Saving can be cozy
If you are feeling chilly at home, there are several budget-friendly ways to stay comfortable without touching the thermostat.
- Whether you're experiencing frigid winter temps or you are naturally cold-natured, an electric blanket can deliver quick warmth. Electric blankets can include additional features, like timers and dual temperature settings. It will keep you comfortable all winter, and your energy bill will thank you.
- On winter days when the sun is shining, harness natural warmth from sunlight. Open curtains, drapes, and blinds in your home to let the sunshine in and you will feel the difference.
- Another way to make your home warmer is by using a humidifier. Cold air doesn't hold water vapor like warm air does. By adding humidity inside your home, you will feel warmer. An acceptable humidity level inside your home can also help to clear sinuses, soften skin, and improve sleep.
- Beyond adding visual appeal to your home, area rugs can provide extra insulation and a warm surface for your feet on cold winter days. Use large area rugs in the rooms where you spend the most time.
These are just a few ways to stay warm this winter without turning up the thermostat. Don't forget the hot chocolate!
2021 Energy efficiency rebates
Thinking about building a new home or upgrading your existing systems? Save energy and money with Central Georgia EMC's rebate programs!
*Rebates require the installation of a CGEMC load management switch. For specific qualifications and rebate forms visit www.cgemc.com or call 770-775-7857 to request rebate paperwork. Rebates are subject to change without notice and will end on December 21, 2021.
No One Stands Alone in the Storm
Cooperative Principle #6 - Cooperation Among Cooperatives
The year 2020 will be remembered for the COVID-19 pandemic, but the pandemonium caused by Mother Nature had electric cooperative line crews logging thousands of miles for mutual aid and working long hours in grueling conditions to restore power.
High winds, heavy rain, and storm surges pummeled the service territories of dozens of co-ops during the most active hurricane season on record. Of the 30 named storms, a dozen made landfall in the United States, knocking out electricity to hundreds of thousands of cooperative-served homes and businesses. Louisiana faced the challenges of back-to-back storms that kept visiting crews in the field for weeks.
Co-ops from more than two dozen states provided mutual aid on power restoration projects in hard-hit areas this year. Crews practiced social distancing and other pandemic mitigation measures to minimize risks during those assignments and returned to their home service territories once emergency repairs were completed.
From NRECA
Introducing the Home Generator Program!
Storm season is ahead! Our partners at Gresco are helping our members stay ahead of the bad weather. Gresco sells all Generac product lines. The stock unit is a Generac 22KW Response Series with one (1) transfer switch and pad. This product is EPA certified for non-emergency applications. The Response Series is a Utility Grade Generator. Wi-Fi-enabled for smartphone, tablet, and personal computer control. For more information, call Gresco at 1-800-504-2534.
Membership benefits
As a customer of Central Georgia EMC, you are a member of a cooperative. Membership has its benefits, such as low rates and capital credit refunds. Did you know about these other money-saving benefits?
Co-op Connections Save big when you shop with our participating businesses—locally, nationally, and online!
Free Payment Processing Nobody likes to pay an extra fee when they pay their bill. At CGEMC, we offer a variety of payment methods and we never charge a processing fee.
Online Energy Audit Tools When you save energy, we all save. Visit the "Virtual Energy Assessment" at cgemc.com. Enter your specific account information and receive energy consumption data with suggestions for ways to reduce your energy usage at home.
Mobile makes it easy
Make payments, check your balance, or report a power outage with a simple text! Start by texting JOIN to 352667 from the mobile phone number listed on your account. Once you receive your welcome alert, text START to opt-in and begin using our text services. Need a little help getting started? Our Customer Service Team is available to walk you through the process. Call 770-775-7857, and we will be glad to help you!
Your Opinion Matters
Select members will be receiving an email invitation from Data Decisions Group to participate in our quarterly satisfaction survey. Your feedback is critical in helping us deliver the very best customer service. We thank you for your participation and look forward to hearing from you!
