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.

“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.

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 Wayne Smith on Saturday, December 7, 2019

A couple of years after being referred to as a dying community, economic investments in Putnam County tell a much different story. On the heels of entering a new decade, six companies operating in Putnam County have poured more than $1.8 billion into the local economy since 2017, according to data supplied by the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce. The investment total includes ongoing projects at major employers and investments since 2017.Of that $1.8 billion investment, Seminole Electric leads the way with$750 million poured into the county toward its operations and new natural gas-fired plant just north of Palatka. Georgia-Pacific – the area’s largest private employer – has invested $620million at its Palatka paper mill, including a project bringing the latest in paper machine technology to the plant. Seminole and GP considered other locations for their latest projects before deciding to make additional investments in Putnam County.

Ben Bates is a local business leader who helped form 1 Putnam, a group driving revitalization in Palatka and Putnam County. He said, “I think Seminole and GP are the most important because it ensures both companies will be in Putnam County for a number of years going forward. “Both have such an economic impact with jobs created and the taxes they pay. It’s a win-win for us.” Other investments adding to the $1.8 billion include $390 million from Florida Power & Light for three solar panel facilities in Putnam County. Continental Building Projects, a drywall and wallboard supplier in Palatka, has invested $53 million into the area economy. Meanwhile, Comarco Products is spending another $12 million as the eggplant manufacturing facility prepares to move its headquarters from New Jersey to the Putnam County Business and Aviation Park. Seeing numbers that include the word billion is encouraging to Putnam County officials and business leaders when looking to the future. “I think our best days are in front of us,” Bates said. “My feeling is if the entire county comes together and realizes what we can do to make our community better, we can do whatever we desire. “Today, the spirit is so much more positive even than it was a year ago. There’s more optimism and less pessimism. People said we didn’t have this or that and that we were dying. Now, people see better days in front of us.”

It’s Brian Bergen’s job to ensure economic growth continues. Bergen is the vice president of economic development for the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce, he came to Palatka from the Midwest four years ago. He knew about the Washington Post story calling Palatka a “dying city” in a headline. Today, that perception is different. “I do think that has changed,” Bergen said. “You’d have to be blind to not see all the great things happening in our community.” Along with the capital investment, growth has also meant more jobs. Georgia-Pacific’s paper machine project contributed to more than 100 new full–time positions at the mill. Comarco, which is expected to begin production in Palatka next spring, is projected to create 120 jobs. With every primary job created comes secondary jobs from service industries. The chamber said 605 secondary jobs produce an estimated$13.3 million in annual wages. Construction jobs created through projects also boost the area’s economy. GP officials said work on the new paper machine project is at its peak, with about 600 contractor workers on site with estimated wages of $12.7 million. Seminole said earlier this year construction jobs for its project would peak at about 500. FPL’s projects account for about 200 construction jobs per site. The job growth is a significant reversal of fortune for the county.

When it was referred to as a dying city, retailers such as JCPenney and Kmart had left. At the same time, the school district’s graduation rate was declining, the hospital was struggling and infrastructure improvements were needed.Those things have changed or are a work in progress. Putnam remains one of Florida’s poorest counties, but economic growth numbers signal a positive change, business leaders say. “These are facts, numbers readily available to everyone,” Bergen said of the investment total. “All my career has been in rural economic development. I’ve never in my career seen this much in investment and job growth in a rural community. “You total up those project numbers and it adds up to about $1.8 billion and that’s very significant for a community our size.” Retaining existing employers is as important as recruiting new industry, Bergen said. That’s why continuing investments from companies like Seminole and GP are critical. “We certainly don’t want to lose a Georgia-Pacific,” Bergen said. “It impacts 11,000 people in the region. So retention is a very critical part of what we have to do. “Everything that supports that plant – from cut timber to toilet paper and paper towels, all the forestry people involved, trucking supplies that come into the plant – it would leave a very large hole.” The investment also provides tax revenue for the county.

