News

Anticipation mounted as Claire Thomas, Communications Coordinator of PRECO, entered the classroom of Tylar Alden, US History teacher at Hardee Senior High School.  The students were anxious to see who had been chosen for the once-in-a-lifetime trip to Washington, D.C.

Jennifer Gonzalez-Delacruz and Gracyn Thomas were the lucky recipients of the 2024 Youth Tour Trip.  Each year, Peace River Electric Cooperative selects two students to represent the cooperative on a weeklong, all-expenses paid trip to the nation’s capital during the summer.

The selection process consisted of the submittal of an application, an essay describing why the student would be a good representative for the co-op, a letter of recommendation from a teacher, and an on-site interview.  During the interview, both young ladies expressed their immense appreciation for their teacher, Mr. Alden.  They hope this trip will allow them the opportunity to see the history book pages come alive as they embark on a weeklong excursion filled with many firsts.

During their stay in D.C., the students will have the chance to visit sites including historical monuments, Arlington National Cemetery, the Holocaust Museum, and many more. Following a visit to the U.S. Capitol, they will have the opportunity to talk with Florida congressmen and other elected officials.

Each summer, Youth Tour brings roughly 1,800 students from electric cooperatives from across the country to visit the sites of Washington, D.C. The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, has coordinated this event annually for 67 years.

“After the trip, students come back with a much better understanding and appreciation for U.S. history and the role that legislators and officials play in our government,” shares Claire Thomas, PRECO communications coordinator. “Over the years, some delegates have credited Youth Tour with influencing them to seek a career path as a congregational aide or politician.

To learn more about the Youth Tour, visit PRECO.coop and YouthTour.coop

Do you have an eye for the extraordinary? Can you freeze a fleeting moment that perfectly captures the spirit of our PRECO community? Then grab your camera (or phone) and get ready to shine!

Your winning photo could grace the cover of Florida Currents magazine and earn an electric bill credit: $100 for best photo, $50 for up to six additional entries. Talk about electrifying rewards!

• Open to PRECO members and family only (employees are not eligible)
• Three entries per person maximum
• Photos must be vertical (portrait). Horizontal images will be disqualified.
• No categories. Just submit your best shots
• Photos must be taken in PRECO service area (Brevard, DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Manatee, Osceola, Polk, Sarasota)
• Photos must be your original work
• Heavily processed or altered images will be disqualified
• Photos must be high-resolution, JPEG format, 300 ppi, at approximately 8×10 inches, minimum 1MB file size

Prizes

$100 for Best of Show

$50 electric bill credit for each winning entry

Up to six winning photos will be chosen

Photo Tips

Be a Local Explorer: Unearth hidden gems and showcase the unique character of our communities.

Embrace the Light: Landscapes look best during the “golden hour” around sunrise and sunset.

Let the action speak for itself: Capture people enjoying life and activities.

Deadline: May 15, 2024

Submit your entries below. 

As winter’s icy grip tightens, many turn to space heaters for a quick burst of warmth. These handy appliances can be lifesavers, but they also pose potential safety hazards if not used properly. To ensure a cozy and fire-free season, follow these essential space heater safety tips.

Location, Location, Location

• Maintain a 3-foot fireproof zone around your heater by keeping it away from curtains, furniture, bedding, and even papers.
• Place your heater on a level, flat surface, away from anything that could tip it over. Avoid tables, counters, and carpets.
• Don’t overload outlets. Plug your heater directly into a wall outlet. Do not use extension cords or adapters.

Power Up with Caution

• Choose a heater that’s certified by a well-known testing organization like UL or CSA.
• Opt for a heater with an automatic shut-off that activates if it tips over.
• Look for a model with overheat protection to reduce fire hazards.

Mind Your Habits

• Never leave it unattended. Turn off and unplug your heater when you leave the room or go to sleep.
• Keep children and pets away to avoid burns or accidental tipping.
• Don’t hang clothes or towels on your heater to dry.
• To prevent dust buildup and ensure proper airflow, clean your heater according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Bonus Tip

• Install smoke detectors in every room, especially near bedrooms.

Follow these simple tips to enjoy warmth and comfort without compromising safety.

Stay warm and stay safe this winter!

Power lines. They deliver electricity to homes and businesses and are essential to our modern way of life. We see them everywhere, so we sometimes forget they can be potentially dangerous.

Myths abound when it comes to power line safety. To help protect our communities, Peace River Electric Cooperative believes it’s crucial to end power line misconceptions.

Myth 1: I’m safe as long as I don’t touch power lines

One of the most common myths about power lines is the belief that you’re safe as long as you don’t physically contact them. Power lines can energize the air around them. If you get too close, electricity can arc (jump) to you, leading to possible injury or death. Therefore, stay far away from power lines.

Myth 2: If birds can sit on power lines, it’s safe for humans

Birds often perch on power lines without harm. Since there is no difference in voltage in the short distance between a bird’s feet, no circuit is created, and no electricity flows through its body. However, an electric shock may result if a person touches a power line while touching the ground or another conductor.

