Extreme Winter Weather Increases Energy Use Across the State

An unexpected and persistent cold-snap brought record temperatures to the Deep South during the first two weeks of January. Gripped in the chill, Tri-County members endured morning low temperatures in the teens and twenties day after day, with afternoon highs only reaching the upper thirties and low forties. The cold snap resulted in frozen pipes, cabin fever for kids and adults, and heating systems that never seemed to shut off.

On January 11, 2010, Tri-County EMC set a new system peak of 113 MW. The cooperative’s previous peak was 108 MW, set February 4, 2009.

From December 26 to January 15, daily low temperatures were below freezing for 18 of the 21 days and below 20 degrees for seven of those days. During the same period, high temperatures did not make it out of the thirties for seven days and only exceeded 50 degrees four times.

"Our members are seeing dramatically higher energy usage for the first two weeks of January," said Vice President of Energy Services Greg Mullis. "The daily high and low temperatures were ten to fifteen degrees below average, meaning much longer run times for heating systems."

To reduce the impact of cold weather on your electric usage, Tri-County EMC recommends setting your thermostat at 68 degrees when the home is occupied. If you have a programmable thermostat, consider reducing the temperature six to eight degrees while you are away. And by participating in Tri-County’s Levelized Billing Program, which averages the current month’s bill with the last eleven months, you can ease your monthly budgeting by eliminating fluctuations. 

• Set your thermostat at 68° or lower
• Seal and insulate all ducts
• Replace incandescent bulbs with CFL lighting
• Change air filters regularly
• Replace worn weather stripping and caulk around doors and windows
• Check your home’s attic and floor insulation
• Wrap your water heater with an insulation jacket and set temperature to 120°
• Avoid costly space heaters
• Close blinds or drapes at night and open them during the day

Washington Youth Tour Applications Now Being Accepted

 

Tri-County EMC is accepting applications from area high school students for consideration in the prestigious Washington Youth Tour, a unique, all-expenses-paid, leadership opportunity available once a year to prospective students in Georgia. The two chosen students will join more than 100 youth from Georgia to represent the state during the 2010 Washington Youth Tour to be held June 10-17.

 

The fast-paced, high-energy program is designed to give students a taste of democracy in action, expose them to the nation’s rich history through visits to national monuments and museums, and encourage students to become active in their communities.

 

The tour begins in Georgia while students get to know each other, learn about Georgia’s 42 EMCs and the electric cooperative industry and enjoy a private tour of the birthplace of rural electrification - the Little White House in Warm Springs.

 

The group then travels to Washington, D.C. to connect with more than 1,500 students from across the country. While there, they will cruise down the Potomac River; lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington Cemetery; and tour the U.S. Supreme Court, the Bureau of Printing and Engraving, Mount Vernon, the National Cathedral and Ford’s Theater. 

 

Students will also visit memorials honoring Presidents Franklin Roosevelt, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Washington; World War II; the Vietnam and Korean Wars; and watch the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps and the Silent Drill Platoon perform at the Iwo Jima Memorial. Students will also visit the Smithsonian Institute, Newseum and Holocaust Museums.

 

Visit www.tri-countyemc.com to download an application or pick up an application at the Tri-County EMC Gray or Eatonton offices.        

           

Applications must be sent to Lindsay Graham at P.O. Box 487, Gray, GA 31032 by March 8, 2010.

 

Eligibility requirements include:

• Student must reside in a home served by Tri-County EMC.
• Public, private and home-school students are eligible.
• Participants must be 16 years of age by June 10, 2010.
• Participants must turn in complete application with parent signature by March 8, 2010.

 

Application must include:

• Completed application form with signature
• Letter of recommendation
• Personal Statement
• Parental/Guardian permission signature
• Current Photo of applicant (preferably school photo)

For more in formation, please contact Lindsay Graham at (478) 986-8216 or at (866) 254-8100, ext. 8126.

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