KILOWATT
illiam C. (Bill) Phillips, Clay Electric Cooperative's general manager and chief executive officer, died the afternoon of Friday, Feb. 20 at Tulane Medical Center in New Orleans following a mishap that occurred on Feb. 16 while he was attending a conference in that city. He was hospitalized after choking while eating dinner. Phillips, 62, served as general manager/CEO of Clay Electric since December 1988. Phillips had 43 years of service with the cooperative. He is survived by his wife, Debby, four children and eight grandchildren. Following the Feb. 16 mishap, William C. (Bill) Phillips the cooperative's board of trustees 1946 - 2009 selected Bill Thompson, the co-op's director of District Operations, to serve as interim general manager/ CEO. "We are deeply saddened by Bill's passing," said Angus Hastings, president of the co-op's board of trustees. "I knew Bill for over 40 years, and he always had the best interest of Clay Electric in mind. We'll miss his leadership and friendly demeanor." Phillips held a variety of positions at the co-op during his 43 years of service. He began his career at the co-op in 1965 as a printshop trainee. Six months later he became a draftsman/engineer trainee. In 1966 he was promoted to engineer in the Orange Park District. He was promoted to manager of the Palatka District in 1975. In 1986, Phillips was promoted to director of the District Operations Department, a position where he managed the co-op's six districts. He was named general manager/CEO in December 1988. Phillips also served as a member of Seminole Electric Co-op's board of directors and was a member of the Florida Reliability Coordinating Council.
MARCH 2009 The newsletter for members of Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc. MARCH 2009 W Clay Electric mourns the passing of Bill Phillips Your 2008 Annual Report & Legislative Directory
Reports from the board president and general manager/CEO... pages 3-5 2008 financial report summary... page 7 A special report on this year's Legislative session... page 8 Official Notice of Annual Meeting... page 12 KILOWATT/1 NEWS IN BRIEF... KILOWATT
YOUTH SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS: In May, the Clay Electric Youth Scholarship program will award 18 one-time scholarships of $1,000 each to outstanding high school seniors. The annual scholarship program is limited to any public, private or home-schooled high school senior whose home (primary residence) is served by Clay Electric and who will be graduating from high school at the end of the applicable school year. To provide an equal representation of scholarship winners throughout the Clay Electric service area, no more than one student at a given public school can receive a scholarship. If your child is a senior in high school and planning to attend college, he/she is encouraged to apply. Scholarship applications are available at clayelectric.com, at each of the co-op's six district offices and at area high schools. Submission deadline is April 1. CO-OP OFFERS EMAIL BILLING PROGRAM FOR MEMBERS: Members who opt to participate in the co-op's email billing program, Clay eBill, receive their electric bill statement via email each month, and do not receive a printed bill statement in the mail. Clay eBill participants can pay the bill online immediately by clicking on the "pay my bill" link in the email. The email also includes links to important information from the co-op, such as the monthly Power Line bill insert. To become a Clay eBill participant, visit the co-op's web site at clayelectric.com, log on to "my account," and click on "send me my bill by email." CONSERVATION VIDEO OFFERS TIPS TO HELP REDUCE ELECTRICAL USAGE: A conservation video titled It All Starts With You: Energy Conservation For a New Era offers co-op members some efficiency tips to help reduce the energy consumption of major-use residential appliances like heating and air conditioning systems, water heaters, refrigerators and freezers. Appliances that use less energy, such as dishwashers, washers and dryers, and lighting, are also discussed in this 8-minute video program. The video's purpose is to help co-op members use electricity more wisely while also reducing the cost of future electric bills. If your civic group or organization is interested in viewing the program, contact the member relations representative at your local district office for more information. The video was produced by Clay Electric's Member & Public Relations Department. WHERE'S THE OUTAGE? VISIT ONLINE OUTAGE MAP AND FIND OUT: Clay Electric has an online Power Outage Map where users can view the general location and approximate number of power outages on the co-op's lines. The outage map also allows users to view outage information system-wide or by county. When viewing information by county, users can left click on any of the counties that Clay serves to zoom in for a more detailed view. To see power outage numbers and percentages, click on "SHOW" at the bottom of the page.
