The staff of Owensboro Municipal Utilities grew weary of contending with the legacy billing and customer information system. The age and inability to upgrade the software presented a variety of issues when trying to implement new technology and processes. OMU had created "workarounds" to most of these hurdles, but the process grew too cumbersome and time consuming. After investigating options for a new utility information management system, OMU selected the customer service and workforce management solutions from Cogsdale.

The increase of smart power technologies is presenting challenges to the power industry, as it works to manage the changes in distribution systems and partner with the broader electric industry to find solutions. Just a few decades ago, nearly all energy was produced by large coal, nuclear, hydro and gas plants that were connected to a transmission system. That energy then flowed outward to distribution systems and eventually to customers. Now, new technologies are emerging — and quickly.

Social Media today includes a wide variety of mediums and technologies in which users can generate their own content or comments and broadcast it publicly via internet websites. It is accessible by computers and mobile devices, and in many cases, postings or comments can be made anonymously. Social media represents opportunity and risk to every company and can impact a business in many ways, both positive and negative. The uses and impacts of social media can be complex and far-reaching.

Someone is always looking to scam your customers. Scammers have attacked hundreds of utility customers across Tennessee in recent years. Some even make your company’s name and number show up on caller ID. They say they’re representatives of your utility, that bills are late, the power is about to be shut off and more. Utilities, and their customers, have wised up to this plan of attack. Communications, the local media and word of mouth have helped people protect their money. However, that isn’t the only scam we hear about.

Melvin Lynn Mills, age 67, of Loudon, passed away March 19, 2017, at home. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Lynn was a graduate of Hiwassee College and Tennessee Wesleyan College. He was a former employee of Fort Loudoun Electric Cooperative and long time employee of Loudon Utilities where he served as City Manager and Utility Manager. Lynn was a member of the Christian Church of Loudon County in Lenoir City where he served as church treasurer. He also served as treasurer for the Smoky Mountain Christian Camp. He was a member of Lions Club International and served on numerous civic and professional boards. Lynn was an avid golfer and University of Tennessee sports fan.

The date is March 2, the year 1960. The wind-up alarm clock in the den shows just after 8pm. What started out as just another rainy day has become a dangerous ice storm. My mother, brother, sister and I are huddled under blankets at the Chappell home on Signal Mountain in front of the fireplace, our only source of heat. The temperature outside is less than 10 degrees, and we have no electricity.

The TMEPA News Clip Service does more than just follow the General Assembly, though this time of year that's a critical service. With the 110th General Assembly going as fast as the process allows, committees are meeting, bills are being moved for votes and the legislative process is in full swing. The TMEPA Daily News Clip Service is a valuable tool to keep up with what's happening. Staff continues to focus on legislation that makes the papers, happenings in Nashville and movement of our own bills. But it doesn't stop there. We routinely view hundreds of newspaper articles each day, 7 days a week, "clip" those we believe are of interest to TMEPA members and send them out, most days by 8:00 a.m. (Central). You can also see the current and past 6 days on our website. If you don't receive the clips and would like to, just send an email to any of the staff and we'll add you to the list (mvinson@tmepa.org, susans@tmepa.org or jelrod@tmepa.org). Click on the link below to see the articles for today and the last 6 days.

Legislative committees are having the longest calendars of the year now, with deadlines to shut down looming in the coming weeks. Next week sees the most activity of the year on bills of interest to TMEPA, as legislators attempt to move their bills if they are going to be moved at all. Long committee meetings are ahead, as crunch time descends on the General Assembly.

The Spring E & O Conference is right around the corner. Your officers and Spring program committee have prepared an agenda that offers opportunities for education and networking. The room block at the Doubletree Hotel has closed, however there are still a few rooms available. Program and Registration information is attached, please let us know if you have any questions, and we hope to see you in Jackson!

