This October, electric cooperatives across the country celebrate National Co-op Month. It is a time to reflect on the unique advantages of being part of a cooperative. For Central Georgia EMC (CGEMC), it is also the perfect opportunity to thank you, our members, for making it all possible.
Unlike investor-owned utilities, CGEMC does not generate profits for shareholders. We exist to serve you, our members, neighbors, and communities. That purpose guides every decision CGEMC makes, especially as we work to balance the rising cost of providing reliable electricity with our ongoing commitment to affordability.
As a cooperative, CGEMC is member-owned and locally governed. Your elected board members live right here in our service area, so decisions are made by people who understand the challenges and opportunities facing our community. This local accountability keeps us focused on what matters most: delivering dependable power, making smart investments in our system, and managing costs responsibly.
We also know that our responsibility does not end at the power lines. Through programs like Operation Round Up, CGEMC actively supports schools, youth programs, and local organizations. CGEMC is always looking for ways to bring value, whether through system upgrades, new technology, or programs that make a positive difference in the communities we serve.
This National Co-op Month, we encourage you to take pride in your cooperative membership. You are not just a customer. You are an owner, a partner, and a vital part of the cooperative difference. Thank you for trusting us to serve you.
Don't shoot the lines
Mourning dove season is almost here. Do not let one shot knock out power or the internet.
Birds may roost on power lines, but taking aim at them can have serious consequences.
Shooting near power lines or fiber cables can:
- Disrupt power or internet for entire neighborhoods.
- Damage critical equipment, causing costly repairs.
- Dangerous, and against the law.
Even a single round can bring down lines or shatter fiber strands, leaving you and your neighbors in the dark.
Help make it a safe season for everyone. Stay alert. Keep a safe distance. Know what is beyond your target.
2025-2026 Mourning Dove Season Dates:
- September 6-October 12
- November 22-November 30
- December 19-January 31
For regulations and updates, visit: https://georgiawildlife.com/hunting/hunter-resources
New Rate Structure Coming This November
Central Georgia EMC is a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative committed to providing safe, reliable electricity at the lowest possible cost. For over a decade, we have maintained steady residential energy rates, a notable achievement amid rising costs.
To continue delivering reliable service amid increasing costs, CGEMC engaged independent consulting firm GDS Associates, Inc. to conduct a comprehensive cost-of-service study. Based on the results and staff recommendations, the Board of Directors approved rate adjustments designed to reflect updated cost data and system needs. These changes will take effect November 1, 2025. The most significant driver of this change is the rising cost of wholesale power, which makes up the largest portion of every member’s bill. Contributing factors include increased material costs, reductions in market energy availability, higher interest rates, increases in winter power costs, and mandatory increases in reserve requirements. CGEMC also continues to invest in system reliability by replacing aging equipment, clearing rights-of-way, and upgrading technology to improve outage response and meet growing energy needs.
We understand rate changes can be concerning; that is why we have designed these updates to minimize the impact on your monthly bill wherever possible. The tables below outline the key changes. To find your specific rate, check the top of your billing statement. Most members fall under Rate 1 (Residential), Rate 2 (Small Commercial–Non-Demand), or Rate 3 (Large Commercial–Demand).
Rate 1 (Residential)—Updated Structure (Blue Chart)
The table below illustrates the updated Rate 1 (Residential) structure, which includes a lower Wholesale Power Cost Adjustment (WPCA). The WPCA is a monthly charge or credit that reflects changes in the cost of purchasing electricity from our wholesale power suppliers. Beginning November 1, 2025, Rate 1 (Residential) will move from seasonal, two-tier pricing to one simple price year-round: $0.09610 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). The WPCA will decrease from the current rate of $0.01590 to a lower rate of $0.00500. The monthly base fee remains the same.
Why the WPCA Reduction Matters: The Wholesale Power Cost Adjustment (WPCA) is a line item on your bill that reflects the cost of power CGEMC buys to serve our members. When the WPCA is lower, you pay less
Residential Bill Comparison
The following chart shows an example of how the revised Rate 1 (Residential) rate at 1,500 kWh use compares to the previous structure and to Georgia Power Company’s rate schedule. Under the previous rate structure, during the months of November-April (Winter), the first 700 kilowatt-hours (kWh) were billed at one rate, and any additional use was billed at a different rate.
Beginning November 1, 2025, all Rate 1 (Residential) energy use will be billed at a single rate of $0.09610 per kWh. The average monthly use over a 12-month period for a CGEMC member is 1,290 kWh.
This data is sourced from the 2025 Winter and Summer Georgia Public Service Commission Residential Rate Surveys.
Rate 2 (Small Commercial)—Updated Structure (Green Chart)
For members billed under Rate 2 (Small Commercial–Non-Demand) rate, the chart below compares the previous rate structure to the updated rate structure. Beginning November 1, 2025, all kilowatt-hours for Rate 2 (Small Commercial–Non-Demand) will be billed at a single rate of $0.10260 per kWh. The WPCA will decrease from the current rate of $0.01590 to a lower rate of $0.00500. The service charge will increase by $7.
Rate 3 (Large Commercial-Demand)—Updated Structure (Orange Chart)
Beginning November 1, 2025, Rate 3 (Large Commercial–Demand) will move to a restructured rate design that adjusts how energy (kWh) and demand (kW) charges are applied. The WPCA will decrease from the current rate of $0.01590 to a lower rate of $0.00500.
Outdoor Lighting Changes: Residential style outdoor lights will increase $1.00 per fixture per month, subdivision style lights will increase $2.00 per fixture per month, and commercial/industrial style lights will increase $4.00 per fixture per month. There is no change to the pole fee associated with lighting.
