THE POWER OF SMALL CHANGE
Imagine a child receiving his or her first warm winter coat or a family being able to afford groceries during a difficult month, all because of your spare change.
That’s the heart of Operation Round Up ©, a simple idea that’s been changing lives in our community for almost two decades. By rounding up your electric bill by just a few cents each month, you’re part of something bigger – a team of neighbors helping neighbors through the Jackson EMC Foundation.
Members who participate in Operation Round Up have their monthly electric bill rounded up to the next dollar, which averages about $6 annually per member. About 90% of Jackson EMC members participate in Operation Round Up. The program is always voluntary, and at any time, members can change their minds about participating.
Donations made through our Operation Round Up program are granted to organizations making a difference in our community through the Jackson EMC
Foundation. The foundation board is made up of volunteers who live in and understand the needs of our community.
Since we launched our program in 2005, we’ve awarded more than 2,100 grants to organizations and helped more than 440 individuals – all adding up to more than $22 million!
Thanks to your donations through Operation Round Up, the Jackson EMC Foundation awards grants to worthy organizations serving those in need. This month’s issue of JEMCO News also shares how your small contributions in just one year are making a significant impact. There’s definitely a lot of good work happening in our area!
You’ve helped stock food pantries, provided counseling services, support youth programs, and so much more.
The holiday season reminds me of the joy of giving back. When you’re a Jackson EMC member who participates in Operation
MEMBERS MAKE IT DELICIOUS
Cranberry Scones
Round Up, you help spread good throughout the year. You’re helping to make a difference in someone’s life. You’re helping to meet a crucial need in your community. And, you’re showing that you care.
Through Operation Round Up, Jackson EMC members demonstrate the power of neighbors helping neighbors, and that’s what being part of a cooperative is all about. If you’re a participant of Operation Round Up, thank you—your contributions truly make a difference!
Have a story to share about the impact of a Jackson EMC Foundation grant? Share it with me at chip@jacksonemc.com.
CHIP JAKINS President & CEO
INGREDIENTS:
tbsp. of butter, cold
cups of all-purpose flour
tbsp. of milk
cup of cranberries, dried
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 320 degrees. Mix all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, sugar and egg. Add softened butter and mix until the butter is fully absorbed into the flour. Gradually add milk, and knead until the dough no longer sticks to your hands. Then, add cranberries. Shape the dough into round balls, then flatten it slightly. Bake for 25 minutes. If the surface browns too quickly, you can cover it with aluminum foil.
“This little pastry is a must have in our household. The cranberry strikes a perfect balance with a subtle tanginess that makes it incredibly delicious.”
-LI YUN ZHENG, Hoschton
Always Ready
Jackson EMC’s System Control
Much like NASA’s Misson Control, Jackson EMC’s System Control is the command center of the cooperative’s electric system. From this high-tech, weather-secured facility, operators monitor and manage more than 15,000 miles of power lines, 85 substations and more than 270,000 meters across Jackson EMC’s 10-county service area.
“System Control gives us real-time insights into the health of the electric grid.”
- Tommy Parker | Vice President of Operations
System Control operators keep watch over the system, receive alerts, remotely operate equipment for power restoration and dispatch line crews to problem areas. “Our operators react rapidly to changing conditions and dispatch crews to get power restored when there’s an outage,” Parker said.
Thanks to the system’s advanced metering infrastructure, operators can often detect an outage before it’s reported. Jackson EMC’s self-healing technology reroutes power automatically when possible to restore service faster and limit the size and duration of outages.
During major storms or disasters, System Control becomes the heart of the co-op’s response. The facility is designed to withstand severe weather so teams from across the co-op can collaborate safely and effectively. "We have operators in System Control monitoring the system at all times," Parker said. “During storms, we increase staffing accordingly.”
What Does System Control Do?
Monitors
Keeps a constant eye on the grid to catch issues before they affect you.
Responds
Quickly alerts and sends line crews to address outages and maintain service reliability.
Coordinates
Works closely with crews and other utilities to ensure safe, efficient power restoration during routine and emergency situations.
2025 COMMUNITY IMPACT
Your Generosity Shines
$1.3 Million Donated Through Operation Round Up©
Thanks to your incredible generosity through Operation Round Up, the Jackson EMC Foundation continues to make a powerful, lasting impact here in our community.
Since its founding, the Jackson EMC Foundation has awarded more than $22 million in grants to individuals and organizations across the 10 counties we serve. These grants help support the essential work of food banks, community health clinics, youth programs, shelters and more — all thanks to members like you.
This year, member donations totaled more than $1.3 million. Those contributions have helped transform lives in meaningful ways.
This is the true meaning of neighbors helping neighbors.
2,420 mental health and counseling sessions
31,736 youth impacted through out-of-school programming, such as camp experiences, mentoring and educational support
16 ramps constructed for people who are physically disabled
1,037 families supported with financial assistance for housing
1,031 patients provided medical care assistance, such as prescription costs and health screenings
‘ BETTER TOGETHER ’
At Jackson EMC, our commitment to community goes beyond providing power. It's about empowering people. This year, the Jackson EMC Foundation hosted a series of engaging collaborative discussions with more than 130 community leaders, residents, nonprofit organizations and other stakeholders to facilitate connections and access to resources across our 10-county service area.
The “Better Together” series sparked fresh ideas, created new partnerships, and opened the door to stronger support systems across our area by helping organizations connect their resources and work better together. The series focused on issues identified as impactful in our area, such as health care access, food insecurity and youth development.
