This October, we’re shining a spotlight on cooperatives, unique organizations that stand out from traditional businesses in their structure, purpose, and guiding principles. As your local electric cooperative, we believe it’s important for our members to understand how cooperatives operate and the benefits they bring not only to individuals but to entire communities.
At its core, a cooperative—or co-op—is a business organization that’s owned and operated by its members. This might sound simple, but it’s a powerful concept that sets cooperatives apart from profit-driven corporations. While traditional businesses prioritize profits for shareholders, cooperatives focus on providing value to their members and improving the community as a whole.
Take your electric cooperative as an example. Our primary mission isn’t to maximize profits; it’s to provide affordable, reliable electricity to our members. This member-driven model ensures that the collective interests of the community are always at the forefront of our initiatives.
Cooperatives are built on a few key ideas: fairness, community, and giving everyone a voice. One of the most important principles is open membership.
It’s a welcoming system that invites people from all backgrounds to participate, helping create a strong sense of community and belonging.
Another unique benefit of cooperatives is capital credits. Essentially, capital credits represent the members' ownership stake in the cooperative.
Each year, the cooperative allocates margins to its members based on the amount of electricity they purchase. These allocated capital credits are then returned to members as additional capital becomes available.
This system not only allows members to benefit from the cooperative's financial success, but it also helps keep rates stable and affordable for everyone. Capital credits are a tangible way for members to see the value of their cooperative membership and the cooperative's commitment to serving their best interests.
But being part of a cooperative isn’t just about money. Members feel a strong sense of ownership, and have the opportunity to get involved in the community through programs like Operation Round Up. You’re not just a customer; you’re an active participant in shaping the future of the cooperative. Your voice matters, and your involvement can help decide what the cooperative does next.
This co-op month, we encourage you to learn more about the cooperative model and the positive impact it has on our community.
Capture Your Share of the Sun with Cooperative Solar!
Did you hear the great news? We've expanded our Cooperative Solar program to include solar fields across the state. This growth comes with increased capacity, enhanced performance reliability, and no waiting list!
Commit to a smaller carbon footprint in 2024 without installing or maintaining any equipment. Call 770-775-7857 to learn more about adding solar energy to your monthly energy mix.
Considering Rooftop Solar?
As your trusted energy advisor, Central Georgia EMC can help you make smart energy investments, including right-sizing a rooftop solar installation to best meet your needs, goals, and financial objectives. We can help you understand your current electricity use, the many important factors to consider with a rooftop solar installation, and what you can expect to gain from your investment. Click the link below to take our Rooftop Solar Assessment, or call 770-775-7857 to speak with one of our experienced energy advisors.
2024 Residential Rebates
Is it time for an upgrade? Save energy and money with CGEMC's 2024 rebates!
Nearly half of 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 yearly on energy costs. Visit www.cgemc.com for details.
*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, 2024.
Fast. Reliable. High-Speed Internet. That’s the Conexon Connect guarantee.
Up your game this football season and sign up for seamless streaming and crazy-fast speeds through Connect, powered by Central Georgia EMC!
Plus, we offer three different speed tiers to best fit your needs:
- Ultimate 2 Gig** Speed for $99.95/month
- Premium 1 Gig Speed for $79.95/month
- Basic 100 Mbps Speed for $49.95/month
**Connect Ultimate offers download speeds of up to 2 gigabits per second; upload speeds are typically between 1 and 2 gigabits per second. 2 gigabit speeds can be obtained by directly connecting via ethernet cable to the ONT. The device conducting the speed test must be capable of sending and receiving data at a minimum of 2 gigabits of throughput.
What are you waiting for? Check availability online at www.ConexonConnect.com or call 844-542-6663 to speak to our Customer Care Team.
In August, the CGEMC Foundation Board granted $22,000 to charitable organizations in our territory. The funds will support programs and initiatives in the communities CGEMC serves.
- Avo-Kids CASA, Inc.: $3,000 program support for volunteers who advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children involved in juvenile court proceedings.
- Burn Foundation of America, Inc.: $3,000 to assist with the cost of direct patient services for burn patients from CGEMC's service territory.
- Connecting Henry, Inc.: $1,500 to purchase baby accessories for their 2nd Annual Community Resource Fair-Ultimate Baby Shower.
- Hands of Hope Clinic: $2,500 to assist with the purchase of clinic supplies for the medical and dental programs and to support patient costs that require specialty services.
- Henry County Outdoor Education Partnership: $4,000 program support for the Cubihatcha Outdoor Center program for every Henry County 3rd grader.
- Monroe County Kingdom Builders: $2,500 to purchase materials for home repairs.
- Operation Lunchbox: $1,000 to purchase food for their food distribution program.
- The River Refuge International, Inc.: $2,500 to assist with program costs associated with the Malachi House.
- United in Pink, Inc.: $2,000 to purchase food for families undergoing active cancer treatment.
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!
Meet Willie Wiredhand!
Willie Wiredhand is the fun and friendly mascot for electric cooperatives in the United States, created by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. Willie was introduced in 1951 to help show people how electric co-ops bring power to rural areas. He symbolized teamwork and community, showing how working together can light up homes and farms. Today, Willie Wiredhand is still a popular mascot, reminding people of the importance of electricity and cooperation.
In recognition of Co-op Month, Willie will be traveling around our territory. Follow his adventures on our Facebook page for a chance to win fun prizes! #WhereIsWillieWiredhand
Holiday Closing
The Central Georgia EMC office will be closed Thursday, November 28, and Friday, November 29. In the event 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.
Postal Delays
Due to issues beyond our control, we have not consistently received mail from the US Postal Service in recent months.
We offer a variety of convenient ways to pay to avoid postal delays and late fees. Visit our website at www.cgemc.com to learn more.
Crews Working 24/7
We want to inform you that CGEMC crews and/or contractors of CGEMC will be working around-the-clock in the upcoming weeks. Please do not be alarmed if you see activity outside of regular hours. This is part of our efforts to improve our services and facilities for your convenience.
If you have questions or concerns, Customer Service Representatives are available during business hours, and System Operators are available after hours at 770-775-7857. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
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.
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.