Behind the Walls
WHAT’S BEHIND THE WALLS OF A RIGHT CHOICE® HOME?
JULY 2025 | IN THIS ISSUE
WHERE DOES MY ELECTRICITY GO?
HOW DO I KNOW IF A SMART THERMOSTAT WILL WORK WITH MY HVAC?
PAIR YOUR DOORBELL CAMERA WITH PROTECTION THAT RESPONDS
BEATING THE SUMMER HEAT
Hot Georgia summers aren’t anything new — and they’re certainly not for the faint of heart. When the heat and humidity rolls in, there’s nothing quite like walking into a cool, air-conditioned home. But staying comfortable can also mean higher bills this time of year.
The good news? You don’t have to sacrifice comfort to save money. In this issue of JEMCO News, we’re sharing tips to help you save energy and money.
At Jackson EMC, we’re committed to helping you make smart energy choices. That’s why we offer a variety of tools and programs designed with you in mind. Because your home, your habits and your needs are unique, saving energy starts with small changes that work for you.
A good place to start? The thermostat on your wall. Try setting it to 78 degrees while you’re at home — it’s a sweet spot that helps you stay cool without running up the power bill. When it’s blazing hot outside, your air conditioner has to work
harder and run longer just to keep up. Dropping the temperature just a few degrees lower can make your system hustle, and your bill climb. Every degree you lower it below 78 degrees could raise your cooling costs by 5 percent or more.
If you have a smart thermostat, check out our new Sync to Save program. It’s an easy way to earn a few bucks just by letting your thermostat ease up during peak hours. Less strain on the entire system, more rewards for you and a win for everyone.
Want to know when your home is using the most energy? The MyJacksonEMC app and website let you track your energy use hour by hour. That kind of insight makes it easier to shift small habits — and see real savings.
Here’s something I really want you to know: You don’t have to figure this out alone. Whether you’re looking for tips online, following us on social media, or calling to speak with a local representative
MEMBERS MAKE IT DELICIOUS
Summer Squash Casserole
— we’re here to help you. Our team can break down your energy use and offer advice that makes sense for your home and your family.
At Jackson EMC, we’re more than your power provider. We’re your neighbor, your partner — and your biggest fan in the fight against summer heat.
Have a story to share about how you’re saving energy this summer? Maybe you found a new routine that’s working or bumped up the thermostat a few degrees. I’d love to hear it — email me at chip@jacksonemc.com.
CHIP JAKINS President & CEO
FEATURED RECIPE WINNERS WILL RECEIVE A $200 GROCERY STORE GIFT CARD AND A HAND MIXER
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Dice, cook, drain and lightly mash squash. Mix all ingredients, except bread crumbs, and place in a 9x9 dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top. Bake in oven for 30 minutes.
"My family expects this recipe at every special meal we have together. Every time I take this to a party, someone wants the recipe. The ranch dressing makes it different and even kids love it. cup grated sharp cheddar cheese saltine crackers, crumbled cup Panko plain bread crumbs
-JANIS MILLER, Pendergrass
Where Does My Electricity Go?
Knowing which appliances use the most electricity is the first step to managing your bill and making smarter choices for your home. As your cooperative, Jackson EMC is here to help you save energy — and keep more money in your pocket. Here’s where your electricity is going — and how you can take control:
Need more ideas? Visit jacksonemc.com/waystosave or scan the QR code to get more tips.
HEATING & COOLING
You can get peak energy efficiency for your home by checking your HVAC’s air filters every 1-2 months and replacing them when dirty. Remember: For every degree below 78 degrees in the summer, your energy costs increase by approximately 5%.
Switch to LED bulbs throughout your house and turn off lights when you leave a room.
20%
MAJOR APPLIANCES
(Refrigerator,
Washer & Dryer, Dishwasher)
Only wash dishes and laundry with full loads. ready to buy a new appliance, consider purchasing ENERGY STAR®-certified models, which use less electricity than older models.
15%
WATER HEATING
Set your water heater thermostat to 120 degrees for energy efficiency.
11%
OTHER APPLIANCES (TV and Devices)
TVs, computers, video game consoles and charging devices draw power when plugged but not in use, which is called “vampire energy.” This wasted energy can cost you $100-200 a year. Unplug devices and other electronics when not in use.
What's Behind the Walls
OF A RIGHT CHOICE® HOME?
When you step into a Right Choice home, it’s easy to admire the polished floors, beautiful kitchen and natural light. But what really makes the home feel “just right” is what you don’t see — what’s behind the walls.
Behind every Right Choice home is a careful design focused on comfort, energy savings and your peace of mind. These homes are inspected and tested to deliver consistent heating and cooling — even during a summer heat wave or winter chill. Every Right Choice home is built not just with higher construction standards — but with your comfort in mind.
