Power That Means Business BUSINE SS DEVELOPMENT
Member Guide
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ENCLOSED
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
Jackson EMC Member Guide : NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Our Philosophy
2
Office Locations
3
Meet Your Team
4
Mission, Vision, Values
6
What Does Cooperative Membership Mean?
7
Community
8
Power Outages
9
Billing
10
Our Services
18
Safety Tips
20
Products
22
OUR PHILOSOPHY It is our pleasure to welcome you to the growing number of businesses and industries that depend on Jackson EMC for their electric service. We consider it our privilege to serve your business needs. Whether your business uses large amounts of electricity to manufacture a product or just enough power to run a small office, we feel confident that you will see a marked difference in doing business with Jackson EMC.
Unlike investor-owned electric companies, we're a not-for-profit organization owned by the people, like you, who use our service. That means we go beyond the basics of just powering your business. We work as a partner, helping you find more energy-efficient, cost-effective ways of doing business, and coming to your aid when you need assistance with the challenges of growth, new technology and changing business requirements. At Jackson EMC, power means business. Belonging to a member-owned cooperative may be a new experience for you. For us, it's a way of doing business based on service – and quality service will always be our primary goal. We believe you'll notice a difference and discover that “joining” Jackson EMC provides you with a membership that has privileges. Please feel free to contact a Jackson EMC Business Development team member in your area, or visit us at jacksonemc.com.
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CONTACT US Report an outage anytime:
1-800-245-4044 or jacksonemc.com OFFICE LOCATIONS
from your desktop or mobile device.
Make a bill payment:
1-888-228-9166 Member Service:
1-800-462-3691 to speak to a representative from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Or, to reach an office location, call: Gwinnett County
770-963-6166 Hall and Lumpkin counties
770-536-2415
Banks, Barrow, Franklin, and Jackson counties
706-367-5281
Clarke, Madison, and Oglethorpe counties
706-548-5362
You can also contact Jackson EMC… Electronically 24/7 Visit jacksonemc.com for self-service, or to find out about cooperative activities, products and services, and job opportunities. You'll also find information about how we repair storm damage and what Jackson EMC is doing in your community. Use the MyJacksonEMC website or mobile app to pay your bill, view your energy use, and report or view outages. In person or by mail Office hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. FOLLOW US:
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MEET YOUR TEAM Jackson EMC's Business Development department is dedicated to helping your business prosper. YOUR TEAM
Lee Chapman
Vice President, Marketing, Member Services and Governmental Affairs Jackson EMC, Corporate, Jefferson 706-367-6113 lchapman@jacksonemc.com
David Cleveland
Director of Business Development Jackson EMC, Corporate, Jefferson 706-367-6621 dcleveland@jacksonemc.com
John Skinner
Commercial/Industrial Engineer Jackson EMC, Corporate, Jefferson 706-367-6816 jskinner@jacksonemc.com
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Brandon Ashley SERVICE AREA: Barrow, Clarke and Madison counties
706-369-4115 bashley@jacksonemc.com YOUR TEAM
Jennifer Fennell SERVICE AREA: Gwinnett County
770-822-3204 jfennell@jacksonemc.com
Wade Johnson
SERVICE AREA: Banks, Barrow and Jackson counties 706-367-6116 wjohnson@jacksonemc.com
Tate O'Rouke
SERVICE AREA: Hall County and portions of Lumpkin County 770-538-2519 torouke@jacksonemc.com
Kevin Dodson SERVICE AREA: Gwinnett County
770-822-3217 kdodson@jacksonemc.com
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MISSION, VISION, VALUES MISSION, VISION, VALUES
WHAT WE DO
MISSION It's our mission to
exceed our members' expectations with reliable, courteous and personalized service. It’s the way we operate every day.
WHAT WE ASPIRE TO BE
VISION
Jackson EMC has a vision to
be the BEST, forward-thinking, innovative, energy supplier providing a friendly and fulfilling work environment.
WHAT WE STAND FOR
VALUES
Our values guide everything we do. We care about: Our
Members, Our Employees, Our Communities, Our Performance, Open and Honest Communication, and The Spirit of Cooperation.
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WHAT DOES COOPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP MEAN? Jackson EMC is a not-for-profit cooperative, owned by the members it serves. Joining entitles you to the rights and benefits of being a member.
What is the Application for Service?
The membership application is simply a formal request to join the cooperative, and is kept on file by Jackson EMC.
Why does Jackson EMC request “easement rights” in the application?
Easement rights simply give the cooperative your permission to install, maintain or remove equipment needed to provide your electric service.
