November 2016 - Connections Member Newsletter

CONNECTIONS

NOVEMBER 2016 | THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF COBB ELECTRIC MEMBERSHIP CORPORATION

Upcoming events

Cobb EMC electric rates are the lowest in the state of Georgia, according to the Georgia Public Service Commission’s Summer Residential Rate Survey.

“We’re extremely proud that our rates rank No. 1—lowest among all 94 providers in the state,” said Chip Nelson, president and CEO of Cobb EMC. “These rankings reaffirm our commitment to safely delivering reliable, competitively priced electricity and to bring greater savings and overall value to our members.”

According to the 2016 Georgia PSC summer survey, Cobb EMC members save approximately $31.66 per month on their summer bills compared to the average electric utility customer.

“Our board, staff and employees have worked hard to control costs while increasing service reliability. I’m very proud of their dedication to serve our members,” Nelson added.

$91.69* $123.35* Electric utility average

$127.34*

Georgia Power

*Monthly bill comparison. The Georgia Public Service Commission summer survey ranks electric providers on rates in effect for the month of July, based on total electric bill amounts of 500, 1,000, 1,500 and 2,000 kWh. For more information or to view complete surveys, visit the Georgia Public Service Commission’s website at www.psc.state.ga.us/electric/surveys/residentialrs.asp. All numbers above assume 1,000 kWh use and only apply to Cobb EMC members who pay bills on time.

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NOVEMBER 2016

The next Cobb EMC Homeowners’ Association Meeting will be held Nov. 17 at 6:30 p.m. To RSVP: www.cobbemc.com/hoa

Office closing Cobb EMC will be closed on Nov. 24 and 25 for Thanksgiving.

Employees are always on call for emergencies. Please call our automated outage system at 770-429-2100 in the event of an outage, and visit our outage center at www.cobbemc.com/outage.

Open board meeting The Cobb EMC board of directors will host an open board meeting on Nov. 29 at 4 p.m. in the Cobb EMC board room. To RSVP: www.cobbemc.com/boardmeeting or call 678-355-3225.

COMING SOON!!

cobbemc.com

Cobb EMC rates are the lowest in the state

Homeowners’ Association meeting

We’re making life a little easier.

Keep your eyes peeled for a new, simplified website that makes it easier to navigate and pay your bills.

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Cobb Electric Membership Corporation

BRINGING YOU THE

www.cobbemc.com Email: memberservices@cobbemc.com President and CEO

Chip Nelson

Vice Chairman

Cobb EMC’s 78th Annual Meeting celebrated the powerful difference our cooperative has made over the past year. In recent years, we’ve transformed our co-op, but we remain focused on extending that progress through our reliability and continued commitment to our members and community.

Tripper Sharp Edward Crowell

Secretary-Treasurer Malcolm Swanson

Eric Broadwell

Kelly Bodner

Bryan Boyd

David McClellan

David Tennant

Rudy Underwood Editorial Staff

Brooke Melton Leslie Thompson Traci Washington Angela Croce, CCC

Contacts & Office Hours Phone: 770-429-2100 Report an outage: 770-429-2100 Fax: 770-429-3330 Pay by phone: 1-855-730-8714 In person: 1000 EMC Parkway Marietta, GA 30060 Walk-in hours: Monday – Friday

(8 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

Drive-through hours: Monday – Friday (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

Member Care Center hours: Monday – Friday (7 a.m. – 6 p.m.)

Express Pay drop box is available for non-cash payments 24/7

OF MEMBERSHIP

78th Annual Meeting celebrates lowest rates in state, co-op achievements

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chairman

POWER

Currently, we proudly boast the lowest rates in the state!

This Georgia Public Service Commission ranking proves that we are following through on our promise to bring you reliable, affordable electric service. These rates, coupled with $24 million in returned Wholesale Power Adjustments, mean even more savings for our members.

Chip Nelson President and CEO

With one of the nation’s most advanced automated distribution systems and a 99.99 percent reliability rating, we’re bringing you power 24/7, year-round.

Meanwhile, our safety accreditation ensures we do so while maintaining the highest standards.

Adding to our reasons to celebrate, the Cobb EMC Community Foundation this year reached the milestone of more than $2 million donated to local charities since its inception.

