The goal of this project is to understand the operational, technological, economic, community, sustainability, and environmental characteristics and impacts that indoor agriculture may have on the electric grid, and to support sustainable communities.

The indoor agriculture facility – a 40-foot-long shipping container equipped with efficient HVAC, pumping, dehumidification, lighting, and app based computerized control – was successfully installed at UF/IFAS Plant Science Research and Education Unit (PSREU) on Jan. 24, 2024.

“As a local electric cooperative, we are pleased to be a partner because much of our community’s economy is based on forestry and agriculture. We are excited by the opportunity to research a process to create new ways for our local farmers to grow their crops year-round and to provide fresh, locally grown produce,” said Kathy Richardson, Clay Electric communications manager.

“Seminole is proud to have the opportunity to work with Clay Electric, UF/IFAS, and EPRI to bring another indoor agriculture project to Florida,” said Lisa Johnson, Seminole’s CEO and General Manager. “This Smart Garden is not only a way to continue our focus on efficient electrification initiatives, but it also supports our values as an electric cooperative. One of the seven cooperative principles is ‘Concern for Community’ and together we are putting that into practice by donating the harvested lettuce from the facility to the Hitchcock Field & Fork Pantry through UF.”

Indoor agriculture is a method of growing crops or plants, usually on a large scale, entirely indoors. This method of farming often implements growing methods such as hydroponics and utilizes recirculatory pumping, water management, and artificial lights to provide plants with the nutrients and light levels required for growth. This allows for plants to be cultivated year-round regardless of outdoor conditions.

“It’s essentially a shipping container similar to one used to ship goods from Asia or Europe to the United States,” said James Boyer, PSREU director of research administration. Boyer said he expects the garden to produce 500 heads of lettuce a week, and the food will be transported to Gainesville for use by the Hitchcock Field and Fork Pantry on the UF campus.

“Indoor agriculture is a rapidly emerging industry across the U.S. Within the indoor agriculture industry, we are seeing a rapid evolution of efficient and innovative designs, technologies, and solutions that help deliver nutritional crops year-round to the community they reside in,” said David Porter, vice president of electrification and sustainable energy strategy at EPRI, an independent, non-profit energy research and development institute. “EPRI is excited to include Seminole, Clay Electric, and IFAS in this nationwide collaborative project and explore beneficial opportunities for this indoor agriculture farm within the communities of central Florida.”

Clay Electric and Seminole are two of more than 15 utilities nationwide participating in this EPRI collaborative to help utilities and society better understand indoor food production. Through automated revenue grade monitoring, researchers at EPRI will evaluate how energy loads, water use, and other controlled operational parameters and exterior conditions vary amongst these facilities and locations. This and other trackable data will also help address questions regarding distribution planning, rate design, grid initialization, site planning, and larger societal and community impacts.

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About Seminole Electric Cooperative
Based in Tampa, Florida, Seminole is one of the country’s largest generation and transmission cooperatives. Its purpose is to provide essential wholesale services to nine Member electric distribution cooperatives through a balanced, diversified portfolio of safe, affordable, reliable, and responsible energy resources. Seminole and the nine Member cooperatives collectively serve 2 million individuals and businesses in 42 Florida counties. For more information, visit https://www.seminole-electric.com.

About Clay Electric Cooperative
Clay Electric Cooperative is an incorporated, member-owned, not-for-profit electric power supplier, democratically organized and controlled by those it serves. Formally organized in 1937, the co-op has traditionally been known for its excellent service. The co-op is also a Touchstone Energy cooperative- a national alliance of local, member-owned electric cooperatives committed to high standards of service. Headquartered in Keystone Heights, Florida, the electric co-op is one of the largest in the United States. There are six district offices (Keystone Heights, Orange Park, Lake City, Gainesville, Salt Springs, and Palatka). https://www.clayelectric.com

About University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS)
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human, and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. ifas.ufl.edu  | @UF_IFAS

About EPRI
Founded in 1972, EPRI is the world’s preeminent independent, non-profit energy research and development organization, with offices around the world. EPRI’s trusted experts collaborate with more than 450 companies in 45 countries, driving innovation to ensure the public has clean, safe, reliable, affordable, and equitable access to electricity across the globe. Together, we are shaping the future of energy.

“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, Seminole Member electric cooperatives, and Seminole employees.

 Susan Reeves, Seminole Board President

 Lisa Johnson, Seminole CEO & General Manager

“I have a great respect and appreciation for the relationship between Clay Electric and Seminole,” Reeves said. “It is a privilege and honor to represent Clay Electric on Seminole’s board and I am looking forward to serving as Seminole’s Board President.”

