20 The Tennessee Magaz ine

Understanding energy demand and purchasing

You may not think you needto have an understandingof energy demand andpurchasing, but do you

ever look at your energybill and wonder what it allmeans? If your answer tothat question is “yes,” thenyou might be interested tolearn how demand impactsyour utility bill.

To start, it is importantto understand howelectricity is made and howit is delivered to yourhome.

Before CumberlandElectric MembershipCorporation can send electricity toyour home, that electricity needs to begenerated by Tennessee ValleyAuthority. Once the electricity hasbeen generated, it travels over high-voltage transmission lines tosubstations, where the voltage isreduced to a safer level. Theelectricity then travels overdistribution power lines and finds itsway into your home. So, while youpay your bill to us — your electricdistribution cooperative — we don’tactually generate the electricity youuse. That is the job of TVA.

We do help determine how muchelectricity our members need to powertheir homes and businesses, and youplay a big part in deciding how muchelectricity TVA needs to create inorder to keep the lights on in ourcommunity. That is where these terms“consumption” and “demand” comein.

Consumption is measured inkilowatt-hours (kWh). Demand ismeasured in kilowatts (kW). Alightbulb “consumes” a certain number

of watts, let’s say 100 wattsper hour. If that lightbulbstays on for 10 hours, it“demands” a certain numberof kilowatts (in this case, 1kW) from the generationstation producing electricity.Now, if you turn on 10, 100-watt lightbulbs in yourhome for one hour, you arestill consuming the samenumber of kW. However,you are placing a demandon the utility to have those

kW available to you over the course ofone hour, instead of 10. This requiresthe generation and transmission plant toproduce more power in less time inorder to meet your demand.

TVA charges CEMC for the totalkWh consumption and kW demand.Peak demand refers to the time of daywhen the demand for electricity ishighest. This is typically during theevening when families return homefrom work or school, cook dinner anduse appliances the most. Usingelectricity during this peak demandperiod often costs CEMC more.

Varying demand and consumptionare the reasons your electricity billfluctuates season to season and evenyear to year. Generating anddistributing power can be a tricky andcomplicated business, but rest assuredthat CEMC will always work toprovide safe, reliable and affordableelectricity to your family.

A S I S E E I T Manager’s ViewpointCumberland Electric Membership CorporationCEMC Management and StaffJim Coode, General ManagerChris A. Davis, Assistant General ManagerDavid Abernathy,Operations Division ManagerMark T. Cook, P.E.,Engineering Division ManagerMichael Blackwell,District Operations ManagerAnnebelle Chester,Human Resources ManagerSeth Roberts, Member Services ManagerCEMC Co-op News EditorJulie WallaceP.O. Box 3300Clarksville, TN 37043Open Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 800-987-2362Ashland City officeJosh Gill,District Operations SupervisorClarksville officeKenny Davis, District Operations SupervisorDover officeTerry Odom, District Operations SupervisorGallatin officeTravis Akins,District Operations SupervisorPortland/White House officesTodd Hesson, District Operations SupervisorSpringfield officeNicky Roberts, District Operations SupervisorCEMC Board of DirectorsTommy G. Whittaker, Sumner Co., PresidentWesley H. Aymett, Cheatham Co., Vice PresidentShela K. Williams, At Large, Secretary-TreasurerK. Jean Beauchamp, Robertson Co., Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Stephen E. Douglass, Stewart Co.Charles R. Hancock, Stewart Co.Michael A. Mason, Robertson Co.C. David Morgan, Montgomery Co.Edward L. Oliver, Montgomery Co.Joe H. Whitaker, Sumner Co.Mission StatementCumberland Electric MembershipCorporation is committed to providingdependable, affordable electric servicethrough the expertise and dedication ofcompetent leadership and a well-trained and responsive workforce.

Jim Coode,General Manager,

Cumberland Electric Membership

Corporation

September 2017 21

Value of electricityCheck out this map of average electric prices across the country to seehow our rates compare to those in other states.