2/KILOWATT
KILOWATT is published six times a year (in January, March, May, July, September & November) by Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc., Highway 100 West, Keystone Heights, Florida, as an informational and educational service to its member-owners. SUBSCRIPTION RATE: $1 a year, to Clay Electric members. Periodicals class postage paid at Keystone Heights, Fla. and at additional mailing offices. USPS 783-900; ISSN 1087-4747. MARCH 2009 VOLUME 40 NUMBER 2 BOARD OF TRUSTEES Meets March 26 in Keystone Heights at 12:30 p.m. Angus Hastings­President Fort McCoy­District 9 Floyd Gnann­Vice President Middleburg­District 6 Kelley Smith­Secretary Palatka­District 2 Laura Dean­Treasurer Keystone Heights­District 1 Susan Reeves­Trustee Hawthorne­District 3 Tommy Malphurs­Trustee Alachua­District 4 Robert Mullins - Trustee Starke­District 5 John Henry Whitehead-Trustee Lake Butler-District 7 Cedrick Smith­Trustee Micanopy­District 8 Bill Thompson­interim General Manager/CEO Henry Barrow­Director Member & Public Relations Herman Dyal­Director Engineering Chip Gray­Director Human Resources Mark Maxwell­Director Finance & Administrative Services Bruce McHollan­Director Information & Communication Technology Ricky Davis­Director Operations Bill Thompson­Director District Operations DISTRICT MANAGERS Howard Mott­Gainesville & Lake City Tommy Tomlinson­Keystone Heights Kerry Page­Orange Park Jim Beeler­Palatka & Salt Springs COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION L. E. Horne - Manager of Communications Wayne T. Mattox - Editor WMattox@clayelectric.com PUBLISHING, EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING OFFICES CLAY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. P.O. Box 308, Keystone Heights, Florida 32656 Telephone (352) 473-8000 POSTMASTER: In using Form 3579, please give key letter and mail to KILOWATT, P.O. Box 308, Keystone Heights, FL 32656. MARCH 2009 The President's Message
Angus Hastings I'm grateful for the many contributions Bill Phillips made to Clay Electric Co-op
s announced on the cover of this issue of Kilowatt, the cooperative's general manager/ CEO, Bill Phillips, passed away on Feb. 20 after being hospitalized on Feb. 16. Bill was in New Orleans attending the annual meeting of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. We know this is a very difficult time for Bill's wife, Debby, and members of their family. We have focused our efforts on being helpful, but not intrusive, as they cope with his death. The time since Bill's passing has been a difficult period for Clay Electric's board of trustees, management and employees. I knew Bill for over 40 years and considered him a good friend. Bill became manager/CEO of the co-op in December 1988. We had someone who managed the details of the office but who also led and challenged the co-op's employees to do their very best for our members. Clay Electric has faced numerous challenges in recent years as the utility industry has changed due to new technologies, more demands A for services from consumers, and the rising costs of operating an electric utility. Bill kept a firm hand on the wheel as he has guided the cooperative through some turbulent times. He made efficiency and productivity something that everyone at the co-op was concerned with. He also managed the co-op with the knowledge that it must be prepared for the future. I am grateful for his many years of dedicated service to Clay Electric. He leaves the co-op in capable hands because the men and women he placed on his management team are deeply committed to the co-op's service to members and competitive rates. We wish the very best for his family. Clay Electric will continue to provide its members with the best service, competitive rates and operate in a manner that our members can be proud. Bill would have expected nothing less of us! I Energy policy - I'm ringing the alarm bell for a good reason!
time, momentum continues to build for climate change legislation. The political realities in Congress have greatly increased the likelihood that some climate mandate will be passed by the 111th Congress. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told a newspaper recently "We see (carbon) as a source of revenue...cap-andtrade is there for a reason. You cap and you trade so you can pay for some of these investments in energy independence and renewables." Glenn English, the chief executive officer of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, summed up what lies ahead for us this way: "Electric cooperatives are facing the greatest challenge in the program's history - adapting to dramatic changes in the federal policies that shape the business of electricity. For electric co-ops to continue to be viable service providers for our consumers, we must engage in the policy debate." It is likely Congress will pass some type of carbon tax aimed at reducing emissions levels. Since 50 percent of this nation's electricity is generated with coal, with lesser amounts of power coming from natural gas and oil, the outcome will be higher electricity bills. We will likely be required to engage in more energy efficiency efforts, and increase our use of renewable energy sources. Renewable or alternative energy sources like solar and wind turbines are expensive forms of electricity generation (that's why they're heavily subsidized) so forcContinued on page 14
KILOWATT/3 have been involved in the electric cooperative program at state, regional and national levels for over four decades. During that time I have seen many changes and improvements in the industry. So when I tell you there are changes coming to our industry that will have a huge impact on how much you pay for electricity in the years ahead, be assured I'm ringing the alarm bell for a good reason! The Obama administration and Democratic leaders in Congress have announced their intentions to implement a national energy agenda that they hope will transform our energy infrastructure, cut fossil fuel consumption and increase alternative and renewable power resources. At the same MARCH 2009 The General Manager's Report
Bill Phillips
We have not been immune to the turbulent economic times that have gripped this nation
lay Electric, like most electric utilities across this nation, has been dealing with the effects of a national economic slowdown. The turbulent economic times that began last year are affecting us in many ways, such as fewer new connects, higher costs for metals and materials, and an increase in the number of members experiencing financial difficulty due to job losses. Despite these adverse economic conditions, your cooperative maintained its solid financial footing and its focus on providing professional service and competitively priced electricity. We have been prudent in our operations expense. We're now serving more than 165,000 members in 14 North Florida counties, and have fewer employees than 20 years ago. Our residential rate for 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity averaged $102.77 last year, and that was among the lowest offered in the state. Last year, we had a comprehensive rate study performed by an outside firm, and the study indicated a small rate increase was prudent. Our board of trustees approved the small rate increase late in the year which amounted to a net increase of $2.05 for 1,000 kWh. The last time we had a rate increase was 1992, and you can imagine how the cost of doing business has gone up since then. And don't forget the $6.25 million Capital Credits refund we made last year, which helps lower the cost of power for