Susie Reeves of Hawthorne, Florida represents Clay Electric’s District 3, which includes parts of Alachua and Putnam counties. Reeves was first elected to Clay’s board 42 years ago and has been on Seminole’s Board since 2011.

Reeves has been involved in the electric cooperative program at national and state levels. She represented Florida on the National Rural Electric Women’s Association for four years. She also served on the Member and Public Relations Standing Committee for the National Rural Electric Cooperatives Association. Mrs. Reeves holds the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s Director Gold credential certification, the highest level of achievement in NRECA’s Director Certificate Programs.

“I look forward to working with our newly elected board officers,” said Lisa Johnson, CEO and General Manager of Seminole. “Susie has been on Seminole’s Board since 2011, and I am proud to congratulate her on becoming Seminole’s Board President.”

Also elected as officers of Seminole’s Board of Trustees are John Martin, from Peace River Electric Cooperative, who will serve as Vice President, and Richard Dennison, from SECO Energy, who will serve as Secretary / Treasurer.

Susie Reeves, President of the Board of Trustees, Seminole Electric Cooperative, Inc.

John Martin, Vice President of the Board of Trustees, Seminole Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Richard Dennison, Secretary/Treasurer of the Board of Trustees, Seminole Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Lisa Johnson, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager, Seminole Electric Cooperative, Inc.

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For more information visit, www.seminole-electric.com.

Based in Tampa, Florida, Seminole is one of the largest generation and transmission cooperatives in the country. Its purpose is to provide essential wholesale services to its Members through a balanced, diversified portfolio of safe, affordable, and reliable energy resources. Seminole and its Members collectively serve 1.9 million individuals and businesses in 42 Florida counties.

Seminole Electric is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Lisa Johnson, Seminole’s CEO and General Manager, attended and was a guest speaker during the event. “At Seminole, we believe that advancing electrification is critical to our identity as an electric cooperative,” said Johnson. “There are other opportunities that fall within this category, including advancing electric vehicles, and implementing smart home and business technologies. But today, we are here to celebrate our collective efforts to not only demonstrate efficient electrification, but also provide food for our communities. We are so proud to be a part of this project.”

The kale from the project will be donated to the Florida Gateway Food Bank, Catholic Charities, in Lake City, Florida.

Based in Tampa, Florida, Seminole is one of the largest generation and transmission cooperatives in the country. Its purpose is to provide essential wholesale services to its Members through a balanced, diversified portfolio of safe, affordable, and reliable energy resources. Seminole and its Members collectively serve 1.9 million individuals and businesses in 42 Florida counties.

Seminole Electric is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Indoor agriculture is a method of growing crops or plants, usually on a large scale, entirely indoors. This method of farming often implements growing methods such as hydroponics and utilizes artificial lights to provide plants with the nutrients and light levels required for growth, allowing plants to be grown all year long. The goal of this project is to understand the operational, technological, economic, sustainability, and environmental characteristics and impacts that indoor agriculture may have on the electric grid, and for supporting sustainable communities year-round.

Jon Little, director of communications at SVEC said, “We are pleased to be part of this cooperative project. Because much of our community’s economy is based on agriculture, we are excited by the opportunity to help evaluate a process that might be a new way for our local farmers to grow their crops.”

The indoor agriculture facility – a 40-foot-long shipping container equipped with plumbing, temperature control and efficient lighting – was successfully installed at The University of Florida North Florida Research & Education Center-Suwannee Valley on December 14, 2021. The kale and other leafy greens grown in the facility will be donated to the Florida Gateway Foodbank in Lake City, Florida.

“Seminole is proud to partner with SVEC, EPRI, and UF to research indoor agriculture,” said Ryan Hart, director of communications and energy policy at Seminole. “This project will study our ability to use LED lights in shipping containers to grow food while running our electric grid more efficiently.”

“Indoor farming can offer healthy, locally grown produce year-round in any community, including disadvantaged neighborhoods, while increasing yield, decreasing energy required for transportation and using water more efficiently,” said Rob Chapman, EPRI senior vice president of Energy Delivery and Customer Solutions. “We’re proud to participate in this project, working with collaborators, the local community, and the next generation of farmers to improve sustainability efforts.”

SVEC and Seminole are two of about a dozen utilities nationwide participating in this study designed to help utilities and society better understand indoor food production. Through automated revenue grade monitoring, researchers at EPRI will evaluate how energy loads, water use, and other controlled operational parameters and exterior conditions vary the consumption of these facilities and locations. This and other trackable data will also help address questions regarding distribution planning, rate design, grid initialization, and larger societal benefits.

