responding to covid-19
With the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) disrupting much of our daily lives, Central Georgia EMC wants to assure the communities we serve that we are continuing our operations throughout the duration of this public health crisis. As stewards of critical infrastructure, we have a detailed plan to ensure the services you rely on are provided at the highest level during these troubling times.
While many are working remotely to ensure their safety, our employees are still available by phone and email 24-hours a day to address your needs as they arise. Members can expect to receive the same high-quality service and quick response time that they always have from CGEMC.
Our lobby is open to receive walk-in traffic; however, we strongly encourage members to utilize remote payment options in an effort to minimize person-to-person contact during this time. If you do find that you need to enter our Jackson Headquarters, please rest assured that we are sanitizing all public spaces and payment kiosks routinely throughout the day.
We understand that this is a stressful and uncertain time for many of our members. As a member-focused cooperative, we have always worked directly with those facing tough financial situations and we will continue to do so throughout this crisis. If you find that you are unable to pay your bill due to COVID-19 or another unforeseen circumstance, please be proactive and contact our office before your due date to discuss payment arrangements.
Please continue to follow the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations, as well as local, state, and national mandates for mitigation of the coronavirus. Also be aware of phishing scams offering health advice or threatening you if you do not pay your bill. As always, the safety of members, employees, and the communities we serve is our highest priority.
6 ways to make your home office energy efficient
Working from home may increase your energy use. But by improving the energy efficiency of your home office equipment, you can save on energy costs without hampering your productivity.
- Make sure computers and other office equipment are turned off when they're not in use.
- Many electronic devices continue to use standby power even after they're turned off. Connect your office equipment to an advanced power strip, which will automatically shut off power to unused devices.
- Set office equipment to automatically switch to sleep mode when not in use. In addition to saving energy, the equipment will stay cooler, which will help to extend its useful life.
- Use a laptop computer instead of a desktop. Laptops use less than one-third the energy of a typical desktop computer.
- Adjust the thermostat to the unoccupied setting. Consider using a ceiling fan to maintain comfort. In winter, you can reverse its direction to clockwise, which pushes warm air down.
- Use task lighting with energy-efficient lamps. A desk lamp uses less energy than whole-room lighting.
When purchasing new office equipment, make sure it's ENERGY STAR® qualified. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, if every home office product purchased in the U.S. were ENERGY STAR qualified, Americans would save an estimated $75 million a year in energy costs.
CGEMC Opens Up WiFi for Public Use
Central Georgia EMC has opened public WiFi access outside of its headquarters building at 923 South Mulberry Street in Jackson. Internet users can park in the customer parking lot (on the side of the building nearest downtown Jackson), remain in their cars, and complete essential work on the internet. There is no password required and the free service is available 24/7.
As with all public WiFi connections, users are encouraged to exercise caution when transmitting personal information across an unsecured internet connection. To better ensure public safety, CGEMC utilizes video surveillance to monitor parking lots and facilities. Additionally, CGEMC extends special thanks to Mayor Kay Pippin for having the City of Jackson Police Department regularly patrol this area for added safety.
co-op kids
Our mini members are some of our best energy explorers! We have downloadable resources that are fun and free!
Annual meeting
Summary of Bylaws on Annual Meeting; Membership; Nomination and Election of Board Members; and Board Representation
2020 ANNUAL MEETING WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020
The Bylaws of the Cooperative require that the annual meeting be held each year at such date, time, and place in one of the counties in Georgia within which the Cooperative serves, and beginning at such hour, as the Board of Directors shall from year to year designate. The purpose of the meeting is to elect directors, to pass upon reports covering the previous fiscal year, and to transact such other business as may come before the meeting. The Board of Directors has set the Annual Meeting for Wednesday, August 5, 2020, at 10 a.m. at the Central Georgia EMC Annex, 1083 S. Mulberry St., Jackson, GA. 30233.
COOPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP
Each member who is not in a status of suspension, as provided for in Section 2.01 of the Bylaws, shall be entitled to only one vote upon each matter submitted to a vote at any meeting of the members. Any person, firm, or corporation may become a member of the Cooperative by filing an application for membership; paying a membership fee; and agreeing to purchase electric power and energy from the Cooperative. The applicant further agrees to be bound by and comply with the Cooperative’s Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, and all rules, regulations, rate classifications, and rate schedules as exist or may thereafter be adopted or amended.
COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS
The Board of Directors of the Central Georgia Electric Membership Corporation has appointed an eight-member Committee on Nominations consisting of:
- Ms. Janice Brooks, 44 Briarcliff Road, Griffin 30223
- Mr. Robert Christopher Brown, 225 N. Unity Grove Road, Locust Grove 30248
- Mr. Harry Clark, 2161A Brownlee Road, Jackson 30233
- Mr. Randy Dougherty, 100 Cabin Creek Circle, Griffin 30223
- Mr. Charles Dumas, 1239 Juliette Road, Forsyth 31029
- Mr. Dan Jordan, 1726 Jordan Road, Monticello 31064
- Mr. John Donald Kicklighter, 5301 Seven Islands Road, Madison 30650
- Mr. Hugh Franklin Weaver, 2252 Hwy. 16 W., Jackson 30233
COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS MEETING, FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2020
The date set for the meeting of the Nominating Committee is Friday, May 1, 2020, at 9 a.m. The Nominating Committee is required by the Bylaws of the Corporation to post at the Cooperative office in Jackson the names of nominees to the Board of Directors, at least, forty-five (45) days prior to the Annual Meeting, which will be held on Wednesday, August 5, 2020.
OTHER NOMINATIONS
Any fifteen (15) or more members of the Cooperative may nominate a Cooperative member for director by filing a petition with the Secretary of the Cooperative, who is D.A. Robinson, III, 923 S. Mulberry St., Jackson, GA 30233, not less than forty-five (45) days prior to the Annual Meeting. (That is, no later than Friday, June 19, 2020, by the close of business at 5 p.m.) The nominations are to be posted at the office of the Cooperative. Nominations may also be made from the floor at the Annual Meeting, provided that written notice of the full name of such nominee shall have been given to the Secretary of the Cooperative at least forty-five (45) days prior to the Annual Meeting. (That is, no later than Friday, June 19, 2020, by the close of business at 5 p.m.)
TWO DIRECTORS TO BE ELECTED AT ANNUAL MEETING
Two directors will be elected at the Annual Meeting for three-year terms each:
- Spalding-Lamar-Pike counties, currently Incumbent D.A. Robinson, III
- At large (Post 2), currently Incumbent Arthur White, Jr.
Get your share of the sun!
Cooperative Solar block sales are on the rise! The longer days of spring provide longer production hours, and our solar field additions offer increased reliability. Cooperative Solar allows you to reap the benefits of clean energy by adding affordable and renewable solar power to your monthly energy mix. Even renters can participate!
Because our Cooperative Solar blocks have been in such high demand, CGEMC has expanded our solar energy portfolio to include solar fields across the state. This expansion comes with an increase in capacity, enhanced performance reliability, and no waiting list!
Cooperative Solar is available in 1-kilowatt (kW) blocks at an affordable $19 per month, per block. Best of all, you will receive a credit on your monthly bill for kilowatt-hours (kWh) generated by your solar energy block(s). Request your blocks today!
ask adam
I want to purchase a plug-in electric vehicle (PEV). Do I need to tell my electric cooperative?
The answer is "Yes!" It's very important to let CGEMC know that you will be charging your PEV at home so we can help to ensure your energy needs are safely met.
You may need to upgrade your electric service, which might require a new transformer, to accommodate your charging station.
Level 1 Charging: Built into the vehicle and charged by connecting the vehicle-supplied, specialized charging cord, to a standard 120-volt grounded outlet; on a circuit with sufficient load capacity.
Level 2 Charging: Requires a dedicated 240-volt circuit, and the purchase and installation of a Level 2 charging station. You will need to consult with a licensed electrical contractor to determine specific requirements for your location and if your electrical panel can support the energy required. If you choose a Level 2 charger, you will need to contact us so we can determine if a distribution transformer and/or service upgrade is necessary.
We can also help you save on charging!
By utilizing CGEMC’s time-of-use (TOU) rate, you can shift your EV charging to off-peak hours when the prices are lowest, instead of charging during peak periods when the cost of electricity is higher. Give us a call if you have questions about PEV charging!
