Stay Cool and Save Energy: How Shade Can Help Your Home This Summer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There is power in a moment.

Sometimes powerful moments are obvious, like the day you got engaged, welcoming your first child into the world or sending them off to college. In business, it may be the ribbon cutting of your new shop or stepping into a new leadership role. Other times, powerful moments can be subtle, like sharing laughter around the dinner table, catching up with old friends or learning to care for others by watching strong leadership in action.

Whether the moments are everyday or extraordinary, Southwest Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation plays an essential role in energizing the people and places we serve. Reliability is more than just keeping the lights on—it’s about providing the energy that powers today’s priceless moments, but also tomorrow’s endless opportunities. We energize every moment in ways you may not see, and it is our honor to carry out that mission every day.

Southwest Tennessee EMC energizes connection.

Whether its offering broadband services that connect you to the world, creating opportunities to gather with others at our annual meeting or greeting you with a friendly face who knows you by name—we work hard to connect with our members.

Southwest Tennessee EMC energizes opportunity.

When jobs are created, communities thrive. We provide reliable infrastructure and broadband access, attracting industries from across the globe. We help recruit and retain jobs. Our collaboration with local government means healthier communities, more jobs and brighter futures.

Southwest Tennessee EMC energizes unity.

When disaster strikes from severe weather, we’re ready to assist our sister co-ops. We also unite over more than natural disasters though. We advocate for policies that benefit rural communities. Whatever the challenge, Tennessee co-ops come together for the betterment of their members.

Southwest Tennessee EMC energizes compassion.

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

Southwest Tennessee EMC energizes life lessons.

Sometimes the best lessons happen outside of the classroom. Whether it’s a student visiting the nation’s capital with Washington Youth Tour, learning how to inspire others through Youth Leadership Summit or engaging with other students in yearly 4-H camp programs, we are committed to training our next generation of leaders.

We’re here for you. For every good memory in your life and in our community, all of us at Southwest Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation are working behind the scenes energizing every moment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Statewide Impact

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

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

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

Vibrant reds, deep oranges and bright yellows are filling treetops and yards throughout the Volunteer State and the temperature is cooling down. You may have the urge to turn on the heat after the first chilly evening of fall or the first frost. Here are five tips to avoid messing with the thermostat that will keep you warm while also saving you money and energy this season.

Put on more layers. Bundling up is a great way to keep yourself comfortable without extra heat. You can do this by putting on your favorite light sweater or hoodie that’s been hiding in the closet all summer long, keeping fall themed throw blankets around common areas or even putting on warm socks or house shoes. These layers will help you stay cozy and warm while saving energy and on your electric bill.

Reverse ceiling fans. If you run ceiling fans in your living or bedrooms, reverse the spin of the blades. Switching the fan to run clockwise will push warmer air that rises back down into your space.

Open curtains. Even though the mornings and evenings are cooler, it is likely here in Tennessee that the temperature will get pretty warm during the day and hopefully the sun will shine. Open your curtains to let the warmth of the sunshine into your home. The fabric on furniture and carpets will absorb and retain some of the heat into the evening. Be sure to close the curtains though once the sun goes down, so cool air doesn’t get into the house.

Do household chores after dark. The movement involved with cleaning the shower, vacuuming the bedrooms or even folding clothes will keep you warm. You can also run the dishwasher, washing machine or dryer after dark to add a bit of heat to your home.

Invest in a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats allow you to program it to lower the heat when you go to bed, raise it when you wake up and turn itself down again once everyone heads off to work and school. This allows you to stay warm and conserve energy at the same time.

Our nation’s farmers are out doing what they do best: feeding and clothing the world. It’s harvest season – a time to reap the reward of the hard work that has taken place on farms across the state this summer. Even though we’re coming to the close of the crop season, safety still needs to be your number one priority.

Each year, around 62 farm workers in the U.S. are electrocuted, according to the National Ag Safety Database. So, before you jump in the combine, do a thorough look over your fields and locate any potential risks before harvesting. This includes low power lines or poles that will be in the path of your machinery. If you see any issues, plan your route and alert your cooperative accordingly.

When you are making your plans, make sure your equipment will maintain a minimum of 10 feet in all directions, including above, between the machinery and the power lines. You can even call your co-op to determine the transport and clearance height for farm equipment. It is important to never measure line heights yourself to keep everyone safe.

Most importantly, before you get out in the fields this harvest season, make sure you know what to do in the case of an emergency. If your combine, auger or grain cart meets an overhead power line, stay in the cab and call 911. Dispatchers will notify Southwest Tennessee EMC so that we can quickly de-energize the line. If you have to exit the combine in the case of a fire, be sure to jump clear and as far as possible from the vehicle. From there, shuffle away slowly, avoiding lifting your feet completely off the ground for at least 100 feet. Electrical current can flow through the vehicle and energize the ground up to 100 feet away from the point of contact. Shuffling greatly reduces the current flow through your body from the energized ground.

If you have questions or concerns about operating farm machinery in proximity to power lines or any other aspect of electrical safety, please contact your local STEMC office. We hope you have a safe and successful harvest!

As summer temperatures soar, keeping your home cool without driving up energy costs can be a challenge. One of the simplest and most effective ways to achieve this is by utilizing shade. By strategically shading your home, you can reduce indoor temperatures, minimize the workload on your air conditioner and save energy. Here’s how you can harness the power of shade to stay cool and cut costs this summer.

Plant Trees and Shrubs
Planting trees and shrubs around your home is a long-term investment that pays off in comfort and savings. Deciduous trees, which shed their leaves in winter, are ideal for providing summer shade while allowing sunlight to warm your home in winter. Positioning trees on the south and west sides of your home can significantly reduce heat gain. Additionally, planting shrubs and vines close to your walls can create an insulating layer of air, further reducing heat absorption.

Install Awnings and Overhangs
Awnings and overhangs are effective shading solutions that can be tailored to your home’s architecture. Awnings can block up to 77% of solar heat gain on south-facing windows and 65% on west-facing windows. Choose retractable awnings for flexibility, allowing you to enjoy sunlight in cooler months. Fixed overhangs, designed with the angle of the sun in mind, provide year-round shading benefits.

Use Window Treatments
Inside your home, window treatments like blinds, shades, and curtains can make a significant difference in temperature control. Reflective blinds and shades can reduce heat gain by up to 45%. Close blinds and curtains during the hottest parts of the day to block direct sunlight. Consider installing insulated cellular shades, which trap air and provide additional insulation, keeping your home cooler.

Employ Exterior Shades
Exterior shading devices, such as roller shades, shutters, and solar screens, are highly effective in blocking heat before it enters your home. Solar screens, for instance, can reduce heat gain by up to 70%. These devices are particularly useful for large windows and glass doors that receive direct sunlight. They also offer the added benefit of reducing glare and protecting indoor furnishings from UV damage.

Create Shade with Pergolas and Trellises
Pergolas and trellises can add aesthetic value to your outdoor spaces while providing functional shade. Covered with climbing plants like wisteria or grapevines, these structures create a natural canopy that cools the air around them. Position pergolas and trellises near windows or outdoor living areas to maximize their cooling effects.

Benefits Beyond Cooling
Shading your home not only reduces indoor temperatures but also lowers your air conditioning costs by reducing the need for mechanical cooling. This translates to significant energy savings over the summer months. Moreover, effective shading can enhance your home’s curb appeal and provide pleasant outdoor spaces for relaxation and entertainment.

By incorporating these shading strategies, you can create a cooler, more energy-efficient home environment this summer. Embrace the power of shade to stay comfortable and cut energy costs, making your home a haven from the summer heat.