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.

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.

“We want to do our part to ensure that our students have adequate internet access to download the resources needed for digital learning days,” said President/CEO George L. Weaver.

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.

The Public Service Commission’s Winter Residential Survey annually ranks all 94 electric providers in Georgia. We are proud to announce that Central Georgia EMC (CGEMC) is yet again ranked among the three lowest-cost providers at both the 1,500 kilowatt-hour (kWh) and 2,000 kWh levels! Our average consumer uses about 1,500 kWh per month.

Keeping up with the weather this winter was a challenge our dedicated team at CGEMC took to heart. We constantly analyze our members' power needs with the goal of keeping rates as low as possible without sacrificing reliability.

CGEMC members spent less on energy use than 97 percent of the state! At the 1,500 kWh level, that’s a savings of more than $432 per year when compared to the state average.

We work hard so you can enjoy more of your hard-earned income. You may rest assured that we have your best interest at heart when it comes to providing reliable, affordable energy.

Sheep and SOLAR

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!

Just for fun, enjoy learning more about the innovative way that our solar partner, Silicon Ranch, maintains their solar fields with flocks of sheep . Fun fact: sheep were chosen over goats because they do not jump on top of the solar panels.

April is National Safe Digging Month. According to consumer behavior trends, April marks the beginning of the peak period for outdoor digging projects in Georgia and nationwide.

When should someone contact 811? Do-it-yourselfers and contractors should reach 811 at least two business days before ANY digging project. A few common examples include but are not limited to:

• Putting in a fence
• Planting trees or shrubbery
• Installing a sprinkler system
• Pool installation
• Installing a mailbox
• Grading, boring, or trenching