May 2024 Connections Newsletter

CONNECTIONS

The Official Newsletter of Cobb Electric Membership Corporation | MAY 2024

FREE MEMBER EVENTS SAFETY IS THE BACKBONE OF RELIABILITY

Every year, Cobb EMC hosts free events for members to explore topics that impact energy efficiency in the home. Additionally, we offer programs that support efficiency habits and help our members save.

Save these dates!

Homeowners’ Association Meeting: May 16

EV Seminar: May 23

Energy Efficiency Webinar: June 27

Solar Energy Seminar: July 30

Visit our website to learn more about these events: cobbemc.com/events

Small change, big difference

Since inception, the Cobb EMC Foundation has awarded more than $8.6 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.

Our office will be closed on May 27 for Memorial Day. Crews are always standing by for emergencies. If you have an outage, report it at 770-429-2100 or via our outage center. cobbemc.com/outagecenter

At Cobb EMC, safety is our #1 priority, from the ongoing training of our employees to resources and webinars for members and classroom safety programs for our kids. Our commitment doesn’t stop at education and training. Providing reliable, dependable power 24/7 year-round requires a focus on safety in everything we do.

SYSTEM UPGRADES

One of the most important things we do to provide reliable electricity is maintaining and updating our infrastructure. Just like we service our vehicles with regular oil changes and inspections, the electric grid must also be maintained. We regularly inspect, improve and monitor 9,000-plus miles of line across five counties. This can include changing old poles, building new substations or replacing aging underground cables. Learn more at cobbemc.com/reliable.

Beyond this ongoing maintenance, we routinely clear trees and overgrown vegetation, a vital step in providing safe, reliable power. Trees and brush can be conductors of electricity, and trimming is necessary to avoid outages and safety hazards for our crews and the general public. For example, if trees are touching power lines in our members’ yards, they can cause a potential hazard. If children can reach those trees, they could climb into a danger zone. Electricity can arc from a power line to a nearby conductor such as a tree. Any tree or branch that falls across a power line creates a potentially dangerous situation. By proactively trimming trees, we provide a safe environment for our crews and communities while improving service reliability and speeding up restoration time. Learn more at cobbemc.

TRIMMING TREES AROUND LINES

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO IMPACT SAFETY?

When it comes to safety, there are ways you can help, too. Don’t attach signs or other items to utility poles, as it poses a danger to our lineworkers. We can work together to enjoy the beauty of trees and reliable electricity. Check out our helpful guide on tree and shrub planting around power lines and Cobb EMC equipment at cobbemc.com/trees. Plus, find DIY electrical safety tips on the following page.

DIY SAFETY TIPS

When you work with electricity every day, safety is top of mind every minute! We care about your safety at home, too. We recognize National Electrical Safety Month every May, but we encourage you to take simple, practical steps to ensure home safety year-round.

Avoid overloading outlets. Overloaded outlets can create fire hazards.

Use extension cords properly. Never plug an extension cord into another extension cord. If you “daisy chain” them together, it could lead to overheating, creating a potential fire hazard. Extension cords should not be used as permanent solutions.

heavy use or excessive current flow through the wiring. If cords become frayed or cut, replace them, as they could cause a shock when handled.

Electricity and liquids never mix. Keep drinks — even that morning cup of coffee — a safe distance away from your electrical devices.

Talk with your kids about playing it safe and smart around electricity. Make them aware of overhead power lines near where they play outdoors.

Find helpful seasonal tips for home, electrical, power line and storm safety at cobbemc.com/safety.

Don’t exceed the wattage of your cords. Doing so also creates a risk of overloading the cord and creating a fire hazard.