Our Annual Meeting offers us a chance to celebrate advancements like these and—with your input—to make real changes to improve our co-op. This year’s meeting, which was held Saturday, Sep. 17 at Jim R. Miller Park in Marietta, brought together more than 2,700 members, their families and Cobb EMC employees.

In addition to learning about safety, health and energy efficiency, Cobb EMC members were treated to North Georgia State Fair tickets and chances to win door prizes including iPads, Visa® gift cards, Big Green Egg® grills, a bill credit and a refurbished Cobb EMC truck. One lucky member won a handmade quilt, sewn by Cobb EMC’s volunteer Women’s Task Force, which was raffled to raise money for local student scholarships.

Election Services Corp., a third-party election services provider, offered three methods of voting—in-person at the Annual Meeting, by mail-in ballot or electronically. This year: •

Members voted down Amendment 1, which would have reduced the number of member signatures needed to sponsor a bylaw amendment from 300 to 35.

The board of directors did not recommend Amendment 1 (proposed by member Mark Hackett), citing it did not promote sound governance principles.

• Members elected Incumbent David McClellan (District 4), Incumbent Tripper Sharp (District 5) and Incumbent Bryan Boyd (District 8).

On behalf of our Cobb EMC family, I’d like to thank each of you who took time out of your busy Saturday to spend the day with us. We look forward to next year!

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BRINGING YOU THE

POWER OF

COMMUNITY

Cooperatives build trust, community, jobs and a better world. As a member of Cobb EMC, you are part of something special. cobbemc.com/community

L-R: Mark Justice, Cobb EMC director of education and community relations, author Brian Lies, Superintendent Richard Woods and Boston Elementary school prinicpal Joey Moss.

Cobb EMC and Gas South: Coming together for the good of the community Behind every great business is a great community, which is why Cobb EMC and Gas South are committed to serving the communities where their employees and customers live, work and play. Through a collaborative partnership, Cobb EMC and Gas South support year-round initiatives that give back and make a difference.

Here are a few highlights from the past year.

Science Olympiads In March, Cobb EMC and Gas South sponsored the 2016 Science Fairs and Science Olympiads in Cobb, Cherokee and Paulding counties. The competitions challenge students to utilize their knowledge of scientific concepts and skills in meaningful ways.

Home Makeover In May, Cobb EMC—in partnership with Gas South and the Cobb Heating and Air Association—presented a gift of a Home Energy Efficiency Makeover to a deserving Cobb EMC member. The winning couple received new energy-efficient appliances, a bill credit from Cobb EMC, two years of free natural gas service from Gas South and more.

Teaming up to build a Habitat home for an Army veteran Our Cobb EMC Community Foundation is happy to partner with the Home Depot Foundation to build a NW Metro Atlanta Habitat for Humanity home for a Cobb County veteran and his family. Late last summer, Cobb EMC employees, board members and Cobb EMC Community Foundation board members worked together to put up siding on the home.

The dedication will take place on Veteran’s Day, a fitting day to honor a disabled veteran and recognize his service. We’re glad to help this family’s dreams come true!

Literacy Week In October, Cobb EMC and Gas South sponsored the seventh annual Literacy Week. Literacy Week presentations are interactive workshops that encourage creativity and teach students how to become better writers and artists. Locally and nationally renowned authors presented to more than 22,000 students in 43 local elementary schools. Guests included New York Times bestselling author, Brian Lies and award-winning authors Diane Shore, of Marietta, and Gail Karwoski.

GEORGIA MAGAZINE

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BRINGING YOU THE

POWER OF

ENERGY

Keep holiday baking energy efficient. Skip the preheating, especially when broiling or roasting. cobbemc.com/conserve

You don’t have to make big changes to save big money.

We’ve worked with Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives to provide a guide—“101 Easy Ways to Save Energy and Money”—to teach you simple ways to change habits and make an impact on your home energy expenses. Every home is different, but we spend most of our energy dollars on heating, cooling, water heating and lighting. Our guide will teach you how to prioritize energy savings, room by room.

So whether you try one or 101, we’re here to help you take that first step. www.cobbemc.com/ energysavings

Common energy myths can cost you There’s a chill in the air, and energy myths are circulating. Some of these common misconceptions reduce the comfort of your home during cold months, while others can cost you energy dollars. Separate fact from fiction and start saving today.