According to the chamber, GP’s annual ad valorem taxes are estimated at $3.8 million. Mark Brown, public affairs manager for Georgia-Pacific, said the company’s new paper machine project is an indication of its commitment to Putnam County. GP has about 1,000 employees at its Palatka mill. “GP and our team here are proud to be a part of the strength of our region’s economy and to contribute to this community,” Brown said. “We continue to invest in our facility and our future, from equipment to workforce development. “The Palatka team continues to focus every day on operating safely, environmentally responsibly and competitively so that our success in Putnam County can continue for years to come.”

Seminole Electric officials said the company has been a proud partner of the Putnam County community for more than four decades. It has about 270 employees. “With the construction of our new Seminole Combined- Cycle Facility, we expect the relationship to continue for decades to come,” said Charlie Huguenard, vice president of power production. “Seminole’s facilities are very much an integral part of the community and the love and pride for this community is evident with our employees. “We are fortunate to be located in Putnam County and consider that to be a very important aspect of our operations.” With revitalization efforts underway, civic officials and business leaders agree that will spur more economic development in the county. “It’s phenomenal growth for a rural community, and even when compared to larger communities, it speaks volumes to see the high-level commitment these companies have to grow their business here,” said Dana Jones, president of the chamber.

“They see Putnam County as a viable place to spend their money on capital investments.” Bill Shanahan, Palatka’s new city manager, said everything is in place for continued growth in the city and the county. “No. 1, where we’re located puts us in perfect position for economic development with good roads going in and going out of the community,” Shanahan aid. “No. 2, I think we have an amazing airport that is being underused. “I think we can do great things here. It’s just a matter of getting everyone together, coming up with a war plan and moving forward.” Wayne McClain, a community advocate and vice president of Beck Automotive Group, has lived in the area for many years and is pleased with the progress he sees. “I’ve been here a long time and I’ve never seen this many positive steps taken by different entities in our community,” McClain said. “Now you see businesses coming to town, building permits increasing and people coming to stay here. “I think now’s our time to shine.”

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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 1.7 million individuals and businesses in 42 Florida counties.

Seminole Electric is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Seminole Electric Cooperative (Seminole) CEO and General Manager Lisa Johnson was named April’s “Champions in Energy” honoree by Florida’s Women in Energy Leadership Forum.

The Forum’s Champions in Energy monthly series recognizes leaders within the energy industry, both men and women, who enthusiastically support and promote a purposeful inclusion of thought diversity in their respective organizations. The selected energy leader provides insight into industry trends, challenges, and innovations while sharing stories of their personal and professional advancement.

“The beauty of our industry is that… we engage and provide opportunities for people with diverse backgrounds, educational achievements, perspectives, and experiences,” says Johnson in her interview with the Forum. “While we keenly focus on the day-to-day business requirements, we are also looking ahead, planning, and readying our businesses to implement strategies for the future.”

Johnson follows previous 2019 honorees Jeff Householder, President and CEO of Chesapeake Utilities Corporation, Paula Glover, President and CEO of the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE), and Catherine Stempien, State President of Duke Energy Florida.

For more information on the series, visit flwomeninenergy.com.

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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 1.7 million individuals and businesses in 42 Florida counties.

Seminole Electric is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

At 8:55 a.m. on February 6, 2018, the Palatka Fire Department was dispatched to the Seminole Generating Station in Putnam County, Florida, to investigate a fire on the turbine deck. As of 9:35 a.m., the fire had been extinguished with no injuries and all Seminole personnel are accounted for.

Final Report: Damage as a result of this incident at the Seminole Generating Station in was limited to insulation material. There was no damage to either of the units. All employees were accounted for with no injuries. The unit was back online and fully operational on February 6 at 9:07 p.m.

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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 1.7 million individuals and businesses in 42 Florida counties.

Seminole Electric is an equal opportunity provider and employer.