Planning for Our Future
By Michael Wasson, CEO
s we move through February, I want to share an update on how we are planning for the future of our cooperative.
Our primary mission at Canoochee EMC is to provide you with reliable electricity. As a not-for-profit cooperative, our consumers are members and owners. Our board of directors is made up of members just like you, so we understand that any decision regarding rates directly impacts our neighbors and the communities we serve.
Navigating Growth and Costs
We have successfully kept our rates consistent for a long time, despite outside economic pressures. However, to ensure we can serve you better through 2026 and beyond, we must address two major factors: unprecedented regional growth and the increased cost of materials like poles and transformers.
To maintain the reliability of our grid while remaining fair to all members, the Canoochee Board of Directors has approved the following adjustments, which will go into effect on March 1(see below):
A Commitment to Fairness
Whether you are a large company or a residential member with a single meter, our goal is to fairly distribute costs. We have held off serious increases for as long as possible, and these adjustments allow us to invest in the infrastructure needed to keep our service dependable. We appreciate your continued support and your trust in us as we make these decisions to protect the longterm health of our cooperative. We look forward to serving you throughout 2026.
Adjustment Overview (Effective March 1, 2026)
• For Rate 1 Members: The $5 increase to the monthly base rate is the only change to your billing structure.
• Other Rate Classes: Changes have also been made to other specific rate classes. Members in those categories will receive individual communications regarding their specific updates.
Congratulations to William Holmes of Claxton for being selected as the February 2026 Touchstone Energy Senior Citizen of the Month.
Foundation Awards Nearly $60,000 in Contributions
TThis past November, the Canoochee EMC Foundation awarded $57,000 in donations.
Requests for assistance from the foundation are carefully evaluated and awarded by a separate board of directors made up of nine volunteer leaders from the local community.
Contributors can be assured that 100% of all donations directly benefit programs and initiatives that improve life within local communities.
The following decisions were approved by the Canoochee EMC Foundation Board at the November 2025 meeting:
• Evans County African American Archive Museum–$5,000
• Pinewood Christian Academy–$5,000
• Camp Twin Lakes Inc.–$3,000
• Community Support Center–$5,000
• Hinesville Police Department–$3,000
• Long County Recreation Department–$5,000
• Scott’s Allstars–$5,000
• His House Women’s Recovery–$5,000
• Bryan County Elementary STEM Club–$4,000
• North Tattnall Middle School–$5,000
Pinewood Christian Academy’s donation helps purchase Lenovo Chromebooks, which will be used to administer SAT testing and enhance daily classroom student activities.
The Long County Recreation Department uses its funds to support events that foster unity within the community.
The donation to the Hinesville Police Department funds the replenishment of AEDs in all officers’ vehicles.
CEMC Foundation Scholarship
T T
he Canoochee EMC Foundation Scholarship Program provides financial support to students pursuing college or trade school, reinforcing the foundation’s commitment to developing future leaders and a strong workforce within cooperative communities.
Scholarships of $4,000 are available to high school seniors in Canoochee EMC’s service area, with our top applicant awarded the Mary Shuptrine Tootle Scholarship of $5,000.
Applications are due April 1. Email pr@canoochee emc.com for more information.
CEMC Foundation Lineman Scholarship
T T
he Canoochee EMC Foundation Linemen Scholarship is proud to support individuals who are passionate about pursuing a career in linework and becoming part of the electric industry.
This scholarship offers financial assistance for students in approved training programs. Eligibility requirements include being at least 17 years old and living in Canoochee EMC’s service territory. Email pr@canoochee emc.com for more information.
2026 Washington Youth Tour
C C
anoochee EMC is excited to invite high school juniors in our service territory to apply for the 2026 Washington Youth Tour, an unforgettable, all-expensespaid leadership experience in our nation’s capital.
The trip will feature visits and tours of some of the United States’ most iconic and historic venues, in addition to opportunities for high school student delegates to meet with many of our state’s national leaders at a town hall event. The Washington Youth Tour offers more than history lessons; it’s a chance to make unforgettable memories and
lifelong friendships while connecting with students from across Georgia and the nation.
The 2026 Washington Youth Tour is scheduled for June 12-19. All applicants are asked to write an essay, and chosen finalists are interviewed. The essay is due Feb. 2. Visit our website to apply today or email pr@canoocheeemc.com for more information.
CEMC Visits Pinewood Christian Academy
C C
anoochee EMC Communications Specialist Joe Sikes, Safety Director Keith Durance and Lineman Cody Dotson recently visited Pinewood Christian Academy’s secondgrade classrooms to deliver an engaging and informative presentation focused on electrical safety and its importance in everyday life.
Through a visual display, the team explained how electricity is used safely at home, at school and in the community. Students were captivated throughout the presentation, while also being filled with curiosity and sharing their thoughts.
A highlight of the visit was when Dotson showed the specialized equipment he uses in his daily work, explaining how each piece plays a critical role in keeping him safe while performing his duties. The experience sparked a deeper understanding of electrical safety among the students.
Score Big With Energy Savings!
Score Big With Energy Savings!
Ever y Super Bowl MVP makes big plays—and you can too!
Every Super Bowl MVP makes big plays—and you can too!
Use the clues below to ll in the blanks and learn how you can help save energy at home by making smar t, e cient plays. Double- check your work in the answer key.
1. Spend time outdoors or unplugged to reduce your ________________________ time and save energy.
When it’s cold, wear an extra layer of
instead of turning up the thermostat.
Keep doors and ________________________ closed when your home’s heating/cooling system is turned on.
When it’s cold, wear an extra layer of ________________________ instead of turning up the thermostat. 4. Keep doors and ________________________ closed when your home’s heating/cooling system is turned on. 5. Unplug smaller electronics like ________________________ when you’renot using them.
Use the clues below to ll in the blanks and learn how you can help save energy at home by making smar t, e cient plays. Double- check your work in the answer key. Word Bank: windows clothing water lights screen chargers Turn o the while brushing your teeth.
5. Unplug smaller electronics like when you’renot using them.
Turn o when you leave a room.