MYTH: Closing off unused rooms saves on heating/cooling costs.

FACT: Keep interior doors open to give your forced-air system the airflow it needs to work efficiently.

MYTH: Ceiling fans are only for summer months.

FACT: To help circulate heat, reverse the fan direction and run ceiling fans on low, so air is blown upward in the winter and circulates evenly.

MYTH: HVAC filters don’t need to be changed during winter months.

FACT: HVAC filters should be changed monthly, all year long. Dirty filters reduce airflow, making your system work harder than necessary.

MYTH: I’m leaving town for the holidays, so I won’t be using electricity at home.

FACT: Items like coffeemakers, TVs, cable boxes, printers and hair dryers still use electricity, even when turned off. Plug these items into a surge protector. When you leave, simply switch off the surge protector to stop the flow of electricity.

MYTH: Landscaping doesn’t affect the comfort of my home.

FACT: Evergreen shrubs on the north side of your home can provide a windbreak during winter months.

MYTH: LEDs don’t work as well in cold weather.

FACT: LEDs work wonderfully in cold weather, and outdoor-rated LEDs stand up to winter weather.

MYTH: My decorating doesn’t have an impact on winter electric bills.

FACT: Your window treatments can help you harness heat from the sun. Open your drapes during the day to let in sunlight, and shut them at night to keep heat in your rooms. www.cobbemc.com/save

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BRINGING YOU THE

POWER OF

SAFETY

Decorating for the holidays?

Connect no more than three strands of mini light sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs. cobbemc.com/safety

Keep the holidays bright, safe The winter holiday season is a festive time of year. It brings people from across the world together to celebrate and enjoy the things that mean the most to them.

Although it’s a time for celebration, statistics show that electrical accidents and home fires increase during this time of year.

As you deck the halls, prepare a special meal or heat your home, remember that prevention is the best method to ensure you and your loved ones have a safe holiday.

Decorate safety • Use a proper step stool or ladder to reach high places when hanging decorations.

• Check for a UL label when buying lights, artificial trees and extension cords.

• Check lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed wires or loose connections.

• Keep natural trees watered to avoid dry branches from catching fire.

• Ensure multiple extension cords are never strung together. Use no more than three light sets on any one extension cord.

Cooking safety • Never leave cooking equipment unattended and turn off burners if you have to leave the room.

• Be sure to wash hands and sanitize anything that comes in contact with raw meat.

• Use a clean food thermometer to cook foods to a safe internal temperature.

• Do not fry a turkey inside, in a garage or on a deck.

Our Outage Center keeps you informed Winter can bring an occasional ice storm or snow. In the event of a power outage, you can trust that we’re ready to respond safely and quickly.

Stay up-to-date during an outage with our outage map: Our mobile-friendly outage map shows outages our crews are already aware of, and provides an estimated restoration time.

You can also see the weather on the desktop view. Search for your address and see how many homes are affected by ZIP code or by county. cobbemc.com/outage

Home heating safety • Install carbon monoxide (CO) and smoke alarms on every level of your home in every bedroom. Test the alarms once a month.

• Keep decorations and any other flammable items at least 3 feet away from open flames and heat sources.

• Never leave a space heater unattended and turn it off when you’re leaving a room.

• Never use a generator indoors, including homes, garages, basements or any other enclosed areas.

Source: National Safety Council (NSC), Electrical Safety Foundation (ESFi) GEORGIA MAGAZINE

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BRINGING YOU THE

POWER OF

MEMBERSHIP

Our purpose is a mighty one: to power communities, and empower members to improve the quality of their lives. cobbemc.com/aboutus

And the winner is ...

Congrats to Jason Thomas for winning our T-shirt design contest with his “No, Dad, it’s not just a phase” design.

Thank you to all of our members who submitted designs and Facebook fans who voted for them.

Linemen empower Costa Rica natives Two Cobb EMC linemen helped transform the lives of Costa Rican families. In July, Ian Hansman, and Wesley Thames, both first class linemen – step 2, traveled with the NRECA International Foundation to Central America to provide the residents with access to reliable and affordable electricity.

Over the course of 10 days, Hansman and Thames worked with a group of local linemen to build lines to power the homes of almost half a dozen families who did not have electricity. “We had four or five houses on a two mile stretch of road who have never seen power, never been around it and never had it in their houses,” said Thames.

