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Current Lines: September 2004
Welcome to the September 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.
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Rate Restructuring Nearing Completion
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Hill Bentley, CEO
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At the 2003 Annual Meeting, I discussed a need to complete a comprehensive cost-of-service study for Tri-County. The results of this study revealed that the cost to provide basic service, which includes construction, maintenance, meter reading, accounting and other activities, is $22 per month for each account. In February of 2004, I announced upcoming changes to all Tri-County's rates and a $2 increase in the minimum bill (from $10 to $12 per month for residential customers) and an increase in monthly outdoor lighting charges. Those changes went into effect on March 1. We are nearing the implementation of our restructuring efforts. Click here to read more.
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Prepare for Annual Meeting 2004
On Thursday, October 21, Tri-County EMC will hold its 65th Annual Meeting at the headquarters office in Gray. Registration opens at 6:00 p.m., and the business meeting begins at 7:00 p.m.
You can expect your Annual Meeting package to arrive by the end of September. It includes information on the 2004 director candidates, ballots and instructions for voting by mail. When you complete and return your ballots, you will have a chance to win a cash prize. During Annual Meeting, Tri-County will draw and award ten $50 and one $500 prize to voting members. If you do not receive your package of materials by the first week of October, please call (478) 986-8100 or 1-866-254-8100. Click here to read more.
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Website Earns National Recognition
>> Tri-County Vice President of Energy Services Greg Mullis and Communications Specialist Margaret Morris display their National "Award of Excellence" they received for their Web site. The site,
www.tri-countyemc.com,
earned first place among EMCs serving 8,001 - 20,000 meters as the "Best Application of Electronic Communication." <<
Click here to read more.
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After the Storm
With the fall season upon us, so is the greater possibility for storms, tornadoes, flooding and hurricanes. After the storm is no time to be caught off-guard. Storms and flooding can carry an increased risk of electrocution. Click here to read more.
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Winter Rates Begin Oct. 1
Tri-County EMC's winter rates go into effect October 1. Tri-County's rates change seasonally to reflect differences in wholesale power costs.
Did You Know?...
Cooling bills have been much higher this summer thanks to the extreme heat. In fact, in July Tri-County EMC set a new record for a single month's wholesale power purchased of 37,993,031 kWh. Since May, Cooling Degree Days, a measurement of the amount of cooling needed, totaled 1410, 285 CDDs higher than normal. Put in real dollars, the cooling costs for a well insulated 1,500 square-foot home with a 78 degree thermostat setting would increase by about $92 for that period. The same size home with less insulation, leaky ductwork or a lower thermostat setting could see that number double or triple.
AARP Driver Safety Program Scheduled
Tri-County EMC will host a Mature Driver Safety class October 26 and 27 at the office in Gray. The two-day course, offered by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), will be held from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Participants will learn how to avoid accidents and traffic violations and develop defensive driving techniques. You must register for this class. Please call (478) 986-8126.
Energy Tip of the Month
You can save energy and money if you follow the "Energy Star" label the next time you shop for appliances. An Energy Star rating gives consumers an easy way to recognize the most efficient heating systems, cooling systems, appliances and electronics. There is even an Energy Star label for new homes. Energy Star means that the product bearing the label is in the top 15 percent of efficiency compared to similar products. To learn more, visit www.energystar.gov.
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Use Caution When Working Outdoors
For some individuals, the fall season can mean long hours of harvesting in the fields. Yet, others may work with large equipment outdoors performing other tasks. Whatever your duties are, working safe is a must.
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s Lower augers or elevators before approaching
power lines.
s Avoid operating machinery when you're tired.
s Make sure machinery is maintained and
running properly.
s Never take riders. One seat means one rider.
s If you plan to work within 10 feet of power lines,
you must first call the Georgia Utilities
Protection Center at 1-800-282-7411.
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