Who Owns What? Understanding
Electric Equipment Responsibilities
As summer continues with longer days and rising temperatures, it also brings the increased potential for severe weather. Summer storms can arrive quickly and hit hard, sometimes causing significant damage to essential electric equipment throughout our community.
Canoochee EMC is always prepared to respond swiftly to outages and restore power safely, but it is also important for homeowners to understand which parts of the electric system are their responsibility and which are maintained by us at the co-op. Understanding these key differences can help speed up repairs and ensure everyone stays safe when the weather turns rough.
We are responsible for maintaining and repairing the equipment and lines that run to your home, including utility poles, distribution power lines, electric meters and padmounted transformers.
Canoochee EMC members are responsible for the equipment located between the electric meter and your home or business. Members are also responsible for the weatherhead and service mast located outside the home.
If any equipment that you (the homeowner) are responsible for is damaged, please call a licensed electrician to conduct the repairs. A professional has the experience and know-how to assess and manage these types of repairs.
When severe weather damages electrical equipment, it’s important
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Who Owns What?
Electric Co-op Owned Equipment vs Member-Owned Equipment
This graphic depicts equipment owned by the co-op (in gold) and the member (in blue). If a storm damages any equipment owned by the co-op, we are responsible for repairs. If a storm damages any member-owned equipment, the member is responsible for repairs. Members should hire a licensed electrician when making any repairs to member-owned equipment.
Co-op owned
Member-owned
Electric Co-op Owned Equipment vs Member-Owned Equipment Power distribution lines
Note:
Notice of Capital Credits Assignments
AAs a rural electric cooperative, Canoochee EMC is owned by its members. At the end of each year, margins are assigned to the members. Once again, Canoochee EMC’s Board of Directors is pleased to report another successful year in 2024. The total assignment of margins, also referred to as capital credits, for 2024 is $4.3 million.
The allocated amounts are recorded on the books of the cooperative in each member’s individual equity account as capital credits.
You will receive a notice if your assignment for 2024 is greater than $5. This is an assignment only and not a refund.
When Will I Be Paid for My Capital Credits?
When the board determines that the financial position allows for a return of capital, a capital credits retirement will be announced. The cooperative strives to operate efficiently, while also maintaining a strong capital base. The board continually monitors the cooperative’s financial position. Canoochee EMC retired a total of $859,000 in 2024 and has retired approximately $25.2 million in cash to its members since it was founded.
The board would like to thank you for your continued support in helping us achieve our goal: to keep energy affordable and
reliable. It truly is an honor and a privilege to serve you, and we look forward to serving you in the future.
Sincerely,
Canoochee EMC Board of Directors
Connie L. Thrift, President
Bob Floyd, Vice President
Kimberly S. Blocker, Treasurer
LaNell M. Oliver, Secretary
Ed Bradley Jr.
Robert E. Dasher
Kenneth L. Durrence
Lavanda Lynn
Bernard Purvis
Who Owns What?,
to note that any necessary repairs to the homeowner’s equipment must be completed before Canoochee EMC’s crews can restore power to your home or business. By understanding the equipment you are responsible for, the repair and restoration process will be smoother and faster. Our community takes great pride in the trees and landscaping that contrib-
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ute to the natural beauty where we live; however, regular trimming is essential to ensure reliable electric service and minimize damage from severe weather. Canoochee EMC regularly trims trees throughout our service territory to improve service reliability. If you spot a tree limb that is obstructing a distribution power line outside your home, please call
us so we can trim those limbs and maintain those lines.
By working together to understand the essential equipment that powers daily life, we can all be better prepared to start the repair and restoration process if severe weather impacts our community.
If you have any questions about your electrical equipment, we’re here to help.
he Committee on Nominations appointed by the Directors of Canoochee Electric Membership Corp. met on the 8th day of July 2025 at 5 p.m. at the office of the corporation in Reidsville, Tattnall County, Ga., to make nominations of the
Canoochee Electric Membership Corp.
Report of Nominations for Directors by the Committee on Nominations
as Directors of the corporation by the members of the corporation at the Annual Meeting of Members of the corporation thereof or by early voting to wit:
The duties of the committee were explained to them, and they were advised that the terms of the following three Directors would expire at the time of the holding of the Annual Meeting of Members. Their successors would be elected for a term of three years, or until their successors were elected and qualified.
It was explained that the Directors were to be elected from their respective districts in order that all sections of the area served by the cooperative would have representation on the Board of Directors.
After considering various members of the cor poration, their resident, experience and qualifica
The secretary was instructed to post a list of the parties nominated, as provided by the Bylaws.
There being no further business to come before the meeting, upon motion made, duly seconded and car ried, said meeting was adjourned.
Chairman of the Nominating Committee
Nominating Committee
The Transformer
Official Publication of Canoochee EMC
P.O. Box 487
Reidsville, GA 30453
(800) 342-0134
Joseph A. Sikes, Editor
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Connie Thrift District 3 President
Bob Floyd District 4 Vice President
Kim Blocker District 9 Treasurer
LaNell M. Oliver District 6 Secretary
Ed Bradley Jr. District 5
Robert Dasher District 8
Kenneth L. Durrence District 7
Lavanda Lynn District 2
Bernard Purvis District 1
Michael Wasson, Chief Executive Officer
Andy Whiten, Chief Operations Officer
Mat Olson, Chief Financial Officer
Patrick Burkhalter, Chief Administration Officer
Kyle E. Durrence, Member Services Manager
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR POWER IS OFF . . .
1. Check your fuses or breakers.
2. Check with your neighbors.
3. Call (800) 342-0134 or (912) 557-4391.
There is a dispatcher on call 24 hours a day for your convenience.
OFFICE HOURS
Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed Saturday, Sunday and holidays
Branch offices
Highway 196 West Hinesville, GA 31313
Highway 280 East Pembroke, GA 31321
Keep Cool With Outdoor Ceiling Fans
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our family might use your covered outdoor porch or patio more often this summer if you keep the temperature out there cooler by installing a ceiling fan.
Outdoor ceiling fans come with ratings like “damp” or “wet” that indicate what kind of climate—like humid or rainy—they can operate in safely.
Never install an indoor fan on your outdoor porch; it’s not safe. Instead, choose one specifically made for outdoor use with all-weather blades, corrosion- and rust-resistant paint finishes, and a motor casing featuring a waterproof seal.
Overhead fans are a great addition to a porch, sunroom or even a garage. Even in outdoor rooms with extra sunlight, a fan can circulate the air, making anyone sitting or standing nearby feel cool and comfortable.
Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month
Replace your cooling system’s filter regularly to maintain strong airflow and boost energy efficiency. A clean filter means your system doesn’t have to work as hard, saving energy and lowering your utility bills. Factors like allergies and pets in the home can impact how often filters should be replaced. Check the filter every month and replace it as needed. Changing filters regularly also reduces wear and tear on your cooling system, helping extend the life of the unit.
Source: energy.gov
