Current Lines: May 2006

Welcome to the May 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.

Green Power EMC Adds Another Energy Source to the Mix On March 21, Green Power EMC, a group of 28 electric membership corporations (EMCs) in Georgia, including Tri-County EMC, announced plans to purchase 20 megawatts of electricity from the first poultry litter-to-energy operation in Georgia. The electricity will be provided by Earth Resources Inc., which will construct a chicken litter-to-electricity plant near Carnesville, Ga., about 70 miles northeast of Atlanta. The Franklin County plant is the first in the state to use a gasification system to convert poultry litter into electricity. Click here to read more.  >> Gov. Perdue sanctions Georgia’s first chicken litter-to-electricity pact with representatives from Earth Resources, Inc., Green Power EMC, the USDA and the Senate Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee. <<

Clearing Pathways to Reliable Service                       >> In 2006, herbicide will be applied to rights of way in the northwest portion of Tri-County EMC’s service area. << We understand the value our members place on receiving uninterrupted electric service. That’s why we have a right-of-way program, which prevents trees from causing outages, or trees, brush and foliage from causing delays during service restoration efforts. Tri-County EMC continually treats rights of way by selectively applying herbicides and trimming only the brush that could interrupt your service. Only nonrestrictive, nonresidual herbicides are applied to brush every four years. Trimming will be done system-wide. Click here to read more.

Sills and Wood to Tour Washington, D.C.                                                 Two local students have been selected to represent Tri-County EMC on the Washington Youth Tour June 8 —15. The trip for the 90 Georgia students begins with a look at state government. In Washington, D.C., they will join around 1,400 students nationwide to visit famous sites including the White House. Click here to read more. Taylor Sills Levi Wood

Respect Electrical Safety                                                                                                                                                      

>> Teach children not to play near or on pad-mounted transformers. <<

May is National Electrical Safety Month— a good time to commit to electrical safety awareness. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, electricity kills nearly 400 people and injures thousands more each year. Power line contact with construction equipment, ladders and gardening tools are among the leading cause of electrocutions. Many of these accidents could have been avoided with a little knowledge.

Electrical safety awareness begins with children. Teach them never to play around pad-mounted transformers or other electrical equipment. These units are subject to use as play gear by kids as these square, metal cabinets are commonly seen at residences. Transformers are dangerous, and, if tampered with, can cause injury or death.

Mature Driver Safety Class Scheduled  
                                                                              
The American Association of Retired Persons will offer a Mature Driver Safety class at Tri-County EMC’s Community Room in Gray June 28 and 29 from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Participants will learn how to avoid accidents and traffic violations and may even qualify for a 10 percent reduction on their insurance. The cost is $10 per person. Participants must register by calling (478) 986-8126. 

Did You Know? ...

In 1935, President D. Roosevelt created the Rural Electrification Administration to provide loans to electric cooperatives, like Tri-County, making it one of the largest consumer service projects ever undertaken by the United States government.

Have you checked your roof lately? Few things can shorten the life of your home faster than a roof leak. A minor roof leak can damage your attic insulation affecting your home’s efficiency. (48619-01)  You can assess your roof using binoculars from the ground, looking out a second story window or standing on a ladder. Look for any loose or missing shingles. If there are just a few, have a roofing contractor repair them. If the damage is widespread, it may be time for a replacement. Look for places where leaves and other debris accumulate, clean these areas every year, since they will often be the first places to fail as your roof reaches the end of its lifespan.