The first electric lines were installed in Benton County in 1923 by Wadell Lucas of Humphreys County. After setting several poles, the construction of power lines was halted until 1925 when Mr. Frank A. Trimble of Tennessee Light & Power Company of Springfield, Tennessee purchased the plant in Humphreys County and power lines in Humphreys and Benton County from Mr. Lucas.

Have an important meeting or event coming to your town? Let us know and we'll put it on the TMEPA Calendar. Stay up to date with all the TMEPA meetings and other events around the state and even nationally for TMEPA Member Systems.

Tennessee College of Applied Technology Murfreesboro is accepting applications for an Instructor with the Job Training & Safety Program in the North Eastern Tennessee service area. The instructor shall have obtained a Journeyman Skill Level in a related electric utility field and worked in that skill area for a full three years beyond attaining the journeyman level, or have certification in the areas of safety or engineering which would give the instructor expertise in the subjects covered by the Job Training & Safety Program. The instructor shall have graduated from an accredited high school or completed the G.E.D. The successful applicant must reside or relocate to the North Eastern Tennessee area.

Morristown Utilities is currently seeking a driven individual to fill the role of GIS Technician. In this role, you will have the opportunity to showcase your skills, as this role will be focused on mapping of electrical facilities for the utility and providing backup support to the dispatcher.

Morristown Utilities is currently seeking a driven individual to fill the role of an Engineering Aid. In this role, you will have the opportunity to showcase your skills, as this role will be focused on performing a variety of administrative and engineering services to support the daily operations of the Water and Wastewater departments.

Newport Utilities is actively seeking a Senior Systems Operator, responsible for the overall performance and efficiency of the 24/7 communications/dispatch center and the planning and assigning of work to NU’s field resources. This position will support the new requirements as NU moves forward and transforms the SCADA/Dispatcher monitoring functions.

Newport Utilities has an immediate opening for a Systems Engineer. This position is responsible for utility engineering work in the office and field; direct and manage water and wastewater utility projects; and other related work as required. Work in this position involves responsibility for the application of engineering skills and knowledge to moderately difficult and difficult utility engineering projects in connection with the design, construction, extension, inspection, and maintenance of water and wastewater utility systems. Technical work in design and preparation of plans and specifications also required.

The City of Sparta, Tennessee is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Lineman with the Sparta Electric System. Sparta is located 90 miles east of Nashville, TN, 95 miles west of Knoxville, TN and 80 miles north of Chattanooga, TN. The service territory includes a 6.3 square mile service area with approximately 3,000 meters.

The Athens Utilities Board is now accepting resumes for a full-time Communication Specialist. A Bachelor’s degree (B.S., B.A.) in communications, public relations/journalism or related field from a four-year college or university with course work in digital media, social media or related areas of study is preferred. At least two years related experience in corporate communications preferred, with an emphasis on social media management. Send resume to: Athens Utilities Board, Att: Human Resources Department, Post Office Box 689, Athens, Tennessee 37371-0689

Tullahoma Utilities Authority (Tullahoma, TN) is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Electric Engineering Supervisor or Electric Engineer. This position will be responsible for a wide range of activities and key functions for the Tullahoma Utilities Authority. These responsibilities include but are not limited to: • Engineering and system planning • Program administration • Technology support

Interact with suppliers and transmission entities to ensure smooth and uninterrupted energy flows to MLGW. Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology or Business Administration. Must have knowledge of the gas scheduling system from supplier side to end user.

Weakley County Municipal Electric System is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Engineer. This position requires, as a minimum, a bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited university, and 5 years’ experience in power system engineering.

TMEPA is seeking candidates for the position of Executive Director due to the current Executive Director’s pending retirement on July 31, 2017. TMEPA seeks an Executive Director with the skills to provide leadership, direction and support for the association’s primary mission to create and foster an environment that will contribute to the welfare, common good and overall effort of the state’s municipally owned electric systems and to satisfy the purposes set forth in the bylaws of the association.