4/KILOWATT C Note: This month's article by Mr. Phillips was written prior to his death on Feb. 20. those receiving refunds. Capital Credits refunds are a distinct benefit of receiving service from Clay Electric. This year's Capital Credits refund, as you probably know, is also $6.25 million. We have refunded Capital Credits for 35 consecutive years. Regarding professional service, our employees take pride in the service they provide our members. This commitment to service is reflected in the notes, letters and calls we receive each year from many of you. One member wrote this note last month: "You people really know how to operate a utility! Your genuine concern for service to the people is obvious." And another member wrote: "Having moved here recently from New England, it is good to see a company that really appreciates their customers and takes their concerns seriously." Last summer, when Tropical Storm Fay dumped a lot of rain in our service area, our crews worked long hours to restore service. A member in Middleburg wrote this note: "As soon as possible, a crewman waded in with chainsaw in hand while another drove a large truck in and restored our power in a speedy and efficient manner. They were also very pleasant and professional. It is becoming all too rare these days to do business with a company that goes the extra mile to satisfy its customers." For awhile we've seen a decline in the number of new members joining our lines (new connects). New connects were off nearly 14 percent overall last year. Our Salt Springs and Lake City districts were the only districts (out of six) that experienced a gain in new connects in 2008. The co-op installed almost 400,000 feet of underground primary in our service area last year. This number is down from previous years. In recent years we've installed more underground primary than overhead. Because of the slowdown in work projects, we moved some of our construction and maintenance employees to other priority projects that will enhance the reliability of our distribution system. During last year's strategic planning session we decided to change our mission statement to reflect our need to balance the cost of providing affordable electrical service with protecting the environment. We believe in being good stewards of the environment, but we also recognize the need to provide affordable and reliable power. It's critical that there is a balance between these two elements. In our vision statement, we added the word "innovative" which helps highlight our task of trying harder and digging a little deeper as we face some very complex issues. A goal we set last year was to be a strong advocate for a sensible state energy policy. Energy policies that force utilities to depend on inefficient and expensive forms of energy generation
MARCH 2009 and push utility bills ever higher aren't smart moves. I assure you members of the Legislature are aware of our views concerning a sound energy policy. And we want to keep you "in the loop" on these issues. Before last fall's elections, we surveyed candidates (incumbents and challengers) concerning key energy issues, and printed the results in the October Kilowatt. We will be an advocate for the interests of our members when its comes to energy bills. In the coming weeks and months, we will likely urge you to take part in this advocacy effort, because decisions will be made on energy policy that will impact you and your neighbors. Now is not the time to sit on the sidelines! Last April our Member Opinion Survey was conducted by an outside firm, and the results were very pleasing. Overall, our members gave us high ratings on our quality of service, competitive rates and our communications. Member satisfaction was remarkably consistent with the findings of our last (2006) member survey. One of our goals is to be a good corporate citizen. Our Project Share program provides funds for members having difficulty paying their electric bills. We collect the Project Share donations made by members and the Salvation Army handles the distribution of the funds according to their financial need criteria. Nearly $385,000 has been donated to Project Share since the program began over a decade ago. We always appreciate our members donating to this worthwhile program. Our employees participated in Relay for Life events last year and raised nearly $6,000 for the American Cancer Society. Since our involvement in the program in 2002, co-op employees have
MARCH 2009 Administration 9.0 Operations & Maintenance 9.6 Interest 4.0 Operating Margins 3.5 Taxes 0.3 1998 Here's how each dollar was spent
Depreciation 7.4 Power cost 66.2 2008
Depreciation 4.9 Power cost 75.8 Administration 6.7 Operations & Maintenance 7.7 Interest 2.8 Operating Margins 2.0 Taxes 0.1 raised nearly $60,000 through Relay for Life activities. We're nearing completion of a new Gainesville district office. We broke ground on the project last July. Our new facilities will feature many energy efficiency features, a more efficient office area to serve members, and easier and safer vehicle access to NW 39th Avenue. The new office is located just west of I-75. Our existing office and property was sold in 2004 to Shands at the University of Florida. More members are utilizing alternative methods to pay their electric bills, including payments made at various business location through Fidelity Express, receiving bill statements made via email, and payments made using the co-op's Automatic Monthly Payment plan. Forty percent of the co-op's bill payments are now being received electronically. We provide more information about these payment options at our web site (clayelectric.com). Last year, a "live" outage map was developed for our web site. This map allows members to see in real time where the co-op is experiencing outages. During last fall's storm season, the media used this map, as did county emergency operations centers, and thousands of members who have internet access. This past August, about 45,000 visits were made to the co-op's web site, a new record. Our employees continued their efforts to work safely in 2008. Topping that list were employees of our Palatka District, who reached 12 consecutive years without a lost-time injury, and employees in our Engineering Department, who completed 11 consecutive years without a lost-time injury. In closing, I want to thank the board of trustees for their support, and our employees for their dedication to providing excellent service to our members. As always, we appreciate the opportunity to serve you.