Why do I have to pay a membership fee?
A membership fee is required to become a cooperative member, and helps cover the cost of setting up your membership records. It will be added to your first month's bill.
What is a margin refund?
After the cooperative's expenses are paid, any money left is returned to a mix of new and long-standing members through “margin refund” checks.
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WHAT DOES COOPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP MEAN?
Why do you have to join?
COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY
Operation Round Up® All members of Jackson EMC have the opportunity to participate in Operation Round Up®, a charitable process that improves the quality of life in the 10 counties our cooperative serves by providing funds for organizations and individuals. Participating members' electric bills are rounded up to the nearest dollar, typically averaging about $6 per year for each account, but never exceeding $11.88 per account. For example, if your monthly electric bill is $1,182.94, it would be rounded to $1,183, with the change going to the Jackson EMC Foundation. Contributions are tax deductible. The Foundation funds are overseen by a volunteer community board of directors, who award grants based on applications submitted. All Operation Round Up® funds go to charity and grants are publicized in our member newsletter, so you can see your foundation at work. For less than the cost of a cup of coffee per month, you can join thousands of other Jackson EMC members who are pooling their resources to improve the lives of those in our area. If you wish to participate, you don't have to do a thing. If you would rather not participate, you can visit jacksonemc.com/optout and complete an electronic form. Or, call your local Jackson EMC office.
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POWER OUTAGES What do I do if my power goes out?
Whenever you call, don't forget:
Have your account name, address and phone number on hand. Provide any information you think will help us locate and repair the problem. Once you have called, we are aware of the situation and are working on it. We will call you when repairs are completed to make sure your power is restored.
If you have access to a battery-operated radio, tune in to your local radio stations for any updates on outage situations. Whenever power outages affect a significant number of our members, or the repair will take an extended period of time, Jackson EMC provides information to radio stations so they can help us get the information to you. In case of widespread outages due to ice storms, tornadoes or other natural disasters, you will find emergency restoration information on our website at the Storm Center at jacksonemc.com/storm.
Do I need to provide protection for motors at my facility that run on a three-phase power supply? While we take great care to guard the direction of phase rotation and continuity of three-phase current, accidental or temporary shifts to singlephase current may occur. If you have motors or other equipment that require a constant, unchanged three-phase power supply, we strongly recommend that you install a three-phase monitor to protect that equipment. This monitor will detect a shift to single-phase current and function like a circuit breaker to prevent your equipment from being damaged. Jackson EMC cannot guarantee against accidental or temporary change of phase.
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POWER OUTAGES
While our goal is to provide you with uninterrupted electric service, weather-related outages and accidents will occur from time-to-time. Should your power go out, first have a qualified maintenance person check your circuit breaker box. If a circuit isn't tripped in the breaker box, the quickest and most efficient way to notify us of your outage is to call 1-800-245-4044 or go to outage.jacksonemc.com. You may also use the procedure provided by your Business Development manager.
BILLING Establishing New Service
BILLING
If I am constructing a building for my new business, when do I apply for service? You should apply for service as soon as you have your county or city approved building plans. By doing so, temporary service can be connected and construction can proceed without any delays.
How is temporary service established? Business members or their contractor can call or drop by one of our local offices to set up temporary service, or apply on our website, jacksonemc.com. One of our Customer Service Representatives will be happy to help.
Who provides the pole for temporary service? The pole is provided by the customer or their general contractor. A Jackson EMC staking technician will work with you or your contractor to ensure the pole is placed appropriately for either overhead or underground service.
Who provides the meter for temporary service? Jackson EMC will provide and install the meter for your temporary service; however, you or your contractor must purchase the meter base for your temporary service. Meter bases are available from your local Jackson EMC offices in Neese, Jefferson, Oakwood, Lawrenceville and Gainesville. (Only 100 amp and 200 amp sizes are available in Gainesville).
Deposits & Connection Fees Why do I have to pay a deposit? All Commercial/Industrial accounts require a deposit. If you have previously had service with Jackson EMC and have an outstanding balance, you must pay both the outstanding balance and a deposit before new service will be connected. Jackson EMC reserves the right to require deposits for business customers, based on the cooperative's financial exposure and its assessment of the member's ability to pay their electric bill. Deposits may be required according to Section 103 of the cooperative's Service Rules and Regulations. In some cases, a business may file a Surety Bond or an Agreement of Surety to secure their debt for electric service in lieu of paying a cash deposit.
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If I need to change the name on my business account, will I have to pay an additional membership fee and deposit?