Pole Inspections
Our partner, Cappstone Energy Group, is currently performing pole inspections. They will be in white Toyota pickups or all-terrain vehicles. Their equipment has a "CGEMC Contractor" identification label affixed to the side. If you have any questions or concerns, our Customer Service Team is available to assist you. Call us at 770-775-7857.
Embrace Solar and Reduce Your Carbon Footprint in 2021
Cooperative Solar provides the opportunity to commit to a smaller carbon footprint without installing or maintaining any solar system equipment.
Additionally, we've expanded our Cooperative Solar program to include fields across the state. This growth comes with an increase in capacity, enhanced performance reliability, and no waiting list!
Call 770-775-7857 or 1-800-222-4877 to learn more about adding solar energy to your monthly energy mix.
In January, the Central Georgia EMC Foundation awarded $11,825 in grants to charitable organizations in our territory.
- Manna From Above, Inc. - $3,000 - To purchase 1,100 new mom handbook, reading books for children, and postpartum disorder brochures.
- Prevent Child Abuse Henry County - $3,825 - To purchase food for their mobile food pantries.
- United in Faith Christian Ministries - $5,000 - To purchase food for children enrolled in the Touch of Love Backpack Buddies program.
Qualifying 501(c)(3) organizations in our service territory are invited to submit an application to the Central Georgia EMC Foundation.
Through Operation Round Up, our members support local organizations with a mission to make our communities even better places to live, work, and dream big. By simply rounding up your monthly electric bill to the next dollar, you can join in! Our pennies add up to make BIG CHANGE!
Qualifying organizations are invited to submit an application to the Operation Round Up Foundation. The Foundation Board will review grant requests and administer the funds, based on the merit of each grant application and available funds.
February co-op connections deals*
Improve Your Financial Health with Our Co-Op Connections Financial Experts!
F5 Financial Planning, LLC -Complimentary consultation. 70 Macon St., McDonough, 678-929-8394.
Affordable Tax & Representation, Inc. - 10% off tax preparation. 335 Rover Zetella Road, Griffin, 404-227-6400.
Brittany L. Montrois, CPA - $25 off the first year and 10% off future year tax preparations. $25 off bookkeeping and payroll services for the first month; 5% discount thereafter. 2116 Jodeco Road West, McDonough, 770-474-6116.
Chapman Accounting & Tax Services, LLC - 10% off first-time tax preparation. 20% off bookkeeping services for the first year of service. 678-485-9932.
Childress Group, LLC - $25 off in-person or virtual service. Services must be scheduled in advance. 770-744-3403.
We’re excited to provide you with this exclusive, free membership that has countless benefits. You can access Co-op Connections directly from the CGEMC website at www.cgemc.com.
*Deals are subject to change.
Are you a local business who would like to be included in Co-op Connections? Click the link below. It is simple and free!
Energy tip
Use wool or rubber dryer balls in the clothes dryer to reduce drying time and static. Wool dryer balls also absorb extra moisture. These are an efficient alternative to dryer sheets, which can create buildup on the dryer’s filter and reduce air circulation. If you prefer dryer sheets, scrub the filter once a month to remove buildup.
Check out Energy Analyst Adam's favorite energy saving picks in the CGEMC Amazon store (affiliate link).
We love a great energy saving resource, and it's hard to beat Find 101 Easy Ways to Save Energy and Money. Download your free copy.
Recipe of the Month
Credits:
Created with images by athree23 - "keyboard enter idea" • Science in HD - "Workers with solutions of all-inorganic perovskite quantum dots, showing intense photoluminescence when illuminated with UV light. CsPbBr3 emit in the green and CsPbI3 emit red. Graduate students developed the first solar cells from such quantum dots showing excellent performance. The research, Quantum dot-induced phase stabilization of OE±-CsPbI3 perovskite for high-efficiency photovoltaics, appears in the journal Science." • Tim Mossholder - "Shop local" • niekverlaan - "lamp idea pear"