Frayed wires pose a serious safety hazard. Power cords can become damaged or frayed from age,

Our top priority is providing an uninterrupted energy supply 24/7, 365 days per year. Equally important is keeping our community safe around electricity. If you’re overloading outlets, extension cords or circuits, or your home is more than 40 years old and you need to install multiple large appliances that consume large amounts of electricity, contact a qualified electrician to help. Visit our website for a list of approved contractors: cobbemc.com/ contractors

5 WAYS RENTERS CAN SAVE MONEY BRINGING YOU VALUE EVERY DAY

This year, Cobb EMC residential members’ bills are $36 lower per month than the state average. For the second year in a row, we’re ranked #1 in Georgia for lowest rates among all reporting electric utilities according to the 2024 PSC Winter Rate Survey. Learn about other ways we work to provide affordable electricity:

• Power Perks: When we save money, we give it back to you. Since 2013, we have returned nearly $56 million in the form of a Wholesale Power Adjustment credit on electric bills.

• Gas South Partnership: In 2021 and 2022, we protected members from higher rates by absorbing $27 million in rising wholesale power costs with the help of dividends received from Gas South, our whollyowned subsidiary. Gas South helps us remain financially strong, which helps to keep rates low.

Visit cobbemc.com/workingforyou

Unplug electrical devices when not in use. Some devices draw power even when they’re powered off.

Close shades during the day to keep your home cooler in the summer.

Replacing standard bulbs with certified LED lightbulbs is one of the easiest ways to save. Replacing just five bulbs can save nearly $45 a year! 2 3 5 4

Fix leaky faucets and other leaks as soon as possible. One drip per second wastes 1,661 gallons of water per year.

A one degree change in heating or cooling setpoint can affect energy use by 3%-5%.

BRIGHTENING OUR COMMUNITY

WE’RE INVESTING IN OUR FUTURE WORKFORCE

Georgia Tech graduate and Ph.D. students recently visited Cobb EMC to learn how we achieve our #1 reliability status and what initiatives we are undertaking to improve resiliency. We’re excited to share our smart grid and renewable energy projects with our community. Learn more about how we’re working to keep your lights on at cobbemc.com/reliable

EMPLOYEES PARTICIPATE IN FUTURE FEST CAREER DAY

Cobb EMC recently participated in the Cobb CTAE (Career, Technical and Agricultural Education) Future Fest hosted by CITA (Cobb Innovation & Technology Academy), inspiring more than 1,500 students. The one-day event allowed students to learn about career opportunities in fields like construction and health care while offering unique learning experiences. During the event, we showcased our bucket truck and discussed electrical distribution career opportunities, scholarships and internships. At Cobb EMC, we’re committed to investing in the workforce of the future.

SAFETY FIRST — CALL BEFORE YOU DIG

Thousands of times each month, underground infrastructure is damaged by those who do not have underground lines located prior to digging, resulting in service interruption and major safety hazards. Our board of directors recently signed a resolution for Safe Digging Month to highlight the importance of keeping our community safe and connected. Contacting 811 is FREE and EASY. Complete your locate request online or dial 811. Learn more at cobbemc.com/safety

Courtesy of Brian An

Moving Soon?

Save time and money with Gas South as a Cobb EMC member.

Moving can be stressful, but Georgia’s most-trusted natural gas provider is ready to help. With Gas South, you get exclusive discounts on natural gas and more as a Cobb EMC member. Simply follow these three steps to make your move easier:

Get free, helpful resources:

• Moving Checklist: GasSouth.Link/Checklist

• Moving Tips: GasSouth.Link/MovingHacks

Sign up for toprated service.

Visit GasSouth.com/Cobb for great rates, easy plans and Georgia’s highest-rated service. Cobb EMC members save with:

•2¢ off per therm

•A $50 bill credit

•No deposit or connection fee

Ready for the special natural gas discounts you deserve?

You qualify for extra savings on your natural gas as a Cobb EMC member when you join Gas South, Georgia’s most-trusted provider. Easily sign up today in just minutes to get:

• A 2¢-per-therm permanent discount*

• $50 in bill credits

• No deposit and no connection fee

Join today online and claim your special savings!

website for details.

Save even more on moving.

• Get a special 5% discount on moving with Atlanta Peach Movers

• Bundle services with Allconnect for exclusive savings on TV, internet and more