Myth 3: Wooden ladders are safe around power lines

Some believe using a wooden ladder protects them when working near power lines. Wood is not a sufficient insulator when it comes to electricity. Only use non-conductive ladders around power lines and maintain a safe distance from them.

Myth 4: It’s safe to trim trees near power lines

Trimming trees near power lines should only be performed by trained professionals. The risk is too great for anyone else. Falling branches could strike power lines and you at the same time, causing physical harm or death.

Myth 5: Power lines are insulated, so they’re safe to touch

Power lines are typically not insulated with a protective covering like household wiring. Touching a power line, even if it appears insulated, can deliver an electric shock. Always assume that power lines are “hot” and avoid any contact.

Understanding power line safety helps prevent accidents and protect lives. PRECO promotes a culture of awareness and safety by encouraging everyone to play it safe with electricity.

On September 13, 2023, Peace River Electric Cooperative’s wholesale power provider, Seminole Electric Cooperative hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Putnam County, Florida to celebrate its new generating facility, the Seminole Combined Cycle Facility (SCCF).

“Seminole has benefited its Member Cooperatives and Putnam County for decades,” said Susan Reeves, Seminole Board President, and Clay Electric District Trustee. “Seminole started as a paper generation and transmission cooperative in 1948. Today, Seminole is one of the largest generation and transmission cooperatives in the country and we are here to celebrate its continued growth.”

“I am so proud of Seminole, our Putnam County community, and our Board for working together to accomplish this project,” said Lisa Johnson, Seminole CEO and General Manager. “Seminole’s commitment to this community, and all the communities we serve, is to be safe, reliable, affordable and responsible. With the addition of SCCF, Putnam County now has one of the most efficient natural gas combined-cycle power plants in the world!”

High efficiency means that the plant can make more electricity while burning less natural gas, saving member-consumers money on their electric bills. Additionally, SCCF has a rated capability of more than 1,100 megawatts and occupies a small footprint of less than 20 acres.

Approximately 140 people attended the ribbon cutting, including local and state dignitaries, PRECO and Seminole employees. 

Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, Seminole is one of the country’s largest generation and transmission cooperatives. Seminole and its nine distribution cooperative Members collectively serve 1.9 million individuals and businesses in 42 Florida counties. For more information, visit https://www.seminole-electric.com/.

The holidays are just around the corner, bringing the promise of joy, festive music, and sparkling lights. Amidst the celebrations, it’s important to be mindful of the potential for higher energy bills due to holiday activities.

Peace River Electric Cooperative is here to remind our members of effective ways to reduce monthly energy consumption and costs.

Energy-saving tips

Winter often brings the highest energy bills of the year. Consider minor, low-cost improvements such as weatherstripping exterior doors and caulking around drafty windows to save energy. Find more energy-saving tips on our website at PRECO.coop. If you need personalized energy-saving guidance or a free home energy audit, contact our expert energy services team at 800-282-3824.

Be festive without breaking the bank

Brighten your holidays without straining your budget by opting for LED holiday lights. These lights use a mere 12% of the energy incandescent bulbs consume. You can expect LED holiday lights to add about $5 to $7 to energy bills, compared to $33 or more for incandescent. As a bonus, LEDs are shock-resistant, shatterproof, and cool to the touch, making them safer.

Consider using smart light timers, which can be connected to smartphone apps or voice assistants, allowing you to program lights to turn on and off at set times. If you don’t use smart home technology, you can still save energy with traditional timers.

Energy-Efficient Cooking

When hosting parties during the holidays, control energy consumption in the kitchen with small countertop appliances like microwaves, air fryers, and slow cookers whenever possible. These appliances consume much less energy compared to traditional stovetops and ovens. When using the oven, bake multiple dishes at once, and turn off the oven a few minutes early to allow the residual heat to finish the job. Match the pan size to the stovetop burner to maximize energy efficiency.

I hope you find these holiday tips helpful. Remember, we’re here to answer any questions you have about managing energy use or your monthly bills. By planning ahead, you can enjoy an energy-efficient and cost-effective holiday season.

From your friends at PRECO, we hope your holidays are wonderful.

Peace River Electric Cooperative’s Operation Round Up Foundation is proud to announce that it is awarding more than $15,000 in Teacher Mini-Grants to support innovative and engaging learning experiences for students in our communities. Grants are going toward 35 classrooms at 19 schools in 4 counties.

Teachers and students are important to PRECO, and we recognize that educators often need alternative funding sources to enrich learning and provide their students with the best possible education. That’s why we created our Teacher Mini-Grant program.

This year, 75 educators applied for grants, and we were impressed by the creativity and passion of their proposals. The winning grants will support a wide range of projects, including:

• A sensory library of tools to help support students with autism
• The purchase of keyboards to assist students in learning the basics of playing piano
• An interactive and immersive dinosaur world to inspire 1^st-graders
• Development of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) activities for grades 1-5
• A field trip to a local planetarium for students in grade 2

We are grateful to our members for their support of Operation Round Up and our Teacher Mini-Grant program. Funds for the program come from PRECO members who opt to have their monthly electric bills rounded up to the next dollar.