Shop adam's amazon picks!
Looking for a smart home device? PEV charger? DIY energy efficiency products? Visit the CGEMC Amazon Store to shop for Adam's recommended products.
we Support georgia grown
The major chains and grocery stores are not your only option for fresh meats. We have a few hidden gems in our territory that have locally-sourced high-quality products in stock.
Blanche Farms Meats - 6183 HWY 41 South, Bolingbroke, GA. 706-455-5943. Blanche Farms believes that you have to start with the best possible product to make something exceptional. Georgia Grown and pasture raised hogs and sheep are prepared old-world style with a cold hickory smoke process. Check their Facebook page for current hours and specials. Order online or pick up in-store.
Welch’s Meats & Country Smokehouse - 1687 Bass Rd, Macon. 478-474-7351. Welch’s carries fresh steaks, ground beef, pork, and chicken. Their claim to fame is their line of smoked products. With twenty-one varieties of beef jerky to smoked chicken wings, fresh ground beef, and turkey breasts, there is sure to be something to please your palate. Call or check their Facebook page for hours and specials.
Knight's Market - 917 Highway 81 West, McDonough. 770-318-8870. Knight's Market is a family-owned produce market and plant nursery. They offer specialty items such as local honey, Queen Bee Coffee, boiled peanuts, jams, jellies, and more. You can even pick up frozen pre-cooked meals and desserts!
Nu Sunrise Farms - 488 Bucksnort Road, Griffin. 478-808-9872. Nu Sunrise Farms is a working farm in Griffin where visitors can learn what it takes to care for goats, rabbits, and chickens. They also sell local honey, goat milk lotions and soaps, and locally grown produce. Get some fresh air and meet their mini rex rabbits, baby goats, and baby chicks!
In April, a total of $17,000 was awarded by the Central Georgia EMC Foundation to non-profit organizations in our service territory.
- Central Georgia Council, Boy Scouts of America - $1,500 - To sponsor camp scholarships in Monroe County.
- Hands of Hope Clinic - $3,000 - To assist with the purchase of clinic supplies, both medical and dental.
- Variety the Children's Charity of Georgia - $3,000 - To assist with the Variety Freedom program which provides access to mobility, equipment, and technology for children with disabilities.
- United in Pink, Inc. - $2,500 - To enhance and expand the Pink Bridge program which bridges the gap by providing financial assistance for medical and non-medical expenses for cancer patients.
- Communities In Schools - Henry County - $2,500 - To support their Student Achievement program.
- Dream Center of Henry County - $2,000 - To provide food and hygiene bags for the 1st Saturday Serve days in June, July, August, and September.
- Outrageous Love Foundation, Inc. - $2,500 - To purchase gas cards for the volunteers who utilize their own vehicle for transporting veterans to the VA Hospital, or to local appointments.
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!
Co-op Connections Card
Enjoy cash back for online shopping
Save when you shop online at hundreds of national retailers with Co-op Connections Cash Back Shopping!
Featured Cash Back Stores:
- American Eagle: 1.36%
- Bed Bath & Beyond: 2.72%
- Coach: 5.44%
- Hotels.com: 2.72%
- Journeys: 4.08%
- Lands' End: 2.72%
- Macy's: 2.04%
- Office Depot: 4.08%
- Old Navy: 2.72%
- Overstock: 6.8%
- Sephora: 3.4%
- Target: 1.36%
- Walmart: 2.72%
- Verizon Wireless: 6.8%
Do you forget to utilize your Co-op Connections benefits when you are shopping online? Be sure to download the free "Shopping Assistant" extension, available at coopconnections.com, and you will receive reminders to save at your favorite stores.
*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
During warmer months, cooking outdoors is a great way to save energy and eliminate unwanted heat from cooking indoors.
Looking for more ways to save? Visit energy.gov.
Recipe of the Month
Credits:
Created with images by Mia Baker - "Desk Mock" • American Public Power Association - "Photo by Heartland" • Anthony DELANOIX - "untitled image" • Brooke Cagle - "Tattooed woman with laptop" • niekverlaan - "lamp idea pear" • Stephanie McCabe - "BBQ meat"