CONNECTIONS
The Official Newsletter of Cobb Electric Membership Corporation | MAY 2022
Your opinion matters Our members are our No. 1 priority. You may receive a call from a well-known customer satisfaction survey. We ask that you take a few minutes to complete the phone call survey. We value your feedback, and your answers will help us improve the service we provide. Plus, we invite you to take our online survey for a chance to win a $25 bill credit: cobbemc.com/survey See how we work hard for our members: cobbemc.com/reliability
BE SOLAR AWARE: CHOOSING SOLAR AND AVOIDING SCAMS Interest in solar energy is growing and many homeowners are taking advantage of the clean energy option to help power their homes. If you’re considering solar, we encourage you to start with Cobb EMC so we can help you navigate the process and decide if solar is right for you. While many solar companies are reputable, some may be sharing information that is incorrect when it comes to saving money on your energy bill. We recommend that you take the time to do research on different providers and read reviews in order to avoid scams or future issues with your solar installation. It’s also important to know which type of solar is right for your home before committing to a solar system. Here are some considerations:
Small change, big difference Since its inception, the Cobb EMC Foundation has awarded more than $7 million to local charities and nonprofits. Thank you to members who round up their bills each month through Operation Round Up. For a full list of recipients or to learn how to request funding, visit cobbemc.com/foundation.
• Do you own your home? • How much sun is in your area? • What type of condition is your roof in? • How much solar do you need? • How much does solar cost? Cobb EMC energy advisors can help you determine which solar solutions will work best for your home, so you can make an informed decision. Find everything you need to get started on the path to solar when you visit our solar resource center at cobbemc.com/solar.
AVOID SOLAR SCAMS We have received reports that solar scammers are impersonating Cobb EMC employees and going door to door selling solar products. Please know that our employees will never sell products or services in your neighborhood, and we will never call you to sell services over the phone.
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CONNECTIONS | The Official Newsletter of Cobb Electric Membership Corporation | MAY 2022
THE PROOF IS IN THE POWER
BRIGHTENING OUR COMMUNITY In February, Cobb EMC sent line crews to Kentucky to help Inter-County Energy restore power in the wake of an ice storm. Mutual aid is one way we exemplify Cooperation Among Cooperatives, one of the seven cooperative principles. Learn more at cobbemc.com/about.
#1
IN THE NATION FOR RESTORING OUTAGES QUICKLY
#2
IN THE NATION FOR RELIABILITY
TOP 10 IN THE STATE FOR LOW RATES
CO-OPS HELPING CO-OPS
Cobb EMC recently awarded more than $42,000 in mini-grants to 90 elementary, middle and high school teachers across the electric cooperative’s five-county service area. These mini-grants will fund a variety of experiential and active learning projects including career prep, STEM, community gardens, art, music expansions and more.
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR STUDENTS
Learn more at cobbemc.com/news.
Cobb EMC recently hosted a game night and barbecue dinner to benefit clients and employees of LiveSafe Resources. The organization is committed to providing safety and healing to those impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault and elder abuse within our community.
LEADERSHIP Kevan Espy, President & CEO
BOARD OF DIRECTORS David Tennant, Chairman Rudy Underwood, Vice Chairman Kelly Bodner, Secretary-Treasurer Bryan Boyd Eric Broadwell Edward Crowell David McClellan Tripper Sharp Malcolm Swanson
Learn more at cobbemc.com/voltsofjoy.
CONTACT US
SPREADING HAPPINESS
Phone: 770.429.2100 Pay by phone: 1.855.730.8714 Web: cobbemc.com
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CONNECTIONS | The Official Newsletter of Cobb Electric Membership Corporation | MAY 2022
SAVE ENERGY THIS SPRING TIPS TO SPRING INTO GOOD ENERGY HABITS
FIND YEAR-ROUND ENERGY-SAVING TIPS AT: cobbemc.com/save Set it to save Our experts recommend setting your thermostat to 78 degrees in warm weather. For maximum efficiency, use a programmable thermostat to set your home to a warmer temperature while away. When in need of cooling, it’s best to cool your home slowly so you don’t overwork your system and waste energy. Consider turning on the ceiling fan for a more costeffective cooling option. Remember, fans cool people not rooms, so be sure to switch them off when you leave.
Save on smart energy products If you’re charging an EV at home, you may consider installing your own electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). Level 2 chargers provide more efficiency and a faster charging experience when compared to simply plugging into the wall (Level 1 charging). Save money when you upgrade with a $250 incentive for qualifying Cobb EMC members. To learn more, go to cobbemc.com/charge. Smart thermostats are a smart way to manage your home’s heating and cooling. Wi-Fi-enabled features allow you to control the temperature from your smartphone, so you can save energy when you’re on the go. When used correctly, ENERGY STAR certified thermostats could save you up to $100 a year.
Save $10 on smart thermostat installation when you go to cobbemc.com/thermostat.
Give your HVAC some TLC Heating and cooling account for some of the largest energy expenses in a home. Keep your system running efficiently with routine maintenance, like vacuuming air intake vents and seasonal tuneups. Remember to check and change your air filters if needed. Dirty air filters cause more stress on your system and can lower indoor air quality.
Keep the heat out Use window coverings to block direct sunlight and keep extra heat out of the home. If you use incandescent lightbulbs, turn them off when they aren’t in use. Incandescent bulbs give off heat – 90% of the energy goes to heat and only 10% goes to lighting. You can also swap those old incandescents to LEDs for extra savings. LEDs use 75% less energy and last up to 25 times longer. Sources: energy.gov, energystar.gov
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CONNECTIONS | The Official Newsletter of Cobb Electric Membership Corporation | MAY 2022
SAVINGS MADE EASY As a co-op, we are focused on providing meaningful programs to the members we serve. The Co-op Connections® Program is one that can help you in many ways. You could save up to 85% on your next prescription with pharmacy discounts from the Co-op Connections Program. When you join, you will also unlock discounts on entertainment, dining, travel and everyday expenses. Download the app to join for free and start saving today at cobbemc.com/discounts.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE VALUE OF YOUR CO-OP MEMBERSHIP: cobbemc.com/member
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