At Jackson EMC, our goal is simple: to help your home feel better, run smarter and save more. That’s part of the super-personalized care we’re proud to offer every member.
THE RIGHT CHOICE DIFFERENCE
Right Choice homes are built exclusively in Jackson EMC’s service area for energy efficiency and comfort, and benefit from:
• Lower utility bills because all energy efficient components of the home are verified and designed to work together.
• Improved comfort with properly sized, sealed and balanced HVAC systems that deliver conditioned air more effectively to all rooms.
• Built-in peace of mind with Jackson EMC’s lowest residential rate and energy and comfort guarantees included with every home.
Each home is different — and your needs are, too. That’s why we offer options that make sense for you. Ready to explore Right Choice homes near you?
Visit jacksonemc.com/rightchoice or scan this QR code.
HIDDEN LEAKS SEALED
:
Areas around windows and doors are sealed to prevent drafts and moisture to help keep your home a steady temperature.
VERIFIED ATTIC INSULATION DETAILS:
Precision inspections of critical insulation levels and framing details, like kneewalls, cathedral ceilings and other difficult-to-reach areas of the attic are completed.
PROPERLY-SIZED HVAC SYSTEMS:
Calculation on your HVAC system is performed by a licensed engineer to match your home’s size and layout for energy efficiency.
DUCTS THAT DELIVER:
Ductwork is inspected, pressure-tested and verified to ensure it meets the rigorous Right Choice standards.
BALANCED AIRFLOW IN EACH ROOM:
A special feature for Jackson EMC residential members that's typically only done on larger commercial and industrial buildings is that the duct system of Right Choice homes are measured and adjusted to keep all rooms heating and cooling together.
$81,250 IN GRANTS RECENTLY AWARDED
The Jackson EMC Foundation Board of Directors recently awarded $81,250 in grants to organizations.
Organizational Grant Recipients:
$10,000 to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Jackson County, Jefferson, for its summer program.
$10,000 to Gainesville Housing Corporation to provide four certified teachers for its RISE Summer Learning Program to bridge the educational gap for students in kindergarten through third grade.
$8,820 to YMCA of Georgia’s Piedmont, Winder, to enable children in Barrow, Clarke, Gwinnett, Hall and Jackson counties to participate in its summer day camp program.
$8,700 to YMCA of Athens to enable children in Clarke, Banks, Barrow, Jackson, Madison and Oglethorpe counties to participate in its summer day camp program.
$7,500 to Path United, Loganville, which aims to inspire children in Barrow, Gwinnett and Hall counties to become flourishing adults for 150 participants for its summer camp program.
$7,000 to Horizons Atlanta for staff support for its Summer Enrichment Program for students living in underserved areas in Clarke County.
$6,375 to Elachee Nature Center, Gainesville, to provide
25 students in Hall, Barrow, Gwinnett, Jackson and Lumpkin counties to participate in its summer day camp program.
$6,000 to Cultivating a Lifetime of Legacy, Bogart, to provide 15 students in Clarke, Barrow, Gwinnett, Jackson and Madison counties to participate in its summer camp program.
$5,500 to Camp Twin Lakes, to provide 10 students in Gwinnett, Barrow, Clarke, Hall, Jackson and Madison counties to participate in its camp programs.
$5,355 for Families of Children Under Stress, which serves children, teens and adults in Gwinnett, Barrow, Hall and Jackson counties with developmental disabilities, to provide partial funding for 15 participants for its summer camp program.
$4,500 to Vision Atlanta, Buford, which helps transform the lives of at-risk youth for 10 students in Gwinnett and Clarke counties to participate in its summer camp program.
$1,500 to Because One Matters, Lawrenceville, which provides a positive influence on children in Gwinnett and Barrow counties impacted by foster care, and young adults from economically disadvantaged communities to support the purchase laptops for middle and high school students in its mentoring program.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, OR TO APPLY FOR A GRANT,
COMMUNITY IMPACT: THE NEXT STOP FOUNDATION
For adults with special needs, finding a place to connect, learn and grow after aging out of school programs can be a challenge. That’s where The Next Stop Foundation steps in.
Founded in 2007 by Vicki and Stu LaRoche, The Next Stop Foundation provides social enrichment and personal growth opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism or those with acquired brain injuries in Barrow, Gwinnett, Hall and Jackson counties.
Operating three days a week, The Next Stop Foundation serves about 30 members each day, offering a structured program focused on building life skills and promoting socialization. Members participate in daily cooking sessions to develop confidence and independence, recreational activities like yoga and line dancing, and enrichment hours featuring music therapy and interactive games. Service projects also allow members to give back to their communities, and helps them to know that they too can make a difference in someone’s life.
