February 2024 CARROLL ELECTRIC MEMBERSHIP CORPORATION’S NEWSLETTER FOR MEMBERS
Romance and Energy Savings: A Valentine’s Day Win-Win Got romance on your mind this Valentine’s Day? Why not save some energy while you’re cozying up with your partner? Here’s a couple of tips to help: • Turn off the TV. Sure, watching a romantic movie is a great way to spend time together on a day designed for couples. Even better: sitting close, talking and truly engaging with one another. As long as you’ve got the TV turned off, go ahead and unplug it to save even more energy. Devices that are turned off still draw some electricity if they’re plugged in. • Dim the lights. It used to be that only energy-hogging incandescent lightbulbs worked with a dimmer switch. But now, even LED lights can be dimmable. Dimming the lights not only saves energy, but it can extend the life of the bulbs. And it creates a romantic setting for a candlelight dinner for two.
February 2024
Carroll EMC Newsletter
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Crossbeam Broadband Expansion Continues We are now accepting orders in select activation zones in Haralson County. Register on our website to check service availability and receive the latest project information.
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ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIP OF THE MONTH
Buchanan
Area rugs are an easy, costeffective solution to cold floors. Adding area rugs to hard-surface flooring can add warmth to any room and keep your feet cozy on cold winter days. Choose rugs made from wool or other natural fibers and plush or high-pile textures for the most insulation. Place rugs in areas where you need additional warmth, like the foot of a bed or under a coffee table. Area rugs can enhance the aesthetic of your home and keep you cozier.
Villa Rica Carrollton
Ephesus
LEGEND Accepting orders in select zones
Franklin
crossbeam.net |
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Service is available
@Crossbeam Fiber | 678-821-6000
Scholarship Application Deadlines Drawing Near Lineman School • Due March 8, 2024. • Visit carrollemc.com for details and the application. Copeland • Check University of West Georgia’s website for details and deadline information, westga.edu/scholarships.
It's the Perfect Time for New Habits Midwwinter is the perfect time to break bad habits when it comes to using electricity around the house.
Co-ops Vote Is Getting You
Plugged In and Ready for the 2024 Primaries
STEP I Check your registration and/or register to vote. It only takes two minutes to register. Be sure to check registration deadlines. Some allow Election Day registration, while others require that you register in advance. Visit vote.coop to learn more!
For example, are you still using the extension cords you unpacked when you decorated your house for the holidays? If so, put them back in their boxes; extension cords are designed for temporary use only. And if you’re hiding them under rugs, they could be getting frayed and damaged, which is a fire hazard. It’s never the wrong time of year to seal leaks around windows, doors and penetrations in walls where wires and cables enter the house. Use caulk and weatherstripping, and engage your children in this energy efficiency exercise. It will teach them how to conserve energy and use it wisely. Finally, consider making energy-efficient home improvements around the house before spring, when contractors are busier. Have a programmable thermostat installed; replace any old, single-pane windows you still have in your house; and add insulation to the attic.
STEP 4 STEP 2 Learn about your early voting options. Many states offer absentee, mail-in voting or in-person, early voting options. See what your state allows at vote.coop.
February 2024
STEP 3 Make your voting plan. Find out where you can vote in person and what you need to bring with you on Election Day by entering your address on vote.coop.
Carroll EMC Newsletter
Research candidates. Learn where candidates stand on co-op issues and about the ballot measures. Pro-tip: Reach out to candidates so you can hear directly from them before casting your vote.
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155 N Highway 113 Carrollton, GA 30117 member.services@carrollemc.com carrollemc.com (770) 832-3552
PRESIDENT/CEO Tim Martin
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Eddie Gore, Chairman Max Goldin, Vice Chairman Ronnie Jordan, Secretary/Treasurer Donnie Brannon Don DeFoor Alvin Ginn Emmett Harrod Lynn Joyner Nan Philpot
EDITOR
WRITER
Kelly Jimenez Brittany Shadix
OFFICE HOURS Carrollton Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Buchanan Wednesday, Thurday and Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Franklin Monday and Tuesday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
24-HOUR OUTAGE LINE To report a power outage, call (770) 832-3552, option 1.
Carroll EMC Honored for Workplace Safety “Our business inevitably involves risks from energized wires, working high off the ground and moving heavy items like poles—not to mention being out in storms to restore power,” says Carroll EMC’s Safety and Training Director Matt Young. “We strive every day to minimize these dangers by investing time and attention to safety measures and careful work practices. We all want to return home to our families at the end of each day. I think that makes all the difference in our employees, especially linemen, wanting to carefully follow the safety precautions that are in place.”
Remember: If you have multiple accounts, you will need to enter your account number for that location.
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Carroll EMC Newsletter
After rounding out two consecutive years without an employee missing work due to an injury on the job, an impressive accomplishment given the complexity and inherent dangers of the electric industry, Carroll EMC was recognized with a No-Lost-Time Award by its statewide association, Georgia EMC. Today, electric utility employees, including those with Carroll EMC, work in a much safer environment due to advances in equipment and safety techniques, along with stricter safety regulations and oversight. This leads to a significant reduction in accidents and time away from work for many employees. Still, the nature of the electric business makes it a challenge to avoid an injury no matter how many safety practices are in place. Nationally, electrical linemen suffered 18.6 fatalities for every 100,000 hours worked in 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, compared to just 3.4 fatalities per 100,000 hours for the average American worker, making it especially noteworthy when EMCs earn this award.