In today's world, communication and virtually instant communication is not just desired but required. Most of us read books, newspapers, trade journals, and even children's stories at bedtime on some type of digital device. I personally read three papers on my home computer each day before heading to the office. For pleasure, I use a Kindle and purchase all my books in digital format. That's the world we live in today.

FEMA and its partners released the 2015 National Preparedness Report (NPR) on May 28, 2015. The NPR is an annual status report summarizing the nation's progress toward reaching the 2011 National Preparedness Goal of creating a secure and resilient nation. This report marks the fourth iteration of the NPR. The 2015 NPR places particular emphasis on highlighting preparedness progress in implementing the National Planning Frameworks. The frameworks describe how the whole community works together to achieve its goal.

Cleveland Utilities Receives National Award for Community Service Tullahoma Utilities Board Receives National Award for Community Service Tullahoma Utilities Board General Manager Receives National Service Award

The City of McMinnville, Tennessee, has seen a large reduction in the amount of electricity needed for the community's street lights after switching from high-pressure sodium to LEDs. In addition, the public power community will be saving thousands of dollars a year in maintenance costs, explained General Manager Rodney Boyd in an interview with Public Power Weekly. McMinnville believes it is the first city in the Tennessee Valley Authority's seven-state service area to have converted to LED street lights.

No one enjoys being left in the dark — literally or figuratively. Power outages may be inconvenient, but a lack of communication about that outage can frustrate customers more than the darkness itself. The same holds true for everything from new billing options and construction policy updates to news about your company and the energy industry as a whole. Your customers expect you to communicate with them.

I'm back and glad to be so! In spite of my not-so-recent retirement, I have been invited to contribute to this new venture in utility journalism published by the Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association (TMEPA). When TMEPA Executive Director Mike Vinson asked me to come on board, I gladly accepted. Having been associated with utility folks for over 30 years now, I welcome the opportunity each month to share with you some of my observations, adventures, and musings.

Making Sure Public Power's Voice Is Heard As Congress Takes Up Energy Legislation. The American Public Power Association is making sure that the voice of public power is heard in the halls of Congress as lawmakers start to consider a large number of energy-related legislative proposals and hold related hearings in the Senate and House of Representatives.

TMEPA was founded in 1966 by a substantial number of Tennessee's municipal electric systems that wanted to come together to unite their voices on specific legislation that was being considered that year. Nearly 50 years later, TMEPA is going strong, counting all 60 of the state's municipal electric systems as members. Together, they make up one association benefiting each system individually and Tennessee's municipal power industry collectively.

Sevier County Electric System had its beginning in 1912, when it was known as Sevierville Light & Power Company owned by Walker Milling & Produce Company. Its source of power was a hydro-plant located on the west prong of the Little Pigeon River. If the water conditions were at their best, the plant would produce approximately 95 kW of power - about enough power to supply six all-electric homes. In 1917, a steam plant with a capacity of 150 kW was built on Bruce Street to help furnish more power.

A unique opportunity to attend one of the most valuable and best-reviewed business meetings at one of the top family vacation destinations in the South is waiting for you at the 49th Annual Meeting of the Members in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, at the Music Road Resort and Conference Center.

Check out our calendar at www.tmepa.org