We know rate increases are never welcome, but we remain committed to helping members manage their bills with flexible tools and programs:
Levelized Billing Plan: CGEMC’s Levelized Billing Plan is available to qualifying Residential rate members. It spreads energy costs more evenly throughout the year. Instead of seasonal spikes in summer or winter, the monthly charge is based on a 12-month rolling average (the current month’s use plus the previous 11 months). Monthly amounts may adjust slightly as energy use fluctuates.
Flexible Billing Cycle: Need your billing due date to better fit your schedule? Our customer service team can make that adjustment.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support as Central Georgia EMC remains committed to balancing affordability with reliability, ensuring that every decision benefits the members and communities we serve. If the rate on your billing statement is not listed above, or if you have any questions or concerns, our customer service team is ready to assist. Please call 770-775-7857 or visit our website at www.cgemc.com.
Capture your share of the sun!
Central Georgia EMC is dedicated to providing reliable energy while reducing our carbon footprint. As part of this commitment, CGEMC partners with Green Power EMC to offer renewable energy options that help members make a positive environmental impact.
Want to enjoy solar energy without installing rooftop panels? CGEMC’s Cooperative Solar program makes it easy. For $19 a month, members can add a 1 kW block of solar power to their account.
The energy output varies with weather and seasonal conditions, but on average, a 1 kW block generates about 180 kWh a month. This is a hassle-free way to support clean energy without any installation costs or equipment maintenance.
In addition to Cooperative Solar, CGEMC supports Green Power biomass energy, which converts landfill methane from multiple landfills across Georgia into electricity.
By purchasing 150 kWh blocks for just $4.50 a month, members help reduce harmful methane emissions while supporting renewable power generation in Georgia.
Both programs are Green-e Energy Certified, ensuring they meet the highest sustainability and consumer protection standards. By participating in these programs, members actively contribute to a cleaner, greener future. Learn more at www.cgemc.com.
Repair, Refresh, and Renovate With a 2025 CGEMC Residential Rebate!
Did you know that nearly half of the energy used in your home goes to heating and cooling? Upgrading an outdated or aging system can save you money. If your unit is more than 10 years old and needs frequent repairs, it may be time to replace it.
Water heaters use more energy than your refrigerator, clothes washer, dishwasher, and dryer combined. Upgrading your water heater can save you hundreds of dollars every year on energy costs. Visit www.cgemc.com for all the details and to see if you qualify.
*A load management switch must be installed on qualifying equipment by a Central Georgia EMC employee before the rebate can be processed. The load management switch must remain on equipment and in operating status as long as Central Georgia EMC has a load management program. Limit one (1) qualifying heat pump and/or one (1) qualifying water heater rebate per member/household. Heat pump and/or water heater must have been installed on or after January 1, 2025.
Get Game Day Ready with Crazy-Fast Internet!
Connect, powered by Central Georgia EMC, has your back this game season. Whether you are streaming every play, hosting the ultimate watch party, or keeping the whole family entertained, our lightning-fast speeds and reliable connection mean less buffering and more action. Enjoy crystal-clear streaming for you and your guests, all season long.
Score big and get connected today! Sign up and schedule your install at ConexonConnect.com, call our customer service team at 844-542-6663, or scan the QR code in the graphic.
Thank You, Operation Round Up Participants!
A heartfelt thank you to the 32,242 Central Georgia EMC members who currently participate in our Operation Round Up program! This means an incredible 47% of our membership is making a difference in their communities!
By rounding up your monthly electric bill to the nearest dollar, you help fund grants for local nonprofits, community programs, and those in need across our service area. Every penny adds up to something powerful, and your generosity helps make it happen. Not part of Operation Round Up yet? It is easy to join! Just click the link below and fill out a quick form to make a big impact. Together, we are building a brighter, stronger community, one rounded-up bill at a time.
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!
Updates
Holiday Closing
We will be closed November 27 and 28 for Thanksgiving. In the event of an outage, System Operators are on duty to assist you.
Right-of-Way
Asplundh, our right-of-way contractor, will be working in Bibb and Monroe Counties. Please call 770-775-7857 if you have any questions or concerns.
System Inspections
CGEMC has contracted with Cappstone Energy Group LLC to perform system inspections in Clayton, Jasper, and Jones Counties. 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.
A Taste of co-op history
This October, as we celebrate National Co-op Month, we are sharing a sweet piece of CGEMC history.
In 1977, Beverly O’Neal (now Beverly Coogler) of Jackson won first place and a new microwave representing District 6 at the Georgia Microwave Cook-Off with her Grated Sweet Potato Pudding, chosen from more than 300 entries statewide. Nearly 50 years later, her recipe still reflects the creativity and community spirit that make cooperatives unique.
Coogler's family has deep ties to CGEMC. Her late father, Ennis O’Neal, worked as a lineman, and in 1959, their home became the first Gold Medallion Home recognized by CGEMC. This honor highlighted modern, all-electric living at a time when electricity was transforming households across Georgia.
Like her family’s story, Beverly’s award-winning dish blends tradition and innovation. We invite you to enjoy this festive recipe and celebrate the cooperative difference, rooted in community!
Submit your original recipes to marketing@cgemc.com. Published recipes receive a $20 bill credit!
This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Credits:
Created with images by Siam - "Halloween decorations made from pumpkin, paper bats and black spider on pastel blue background. Flat lay, top view with copy space for text." • marcin jucha - "Solar Energy Farm in Fields. Aerial Drone View" • bmak - "Beautiful home exterior in evening with glowing interior lights and landscaping" • patpongstock - "Children engaging in creative play with a 3D printer, exploring design concepts and creating colorful models together." • DreamPointArt - "Nutritional treats: A vibrant mix of healthy foods. Proper nutrition, healthy lifestyle."