Bringing light into rural Costa Rica came with obstacles. The linemen were tasked with building the lines with fewer resources because the Costa Rican crews weren’t equipped with the machinery and tools Hansman and Thames typically use on a big job. “We take for granted so many little things at work like the tools and equipment that we have,” said Hansman. “You open the bins on a truck and our stuff is organized with material and you go in their trucks and you might find it, you might not.”

The pair also encountered a language difference with the Costa Rican linemen and local residents. “There was a pretty big language barrier between us and them, but they took the time to try and show you things like the trees and animals,” said Thames.

Despite their challenges, Thames, Hansman and the Costa Rican crews successfully completed the job. They believe their work in Costa Rica was life changing for the locals, who have access to electricity for the first time ever, and for themselves. “Not only do you get to experience a different countryside, which is beautiful, seeing how other people live puts some things into perspective.” said Hansman. “I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”

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Powering homes with reliable electric service for 78 years The Chastain home

Lifelong Cobb EMC member takes a bright glimpse into a dark past It was almost eight decades ago, but Felton Chastain, who was only a boy at the time, still vividly remembers the moment his co-op changed Georgia forever, and brought light into the lives of hundreds of people with the flip of a switch in 1938.

“We had a problem without electricity. There was no way to keep your food. We didn’t even have ice,” says Chastain as he describes summer in the 1930s before Cobb EMC turned on the lights. “Marietta had electricity, so they would bring ice blocks to our area. We used a chisel to break the huge ice blocks and make them usable. You could put it in the refrigerator to help a little.”

Chastain lived with his family in Kennesaw. They had no running water or indoor plumbing, and the only source of heat during the cold winter months was a fireplace in their sitting room. Getting electricity to the rural parts of the country had been in the works for a couple of years.

“We had the poles and lines in place before we had electricity,” says Chastain.

But Cobb EMC’s general manager did not have permission to energize the lines yet. Residents were playing a waiting game. “We just didn’t know exactly when they would be energized. You would pull the ‘pull chain’ several times a day to see if the electricity was on.”

One day, the chain in Felton’s home actually worked. “It was about 10:30 in the morning when my mom was cooking in the dining area,” Chastain recalls. “The lights came on, and she yelled out the window to everyone working in the cotton fields. ‘The lights are on, the lights are on!’ We dropped everything we were doing and ran as fast as we could to get to the house just to see the lights.”

Chastain and his siblings could not believe their eyes. “We couldn’t wait for night to come so we could see what the lights looked like at dark,” says Chastain. His family was one of hundreds to gain access to electricity in rural Cobb County that day. “The electricity was available for us to use. No more oil lamps.” Their dark nights were finally over, and their days of using chiseled ice to keep food fresh had come to an end. The first appliance they plugged in was a refrigerator. “It was just magical. You couldn’t believe it,” says Chastain.

GEORGIA MAGAZINE

Since 1938, Cobb EMC has been committed to providing the most reliable electric service at the lowest possible price. Cobb EMC’s 99.99 percent reliability rating helps assure more than 180,000 residential and commercial members that their lights will stay on. By providing reliable electricity, Cobb EMC helps our communities grow economically and socially.

Felton and Martha Chastain have experienced Cobb EMC’s reliability for 78 years. Members since 1938, they say many things have changed; what was once rural North Georgia is now a very populated area with electricity everywhere. Despite the constant changing world, the couple believes Cobb EMC’s commitment to the community and the reliability of the company to deliver affordable and dependable energy has remained constant. They are thankful their cooperative continues to improve the way of life for their family and all Cobb EMC members.

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BRINGING YOU THE POWER OF MEMBERSHIP

cobbemc.com

Take the stress away from paying bills This holiday season, save time for those special moments with SmartHub. It is easier to pay and manage your bills with SmartHubÂŽ.

Clear out the clutter, and say goodbye to the piled up bills.

Cobb EMC offers SmartHub, an online and mobile application that allows you to easily and securely pay your electric bill in real time, monitor daily and hourly energy usage and more.

SmartHub is a user-friendly system that puts you in control of your electric account at just the touch of a button! www.cobbemc.com/aboutsmarthub

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