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A Preview of 2010 by Tom Thompson, Jr. Board Chairman and C. Hill Bentley, CEO
Happy New Year! By now, you have finalized your resolutions, probably broken a few, and are ready to face New Year’s challenges. Since 1939, Tri-County has met the challenge of providing our member-owners with affordable, reliable electricity. Tri-County’s resolution for 2010 is the same as in the past; to ensure that you, the member-owner, have an adequate, reliable electric energy to meet all your needs at the  lowest possible cost.
The past year was mild, lacking the extreme summer heat Georgia usually experiences. Lower temperatures and the economic downturn together lowered our peak demand and wholesale kWhs purchased below budgeted amounts for the second straight year. Combined with lower natural gas prices and cost controls implemented by your cooperative, the result was Tri-County EMC finishing 2009 under budget for expenses.
The challenge for 2010 is to find innovative ways to continue that trend. We plan no rate increase for 2010.
We will begin the year with a lower power cost adjustment than last year. Other controllable expenses are flat with no budget increases. The economy should begin to stabilize during the next several months. We continue to see growth in our service area, though less than in the past. Contracts for power supply over the next several years have been completed. And we are in the midst of an aggressive campaign to build the generation needed for the future.
Tri-County EMC will also introduce a variety of new products and services in 2010, including:
- “pay•your•way” billing, which will provide an innovative option for many of our members to purchase their electricity in advance
- A newly designed Website coming in Spring 2010, including a mobile site for your phone
- Continued savings and rebates through the “No Sweat” program.
Meeting the energy needs of tomorrow will be challenging. Addressing climate concerns while building new capacity for growth and keeping energy prices low is a priority.
But do not blindly accept the rhetoric from special interest groups. Ask questions and demand answers. And rely on the cooperative business model thathas worked so well for 70 years. When we all work together, we can meet any challenge. No sweat.
Tri-County EMC Foundation Grants $16,700 in December
On December 8, 2009, the Tri-County EMC Foundation Board approved seven applications, totaling $16,700 in Operation Roundup funds, to benefit organizations or individuals in area communities. The organizations receiving funds this quarter are:
| Compassionate Care Clinic, Inc. |
$2,000 to purchase dental supplies and provide free dental care for over 200 patients who would otherwise not receive it |
| Crossroads Pregnancy Center |
$3,000 to provide mothers-to-be with supplies and baby products earned with parenting class credits |
| JACOR Foundation, Inc. |
$1,500 will be used towards the purchase of approximately 50 coats for needy children in the local community |
| Jones County 4-H |
$2,500 to fund two scholarships and defray summer camp tuition for students |
| Jones County 4-H S.A.F.E. Shotgun Team |
$700 will cover entrance and qualifying fees for the state competition |
| Putnam Chrisitian Outreach, Inc. |
$3,000 to assist the recently unemployed with prescription costs and rent/mortgage payments |
| Putnam County DFACS |
$4,000 to help a family that recently lost their home and all their possessions to a house fire |
Operation Roundup is funded by the voluntary contributions of Tri-County EMC Members to the Tri-County EMC Foundation. Participants in the program have their monthly bill rounded up to the next dollar and the difference is donated to Operation Roundup. Any individuals wishing to make a tax deductible donation to the foundation may contact Lindsay Graham at 478.986.8126 or mail a check payable to: Tri-County EMC Foundation, Inc., PO Box 487, Gray, GA 31032. To learn more, visit http://www.tri-countyemc.com/operation_roundup.da.
Any non-profit, civic, religious or government organization located within Tri-County’s eight-county service area is eligible to receive funding. Applications must be for special needs or projects. No applications for contributions to an organization’s general funds will be accepted. Applications may be downloaded from Tri-County EMC’s Web site or mailed upon request by calling 478.986.8126.
Federal & State Tax Credits for Energy-Efficient Appliances and Home Products
If you purchase an energy efficient product or a renewable energy system for your home before December 31, 2010, you may be eligible for federal and state tax credits. Products such as some HVAC systems, roofs, insulation, water heaters, windows and doors are subject to a 30% federal tax credit (on purchases up to $1,500).
Georgia allows state tax credits on some renewable energy systems, but also has held an annual four-day sales tax holiday on all products that meet or exceed federal Energy Star requirements. Residential appliances such as washers, dishwashers, refrigerators/freezers, dehumidifiers, ceiling fans, lighting, air conditioners, programmable thermostats and much more, under $1,500 will be exempt from state taxes.
For more information on products that qualify and other eligibility requirements for federal and state tax credits, visit www.energystar.gov.
For more information on products eligible for Georgia tax credits, visit www.gefa.org.
Capital Credit Refunds on December/January Bills
If you were a Tri-County EMC member during 1986, you will receive a capital credit refund. Current members will receive a bill credit and past members will receive a check. Tri-County EMC issues capital credit refunds because as a non-profit cooperative, excess funds available after operating costs are refunded back to our member-owners. A total of $204, 579 will be refunded to our members between December 2009 and January 2010.
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Tri-County EMC's Newest Team Member
In December of 2009, Lindsay Graham joined Tri-County EMC as the cooperative’s new communications specialist. Lindsay will serve as the point of contact for public and media relations and as the editor of Tri-County’s member and employee publications, including Current Lines. Her duties will also include the coordination of the Operation Roundup, Bright Ideas, and the cooperative’s youth leadership programs.
Lindsay received a BS in Communication Arts from Georgia Southern University. She previously served as Communications Specialist for Picerne Military Housing in Fort Meade, Maryland and Account Executive for Green Olive Media in Atlanta, Georgia.
>>The Walter Harrison Scholarship is open to all undergraduate college students whose primary household is served by an EMC. A panel of judges from Tri-County EMC will select one undergraduate semi-finalist to compete for a $1,000 scholarship at the state level. A combination of need and academic ability will be used to determine winners. The scholarship must be used in Georgia.
Tri-County EMC must receive applications by Feb. 10. The award honors the late Walter Harrison, a pioneer in the rural electrification movement. Visit http://www.tri-countyemc.com/scholarship_programs.da for more information and to download the application.
>>The AARP Mature Driver Safety Program will take place on January 27 and 28 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. in the Community Room at Tri-County EMC in Gray. Everyone is invited to participate.
Participants will qualify for a 10% discount on their car insurance for up to three years. For more information, please contact Instructor John Langley at 478-968-5039.
*Please contact your insurance agent to verify eligibility.
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