Co-op Holds 86th Annual Meeting

Posted on Nov 03, 2025 at 1:00 PM

On October 16, Tri-County EMC hosted its 86th Annual Meeting at the Tri-County offi ce in Gray concluding the 2025 Board of Directors’ Election. Voting online or by paper ballot, over 1,400 Tri-County EMC members participated in their cooperative’s election process. Billy Jerles, Tri-County EMC Board Attorney, reported the following election results: Incumbents Cecil Patterson(Post 3, District 1), Mike Rainey (Post 3, District 2), and Marion Nelson (Post 3, District 3) were re-elected to serve three-year terms on the Tri-County EMC Board of Directors. The 2024 Annual Meeting Minutes were approved with a majority vote. (93217001)

Beginning her address, Brenda P. Green, Chairman of the Tri-County EMC Board of Directors, recognized National Co-op Month. Tri-County EMC is one of more than 900 electric cooperatives across the nation, and one of 41 EMCs in Georgia. Green reported as of September, Tri-County serves 19,073 members across Jones, Putnam, Baldwin, Jasper, Morgan, Bibb, Twiggs, and Wilkinson Counties. Green emphasized that Tri-County is guided by the Seven Cooperative Principles, which sets it apart from other electric utilities. Principle #7, “Concern for Community”, is illustrated through Tri-County’s Operation Roundup Program, which recently achieved over $2 million in grants since its establishment in 2001. Green also reported that the cooperative is in sound financial health and good standing with its financial partners. Green informed viewers that the cooperative’s top priority is the safety of its employees and members. Tri-County will continue investing in valuable training to ensure the protection of the communities it serves. Green emphasizes that providing safe and reliable power with exceptional service is what Tri-County EMC strives to do each day. With the growth that Georgia is experiencing, Tri-County EMC’s energy landscape is constantly evolving. Green announced that Tri-County was recently selected to serve the Publix currently being contructed in the Lake Oconee area of Putnam County. To end her address, Green announced that the Tri-County EMC Board and staff would be meeting next month for strategic planning. “There are many topics to be discussed,” expressed Green. “We will approach all of our opportunities and challenges with a visionary outlook as we plan for a bright future for Tri-County.

To begin his address, CEO Ray Grinberg recalled some major new stories relevant to the energy sector from the past year, including impacts from large loads such as data centers. He addressed concerns on how large industrial loads will impact Tri-County EMC, particularly its members. Grinberg informed members that new power plants are now under construction to help meet the high demand for electricity; however, the plants will not be complete for several years. “Luckily, your EMC has agreed to participate in new generation currently being built by our energy partner, Oglethorpe Power,” assured Grinberg. “That plant, which will be located in Smarr, will help meet our future needs for the next 40 to 80 years.” Also, Grinberg stated that the board and staff of Tri-County EMC would only agree to serve a data center or any other large load under terms and conditions that protect existing EMC members. Grinberg updated viewers on supply chain issues since the COVID-19 pandemic. While lead times on materials have gone back to normal, infl ationary pricing has remained prevalent. Grinberg ensured that Tri-County EMC would maintain its promise of providing safe, reliable power at an affordable cost.

Tri-CoGo COO Greg Mullis gave a brief update on the cooperative’s internet affiliate. Mullis reported that Tri-CoGo has added nearly 1,700 subscribers in the last year, an increase of about 20%. In September, the subsidiary reached 10,000 subscribers. “We’re very proud of this accomplishment,” said Mullis. “It’s a testament to the value and the reliablity that Tri-CoGo provides and the world-class customer service.” Mullis also reported an increase in Tri-CoGo’s Net Promoter Score (NPS), which is now a 91 and higher than cherished brands such as Starbucks, Amazon, and Chick-fil-A.

BALLOT DRAWING WINNERS ANNOUNCED
To conclude the meeting, Communications Specialist Anna Smith drew names for bill credits to be distributed to eleven lucky winners. Members who cast their vote in the election were automatically entered for a chance to win. Tri-County EMC member Harley Wood won the grand prize of a $500 bill credit. The ten $50 bill credit winners are listed below.

  1. David Morris
  2. Georgia Larimore
  3. Rhonda Dupree
  4. Tom Dupree
  5. Robert Duke
  6. James Roberts
  7. Sarah Waite
  8. Vickie Tribble
  9. Carol Epps
  10. Charles Parham

 

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