Central Georgia Electric Membership Corporation (CGEMC) and Conexon Connect celebrated their inaugural “fiber lighting,” connecting Monroe County and Conexon Connect’s first broadband customer on the new fiber network.
“These tangible results prove that EMCs are walking the walk,” says Public Service Commissioner Bubba McDonald. “In my role as a commissioner on the Georgia Public Service Commission, we are continuing to foster a regulatory environment that expands broadband access, and it’s exciting to see projects like these begin to take shape.”
“I am thankful for the leadership and quick work at CGEMC, Conexon Connect, and the Monroe County Commission, which is making broadband a reality in our area. Rural residents deserve access to the best high-speed internet, and with 2-gigabit service being offered, that is exactly what they are getting,” says State Rep. Susan Holmes.
“Many thanks to Governor Brian Kemp for making this possible through signing 2019’s Senate Bill 2, which allows electric cooperatives to offer broadband services. Thanks also to our Board of Directors for their vision and confidence; to our legislators for enabling EMCs to be part of the broadband solution; to Monroe County and the Monroe County Board of Education for their financial commitments to support our local efforts; to Conexon Connect for delivering world-class internet to rural Georgia; to the contractors who have helped keep us on schedule; and to CGEMC employees, who have worked tirelessly to meet such a demanding schedule,” says CGEMC President/CEO George Weaver.
“Over the past decade, the federal government created a digital divide in the country, using federal programs to relegate rural America to slower internet speeds. Those decisions had consequences. When rural communities needed online access for work, education, health care, and social interaction, the full impact of those federal policies was felt across the land. There is no good reason for the digital divide,” says Conexon Partner Jonathan Chambers. “Connecting our first customer means we take a small but significant step to repair the damage. We are launching the fastest residential internet access service available anywhere, first in Monroe County, and in coming months and years, across central Georgia. Together with electric cooperatives and local communities, we will demonstrate what is possible.”
Jeff and Barbara Dean of Forsyth will serve as beta customers as Conexon Connect, powered by Central Georgia EMC, expands throughout the county. Over the next few weeks, they will provide routine feedback about their experience with the internet provider’s product. They are among a small group of customers testing the service during the initial rollout.
“Once our service was turned on, we immediately connected everything. We were like kids at Christmas,” says Barbara Dean. “We have been enjoying our Conexon Connect service, and our extended family is more than a little bit jealous. They are anxious to connect as well.”
CGEMC Supports community enrichment
Central Georgia EMC presented 22 checks in October, totaling $243,310 to area Chambers of Commerce, Industrial Development Authorities, and School Boards throughout the service territory.
These funds come from unclaimed capital credits that remain with CGEMC after five years. Capital credits are margins over and above the cost of providing service for Central Georgia EMC customer-owners for a specific year after financial obligations have been met. Unclaimed capital credits that remain after five years stay in the communities served by Central Georgia EMC for the sole purposes of funding education, economic development, and 501(c)(3) charitable organizations in the EMC service area.
local schools win GHSA Awards
Central Georgia EMC congratulated McDonough High School and Mary Persons High School on winning the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Award. This awards program honors schools that exhibit exemplary sportsmanship during competitive events and is sponsored by Georgia’s Electric Membership Cooperatives.
Introduced in 2006, the Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Award program reinforces GHSA’s philosophy: “Student-athletes, coaches, spectators, and all others associated with high school activity programs should adhere to the fundamental values of respect, fairness, honesty, and responsibility.”
Only one school in each region within each classification is chosen to receive this annual award. The GHSA considers all aspects of sportsmanship during events—student-athletes on the field, as well as fellow students, school staff, parents, and game spectators, making the award a tribute to the entire community.
New employees
We have several new faces at CGEMC. Walker Carawan, Graham Ferreira, Jonathon Frost, James Owensby, Joshua Stewart, and Micah Upchurch have joined our Distribution team. Cameron Sourdiffe is an intern working with our Engineering department. Phyllis Redd joins us as Vice President of Finance and Accounting. We are excited to welcome them!
Fiber-to-the-home update
Conexon Connect, powered by Central Georgia EMC, will be connecting its first zone this month, including the communities of Juliette Commons, Forsyth Landing, Adamsville Park, Chriswood, and Bellewood, among others.
The Conexon Connect and Central Georgia EMC teams are committed to building the fiber network as rapidly and efficiently as possible. This project will not be complete until 100 percent of CGEMC members have access to world-class fiber broadband service.
Preregister for Connect Service Today
Preregister today at. Please provide your contact details and let us know what options you’re interested in. Preregistering ensures you’ll be one of the first to know when we are near your neighborhood. It is not a commitment to subscribe to any services.
Pay your way
Paying Your Electric Bill Can Be as Simple as Keeping Your Gas Tank Filled!
- Would it be easier for you to make daily, weekly, or bi-monthly payments rather than one payment each month?
- Would you like to avoid paying past-due fees or a deposit?
- Would it be more convenient for you to pay when you can, instead of meeting a set due date?