While indoor farming is not new, innovations around vertical farming (i.e., use of vertical space to layer production) and improved hydroponic farming methods helps eliminate or reduce the use of many components of traditional farming, such as topsoil, herbicides, and pesticides. Among its many benefits, indoor farming can also save up to 95% of water and can yield 50% or more produce per square foot than traditional farming. This is achieved by using efficient electrical lighting, HVAC, pumps, and dehumidification technologies to create stable microclimates that use minimal water and soil to deliver year-round produce.

“We are very excited to add this state-of-the-art technology with this indoor hydroponic container to our research, teaching, and extension capacity here at our Research and Education Center,” said Bob Hochmuth, regional specialized extension agent and assistant center director of UF/IFAS NFREC-Suwannee Valley.

A ribbon cutting event will be held for the Smart Garden project on April 7.

Above: SVEC lineworker prepares to install the Indoor Ag Facility’s electric meter.

Above: Smart Garden Indoor Ag Facility.

About Seminole Electric Cooperative
Based in Tampa, Florida, Seminole is one of the country’s largest generation and transmission cooperatives. Its purpose is to provide essential wholesale services to its Members through a balanced, diversified portfolio of safe, affordable, and reliable energy resources. Seminole and its Members collectively serve 1.8 million individuals and businesses in 42 Florida counties. For more information, visit /.

About Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative (SVEC)
SVEC is a not-for-profit cooperative that provides safe, affordable and reliable electric service to over 28,000 consumers in Florida’s Columbia, Hamilton, Lafayette and Suwannee counties. svec-coop.com

About University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS)
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. ifas.ufl.edu  | @UF_IFAS

About EPRI
Founded in 1972, EPRI is the world’s preeminent independent, non-profit energy research and development organization, with offices around the world. EPRI’s trusted experts collaborate with more than 450 companies in 45 countries, driving innovation to ensure the public has clean, safe, reliable, affordable, and equitable access to electricity across the globe. Together, we are shaping the future of energy.

TAMPA, FL – The Board of Trustees of Seminole Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Seminole) is pleased to announce they have unanimously elected Tony Weeks from Central Florida Electric Cooperative to be their next President. Seminole is governed by a 27-member Board of Trustees. The Board is composed of three representatives from each of Seminole’s nine Member cooperatives.

“I firmly believe in the rural electric system and consider myself a cooperative man,” Tony Weeks says. “My decisions are always based on trying to provide members with the most reliable service at the most affordable price.”

Elected to represent District 3 at Central Florida Electric Cooperative since 1994, Tony Weeks is a strong supporter of the rural electric cooperative system. On the Central Florida Electric Cooperative Board of Trustees, he has served as President, Vice President, and Secretary/Treasurer during his tenure. Tony Weeks has always lived in the Central Florida service area and is a small business owner.

Mr. Weeks has served on Seminole’s Board of Trustees since October 2008 and has most recently served as the Vice President. He has also served on the Florida Electric Cooperative Association Board of Directors. He is a Credentialed Cooperative Director and also earned his Board Leadership Certification.

Also elected as officers of Seminole’s Board of Trustees are Susie Reeves, from Clay Electric Cooperative, who will serve as Vice President, and John Martin, from Peace River Electric Cooperative, who will serve as Secretary / Treasurer.

“I look forward to working with the new Board officers elected during Seminole’s latest board meeting” said Lisa Johnson, CEO and General Manager of Seminole. “One of the many benefits of working for a not-for-profit, member-based electric cooperative is that we are governed by cooperative leaders who directly represent the Florida residents and businesses we serve.”

Seminole’s nine Members are:

• Central Florida Electric Cooperative, Chiefland, FL
• Clay Electric Cooperative, Keystone Heights, FL
• Glades Electric Cooperative, Moore Haven, FL
• Peace River Electric Cooperative, Wauchula, FL
• SECO Energy, Sumterville, FL
• Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative, Live Oak, FL
• Talquin Electric Cooperative, Quincy, FL
• Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Madison, FL
• Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative, Dade City, FL

Tony Weeks, Vice President of the Board of Trustees, Seminole Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Susie Reeves, Vice President of the Board of Trustees, Seminole Electric Cooperative, Inc.

John Martin, Secretary / Treasurer of the Board of Trustees, Seminole Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Lisa Johnson, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager, Seminole Electric Cooperative, Inc.

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For more information visit, www.seminole-electric.com.

Based in Tampa, Florida, Seminole is one of the largest generation and transmission cooperatives in the country. Its mission is to provide reliable, competitively priced, wholesale electric power to its nine not-for-profit, consumer-owned distribution electric cooperatives. Seminole and its Members collectively serve 1.8 million individuals and businesses in 42 Florida counties.

Seminole Electric is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Seminole employee funds raised this year were matched with more than $27,000 in funds from Seminole, CoBank, and TIC. These combined efforts raised almost $60,000! Thank you to everyone who participated!