KILOWATT/5 The Board of Trustees
The cooperative's Board of Trustees is composed of a group of nine Clay Electric Cooperative members. Each member of the Board of Trustees represents one of the nine trustee districts that make up the co-op's service area. The Board of Trustees meets monthly at the coop's central office in Keystone Heights. Each member of the Board of Trustees serves a three-year term. The terms are staggered so that three members of the board are up for election each year. Trustee district meetings are held each year in late January or early February for the purpose of selecting one or two candidates for the position of trustee from each of the three districts. Members are elected to the Board of Trustees at the co-op's Annual Meeting, which is held each year on the fourth Thursday in March. Serving as officers on the Board of Trustees for 2008 were: Angus Hastings - president, Floyd Gnann - vice president, Kelley Smith - secretary, and Laura Dean - treasurer. Each year, following the co-op's Annual Meeting, the board elects its officers. The nine members of Clay Electric's Board of Trustees Laura Dean District 1 Tommy Malphurs District 4 Robert Mullins District 5 Floyd Gnann District 6 John Henry Whitehead District 7 Clay Electric's Trustee District Map Kelley Smith Jr. District 2 Cedrick Smith Jr. District 8 Susan Reeves District 3 Angus Hastings District 9 6/KILOWATT MARCH 2009 Copies of audited financial statements are available upon request. Financial Statements
2007 $ 304,722,671 6,488,059 $ 311,210,730 $ 235,483,725 1,558,284 9,473,871 12,316,881 9,279,642 1,905,739 8,497,652 16,185,079 427,755 7,330,926 272,671 $ 302,732,225 $ 8,478,505 1,010,302 3,024,758 12,513,565 2008 $ 319,273,268 7,963,881 $ 327,237,149 $ 248,112,686 1,842,497 9,911,501 13,486,743 9,947,114 2,158,264 9,505,692 15,931,074 450,557 9,018,259 184,816 $ 320,549,203 $ 6,687,946 862,863 3,482,351 11,033,160 REVENUE AND EXPENSE STATEMENTS Years Ending December 31 REVENUES Energy Sales................................................................. Other Electric Revenues............................................... Total Operating Revenues .......................................... EXPENSES Purchased Power........................................................... Transmission and Generation........................................ Operations..................................................................... Maintenance.................................................................. Customer Accounting.................................................... Customer Service & Information................................... Administrative & General............................................... Depreciation.................................................................. Taxes............................................................................. Interest.......................................................................... Other Deductions ......................................................... Total Expenses.............................................................. MARGINS Operating Margins........................................................ Non-Operating Margins................................................ Capital Credits from Associated Organizations........... Total Margins................................................................. BALANCE SHEETS As of December 31 ASSETS Cash/Cash Equivalents................................................. Investments................................................................... Accounts Receivable.................................................... Inventory........................................................................ Other Current & Accrued Assets.................................. Prepayments................................................................. Deferred Debits............................................................. Net Utility Plant.............................................................. Total Assets.................................................................. LIABILITIES Notes Payable & Lines of Credit................................... Accounts Payable.......................................................... Customer Deposits........................................................ Other Current & Accrued Liabilities............................... Deferred Credits & Miscellaneous Reserves ............... Total Liabilities............................................................. MEMBER EQUITIES Membership Fees.......................................................... Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income................. Capital Credits............................................................... Total Equities................................................................ Total Liabilities and Equities....................................... $ 2007 23,831,697 31,622,579 18,117,387 5,285,257 12,292,241 210,757 833,235 363,685,038 $ 2008 15,798,624 34,133,157 31,164,723 5,311,299 13,706,199 229,877 362,947 375,369,162 $ $ $ 455,878,191 $ 157,529,697 24,900,006 6,956,329 11,155,632 5,333,208 $ 205,874,872 $ 687,545 (2,665,700) 251,981,474 $ 476,075,988 $ 167,475,540 29,445,791 7,661,299 11,716,705 11,535,729 $ 227,835,064 $ 690,910 (9,376,780) 256,926,794 $ 250,003,319 $ 455,878,191 2007 163,750 3,195,230,494 1,261 3,348,520,181 235,483,725 .0703 765,388 August $ 248,240,924 $ 476,075,988 2008 165,484 3,152,627,068 1,220 3,302,455,026 248,112,686 .0751 765,462 January 1998 YEAR-END STATISTICS 125,835 Average Number of Members Receiving Service Per Month....... Total kWh Purchased by Cooperative Members.......................... 2,251,986,523 1,221 Average Monthly Residential kWh Usage.................................... Total kWh Purchased by Cooperative.......................................... 2,373,447,489 110,782,829 Cost of Power Purchased by Cooperative................................... .0467 Average Cost per kWh Purchased by Cooperative..................... 552,863 Clay Peak Demand in Kilowatts (kW).......................................... June Month of Clay Peak Demand....................................................... MARCH 2009 KILOWATT/7 A preview of the 2009 Florida Legislative session Economic slowdown could moderate the positions lawmakers take on energy issues
