March 2025 Georgia Magazine

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CONNECTIONS

STORM PREPAREDNESS: HOW WE GET READY AND WHAT YOU CAN DO

Spring is on our doorstep, and while we look forward to more opportunities to be outdoors and enjoy warmer weather, spring and summer can also create the perfect conditions for severe storms. Here’s a glimpse at how Cobb EMC prepares for inclement weather and what you can do to keep you and your family safe:

WHAT COBB EMC DOES TO GET READY:

MONITOR: Cobb EMC tracks storm advisories, regional power outages and weather updates.

PREPARE: Before a storm, we assess the storm type, required crews, timing of the storm, the need for additional contractor and mutual aid resources, as well as support from other departments within the company. Extreme weather events are an all-hands-on-deck effort at Cobb EMC.

MITIGATE: After the storm, crews prioritize restoring power to essential services like hospitals and public safety facilities, then systematically work to restore power to the greatest number of members.

INFORM: You may receive notifications from Cobb EMC about power outages via text, email or voice. Our crews and operations team work hard to keep our members informed regarding restoration times and outage causes.

Learn more about how power is restored by scanning the code with your smartphone.

ARE YOU STORM READY?

BE PREPARED:

• Create an emergency kit with power outage essentials: batteries, power banks, flashlights, nonperishable foods, water, medical supplies and prescriptions.

• If you or a family member require medical devices powered by electricity or medicine that requires refrigeration, talk with your medical provider about your power outage plan.

• Monitor local weather news for updates.

STAY SAFE:

• Use portable generators safely: Operate outdoors in well-ventilated areas, place on a flat, dry surface, do not overload and always read the operating manual before use. NEVER plug generators directly into outlets because that poses a danger to our line crews.

• Severe storms can bring down tree limbs and power lines. If you encounter a downed line, stay back. Always assume a downed line is live and dangerous.

Education initiatives that are transforming communities

Cobb EMC is committed to educating young minds and illuminating pathways to success. This is part of what makes us a cooperative, and more than your electric provider. Explore our education initiatives below:

Cobb EMC Youth Leadership Program:

This program gives current high school juniors the opportunity to develop leadership and networking skills, learn about their electric cooperative and earn scholarships.

Mini-Grants for Teachers: Every year, Cobb EMC sponsors mini-grants for teachers in our service area to help fund special projects for their students. Teachers can apply for mini-grants up to $500 to go toward their projects. In 2025, $38,525 will be awarded to 81 teachers within our five-county area.

Partners in Education: Cobb EMC is a Partner-atLarge serving 150 schools in our service area. Our participation includes cosponsoring a variety of programs, activities and special events throughout the school year, together with Gas South. These include Cobb and Cherokee County Science Olympiads and Engineering Fairs, STEM essay contests, Literacy Week, and more.

Scholarships: In support of furthering education, Cobb EMC currently offers scholarship opportunities for our young student members. As of January 2025, $988,050 has been awarded in scholarships to students in our service area.

Interested students can apply for available opportunities at cobbemc.com/EducationOutcomes.

$75.8 MILLION since 2013 in cash back to members in the form of a WPA.

#1 IN THE STATE for lowest rates among all electric utilities.2 $42 IN SAVINGS

Members’ monthly bills are $42 lower than the average electric bill. NO INCREASES Cobb EMC rates have remained the same for 2025.

SPRING INTO MORE SAVINGS THIS SEASON

Looking to spring clean and save energy this spring? Cobb EMC is ready to support your efforts with our Recycle Day event and our rebate programs. Find more information below and more energy efficiency tips on our website at cobbemc.com/Save.

MEMBER BENEFIT: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR ANNUAL $50 REBATE

Cobb EMC’s HVAC Tuneup rebate program encourages our members to schedule annual preseason checkups with a qualified contractor to check that HVAC systems are operating efficiently. Request a $50 rebate starting March 1, available while supplies last. cobbemc.com/Tuneup

SPRING CLEAN: OUR RECYCLE DAY IS BACK THIS MAY.

Join us May 31 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. for our Recycle Day this spring. Bring your old phones, computer equipment, cameras, metal items and small appliances for proper eco-friendly disposal. A cash-only fee will apply to TVs ($20) and computer monitors ($10). We will also offer on-site shredding for secure document destruction. cobbemc.com/Recycle

CASH BACK: FIND INCENTIVES TO HELP WITH EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENTS

Take your home to the next level with energy-saving and smart technology improvements through Cobb EMC’s Energy Network. The Network offers an incentive to help you purchase and install energy improvements in your home. Eligible upgrades include electric vehicle chargers, HVAC replacements, water heater replacements, and more. cobbemc.com/Network

EASY AND CONVENIENT WAYS TO PAY YOUR BILL

• Online and mobile app: Pay your bill online using a checking account or credit card. Residential members may pay by Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express with no convenience fee

• By phone: Call our automated system to make a payment at 770-429-2100.

• In person: Pay by cash, check or money order at our office located at 1000 EMC Parkway, Marietta, GA 30060. Take a copy of your bill to any MoneyGram, Western Union and VanillaDirect Pay (InComm) location.

• By mail: Mail checks or money orders payable to Cobb EMC to P.O. Box 745711, Atlanta, GA 30374-5711.

More convenience: You may also choose your own due date if you are a qualifying Cobb EMC residential member. Learn more at cobbemc.com/ Choose

You don’t have to wait for the great natural gas savings you deserve.

As a Cobb EMC member, you can claim special savings on your natural gas right now when you join Gas South, Georgia’s highest-rated provider. Easily join today in just minutes for:

• $50 in Gas South bill credits

• A 2¢-per-therm permanent discount*

• No deposit and no connection fee

ANNUAL MEETING: IMPORTANT DATES

Save the date for our Annual Meeting on Sept. 13, 2025, to learn about our progress, ways to save on your electric bill and to vote for director candidates.

Members who would like to run for the board, sponsor bylaw amendments or speak longer than five minutes at the Annual Meeting must submit written notice to the secretary of the board of directors by the deadlines below.

Find more details at cobbemc.com/ AnnualMeeting

May 23: The 2025 nomination petitions for districts 4, 5, 8 are due.

June 5: Member-sponsored bylaw amendments deadline.

Aug. 8: Deadline to request to speak longer than five minutes at Annual Meeting.

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