22 The Tennessee Magaz ine

Students get ‘Plugged Into the Future’at 4-H Electric Camp

Cumberland Electric Membership Corporationsent a group of rising seventh- and eighth-grade students from across its service area tothe 26th annual 4-H Electric Camp June 27-30

on the University of Tennessee Knoxville campus.CEMC-sponsored campers joined hundreds of studentsfrom across the state in discovering the world of electric-ity by participating in various learning centers that pro-vided hands-on activities, allowing 4-H’ers to “learn bydoing.” Campers also enjoyed a trip to Dollywood, swim-ming, a pizza party and two fun and educational programs— Neil Spencer’s “Giants of Electricity” and Ben Roy’s“Watt is Electricity?”

This year’s learning activities were:Wiring an Extension Cord — In this learning center,

campers learned some basic wiring techniques used byelectricians every day. They were then able todemonstrate what they learned by wiring up their ownextension cords with Universal Serial Bus (USB) chargingoutlets to use in their homes. Home Energy Conservation— We use electricity to

light our homes, cook our food, play music and operatetelevisions. But as we use more electricity in our homes,our electric bills rise. In this activity, campers learnedhow conserving electricity in their homes not only helpslower their electric bills but also helps protect ourenvironment and conserve resources.

Green Energy Conservation — Green energy will playan important role in the supply of energy in the future.When green energy sources are used, the demand for fossilfuels is reduced. This learning center educated campers onhow we can harness the energy in wind to generateelectricity. Electricity Party — Campers learned Science,

Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) principles suchas electromagnetism, alternating current (AC) and directcurrent (DC) electricity, electricity generation, electriccircuits and other basic sciences through hands-on activitiesat this learning center. Electric Vehicles — Campers learned about batteries,

direct current and how direct current is used to propelelectric vehicles. They also demonstrated their driving skillsby maneuvering an electric golf cart through an obstaclecourse. Electric Safety — Electric power does a tremendous

amount of work for us; but, because it is such a powerfulforce we must be careful around it. This learning centertaught campers how to play it safe around high-voltagepower lines.

The 4-H Electric Camp is a joint venture of theTennessee Electric Cooperative and its membercooperatives, including CEMC; University of TennesseeExtension; Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Associationand its power systems; and the Tennessee Valley Authority.

Stewart County students

September 2017 23

Robertson County students

Cheatham County students Sumner County students

In the Home Energy Conservation learning center, campers learn some easy and inexpensive ways to become moreenergy-efficient around the house. Above left, students install electric outlet sealers, and, above right, campers caulkaround baseboards. Both activities illustrate the importance of air-sealing in the home.

24 The Tennessee Magaz ine

Kitchen sizes, styles and configurations havechanged dramatically through the years. Asconsumer lifestyles and tastes have changed,kitchen lighting has evolved to reflect these

shifts. In the past, the norm for a typical American kitchenwas a simple fluorescent ring placed in the center of theceiling and operated by a single switch. Now, the prolifera-tion of TV networks and shows devoted to every aspect ofhome decorating, remodeling, building and sales reflectcurrent consumers’ higher standards and expectations for ahome’s appearance. Lighting, once considered an after-thought, is now an integral part of home décor and func-tion — particularly in a focal area such as the kitchen.

Try the layering effectThe effect of a single overhead light source can be too

much light in one area and not enough in others. Layeringdifferent types of light from different sources is not only asmart plan, but it makes good sense from an efficiencyperspective.

Task-lighting such as an under-counter fixtureilluminates a particular work surface without a shadowingeffect. Energy-efficient options typically feature LED-powered puck lights that can be placed precisely wherethey are most needed under the cabinets. Another option isthe thin-diameter fluorescent tubes that use about25 percent of the electricity of halogen or incandescentbulbs and have a much greater life span. Regardless of thetype of light selected, when installing the lights, placethem toward the front of the cabinet so they illuminate thewhole countertop rather than the wall. Most types ofunder-counter lights can be plugged into a standard outlet.Overhead lights — whether from a central fixture, tracklights or recessed — can offer indirect illumination and

complement the task lights. Where possible, utilizeENERGY STAR and LED options.

Versatility matters, tooEfficient lighting in the kitchen does not necessarily mean

more lights but rather more versatile lighting. Dimmer switches create more flexible options for existing

lights. There are times when maximum illumination isrequired for tasks such as food preparation or cleanup. Atother times, it makes more sense to turn down the lights tocreate a cozier ambiance. By placing different sets of lightson dimmer switches, you increase your options, minimizethe energy used for lighting and thereby allow for greaterenergy efficiency. However, when installing dimmerswitches, make sure they are compatible with LED lights.