By Mike Bjorklund, Director of Legislative Affairs, Florida Electric Cooperatives Association, Inc. T his year started off with the Legislature meeting in a two week special session to reduce the budget by $2 billion. The debates were heated due to the extraordinary cuts that had to be made to balance the budget. Once the budget was passed, the Governor vetoed $394 million of the Legislature's proposed cuts, and replaced the money by borrowing from various trust funds. Budget issues will continue to be a dark cloud over the Capitol when the regular legislative session begins on March 3. Nevertheless, legislators are busy filing bills and attending committee meetings. The budget concerns and the worsening state of the economy have tempered the legislature's approach on many policy items, including climate change. The Legislature's first priority will be addressing the budget shortfall. The decline in building, tourism, spending in general, and a rise in unemployment have reduced the state's tax revenue, and there is no relief in sight. The Legislature is actively pursuing ways to jump start the economy. Many ideas are being discussed, such as reducing the regulatory burden on businesses and streamlining the state's permitting processes. Legislators also will continue to work on issues such as the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) from last year's omnibus energy package, electricity theft for marijuana grow houses, and the cost of property insurance and property taxes. The economic slowdown may moderate the approach the Legislature takes on climate change, but climate change is still on the front burner. In 2008, the Legislature directed the Public Service Commission (PSC) to draft a rule requiring a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) for Investor Owned Utilities (IOUs). The proposed rule was sent to the Legislature for ratification in accordance with the new law. The proposed rule would not directly mandate that electric cooperatives abide by any certain set of standards, but it would require electric cooperatives to report to the PSC on their efforts to promote the use of renewable energy. Electric cooperatives are leaders in renewable generation, but renewable power is still a small part of our generation mix. Our renewable resources include electricity generated from burning garbage, hydro, landfill gas, wood waste, and solar. Cooperatives continue to choose renewable power whenever the cost is competitive with traditional methods of electricity generation, but most of the remaining options for renewable energy are cost prohibitive. The proposed rule would require the IOUs to derive 20 percent of their electricity from renewable resources by 2021, which will result in significantly higher electric rates. Legislators have expressed concerns about any additional cost that could be borne by taxpayers. Senator Jim King, chairman of the Senate Communications, Energy and Public Utilities Committee, filed a bill to repeal the Renewable Portfolio Standard rule requirements. We expect the draft rule to be modified by the Legislature after consideration of the costs associated with instituting an RPS. It's the goal of the Florida Electric Cooperatives Association to minimize any effect such mandates may have on electric cooperatives. Marijuana grow houses continue to proliferate. Grow houses are sophisticated operations that can operate anywhere, including residential neighborhoods. These homes offer an environment that can provide a 24-hour growth cycle for hydroponic marijuana. Grow houses require an enormous amount of electricity to run the grow lamps and air conditioning. The large quantity of electricity needed to run a grow house would easily be flagged as suspicious by an electric utility which is why these perpetrators bypass the meter and steal the electricity. The theft of electricity will inevitably increase cost to electric utilities and their ratepayers. Grow houses represent a huge threat to public safety. In several documented instances rival gangs have stormed the grow house to steal the marijuana. This has escalated into violent gun fights in normally quiet residential neighborhoods. Last year progress was made in the fight to stop grow houses with Continued on page 14
MARCH 2009 8/KILOWATT 2009 Legislative Directory
Charlie Dean (R) Majority Whip Senate District 3 Baker, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Levy, Madison, Marion, Suwannee, Taylor counties. Address: 415 Tompkins St., Inverness, FL 34450 Ph: (352) 860-5175; Statewide: (866) 538-2831; Tallahassee (850) 487-5017; Ocala office: (352) 873-6513 E-mail: dean.charles.web@flsenate. gov Florida Senate The legislators listed in this directory serve constituents that reside within Clay Electric Co-op's service area. Stephen Wise (R) Senate District 5 Parts of Clay, Duval, Nassau and St. Johns counties Address: 1460 Cassat Ave., Suite B, Jacksonville, FL 32205 Ph: (904) 381-6000; Fax (904) 381-6040; Tallahassee (850) 487-5027 Email: wise.stephen.web@flsenate.gov Jim King (R) Senate District 8 Parts of Duval, Flagler, Nassau, St. Johns, and Volusia counties. Address: 9485 Regency Square Blvd., Suite 108 Jacksonville, FL 32225-8145. Ph. (904) 727-3600; Tallahassee (850) 487-5030; Statewide (888) 861-9761. E-mail: king. james.web@flsenate.gov Evelyn Lynn (R) Senate District 7 Parts of Clay, Marion, Putnam and Volusia counties Address: 536 N. Halifax Ave., Ste. 101, Daytona Beach, FL 32118. Ph: (386) 238-3180; Fax: (386) 238-3179; Ocala office: (352) 694-0160; Tallahassee: (850) 487-5033; Statewide ph.: (866) 831-2665; E-mail: lynn. evelyn.web@flsenate.gov Steve Oelrich (R) Senate District 14 Alachua, Bradford, Columbia, Gilchrist, Levy, Marion, Putnam and Union counties. Address: 4131 NW 28th Lane, Suite 4, Gainesville, FL 32606 Ph: (352) 375-3555; Fax: (352) 955-6262; Tallahassee (850) 4875020; E-mail: oelrich.steve.web@flsenate.gov Carey Baker (R) Senate District 20 Counties: parts of Lake, Marion, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia counties. Address: 301 W. Ward Ave., Eustis, FL 32726-4024 Ph: (352) 742-6490; Fax: (352) 742-6492; Statewide: (888) 567-5577; Tallahassee: (850) 487-5014; E-mail: baker.carey.web@ flsenate.gov Leonard L. Bembry (D) House District 10 Alachua, Columbia, Dixie, Franklin, Hamilton, Jefferson, Levy, Madison, Taylor, Wakulla counties. Chiefland office: 23 Southeast 2nd Ave., Chiefland, FL 32626, Ph. (352) 493-6848; Tallahassee: 1003 The Capitol, 402 S. Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL 32399; Ph: (850) 488-7870; E-mail: leonard. bembry@myfloridahouse.gov Janet H. Adkins (R) House District 12 Baker, Bradford, Clay, Duval, Nassau, Union counties. Address: 905 S. 8th St., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034-3706 Ph: (904) 491-3664; Starke office: (904) 966-6215; Tallahassee: (850) 488-6920; E-mail: janet. adkins@myfloridahouse.gov Bill Proctor (R) House District 20 Clay, Flagler, St. Johns counties. Address: 900 State Road 16, Suite 2, St. Augustine, FL 32084-8592; Ph: (904) 823-2550; Tallahassee: (850) 488-2977; E-mail: bill.proctor@myfloridahouse.gov Florida House of Representatives
Debbie Boyd (D) House District 11 Alachua, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Lafayette, Suwannee counties Address: 95 NW 1st Ave. High Springs, FL, 32643-2653. Ph. (386) 454-0803; Tallahassee: (850) 488-9835; E-mail: debbie. boyd@myfloridahouse.gov Jennifer Carroll (R) House District 13 Clay, Duval counties Address: 8970 103rd St., Suite 10, Jacksonville, FL 32210-8689 Ph: (904) 573-4994; Tallahassee: (850) 488-5102; E-mail: jennifer.carroll@myfloridahouse. gov Mike Weinstein (R) House District 19 Clay, Duval, St. Johns counties. Address: 155 Blanding Blvd., Suite 10, Orange Park, FL 32073-2624; Ph: (904) 213-3005; Tallahassee: (850) 488-1304; E-mail: mike.weinstein@myfloridahouse.gov Charles Van Zant (R) House District 21 Bradford, Clay, Lake, Marion, Putnam, Volusia counties. Address: 3841 Reid St., Suite 5, Palatka, FL 32177-2509. Ph: (386) 312-2272; Tallahassee: (850) 488-0665; Email: charles.vanzant@myfloridahouse.gov Continued on page 10
KILOWATT/9 MARCH 2009 Florida House
From page 9 2009 Legislative Directory
Mel Martinez (R) Address: 356 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D. C. 20510; Ph: (202) 224-3041; Fax: (202) 228-5171; Jacksonville office: (904) 398-8586; Web site: http://martinez. senate.gov House Speaker House District 22 Larry Cretul (R) U. S. Senate
Bill Nelson (D) Address: 716 Senate Hart Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510; Ph: (202) 224-5274; Fax (202) 228-2183 Jacksonville office: (904) 346-4500; Fax: (904) 346-4506 Web site: www.billnelson.senate.gov Alachua, Levy and Marion counties. Address: 6911 SW Hwy 200, Ocala, FL 34476-9210 Ph: (352) 873-6564; Gainesville office: (352) 955-6407; Tallahassee: (850) 488-0887; E-mail: larry.cretul@myflorida house.gov Chuck Chestnut (D) House District 23 Alachua, Marion counties. Address: 3141 Northwest 13th St., Gainesville, FL 32609-2186; Ph. (352) 955-3083; Tallahassee (850) 488-5794; E-mail:charles.chestnut@myfloridahouse. gov U. S. House of Representatives
Allen Boyd (D) District 2 Bay, Calhoun, Dixie, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Liberty, Okaloosa, Suwannee, Taylor, Wakulla and Walton counties. Address: 1227 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D. C. 20515 Ph: (202) 225-5235; Fax: (202) 225-5615; Tallahassee office (850) 561-3979; Fax: (850) 681-2902 Web site: www.house.gov/boyd Corrine Brown (D) District 3 Ander Crenshaw (R) Alachua, Clay, Duval, Lake, District 4 Marion, Orange, Putnam, Baker, Columbia, Duval, Hamilton, Seminole and Volusia counJefferson, Leon, Madison, Nassau ties. Address: 2336 Rayburn and Union counties House Office Building, WashAddress: 440 Cannon House Office ington, D.C. 20515 Building, Washington, D.C. 20515 Ph: (202) 225-0123; Fax Ph: (202) 225-2501; Fax: (202) (202) 225-2256 225-2504; Jacksonville office (904) Jacksonville office: (904) 598-0481; Fax: (904) 598-0486; Lake 354-1652; Fax: (904) 354City office: (386) 365-3316; Toll free 2721 (888) 755-5607 Web site: www.house.gov/ Web site: www.house.gov/crenshaw corrinebrown Kurt Kelly (R) House District 24 Marion County Address: 315 South East 25th Ave., Ocala, FL 34471-2689 Ph: (352) 732-1313; Tallahassee (850) 488-0335; E-mail: kurt.kelly@myfloridahouse.gov D. Alan Hays (R) House District 25 Lake, Seminole, Volusia counties Address: 871 S. Central Ave., Suite C, Umatilla, FL; mail: P. O. Box 2326, Umatilla, FL 32784 Ph: (352) 742-6441; Tallahassee: (850) 488-0348; E-mail: alan. hays@myfloridahouse. gov Pat Patterson (R) House District 26 Flagler, Volusia counties. Address: 230 N. Woodland Blvd., Rm. 222, Deland, FL 32720-4257 Ph: (386) 736-5100; Tallahassee, (850) 488-9873; E-mail: pat.patterson@myfloridahouse.gov Ginny Brown-Waite (R) District 5 Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Levy, Marion, Pasco, Polk, Sumter counties Address: 414 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515. Ph: (202) 225-1002; Fax: (202) 226-6559; Brooksville office (352) 799-8354; Dade City office (352) 567-6707; Web site: http://brown-waite.house. gov 10/KILOWATT Cliff Stearns (R) District 6 Alachua, Bradford, Clay, Duval, Gilchrist, Lake, Levy and Marion counties. Address: 2370 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D. C. 20515 Ph: (202) 225-5744 Fax: (202) 225-3973; Orange Park office (904) 269-3203; Gainesville office (352) 337-0003; Ocala office (352) 351-8777 Web site: www. house.gov/stearns MARCH 2009 2009 Legislative Directory Some tips on getting your point across to legislators...