Based in Tampa, Florida, Seminole is one of the largest generation and transmission cooperatives in the country. Its purpose is to provide essential wholesale services to its Members through a balanced, diversified portfolio of safe, affordable, and reliable energy resources. Seminole and its Members collectively serve 1.8 million individuals and businesses in 42 Florida counties.

Seminole Electric is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

To view Lisa Johnson’s entire feature, visit: https://floridatrend500.com/energy/lisa-johnson/

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For more information visit, www.seminole-electric.com.

Based in Tampa, Florida, Seminole is one of the largest generation and transmission cooperatives in the country. Its purpose is to provide reliable, competitively priced, wholesale electric power to its nine not-for-profit, consumer-owned distribution electric cooperatives. Seminole and its Members collectively serve 1.8 million individuals and businesses in 42 Florida counties.

Seminole Electric is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

By: Nick Blank on September 1, 2020

Seminole receives massive loan to embark on new addition

Seminole Electric Cooperative has received confirmation of $727 million in federal loans to build its gas-fired plant in Putnam County, expected to be operational in early 2023.

The loan will be used to help finance Seminole’s 1,050-megawatt natural-gas facility in Palatka and ensure continued power generation and jobs for local residents. It is the largest funding ever to be awarded in Florida by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development, according to the agency.

Seminole CEO and General Manager Lisa Johnson said the federal funding was a vote of confidence in the project.

The loans are issued below market interest rates from private lenders, which saves electric cooperative consumers millions of dollars over the life of the facility, she said. The term of the loan is about 30 years.

“Adding this new combined-cycle facility to Seminole’s portfolio will increase the generating resources we use to provide safe, affordable, reliable electricity for our member cooperatives,” Johnson said. “It will also continue our relationship with Putnam County for years to come.”

The new facility will be next to Seminole’s coal-fired Seminole Generating Station. The new 1,050-megawatt natural gas facility is progressing on budget and schedule, with commercial service expected to begin by 2023, according to Seminole.

Phil Leary, state director for Rural Development Florida and U.S. Virgin Islands, said the project allowed for a dependable, financially astute source of electricity for rural communities throughout the state.

“We at USDA Rural Development work hard every day to assure that when rural America prospers, all of America prospers,” Leary said.

Seminole Electric provides wholesale electricity to nine smaller cooperatives and about 1.8 million consumers and businesses in 42 counties, with Clay Electric covering Putnam County.

Ryan Hart, Seminole’s director of communication and energy policy, said the combined-cycle facility’s site was cleared and crews were installing the 20-mile natural gas pipeline that will serve it. The loan was indicative of Seminole Electric’s strong credit rating and credit worthiness, Hart said.

“Just getting this saves our consumers millions of dollars over the life of the loan,” Hart said.

The Seminole Generating Station went into operation in Putnam County in 1984 and is on about 2,000 acres off U.S. 17 North. It employs 240 people in Putnam County, with an additional 30 anticipated when the new facility is operational. It provides power to more than 13 square miles in Putnam County through Clay Electric.

Construction of the new facility led to the hiring of more than 200 construction workers, though Hart said there may at times be 500 or more construction workers on-site depending that day’s work.

Putnam County Chamber of Commerce officials do not have a precise dollar figure to attach to the economic impact of those hundreds of construction workers. They noted their positive impact on accommodations tax revenues and retail spending.

“We certainly appreciate Seminole and all they do, especially in times like these,” Chamber President Dana Jones said. “This is a testament to their commitment to and faith in Putnam County.”

The campaign benefited three organizations: The Hardee Help Center in Wauchula, FL; Metropolitan Ministries in Tampa, FL; and Feed the Need of Putnam County, FL. At the end of the campaign, Seminole employees donated $13,386, which qualified for a $10,000 match from Seminole and a $10,000 match from CoBank. TIC, the engineering, procurement, and construction contractor for the Seminole combined cycle facility, also contributed more than $6,610, bringing the campaign total to $40,000 to be shared among the three organizations.

“Concern for Community – one of the seven cooperative principles – is an inherent part of being a cooperative business. The participation, thoughtfulness, and generosity of our employees during this time is what made our Seminole Gives COVID-19 Pandemic Relief Campaign a success,” said Seminole’s CEO and General Manager, Lisa Johnson.

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For more information visit, www.seminole-electric.com.

Based in Tampa, Florida, Seminole is one of the largest generation and transmission cooperatives in the country. Its purpose is to provide reliable, competitively priced, wholesale electric power to its nine not-for-profit, consumer-owned distribution electric cooperatives. Seminole and its Members collectively serve 1.8 million individuals and businesses in 42 Florida counties.

Seminole Electric is an equal opportunity provider and employer.