When do I get my deposit back? Commercial deposits will be returned after service is disconnected and the balance is applied to any outstanding bill.
Why do I have to pay a connection fee when electric service has already been established at my business location? The connection fee covers the costs of setting up your account and connecting your meter.
Billing & Disconnection How do Jackson EMC's rates compare to other electric utilities?
Due to strategic power supply agreements and conservative management, Jackson EMC's rates are among the lowest in the country – well below the national average. In addition to lower rates, we also believe you will notice a difference in the quality of personal service we provide our members.
How are business electric rates figured?
While we offer commercial rate options, most businesses are on the General Service (GS) Rate. The GS Rate provides a per kilowatt hour charge based on the amount of energy used at a rate per kWh and peak electrical demand. Large businesses and manufacturers with a new facility and a connected load of more than 900 kilowatts have a one-time choice to select their power supplier, as provided by Georgia's 1973 Territorial Act. These customers may have rates that individualize certain costs, such as wholesale power costs, delivery expense and allocated costs of providing the service (e.g., facilities, administration, etc.). Businesses may also qualify for special rates, including load management, time-of-use, etc. Other rate options are also available, please visit our website at jacksonemc.com.
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BILLING
If we must establish a new account under a new name and Social Security number or Federal Tax ID number, you will need to provide documentation. We will require a new membership fee, connection fee, and deposit, which will be added to your new account's first month's bill. In addition, a deposit will be required for each location you add in the future.
When will I receive my bill? Bills are mailed out monthly in billing cycles which determine when your bill is mailed and due.
BILLING
How can I enroll in paperless billing? Instead of receiving a paper bill in the mail, you can sign up for paperless billing to receive an email notification when your bill is available online. You can sign up for paperless billing with your MyJacksonEMC account. Log in to your MyJacksonEMC account at MyJacksonEMC.com or with the MyJacksonEMC app and select your paperless billing preference.
How do I pay my bill? We offer several ways to pay your bill. Our online and automated phone payment options offer the most convenience. Online Payments: Make a payment at MyJacksonEMC.com or via the MyJacksonEMC mobile app. • Phone Payments: Call 1-888-228-9166 to pay over the phone using our automated payment system, which is available 24/7. • Auto Pay Program: Pay your monthly bill through an automatic draft from your bank account or credit/debit card. Sign up for the Auto Pay Program at MyJacksonEMC.com or via the MyJacksonEMC mobile app. • Payment Kiosks: Available 24/7 at local offices to pay with cash, check or credit/debit card. • Mail: Mail your payment with the return envelope provided with your bill to: Jackson EMC, P.O. Box 100, Jefferson, GA 30549. • In Person: Visit one of our local offices in Jefferson, Neese, Gainesville or Lawrenceville to pay your bill. •
We accept Visa, Discover, Mastercard, and debit cards with the Visa or Mastercard logo. Credit/debit card payments are limited to $600 per single transaction. E-checks are also accepted using our automated payment telephone system. Payments are posted immediately.
What is MyJacksonEMC? MyJacksonEMC is a website and mobile app that allows Jackson EMC members to easily and securely pay your monthly bill, monitor daily energy use, report an outage and more. You can sign up for a MyJacksonEMC account via the website (MyJacksonEMC.com) or by downloading the mobile app from the App Store or Google Play. You’ll need your Jackson EMC account number on hand to sign up for a MyJacksonEMC account. Visit MyJacksonEMC.com for additional information and instructions. 12 Member Guide
What happens if I don’t pay my bill? You will receive a letter notifying you of our intent to disconnect your electric service. The letter will provide a date by which you must make payment or your service will be disconnected after this date if payment isn’t received.
Arrangements for same-day reconnection of service can be made: from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, for service to be restored by midnight. • after 6 p.m., on weekends and holidays, service will be reconnected before midnight the following normal workday. •
If your service is disconnected, you must also pay an additional security deposit, up to two times the average bill amount. Reconnecting new service for non-payment on weekends, holidays or overnight will be made at the determination of a Jackson EMC supervisor.
What can I do if my bill appears too high? First, consider any lifestyle changes that may have contributed to higher energy use during a specified time, such as guests visiting, installing a hot tub or using equipment that consumes more electricity. Also, consider any significant weather temperature changes. Typically, you use more energy to heat or cool your home when weather temperatures are extremely low or high. A MyJacksonEMC account features several tools under My Usage to review your past and current energy use. You can review your energy use by the hour, day, month and billing cycle. In addition, you can compare energy use by specific months.