Legislators are generally very interested in the opinions of their constituents. Lawmakers like to know that their support for or opposition to a certain piece of legislation reflects the sentiments of the citizenry in their district. If, during this year's Legislative session, a bill is introduced that you have strong feelings about, consider writing a letter to your representative and/or senator. However, there are a few guidelines to consider before taking action. Your legislators receive a huge amount of phone calls and mail. Unfortunately, their full agendas limit their ability to personally read and respond to all calls and letters. How then, can you be sure your voice is heard? Here are some tips to help you get the most impact out of your communications with your legislators. General Tips... Know who your legislators are and how to contact them. Information in the Kilowatt Legislative Directory will help you get started. For those who have access to the Internet, there's lots of resource information available about the Florida Legislature and individual lawmakers. One useful website address is www.leg.state.fl.us Make sure you understand the legislative process. Even the most basic understanding of the process will help you effectively express your ideas. There's information on the Internet that will help you in this area. Contact your legislator about a particular issue before the Legislature takes action on it. Most matters coming before the Legislature are well publicized before the session. Use a variety of communication methods. You might choose to telephone, write, e-mail, fax, or visit your legislator. You might also choose to give testimony at public hearings held by the Legislature. To give testimony, you would need to contact the appropriate committee secretary before the hearing to sign up. Tell your legislator what effect you think a particular bill, if it becomes law, will have on you, your children, business, or community. Be concise, but specific. Be polite, even if you disagree strongly with the legislator you are addressing. Lawmakers cannot please everyone. Your communication will be more effective if you are reasonable in your approach. Suggest a course of action and offer assistance. Don't make promises or threats. When you decide to write, call or visit your legislator...
Here are some tips to help you if you decide to write, call or visit your legislator. - Address letters to members of the House of Representatives as follows: The Honorable John Doe, Florida House of Representatives, The Capitol, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300. Address letters to senators this way: Senator Jane Doe, The Capitol, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100. - Be absolutely certain you spell your legislator's name correctly and use the correct address. If you don't, you could lose your audience. - Type or print legibly. Sign your name neatly and give your address correctly so they can respond to your letter. - Keep letters, e-mail and faxes brief. Never write more than one page. Written correspondence that is short and to-the-point is more likely to grab and keep their attention. - Identify your issue or opinion at the beginning of the letter. Don't bury your main point under trivial text. - Cover only one issue per letter. If you have
MARCH 2009 another issue to address, write another letter. - Back up your opinions with supporting facts. Your letter should be informative. - Avoid abbreviations, acronyms and technical jargon. - Don't send the same letter to more than one legislator. Personalized letters have more impact. When telephoning or visiting your legislator... - Plan your call or visit carefully. Keep to the point and discuss only one issue. Organize your thoughts ahead of time and make notes to help you stay on track. - When planning to visit your legislator, make an appointment. Don't just drop by your legislator's office and expect him or her to drop everything to see you. Call or write for an appointment as soon as you know when you are going to be at the Capitol. - Prepare a one-page fact sheet concerning your issue to give to your legislator. This will help him or her better retain what you present. KILOWATT/11 Official Notice of Annual Meeting
Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of the members of Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc. will be held at the headquarters of the cooperative in Keystone Heights, Clay County, Florida at 9 a.m., Thursday, March 26, 2009 to take action upon the following matters: (a) The election of a trustee from District No. 3, a trustee from District No. 5, and a trustee from District No. 7, to serve three-year terms. (b) The report of officers. (c) To conduct such other business as may properly come before this meeting. The Board of Trustees hopes you will be able to attend this meeting and learn more about the cooperative. Under the by-laws, as amended at the 1951 Annual Meeting, there can be no voting by proxy. This makes it imperative for you to be present in order to vote. Voting booths will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The by-laws provide that the two nominees of each district receiving the highest vote shall be the official nominees in the district and shall be listed in the order of preference indicated by the respective vote. You are hereby notified that at the meetings of districts No. 3, No. 5, and No. 7, the following were nominated for membership on the Board of Trustees: District No. 3: All of Alachua County lying east of a line beginning at the intersection of State Road No. 121 with the southern boundary of Alachua County and running generally northeasterly along said State Road No. 121 to its intersection with State Road No. 24, thence running generally northeasterly along said State Road No. 24 to its intersection with U. S. Highway No. 301 in Waldo, thence running northerly along said U. S. Highway No. 301 to its intersection with the northern boundary line of Alachua County and the end of said line; also