PRECO is proud to support the communities we serve, and we believe that investing in education is one of the best ways to do that. We are excited to see how our local teachers use their grants to make a difference in their students’ lives.

In the heart of our modern society, line workers stand as unsung heroes, ensuring the reliable flow of electricity that powers our lives. Florida’s Move Over law, a beacon of protection, is more than just a law; it’s a tribute to these dedicated individuals who work daily to maintain the power lines.

Picture this: A line worker is repairing power lines on the side of the road, striving to restore electricity to our homes. The Move Over law requires drivers to shift lanes or slow down when approaching their workspace. This simple act isn’t just about obeying a regulation; it’s about respecting the lives of those who work in dangerous conditions to keep our lives running smoothly.

When you obey the Move Over law, aside from avoiding hefty fines, you acknowledge the sacrifices made by all first responders, including lineworkers. By creating a safer zone around their work area, we minimize the risks they face from passing vehicles and help them return home to their families daily.

Let’s honor these heroes by upholding Florida’s Move Over law. In doing so, we make safety a priority, show our gratitude to lineworkers and contribute to a culture of care on our roads. Remember, a momentary slowdown can protect those who help power our lives.

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Move Over Law

Florida’s Move Over law requires motorists to move over a lane, when it’s safe to do so, for stopped law enforcement, emergency, sanitation, tow trucks and utility service vehicles.

• Move over when possible
• If you can’t safely move over, slow down to 20 mph less than the speed limit
• Slow down to 5 mph if the speed limit is 20 mph or less

“Free energy from the sun and lower electric bills… Where do I sign up?”

The benefits of installing rooftop solar panels may seem like a no-brainer, but the reality is, not every home (and homeowner’s situation) is always right for solar.

There are several factors to consider before pulling the trigger on a rooftop solar system, like determining if your home will receive enough sun to achieve your goals, finding the right contractor, negotiating contracts and other important details.

Investing in solar for your home is a major decision. If you’re considering rooftop solar, Peace River Electric Cooperative can help.

Here are eight questions to consider before installing rooftop solar panels.

1. What are my goals? If your primary goal is to save money on electric bills, you may be able to achieve this through our free energy audit program, which can identify areas of the home for maximum energy savings.
2. Is my roof suitable for solar? Your roof should be in good condition before installing solar panels. If your roof is old and in poor shape, it may need to be replaced before panels can be mounted. Additionally, your roof should receive a lot of sun to make the most of a rooftop system. Consider how much sun (and shade) the roof receives and if any trees need to be removed. Solar panels perform best when facing south, so keep this in mind as you think about where the panels will be mounted.
3. How long will I own the home? If you’re considering rooftop solar, you’re likely planning to stay in the home for several years. But if you plan to sell the home at some point down the road, consider that not all potential buyers will want to maintain a rooftop solar system. If you enter a contract to lease the system, carefully review the terms and what those mean if you decide to sell the property.
4. Lease or purchase? Purchasing a rooftop solar system outright is expensive, which is why many homeowners opt to lease their solar panels. However, federal tax credits can help cover some of the costs for a new system. Regardless of how you decide to finance the solar system, make sure you get several quotes from qualified contractors.
5. Can the contractor provide up-to-date documentation? It may seem obvious but be sure to request proof and documentation of the contractor’s licensing, permitting and other credentials. Comb through company reviews, check the contractor’s status with Better Business Bureau, etc.––do your homework on the front end before signing a contract.
6. Does the contract seem reasonable and fair? If you decide to hire a contractor to install rooftop solar, carefully read the fine print of the contract. Do the system performance calculations seem realistic? Does the project timeframe sound reasonable? Negotiate the contract terms to fit your goals and needs.
7. Who will maintain the solar panels? Determining who is responsible for maintaining the solar panels will depend on who owns the system. If you lease the system from a solar installer, it may be their responsibility. Periodically, solar panels need to be cleaned as dirt and debris can impact panel productivity. Parts may also need to be replaced, so it’s important to know who will take on these responsibilities.
8. How will I work with PRECO? Finally, but equally important, you should contact PRECO if you decide to install solar. The system must be connected to the electric grid, so you’ll need to sign an interconnection agreement. We can walk you through the steps, including how our solar rates work. Visit PRECO.coop/energy/solar for a general overview of how you can work with us on connecting your new rooftop solar system. Use our online Rooftop Solar Assessment Tool to help you determine cost estimates, how long it will take to the system to pay for itself and more.

For many homeowners, solar panels are a great way to help the environment and save on electric bills––but there are many factors to consider before diving in and installing a system.

Before deciding to go solar, do plenty of research upfront, and contact PRECO if you have questions. We’re your local energy partner and can serve as a helpful resource throughout the process.