If the answer to any of these questions is “yes,” Central Georgia EMC’s Prepaid Metering Program may be right for you!
Once you make your initial payment, you can deposit as much money as you wish into your Prepaid Metering account, and we will supply you with electricity. Think of your account balance like your car’s gas tank. As you use power, your account balance goes down. You can purchase smaller amounts of “fuel” every few days, or fill up the tank! You decide what works best for your budget.
Data shows CGEMC Prepaid Metering consumers use around five percent less energy than other residential consumers!
You can buy more power by adding money to your account anytime by going to www.cgemc.com, using our 24-hour automated phone service, or by visiting our 24-hour kiosk in Jackson, GA. Track your usage and account balance online or download the CGEMC mobile app.
System Inspections
CGEMC has contracted with Cappstone Energy Group LLC to perform system inspections in Jasper, Newton, and Morgan County areas. Cappstone Energy Group LLC technicians will have signs on their vehicles (pickup trucks and UTVs) identifying them as CGEMC contractors. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact CGEMC at 770-775-7857.
Holiday Closing
Central Georgia EMC's office will be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 25 and 26, 2021, for Thanksgiving. Our remote self-service account options and the on-site payment kiosk will be available. In case of a power outage, please call our 24-hour automated system at 770-775-7857 or 1-800-222-4877 for an immediate response. System operators are on duty to assist you.
Scholarship Opportunities
We are now accepting applications for the statewide $1,000 Walter G. Harrison Scholarship program. Additionally, the top two applicants from CGEMC will receive a $500 Central Georgia EMC scholarship! More information can be found at www.cgemc.com. Applications are due January 31, 2022.
Load Management Program
We want to thank all members who participated in the 2021 Load Management program. Participating members will see a bill credit on their November statement ($20 for an air conditioning switch and $10 for a water heater switch, with a $30 maximum annual credit).
Because of the high summer temperatures, CGEMC initiated load management 10 times between June 1 and August 31, for a total energy savings of 611,000 kWh during peak energy use times.
If you are interested in taking part in the Load Management program or would like more information, call us at 770-775-7857 or visit our website at www.cgemc.com/load-management.
GATE Card Exemption Will Expire Soon
If you are currently receiving a GATE sales tax exemption, your card will expire on December 31, 2021. To continue receiving the exemption, send copies of your renewed GATE card to Central Georgia EMC / Attn: Chris Mitchell, 923 S. Mulberry St. Jackson, GA 30233, or Fax: 770-504-7877.
Winter Rates
The winter residential rate structure is now in effect: November–April
- First 700 kWh: $0.0852 per kWh
- Above 700 kWh: $0.0574 per kWh
In October, the Central Georgia EMC Foundation awarded $21,700 in grants to charitable organizations in our territory.
- Adventure Bags, Inc.: $2,000 - To purchase book bags filled with age-appropriate essential items.
- Advo-Kids CASA, Inc.: $3,000 - To support their program mission of advocating for the best interests of abused and neglected children involved in juvenile court proceedings.
- Camp to Belong: $2,000 - To cover the cost of the Holiday Party Family Camp for foster siblings.
- Crossroads Christian Counseling Center: $1,000 - To support their therapy program.
- Henry County Scholarship Foundation: $5,000 - To provide scholarships for college and technical/vocational schools.
- Rock Springs Clinic: $3,700 - To purchase blood pressure monitors, an EKG machine, and other medical supplies.
- The Salvation Army of Griffin, GA.: $3,000 - To purchase food boxes and toys for families in their Angel Tree Program.
- William McIntosh Chapter, NSDAR of Jackson: $2,000 - To assist with the cost of building repairs at the clubhouse.
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.
co-op connections deals
Celebrate "Shop Small Saturday" With Our Local Co-op Connections Partners on November 27
CoTique Boutique: $25 off purchase of $100 or more (in-store or online). Use code COOP25. 19 N. Lee Street, Forsyth, 478-992-8371; cotiqueshop.com.
Griffin Jewelers: $20 off purchases of $100 or more. 1424 N. Expressway, Suite 134, Griffin, 770-227-1157.
Southern Grammar Designs: 15% off purchase of $25 or more. 236 Brookwood Avenue, Jackson, 770-417-0799.
Miss Dottie's: 10% off and free gift wrap with purchase (some exclusions may apply). 155 Bill Conn Parkway, Gray, 478-986-4270.
Town & Country Farm and Pet Supply: 10% off, not including sales items, feed, or hay. 59 Highway 212 West, Monticello, 706-623-1130.
Rutabaga's Market & Cafe: 10% off retail items. 1 Cherry St., Hampton, 470-878-6000.
Add Your Local Business
Local businesses are invited to join the Co-op Connections program! Click the link below. It is simple and free!
Energy tip
Fall is the perfect time to prep your home for the upcoming winter chill. One of the best ways you can save energy and stay comfortable is to caulk and weatherstrip areas that typically need sealing.
Start by sealing around windows and doors. Seal plumbing, ducting, and areas where electrical wiring comes through walls, floors, and ceilings for additional energy savings.
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