Thanks to a $10,000 grant from the Jackson EMC Foundation, The Next Stop Foundation supported 10 members for 25 weeks, helping to keep program fees affordable for families.
“One of our goals is not just to provide a place for these adults to be, but a place for them to do,” said Vicki LaRoche, executive director and co-founder of The Next Stop. “We want our members to have meaningful experiences that help them grow in their adult lives.”
Jackson EMC Recognized Nationally for Connecting with Members, Employees
Jackson EMC’s communication team has earned top national recognition in the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s (NRECA) Spotlight on Excellence Awards. The team received two Gold Awards for outstanding efforts to connect employees and serve members through impactful communication and engagement.
This year, NRECA honored Jackson EMC with two Gold Awards. The first celebrated the cooperative’s New Member Email Campaign as the Most Innovative Use of Digital Engagement. The second recognized JEMClips, the cooperative’s employee newsletter, as the Best Internal News Publication.
“These awards reflect our promise to provide super-personalized care — ensuring members and employees feel valued, informed and supported,” said April Sorrow, vice president of communication at Jackson EMC. “It’s an honor to see our team’s expertise recognized nationally for the way we tell our story and connect with the people we serve.”
Recognized for its innovation and strong member engagement, Jackson EMC’s New Member Email Campaign showcases the cooperative’s commitment to personalized, member-first communication.
JEMClips, Jackson EMC’s employee monthly newsletter, was recognized as a gold-standard publication for its strong visual appeal, engaging content and its role in connecting employees across the cooperative.
These honors are the result of a team effort by communication staff members: Jewel Caruso, Karen Ewing, Lila Higginbotham, Wendy Jones, Dekotah Mathis, April Sorrow, Kerri Testement and Lauren White. Their work showcases Jackson EMC’s focus on keeping members informed, employees connected and the community supported.
Your Energy Questions Answered
Q: How do I know if a smart thermostat will work with my HVAC system?
A: That’s a great question — and one we hear often from members! It’s easy to get excited about smart thermostats and the ways they can help you save energy, but it’s just as important to make sure they’ll work with your current heating and cooling system before making the switch.
Here’s how to check compatibility:
• Visit the Jackson EMC Marketplace (jacksonemcmarketplace.com) to browse smart thermostats from brands like Nest, ecobee, Honeywell and Sensi.
• On each product page, scroll down to find the manufacturer’s compatibility guide. It will walk you through how to check if the thermostat will work with your HVAC setup.
Not a tech expert? No problem. Your HVAC contractor can help confirm compatibility. Just keep in mind that some smart thermostats won’t work with systems like baseboard heating — so it’s always good to double-check before buying.
And here’s something else to know. When you buy an eligible smart thermostat from the Jackson EMC Marketplace, you may qualify for a $50 smart thermostat rebate and an additional $50 incentive when you enroll in our Sync to Save program (limit two per home). That program rewards members who help reduce energy use during peak demand times. You can also get a $25 annual participation credit for staying in the program.
Whether you’re looking to save energy, enjoy more comfort, or both, there are smart, member-friendly ways to get started. And we're always here if you have questions along the way.
You can learn more at jacksonemc.com/synctosave
Send Us Your Questions
Send us your questions at residentialmemberservices@jacksonemc.com — your question might even appear in JEMCO News!
ANSWERED BY CHRISTY QUEEN, Jackson EMC Director of Residential Marketing
YOUR POWER. YOUR COMMUNITY.
A PUBLICATION FOR JACKSON EMC MEMBERS
JACKSON EMC OFFICES
1000 Dawsonville Highway Gainesville, GA (770) 536-2415
85 Spratlin Mill Road Hull, GA (706) 548-5362
850 Commerce Road Jefferson, GA (706) 367-5281
825 Buford Dr Lawrenceville, GA (770) 963-6166
EMC SECURITY
55 Satellite Blvd., NW Suwanee, GA (770) 963-0305 or (706) 543-4009
jacksonemc.com
Pair Your Doorbell Camera with Protection That Responds
Your doorbell camera gives you a window to your front door. You can see who’s there and even talk to them. But when it comes to protecting what matters most, it helps to have more than just a camera.
For real peace of mind, pair your cameras with professional monitoring from EMC Security. A monitored system responds in the moment. If an alarm is triggered, trained professionals quickly verify the situation and dispatch emergency help, like police, fire or medical – even if you miss an alert.
Think of it this way: A camera records. A monitored system takes action.
As a Jackson EMC member, you can access affordable, no-contract security through EMC Security. It's just one of the ways of giving you the services you need — protecting your home with fast, friendly support and a team that’s always here for you.
Jackson EMC Jackson EMC jacksonemc jackson_emc @JacksonEMC