Welcome to the March 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.

Surviving Ice Storm 2005 On behalf of the directors and employees of Tri-County EMC, we would like to thank our members for your patience and understanding during the recent ice storm.  On Saturday, January 30, as ice built to a half inch or greater on trees and power lines, middle Georgia began a four day ordeal that saw thousands of power outages and long days and nights for our employees.  Click here to read more.

The Numbers Tell the Story On, Saturday, January 29, Tri-County EMC's service area received a coating of more than a half inch of ice, bringing trees and limbs crashing down and putting thousands of the cooperative's members in the dark.  Here is a look at significant numbers associated with the outage. 8,500   The approximate number of services with power outages. 1,748   The approximate number of miles of power lines that had to be patrolled before power could be restored to the affected circuits. This is about the same distance as driving to Bismarck, North Dakota. 2,247   Number of hours Tri-County EMC employees  worked to restore power. Contract crews and linemen assisting from other EMCs worked an additional 1,688 hours. 37,853 Total number of telephone calls Tri-County EMC employees answered during the outage. 4,199 Number of outgoing calls made during the outage, many to verify that power had been restored.

Answers to Common Questions About the Ice Storm of 2005 1. Why couldn't I get through to let someone know my power was out?     There is a physical limitation to the number of calls we can take at any given time. From Saturday until midnight Tuesday, Tri-County EMC personnel answered 37,853 phone calls and made 4,199 outgoing calls, many to verify that power had been restored. During major outages, if your neighbors are without power, it is probably safe to assume that we know about your outage, at least until the initial rush of calls diminishes such that you can report it. Click here to read more.

Use Your Generator Wisely The recent ice storm left many individuals thinking about purchasing a generator. Before you get one, there are some necessary steps that you will need to take. Have a qualified, licensed electrician  install a double-pole, double-throw transfer switch between the generator and the power supply as stated by the National Electric Code. If this is not done, cooperative personnel repairing the power lines could be electrocuted and killed. (4086-01) Check to make sure the load in wattage connected to it does not exceed the total amount your generator can produce. Overloading can damage the generator and the items plugged into it. Once every few weeks, start your generator and operate the transfer switch. This exercise will keep your generator fine-tuned so it will be ready to activate when you need it during the next major storm.

Tri-County Employees Invest in Safety 

The employees of Tri-County launched 2005 with a new take on safety. This year's slogan "Invest in Safety . . . You Can't Afford Not To," is a steady reminder to employees of how working safe must be their number one goal. The Safety Slogan Contest is offered annually to employees so they can take part in molding a phrase to live by. This year's pick was submitted by Margaret Morris, communications specialist. She won a $50 certificate to the restaurant of her choice. "The message applies away from the office, too. Hopefully the employees will carry this concept home with them," says Morris. "It may even rub off on their family members." (336-01) Due to the continuous efforts of employees putting safety first, Tri-County received the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Safety Accreditation in 2003. The three-year certification qualifies Tri-County EMC for lower workers' compensation and insurance rates.

>> Nic and Kalei Chancey are two great reasons why Control Center Operator Chris Chancey invests in safety. <<

A Tri-County EMC member living in Putnam County fell victim to a scam in January. The imposters, claiming to represent Tri-County, drove a white van with an orange light on top.The con artists stated that they were there to see about moving the power lines or trimming trees and asked the owner to come to the back of the property. At that time, a second person entered the home to commit a crime. These individuals spoke with extensive knowledge about electrical equipment, procedures and produced false documents to gain the trust of their victims. (11194-01)

Check for proper identification. All Tri-County EMC and Pike Electric contracted personnel drive logoed trucks and carry a badge. If you doubt someone, call (478) 986-8100 or 1-866-254-8100.