outages on the Web at

www.talquinelectric.com

Sign up for text outage notification at www.talquinelectric.com to report your outage quickly and to receive

outage information. Happy 75th

Anniversary Talquin!

years7575TA

LQUIN

ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.

you can rely on us! happy 75th anniversary talquin!...talquin assistance program (tap)…members...

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