all of Putnam County lying west of State Road No. 315. Nominee: Susan Reeves No second nominee District No. 5: All of Baker, Bradford and Duval counties. Nominee: Robert S. Mullins No second nominee District No. 7: All of Columbia, Union and Suwannee counties. Nominee: John Henry Whitehead No second nominee At the Annual Meeting the Secretary will place in nomination the above named official candidates from each district. Clay Electric members registered at the Annual Meeting will elect one trustee for each of the three districts. There will be music and entertainment from 9:30 a.m. until Noon. Free luncheon will be served on the grounds at Noon. CLAY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. By: Angus Hastings, President Attest: Kelley Smith, Secretary 12/KILOWATT MARCH 2009 C There's lots to do at Clay Electric's Annual Meeting lay Electric's 71st Annual Meeting will be held on Thursday, March 26 in Keystone Heights and members of the co-op will find it to be an activity-filled and enjoyable day. There will be health screenings, professional entertainment, a delicious grilled chicken lunch, energyrelated exhibits and a chance to win a door prize. This year's grand prize is a 2002 NewFound Road will provide the musical entertainment. Chevy S-10 pickup truck. An important part of the day is the business Bryan Townsend is this year's guest speaker. portion of the meeting which takes place beneath He is a professional speaker and writer. Two of the big tent located alongside Highway 100. his books are Life is an Adventure and Making Good Following a brief morning session which beThings Happen. He had a successgins at 9 a.m., the polls open for members to cast ful career in broadcasting. He is their ballots for three members of Clay Electric's active in Carpenters for Christ, board of trustees. This year's candidates were seand he likes to fish. He and his lected by members who attended trustee district wife, Judy, live on Logan Martin meetings in early February. The candidates are Lake in northeast Alabama. incumbent trustee Susan Reeves for District 3, The popular health screenings incumbent trustee Robert Mullins for District 5 will again be offered to co-op and incumbent trustee John Henry Whitehead for members by personnel from District 7. Polls will remain open until 5 p.m. Shands of Starke. Free screenings Townsend Members who register to vote at the annual include blood pressure and pulmonary function. meeting will receive a cloth tote bag as a gift. There's a $15 fee for a cholesterol screening (HDL, The afternoon business session begins at 1 p.m. LDL, triglycerides & glucose). Fasting 10 to 12 and will include comments by Board President hours before the cholesterol screening is urged. Angus Hastings and interim General Manager/ Members who vote at the Annual Meeting CEO Bill Thompson. receive two prize tickets. The tickets provide The musical entertainment will be provided by chances to win the grand prize (truck) and one of NewFound Road, a bluegrass/gospel group that over 100 door prizes. has appeared twice at the co-op's annual meetPlease make plans to attend this year's Annual ings (2005 & 2007). Meeting. It will be a fun day for the whole family.
ANNUAL MEETING SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Approval of Minutes of 2008 Meeting Introduction of Board of Trustees & Management....Angus Hastings Introduction of Guests Introduction of 2008 Youth Tour winners...........Henry Barrow, Dir. of Member & Public Relations Introduction of Speaker of the Day...............Angus Hastings, President Speaker of the Day......................Bryan Townsend Presentation of Service Anniversaries and Employee of the Year Award President's Remarks....................Angus Hastings, President Management Report....Bill Thompson, interim General Manager/CEO Unfinished Business, New Business & Benediction Drawing of Door Prizes Recess Until Poll Closes 5:00 PM Poll Closes at 5 p.m. Report of Election Results..........Angus Hastings, President Adjournment 9:00 AM Opening of Meeting....................Angus Hastings, President, Board of Trustees Invocation................Dr. Benson Cain, retired missionary Certification of Notice of Meeting Candidates for Trustee placed in Nomination Appointment of Tellers & Inspectors Other Announcements Recess for Voting, Entertainment, Lunch Entertainment..............................NewFound Road NOON Grilled chicken lunch 1:00 PM Meeting Called to Order............Angus Hastings, President Invocation.....................Dr. Benson Cain, retired missionary Pledge of Allegiance....Florida Youth Challenge Academy, Camp Blanding Announcement of Quorum MARCH 2009 KILOWATT/13 Now is the time to get involved!
merica's families are facing tough economic times. Many struggle to afford the basics: food, housing, and energy. In fact, the cost of residential electricity around the nation climbed an average of 26 percent between 2002 and 2007, and it's projected to go even higher. As if that wasn't bad enough, today's electricity supplies won't be able to keep pace with future demand. Now, elected officials in Washington, D.C. are poised to make important policy decisions that will determine our nation's energy future. To guide lawmakers in a sound direction, electric cooperatives are making sure that your voice, the voice of the consumer, gets heard during legislative debates. Through the "Our Energy, Our Future"TM grassroots awareness campaign, hundreds of thousands of electric cooperative members have already sent more than 1.5 million messages `Our Energy, Our Future' brings your voice to Capitol Hill A to their elected representatives in Congress. This outreach has helped lawmakers understand that cooperatives have for decades offered safe and reliable electricity at affordable rates; plus service that always makes co-op members--not the bottom line--priority one. If you haven't already done so, please get involved in the campaign by asking your representatives on Capitol Hill one important question: Are you willing to