Current Lines:  May 2004

Welcome to the May 2004 edition of Current Lines newsletter, a monthly publication of Tri-County EMC. Below are
a few samples of the articles in this current newsletter. To read the full article, just click on the "Click here to read more" link.

Right-of-Way Spraying Enhances Reliability Overgrown trees and brush often interfere with power lines, causing blinks or outages. Each year, Tri-County EMC combats this vegetation with an herbicide spraying and trimming program. Each area is treated with a nonrestrictive, nonresidual herbicide every four years and trimmed every seven years. This summer, Tri-County EMC will spray rights of way in Baldwin, Jones, Putnam and Wilkinson Counties.  For your information, we have provided a list of areas by nearby roads where spraying will occur. Click here to read more...

Allie to Tour D.C.! Tri-County EMC has selected Alexandria "Allie" Chambers to go on this year's Washington Youth Tour June 10 - 17. She will join over 1,000 other teens from across the nation to tour famous sites while gaining leadership skills. Students will also meet and discuss their views with their peers while learning about history, government and careers in public service. Click here to read more...

Undelivered Capital Credits These members are due captial credit refunds. Please call (478) 986-8101 or 986-8107 / 1-866-254-8100, ext. 8101 or 8107 to claim your check.  >> Together, Georgia's 42 EMCs return an average of $17 million in capital credit refunds each year. << Click here to read more...

Capital Credits ... The Third Cooperative Principle In many ways, a cooperative is different from any other type of business. One of the most fundamental differences and one of the seven cooperative principles is your ability to receive "capital credits." Unlike "for-profit" businesses, which exist to make money, electric cooperatives exist to provide a service and fill a need. Any money collected in excess of the costs to provide service is refunded to the member in the form of capital credits.  Click here to read more...

Summer Rates Begin June 1

Tri-County's summer rates start on June 1 and will be in effect through September 30. During summer months, Tri-County Members may notice an increase in their charges per kilowatt-hour.  

Truck for Sale

A 1995 Ford F-150 truck is for sale by sealed bid. We welcome
bids at either office until June 14.

 5.0 V8 engine
 Automatic with overdrive
 Dual-fuel tank
 Air conditioning
 AM/FM cassette
 197,686 miles 

 Give the Gift of Blood

Tri-County will host a blood drive with the American Red Cross on Tuesday, May 18 from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. The drive will take place in the community room at Tri-County EMC's office in Gray. We encourage anyone who is able to give to join us. The Southern region lacks supply and has to import blood from other Red Cross blood centers across the U.S. to meet its own patients' needs. To schedule your appointment, please call Beverly Smith at (478) 986-8135 or 1-866-254-8100, ext. 8135. 

Did You Know?...

Each year, Georgia's EMCs pay over $70 million in federal, state, and local taxes.  In 2003, Tri-County EMC paid about $505,000 in property, unemployment, and social security taxes.  In addition to sales tax collected from our members, Tri-County also paid over $101,000 in sales tax in 2003 for corporate purchases, much of it benefiting the local communities we serve. 

Energy Tip of the Month

Cooking on the oven or stove adds heat to your home, creating more work for your air-conditioner. A large surface element (2400W) operated on high for 30 minutes will add over 4,000 BTUH in cooling load, about the capacity of a small window air conditioner. That alone is plenty of incentive to use the exhaust fan. Better yet, on hot summer days, consider grilling outside or cooking microwavable meals. A microwave typically uses 1000W or less and adds a fraction of the heat given off from conventional cooking.

Have a favorite grilled recipe you'd like to share?  Send it to: Margaret Morris, Tri-County EMC, P.O. Box 487, Gray, GA  31032 or margaretm@tri-countyemc.com.