Central Dispatch CGEMC Newsletter | January 2024

Looking Ahead to 2024

As we bid farewell to the remarkable year that was 2023, Central Georgia EMC (CGEMC) takes pride in our achievements. From successfully installing fiber in 70% of our service area to granting more than $500,500 through Operation Round Up and unclaimed capital credits combined, we continue to serve our members with dedication and commitment.

CGEMC continues to be thrilled to have some of the lowest electric rates in Georgia for the 10th year in a row, according to the Georgia Public Service Commission. Building upon these accomplishments, the year ahead promises to be even more exciting for CGEMC and our members.

A significant focus for CGEMC in the coming year is the completion of the smart fiber grid project. By December 2024, we anticipate reaching full coverage for our entire service area.

Reliable high-speed internet access has become necessary in today's digital age, from facilitating remote work to online education, telehealth, and countless other advancements. As we near the finish line, CGEMC is thrilled to usher in a future where connectivity knows no bounds.

Our commitment to the community will remain at the heart of CGEMC's mission, and we will continue to prioritize initiatives that benefit our members. Operation Round Up, a program that allows members to voluntarily round up their electric bills to the nearest dollar, has proven to be a remarkable success.

In 2024, with our members' help, we aim to expand the impact even further by making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families throughout our service area. Members can find more information about contributing to Operation Round Up at www.cgemc.com/operation-round.

Moving forward, CGEMC's primary goal remains steadfast: Be a community-focused organization that works to deliver affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy to our members.

Slow internet is so 2023! Leave buffering screens and a lagging connection behind when you switch to Connect, powered by Central Georgia EMC.

With fiber internet from Connect, powered by Central Georgia EMC, you can kick off 2024 the right way with reliable, affordable, high-speed internet. Conexon Connect allows you to stream your favorite movies and TV shows, play online games without lags or buffering, access online learning resources, utilize telemedicine, and more! Enjoy endless possibilities at your fingertips.

We offer three affordable packages to best fit you and your family’s needs. Choose your package below:

  • Ultimate 2 Gig* for $99.95/month.
  • Premier 1 Gig for $79.95/month
  • Basic 100 Mbps for $49.95/month

Don’t miss out on the broadband movement! Bring in 2024 with Connect, powered by Central Georgia EMC. Check availability at www.ConexonConnect.com or call us at 1-844-542-6663 to learn more.

Capital Credits Checks—A Benefit of Membership

The Central Georgia EMC Board of Directors announced a capital credits refund to electric consumers who received service during 2004. The refund checks were mailed to customer-owners on December 1, 2023.

The total amount of this refund was $1,435,122, which represents a portion of the margins for 2004. The margins are used as capital until they can be returned through a general refund without impairing the cooperative’s financial condition. Capital credits are a benefit of your membership. Thank you for your patronage!

In November, the CGEMC Foundation Board granted $15,449.91 to charitable organizations in our territory. The funds will be used to support programs and initiatives in the communities served by CGEMC.

  • Central Georgia Council, Boy Scouts of America: $1,575
  • Crosswalk Ministries USA, Inc.: $3,174.91
  • Girl Scout Troup #60307: $700
  • Move Now Foundation, Inc.: $3,500
  • Rachel's Gift, Inc.: $5,000
  • Spectrum Abilities: $1,500

Qualifying 501(c)(3) organizations in our service territory are invited to submit an application to the Central Georgia EMC Foundation.

Through Operation Round Up, our members support local organizations with a mission to make our communities even better places to live, work, and dream big. By simply rounding up your monthly electric bill to the next dollar, you can join in! Our pennies add up to make BIG CHANGE!

Receive a One-Time $5 bill credit when you enroll in Automatic payments

How does it work?

Once the authorization form is complete authorizing automatic credit card or bank draft monthly payments, Central Georgia EMC will process the payment automatically each month on the bill due date.

You will receive a monthly bill showing your usage and the dollar amount charged to your credit card or drafted from your checking account.

The one-time $5 credit is only valid for new automatic payment enrollments. Offer valid through January 31, 2024.

Scholarship Deadline Approaching

With just one application you have two opportunities to be awarded money for higher education! The $1,000 Walter Harrison Scholarship is awarded to 16 students in Georgia, while the $500 Powering the Future Scholarship is awarded to the three CGEMC semifinalists who will compete at the state level for the Walter Harrison Scholarship.

For eligibility requirements or to apply, visit www.cgemc.com/scholarships. Applications are due by January 31, 2024.

Holiday Closings

Central Georgia EMC's office will be closed the following dates:

  • January 1, 2024
  • January 15, 2024

Our remote self-service account options and the on-site payment kiosk will be available. In case of a power outage, please call our 24-hour automated system at 770-775-7857 or 1-800-222-4877 for an immediate response. System Operators are on duty to assist you.

System Inspections

CGEMC has contracted with Cappstone Energy Group LLC to perform system inspections in Butts County. Cappstone Energy Group LLC technicians will have signs on their vehicles (pickup trucks and UTVs) identifying them as CGEMC contractors. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact CGEMC at 770-775-7857.

Georgia Magazine

Enjoy the latest digital edition of Georgia Magazine using the link below.

Working together to reduce energy use and cost

We use electricity every minute of the day, yet only some understand how electricity is used in our homes. By understanding how electricity is used in your home, you can prioritize opportunities to reduce it. For example, the chart below shows that TVs and related equipment have limited potential for impacting your energy bill, whereas finding more energy-efficient ways to heat and cool your home will have greater potential to lower your electric bill.

Thanks to advanced meter technology, you can access monthly electricity use and previous history online through the Customer Portal at www.cgemc.com. These meters can target energy use in 15-minute increments, empowering you with information to manage your energy usage better. By visiting the Together We Save page on our website, you can learn ways to save energy and perform online Energy Assessments tailored to your account information. This interactive program helps you manage your energy by providing personalized reports about energy use in your home and how to save on your power bill. It’s free and takes less than five minutes.

Another consideration in managing your energy usage is our Time of Use Rate—the Time of Use Rate rewards you for shifting your power use to off-peak times. Time-based rates are desirable to owners of plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles since, typically, these vehicles are recharged at night. For more information on this program, please contact our offices at 770-775-7857 or csr@cgemc.com.

Save on Natural Gas with Fuel Georgia!

Our Fuel Georgia team would love to welcome you to the neighborhood! Give us a call at 678-774-6010 or visit us at www.fuelgeorgia.com.

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Recipe of the Month

Submit your original recipes to marketing@cgemc.com. Published recipes receive a $20 bill credit!

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.