107,679 meals served to children and families through local food programs
1,250 dictionaries provided to third-grade students
5 individuals in our community received critical support
Watch how your Operation Round Up® contributions impact the lives of everyday neighbors in your community. Scan to watch video.
Grants are available to organizations and individuals within Jackson EMC’s service area. Applications are reviewed and awarded by a volunteer board of local community leaders who serve on the Jackson EMC Foundation Board of Directors.
For more information about the Jackson EMC Foundation, including how to apply for a grant, visit jacksonemc.com/foundation
$79,612 IN GRANTS RECENTLY AWARDED
The Jackson EMC Foundation Board of Directors awarded a total of $79,612 in grants to local organizations during its August meeting.
Organizational Grant Recipients:
$10,000 to the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia , Athens, for its Food Access Initiative Program to purchase food for distribution in Clarke, Banks, Barrow, Franklin, Jackson, Madison and Oglethorpe counties.
$10,000 to Lawrenceville Cooperative Ministry, for its Emergency Assistance Program to purchase food for people in need in Gwinnett County.
$10,000 to Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries, Norcross, for its Crisis to Career Program to purchase emergency food relief for people in need in Gwinnett County.
$10,000 to North Gwinnett Cooperative, Buford, for its Family Food Program to purchase food for low-income families in Gwinnett County.
$10,000 to South Hall Community Food Pantry, Gainesville, for its food pantry to purchase food for people in need in Hall County.
$5,000 to Eastside Eagle Foundation, Commerce, for its Break Box Program to purchase food for families in need in Jackson County during school breaks.
$5,000 to the Pantry at Hamilton Mill, Dacula, for its Food Assistance Program to purchase food for families in need in Gwinnett, Barrow, Clarke, Hall, Jackson and Madison counties.
$5,000 to Streetwise Georgia , Lawrenceville, for its Mobile Food Pantry Program to purchase food for families in need in Gwinnett County.
$5,000 to Sunshine Seniors, Gainesville, for its food distribution program to cover food costs for families in need in Hall County.
$4,612 to Urban Recipe, for its Mobile Food Pantry to purchase food for distribution in Gwinnett and Hall counties.
$2,500 to Hispanic Alliance GA , Gainesville, for its Pantry Program to purchase food for families in need in Hall, Banks, Gwinnett, Jackson and Lumpkin counties.
$2,500 to Humanity First , Duluth, for its Duluth Food Pantry to purchase food for food boxes to serve more Gwinnett County families in need.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, OR TO APPLY FOR A JACKSON EMC FOUNDATION GRANT, JACKSONEMC.COM/FOUNDATION
OUTAGE ALERTS
Now Available by Text, Email
When your power goes out, you want updates you can count on. That’s why we’ve made it easier to stay informed — thanks to feedback from members like you.
If you’ve shared your mobile number or email with us, you’re already auto-enrolled in our new outage notifications — no need to sign up. We’ll send you text or email alerts that help you stay informed when it matters most.
You’ll get outage alerts when:
• Power is reported out in your area
• An outage is confirmed and crews have been notified
• Power has been restored
You can manage your contact preferences through your MyJacksonEMC account anytime to decide how you’d like to receive outage alerts. Learn more at jacksonemc.com/alerts
This new feature is one more way we deliver superpersonalized care with timely updates and peace of mind, all at your fingertips.
Jackson EMC’s Top Linemen Demonstrate Skills, Safety at International Lineman’s Rodeo
When the stakes are high and every second counts, you want linemen who are prepared, focused and dedicated to their craft. At the 2025 International Lineman’s Rodeo, Jackson EMC linemen demonstrated those qualities on a national stage – exhibiting the same skills and teamwork they bring to serving members every day.
Jackson EMC sent six apprentices and teams to compete at the 41st annual International Lineman’s Rodeo in Bonner Springs, Kansas. They were among more than participants demonstrating the precision, safety and skill it takes to deliver reliable power every day. Apprentices compete as individuals and journeymen compete in teams of three.
The International Lineman’s Rodeo features the nation’s top lineworkers competing in events that simulate real-world tasks, like climbing utility poles, replacing equipment and completing repairs in timed and judged scenarios.
A team with Collin Ward, Austin Lewis and Brandon Carter Neese, finished first in the hurtman rescue, a timed event simulating the critical response needed to safely rescue an injured lineman from atop a utility pole.
A team with Ben Brissey, Ben Adams and TJ Witherell Jefferson, finished sixth in the cooperative division.
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
Get Ahead of the Cold:
As cooler weather approaches, now is the perfect time to make sure your HVAC system is ready to keep your home cozy—and your energy bills in check.
Regular maintenance helps your HVAC system last longer, run more efficiently, and prevents unexpected breakdowns. Many contractors have more availability now and may offer lower rates for service before winter arrives.
If you’ve noticed reduced airflow, longer run times, strange noises, or inconsistent heating or cooling, it may be time to contact a professional.
We’re here to help. As your cooperative, Jackson EMC connects you with tools and trusted resources to take care of your home:
• Preferred Contractor Network: You can find qualified HVAC professionals at jacksonemc.com/contractors.
• Low-Interest HomePlus Loans: Financing options as low as 3% APR for qualifying energy-efficient home upgrades, including HVAC systems. Loans are available for improvements totaling $500 to $10,000. Learn more at jacksonemc.com/loans.
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