By staff writer Lisa Herrick

May 10, 2021

In an effort to negotiate a fair power supply contract, VEC, Athens Utility Board, Gibson Electric Membership corporation, and Joe Wheeler Electric Membership Corporation have filed a joint complaint against TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority) with FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) requesting unbundled transmission access of the TVA high voltage network. CNF spoke with Kevin Hembree, Area Manager of VEC, who told us that in 2019, more than 85% of the coop’s in the U.S. were paying a lower electric wholesale rate than VEC  (694 out of 815). An effort was made in 2020 to negotiate a new contract when VEC leadership met with the TVA CEO and board chairman who refused to negotiate any part of the power contract.

Up until present a renewable five-year contract has been, in place but now the only option from TVA is 20-yr contract with a 20 year notice for cancellation.  Basically a forever contract. TVA has also raised the wholesale rate 18.9% over a ten-year period (2008-2018) and realized a net income range of between $1 and $2 Billion. The four power companies in the complaint pay for transmission access as part of the bundled TVA wholesale electric rate.  However unbundled transmission access would allow the four power companies to buy from other regional suppliers besides TVA, only paying TVA for the use of the power lines. VEC performed cost studies and sent out requests for proposals and discovered with unbundled transmission access from a different supplier,VEC will be able to save between $45 and $50 million each year and pass the savings to the consumer and reduce electric rates between 25%-30% annually.

VEC  wants to increase the flexibility of the power supply portfolio. TVA limits power companies’ flexibility. VEC wants to  be the ones to determine how much flexibility is needed to meet the needs of its members

VEC has always been and continues to be willing to negotiate a fair contract with TVA.

The Boardroom is not the only place that VEC is working incredibly hard for their service area.

CNF had the privilege of speaking with veteran lineman, Keith Tuttle, who shed some light on what it is like to work during a catastrophe and regular operations as well. These men and women put their lives on the line literally when they are working on electrical lines and some very extraordinary people have been lost in an effort to keep us connected. In the words of our veteran source “Not just anyone can do what we do. It takes a certain type of person.” They are brave and heroic in their efforts.”

Cold hungry and tired they push themselves to dangerous limits for people that don’t understand the conditions they face and the danger to their lives. The work does not stop for the weather. They work through hail, thunderstorms and tornadoes to ensure the quickest restoration of power that is possible.

The following are some pictures that depict just some of the heights that are typical for a lineman to face.

Photos source VEC

So in conclusion the next time you’re in the dark rest assured VEC is working twenty-four hours a day seven days a week in all types of weather to bring you safe and efficient service in as quick a fashion as possible without risking their own lives any more than they already have to on an average day in the life of a lineman. CNF thanks VEC for their service, extreme efforts and the information provided in this interview.