Complimentary Wi-Fi at All Three PVEC Offices
In an effort to keep the communities we serve connected to the online resources they need, Powell Valley Electric Cooperative is pleased to offer a complimentary Wi-Fi hotspot at all three PVEC offices. Individuals can access the internet from the safety of their vehicles by choosing the wireless connection named “PVEC Public Wi-Fi”. To obtain guest access to the internet, individuals should check the “Terms of Use” box and click “connect”. This service will work with laptops, tablets, cell phones and other Wi-Fi enabled devices.
Powerful Careers Essay Contest
The need for skilled workers in the energy field has never been greater, and electric cooperatives hope that post-elementary school students will emphasize that as part of a new essay contest.
The Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives is sponsoring a “Powerful Careers” contest for schoolchildren of electric cooperative members and the 1.3 million readers of Cooperative Living magazine.
Essays will be accepted starting March 1 through Sept. 1 through an online submission form at vmdaec.com/powerfulcareers. No mail-ins will be accepted.
Essays should focus on one career opportunity in the energy field. Possibilities include lineworkers, dispatchers, graphic designers, business specialists, IT professionals and CEOs. Submissions should explain what the job is, why it matters and how it relates to the energy business.
“The diversity of job roles is one of the strengths of the electric cooperative network,” said Steven Johnson, editor of Cooperative Living. “Through this contest, we hope students will take a close look at the value of careers in the energy field.”
The Contest is open to any student in grades 7-12 whose parents are members of Powell Valley Electric Cooperative. Grades 7-9 should submit essays of 500 to 750 words. Grades 10-12 should submit essays of 800-1,000 words. First prize in each age category is a $100 gift card. Second prize is a $50 gift card. Third prize is a $25 gift card. The first-place entries will be printed in the November-December 2021 issue of Cooperative Living.
Please review all rules and requirements at vmdaec.com/powerfulcareers before entering.
Cooperative Living Youth Art Contest
Cooperative Living magazine is accepting entries for its 19th annual Youth Art Contest, which is designed to showcase the best work of the youngest members of electric cooperatives. The theme for this year’s contest is “How My Pet Makes Life Better.”
Entries should reflect young artists’ conception of that theme.
The contest is open to students in kindergarten through fifth grade who reside in a residence that is served by Powell Valley Electric Cooperative. (Both Virginia and Tennessee residents may participate in this contest.)
First-place winners in each category will receive a $25 gift card. The “Best in Show” artist will receive a $100 gift card and appear on the cover of the July issue of Cooperative Living, which will feature other winning artwork. The entry deadline is May 3.
Artwork should be configured vertically (portrait style) on an 8 ½-x-11-inch sheet of white paper. Art can be color or black and white in any medium, including crayon, pen, acrylics, charcoal and pencil. No tracing or party pictures are permitted. All entries should be submitted using the online form with full instructions at www.co-opliving.com/contests/youth-art.
Youth Preparedness Council
Dear Prospective Applicant,
As a teen living in a rural electric cooperative service territory who exhibits promising leadership skills and a concern for your community, we believe you would be an ideal candidate to apply for FEMA’s Youth Preparedness Council (YPC)!
Read the information from FEMA below and decide if this is an opportunity you’re interested in pursuing. If so, please kick off your application process by emailing NRECA’s Youth Programs & Training Manager, Beth Knudson, to let her know: beth.knudson@nreca.coop . We are eager to see youth from rural America represented on this council and will be happy to assist in your application process.
How Does the YPC Work?
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is committed to actively involving students like you in preparedness- related activities through the Youth Preparedness Council (YPC).
YPC members meet with FEMA leadership throughout their term to develop strategies, initiatives, and projects that aim to promote preparedness in communities. Also, YPC members attend the annual YPC Summit, where they interact with FEMA representatives and elected officials and drive emergency preparedness projects. Please note, the 2021 YPC Summit will be conducted virtually.
Apply to join the YPC for a two-year term, in which members take on projects on both a local and national level, to make a difference in their communities.
Why should You Apply?
The YPC provides an opportunity for you to make a difference in your community and build invaluable experiences to prepare you for college and beyond. It would also look great on a college application!
If you are ready to collaborate with peers and improve your leadership and project management skills, apply today!
How do I Apply?
– The YPC application period is currently open and closes on March 7, 2021, at 11:59 p.m. PST.
– Students in grades 8 through 11 are eligible to apply.
– To learn more about the YPC and application requirements, visit our website.
And click the following link to apply!
Does this sound like a challenge you would enjoy? Apply today!
And be sure to email Beth prior to sending your application.
Remember – NRECA, the association representing your local rural electric cooperative, is here to help!
POWELL VALLEY SUPPORTS BROADBAND EXPANSION
Powell Valley Electric Cooperative (PVEC) supports the expansion of broadband services to all of its membership. In early 2018 the PVEC Board of Directors unanimously approved the deployment of fiber to every member in the service territory. This fiber deployment will enable every member to have a gateway to access the internet, phone, and broadcast services.
Access to fiber services has become necessary for nearly all people in our community. Some members require it to be able to telework. Our children and grandchildren need it for school. PVEC is committed to the rapid deployment of fiber. Since January, PVEC has installed 178 miles of fiber and is connecting services in its service area.
PVEC is dedicated to expanding broadband availability in a safe environment. PVEC’s intent is to remain vigilant concerning the safety of its members and the communities we serve. The integrity of the electric distribution system is an important part of what we do daily. This is accomplished by focusing on continuously inspecting poles and other equipment in the distribution of the electric power our members receive.
Regulatory requirements set forth by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), TVA, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the National Electrical Code must be adhered to every day. Engineering considerations must be considered for any attachments on our poles. As such, requests for engineering review must be submitted before anyone can attach to any of the systems poles. The integrity of the pole is of foremost concern in this process. No one wants to see a power outage from a compromised pole that has fallen or someone injured by a falling pole or downed power lines. Additionally, we do not want to put our linemen in dangerous conditions by climbing compromised poles.
We will continue to press forward every day to not only provide highly reliable electric power to our members, but also to work diligently to bring broadband services to every PVEC member.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
If you or someone you know is having trouble paying their energy bills, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) may be able to help. This federally-funded program helps eligible households pay for home energy bills. Learn more and find out where to apply at energyright.com/residential/energy-assistance.