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BILLING
If your service is disconnected, you must: • request reconnection by calling or visiting a Jackson EMC office • pay a fee for reconnecting the electric service • pay other fees if they apply, such as returned check fee and/or a late payment fee • pay any past due amount on your account • make these payments at a Jackson EMC office between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, or by credit card payment over the phone from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday
How To Read Your Jackson EMC Electric Bill
BILLING
We know that bills can sometimes be confusing, so we would like to take a moment and give you some guidelines that will help you understand your monthly electric bill: 1
Total Due and Due Date: The balance on your account – including any past due amounts or late fees – and when payment is due.
2
Member Information: The name on the account and a number assigned by Jackson EMC for each electric service established.
3
Service Time and Rate: Information about the dates of service, number of service days, bill date and electric service rate.
4
Account Activity: Detailed account activity for the current billing period, including charges for outdoor lights and EMC Security. It includes:
• Previous
• Payment:
Balance: The amount charged for the previous billing period. Amount received for the previous billing period.
• Electric Metered Service: Charges for kilowatt-hours of electricity used on your account. • Sales Tax: The sales tax calculated for the amount of electricity used on your account. • Operation Round Up®: For members who participate in Operation Round Up, an amount that rounds up their bill to the next dollar amount. Thousands of people in our community have benefited from small donations made each month by members participating in Operation Round Up.
5
Important Information: Information to Jackson EMC members about the cooperative and its services.
6
Payment Stub: If mailing your payment, tear off the detachable payment stub and mail with your payment.
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EXAMPLE OF TYPICAL JACKSON EMC BILL - FRONT
1
2
3 5 4
6
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EXAMPLE OF TYPICAL JACKSON EMC BILL - BACK
7 8
9
10
11
13
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12
Wholesale Power Cost Adjustment (WPCA): This amount is added to (Charge) or subtracted from (Credit) your bill, based on the changes in the cost of wholesale power, including the cost of fuel used to generate electricity. It is based on charges Jackson EMC incurs from its wholesale power suppliers.
8
Meter Number: The unique 10-digit number on the front of your electric meter. If you have multiple meters on your account, your bill will list each meter number separately.
9
Use: The amount of kilowatt-hours (kWh) recorded by your electric meter for the current billing period.
10 Meter Multiplier: A method of measuring electrical use in situations where the demand for electricity exceeds a normal meter’s measuring capacity. Very large homes or commercial/industrial facilities will have multipliers higher than 1.0. 11 Service Information: Information about receiving bills via email, viewing your energy use data, and updating your phone number at MyJacksonEMC.com. 12 Account Management: Information about registering for an online account, check conversions and late fees. 13 Ways to Pay Your Bill: Convenient options to pay your monthly bill.
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BILLING
7
OUR SERVICES
OUR SERVICES Whether you are a new commercial customer or a longtime member, Jackson EMC offers a wide range of energy services that will help your company attain and maintain top operating efficiency. As your energy partner, we put our expertise to work finding solutions that can save you money, improve product quality, enhance productivity and reduce environmental impact. One of our strengths is flexibility. Once we know your needs and concerns, we'll work with you to identify a solution that is specific to your facility, and then help you implement it.
Energy Audits
Improve efficiency, reduce waste We put our energy experience to work for you by helping you tune-up your facility. Depending on your needs, a Jackson EMC energy audit can be a simple walk-through or a detailed investigation aided by on-site monitoring, process evaluation and computer analysis.
Energy Management
Demand, energy and cost management Whether it is helping you understand demand-side management options or how performance contracting can affect your bottom line, we can help you sift through the jargon and reach a workable solution tailored to your needs. From simple time clocks to networked PC-based energy management systems, we can recommend strategies to control equipment and system costs.
Design Assistance
New construction, expansion and renovation Jackson EMC can offer another perspective to your planned facility by evaluating design options, providing information and making recommendations to assist the owner, architect and engineer. We will help you meet your design objectives while maintaining comfort and operating efficiency, now and in the future.
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Technology Assessment and Application
On-Site HVAC Evaluation
Lighting, process, and infrared scanning Heating, ventilation, air conditioning and lighting are major energy consumers in all facilities. We can evaluate your existing systems and make recommendations that can save energy as well as improve comfort and productivity. When considering new equipment we can help evaluate system alternatives, design options and operating costs. We can act as your liaison, representing your interests in attaining low operating costs and efficiency.
Power Quality
Evaluation, analysis, and support While all utilities strive to deliver high quality electricity to their customers, Jackson EMC works with you from inside your facility to ensure uninterrupted, reliable service. For high-tech industries, power quality disturbances can be extremely costly. We understand that, and our power quality engineers will work with you to eliminate problems and identify preventive measures.