Lighting accounts for up to 15 percent of a home’s energyuse, and since the kitchen is a high-traffic hub, it makessense to focus here. For basic energy efficiency in thekitchen and elsewhere, sometimes small adjustments canmake a big impact.

The simplest area on which to focus is the light itself.LED lights use a small fraction of the energy of CFL,halogen or traditional incandescent bulbs and are known fortheir longevity and efficiency. ENERGY STAR-rated LEDbulbs typically are the most efficient.

At its best, a good kitchen lighting plan is functional,attractive and energy-efficient. Whether your kitchen is largeor small, old or new, one reliable recipe for energy savings isutilizing more efficient lighting in the heart of the home.

Anne Prince writes on cooperative issues for the NationalRural Electric Cooperative Association, the Arlington,Virginia-based service arm of the nation’s 900-plusconsumer-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives.

For efficient kitchen lighting, focus on flexibilityBy Anne Prince

September 2017 25

CEMC to participate in Oct. 5Electric Co-op Day of Service

Electric cooperatives across the state havedesignated Thursday, Oct. 5, as the firstTennessee Electric Co-op Day of Service.The initiative is to become an annual event

that encourages com-munity outreachthrough organizedservice projects. Theevent gives co-op em-ployees the opportu-nity to serve theircommunities whilealso demonstrating thatco-ops are different —we care about ourmembers, and weshow it through our ac-tions. In honor of thisevent, CumberlandElectric MembershipCorporation will host acommunity food drive.

CEMC employeesand members are encouraged to participate bybringing nonperishable food items to any CEMCbusiness office on Oct. 5 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.Members who donate five or more items will receive

free light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs — limited toone per member, while supplies last.

If you would like to take part in this community-wide event, consider picking up an extra one (or

more) of the followingsuggested items asyou’re doing yourgrocery shopping overthe next few weeks:• Peanut butter• Canned meat

(chicken, tuna, etc.)• Canned vegetables• Canned fruits• Dry pasta• Pasta sauce• Rice• Dried beans• Canned soup or chili• Bottled drinks (juice,

water, sports drinks,etc.)

All items collected will be distributed to those inneed through local food banks.

Thank you in advance for your support of thiscommunity project.

26 The Tennessee Magaz ine

Be sure to keep an eye out for Octo-ber’s issue of The Tennessee Maga-zine. It will contain everything youneed to know about Cumberland

Electric Membership Corporation’s 79th annualmembership meeting. We hope you will join usSaturday, Oct. 21, at Rossview High School forour cooperative’s biggest event. Director elec-tions will be held, a complimentary breakfastwill be served, musical entertainment will beprovided and some exciting door prizes will begiven away. Mark your calendar for Oct. 21,and make plans to join us.

Cumberland Electric MembershipCorporation will be closed Monday,Sept. 4, in observance of Labor Day.

CEMC personnel will be available inthe event of an emergency by calling

1-800-987-2362.

CEMC wishes you a safeand happy Labor Day!

Cooler temps will be here soon!No matter what kind of heatingsystem you have in your home, youcan save money and increase yourcomfort by properly maintaining andupgrading your equipment. Contact alicensed professional to inspect yoursystem before the winter chill arrives.

Source: U.S Department of Energy

Join Cumberland Electric Membership Corpora-tion for a FREE do-it-yourself energy-effi-ciency workshop in September to learn easyenergy-efficiency improvements that anyone

can do at home.Each two-hour workshop will cover how electricity

is consumed and billed and include suggestions onlow- and no-cost upgrades that can be completed byhomeowners to lower energy costs. Hands-ontraining will teach how to properly caulk, replaceweather stripping, install spray-foam sealant andmore.

These sessions are limited to the first 25households that register, and each will receive aFREE energy-saving tool kit valued at $25 tohelp you get started.

Register at www.cemc.orgfor the workshop in your area.

Saturday, Sept. 99-11 a.m.

CEMC Annex1201 Fifth Ave. W.

Springfield

Saturday, Sept. 169-11 a.m.

Dover CEMC office420 Spring St.

Dover

Saturday, Sept. 239-11 a.m.

Robert Coleman Community Center303 Portland Blvd.

Portland

CEMC offers FREE DIY workshops