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OUR SERVICES
We can help you determine whether new electrotechnologies can enhance your operation's productivity and product quality. Our specialists can keep you updated on successful new applications in your business.
SAFETY TIPS OUTAGE SAFETY
SAFETY TIPS
Keep your business and employees safe during outages. Unplug motor-driven appliances and sensitive electronic equipment such as computers, printers and copiers in order to avoid an electrical overload when power returns. Make sure heat-producing equipment has been switched off or unplugged before you leave the building. If such equipment comes back on when power is restored and employees are out of the building, it could cause a fire. Report outages and downed wires to Jackson EMC. Treat all downed power lines as dangerous.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY Work safely around electricity. Watch Out for Power Lines Make sure there is adequate clearance when driving tall equipment under power lines or when maneuvering piping, antennas or other metal objects near power lines.
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Do not use metal ladders when working around electrical lines. Be aware of power lines when opening metal dumpsters. Call 811 before you dig. Georgia has laws regarding the operation of equipment near both overhead and underground lines.
Complete a detailed job plan, including identifying all potential electrical hazards. Work electrical equipment and conductors de-energized if possible. Use lock-out/tag-out procedures. Never assume that equipment is de-energized. Always test before you touch.
If an Electrical Shock Occurs Shock from a fallen power line: Do not try to remove the line or touch the person. Call 911 and call Jackson EMC to report the downed line. Shock from commercial wiring: Do not touch the person if he or she is still in contact with the current. Unplug the equipment causing the shock or turn off the power at the main switch. Call 911. If the person is not breathing, start CPR.
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SAFETY TIPS
Working On or Near Energized Equipment
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR PRODUCTS
Here's a summary of additional products and services available. To request more information: Send us a request at: jacksonemc.com; Call your local Jackson EMC Business Development representative. Products can be billed as part of your regular monthly electric bill.
Outdoor Lighting Service – Our outdoor lighting service offers a selection of poles and fixtures that will provide an extra measure of safety and security for your business. The monthly fee is conveniently billed on your electric bill and it covers the fixtures, automatically controlled lamp, energy use and maintenance. We can even help with lighting design at no charge. For more information, visit jacksonemc.com/business-lighting. EMC Security – Custom-designed commercial systems that cover basic to sophisticated security requirements, including intrusion alarms, fire protection, access control, video surveillance, closed circuit television systems, and structured wiring applications for new buildings. All installations are UL approved, and are backed by 24-hour, seven days-a-week monitoring. EMC Security guarantees your satisfaction. No monthly contract means we work to earn your business. (Call 770-963-0305 or 706-543-4009 or visit emcsecurity.com/business-security)
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Member Guide 23
JACKSON EMC BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT TEAM Lee Chapman Vice President, Marketing, Member Services and Governmental Affairs Jackson EMC Corporate, Jefferson 706-367-6113 lchapman@jacksonemc.com David Cleveland Director of Business Development Jackson EMC Corporate, Jefferson 706-367-6621 dcleveland@jacksonemc.com
John Skinner Commercial/Industrial Engineer Jackson EMC Corporate, Jefferson 706-367-6816 jskinner@jacksonemc.com
Brandon Ashley SERVICE AREA: Barrow, Clarke and Madison counties 706-369-4115 bashley@jacksonemc.com
Jennifer Fennell SERVICE AREA: Gwinnett County 770-822-3204 jfennell@jacksonemc.com
Wade Johnson SERVICE AREA: Banks, Barrow and Jackson counties 706-367-6116 wjohnson@jacksonemc.com
Tate O'Rouke SERVICE AREA: Hall County and portions of Lumpkin County 770-538-2519 torouke@jacksonemc.com
Kevin Dodson SERVICE AREA: Gwinnett County 770-822-3217 kdodson@jacksonemc.com
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QUICK REFERENCE To speak to a customer service representative by phone from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday call 1-800-462-3691. Report outages at: 1-800-245-4044 or go to outage.jacksonemc.com.
Account Number: Phone Number:
Your member bylaws and service rules and regulations are available online at jacksonemc.com/member-documents.
Power That Means Business
Gwinnett County
770-963-6166 Barrow, Banks, Franklin and Jackson counties
706-367-5281
Hall and Lumpkin counties
770-536-2415
Clarke, Madison, and Oglethorpe counties
706-548-5362
P.O. Box 38 | Jefferson, Georgia 30549-0038 jacksonemc.com
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