OCTOBER 2025 | IN THIS ISSUE
LOWER RATES, GREATER VALUE
HELPING STUDENTS START STRONG
CHOOSING AN HVAC CONTRACTOR YOU CAN TRUST
A LEGACY OF COOPERATION
October is National Co-op Month, when we celebrate what it means to be part of a cooperative. For Jackson EMC, it’s a chance to reflect on how our history, our mission, and our people come together to serve our members and our community in powerful ways.
Co-ops like Jackson EMC were created with one goal: To make life better for the people they serve. In our case, that meant bringing electricity to rural Northeast Georgia when no one else would. We’ve heard stories of our first members flipping on a light switch for the very first time. Those moments changed daily life forever. People went from pumping and hauling water by hand and lighting kerosene lamps to having electric refrigerators and indoor plumbing. Talk about a transformation! That’s the power of people coming together.
Co-ops are about more than electricity. We’re rooted in the idea that when people come together to serve a common need,
incredible things happen. Today, that same spirit lives on in how we serve you.
You can see it when your neighbors – Jackson EMC employees – respond quickly after a storm, or lend a hand in our community. Just recently, we delivered more than 4,000 hygiene kits to students in need in local schools. The kits were filled with essentials like soap and toothpaste because we believe every student deserves to feel confident and cared for.
You can see it in how we invest in the future. Whether it’s Bright Ideas grants for local teachers, safety education in schools, or linemen volunteering overseas to bring power to remote villages, your cooperative is helping people thrive.
That’s the cooperative difference: We’re not just in the power business; we’re in the people business. Every decision we make starts with one question: What’s best for our members? That means personalized
Lower Rates, Greater Value:
Membership Makes the Difference
Jackson EMC has the second-lowest winter residential rates among electric cooperatives in Georgia. That means you’re receiving some of the most affordable electricity in the state, along with the dependable service you count on.
Why Winter Rates Are Lower
Electricity demand is usually lower during winter months. That reduced demand helps keep costs more affordable for you.
At Jackson EMC, the power belongs to you. That’s why we focus on keeping your rates affordable and your service reliable, every season of the year. Your Membership Difference Average Monthly
service when you need it, innovative programs designed to save you energy and money, and a team that’s invested in the place we all call home.
During National Co-op Month, I hope you’ll take a moment to remember that you’re part of something bigger — a community powered by people who care.
Have a story to share about how the cooperative spirit has impacted your family or community? I’d love to hear from you. Email me at chip@jacksonemc.com.
CHIP JAKINS President & CEO
As a Jackson EMC member, you’re not just getting electricity. You’re getting real value. On average, members like you pay about $38 less per month in the winter compared to the statewide average.* That savings matters. It’s one of the many ways your Jackson EMC membership benefits you.
to the Georgia Public Service Commission 2025 winter residential rate survey for 1,500 kWh as of 8/18/25.
Wholesale Power Cost Adjustment, service charge and applicable taxes are also part of your total electric bill. Learn more about
electric rates at jacksonemc.com/rates and view schedule A-25 for
Helping Students START STRONG
For many middle schoolers, the new school year brings excitement and challenges. Some students face those first days without basic hygiene items they need to feel comfortable in the classroom. That’s why Jackson EMC employees came together to do something meaningful to help solve that issue.
Jackson EMC employees packaged and delivered 4,025 hygiene kits to students in 41 local middle schools across Northeast Georgia. Each kit included hygiene essentials like bodywash, toothpaste and deodorant — important items that can make a big difference. When students feel their best, they’re better able to focus, grow and thrive in the classroom and beyond.
These hygiene kits were designed to help students feel seen, supported and ready to learn. It’s part of how Jackson EMC powers more than homes — we power our communities. Through volunteer efforts like this, our employees are demonstrating our concern for community, a principle of co-ops. By volunteering, our employees show how much we care about making a real difference in people’s lives.
Creating a Cooperative
Jackson EMC was created from a simple idea: Neighbors working together for reliable electricity. October is National Co-op Month — a great time to highlight what it took to create your cooperative.
OUR RURAL ROOTS
Born out of legislation in 1935, the rural electric movement brought electric power to remote areas of the country. In the mid-1930s, only 10% of American farms had electricity. By 1953, 90% of farm families had electricity. Jackson EMC energized its first lines in 1939.
“Before the co-op, we were still using kerosene lamps and hauling water by hand,” said a Jackson County farmer at the time. “When the Jackson EMC lines came through, we got electric lights, running water, and even a refrigerator. Life got easier overnight.”
That same neighborly spirit still drives us — keeping power reliable and service personal.
EMPOWERING MEMBERS
This is the mission that guides the way we work every day: To exceed our members’ expectations with reliable, courteous and personalized service.
Helping members learn how to use electricity efficiently is part of the cooperative values we embrace. From launching our energy efficient homes programs, today called Right Choice ® , to providing energy-saving tips in JEMCO News, social media and our website, we remain dedicated to empowering members.
A simple lightbulb was a first glimpse for many rural students. These Banks County students are learning how electricity works in 1958.
Jackson EMC employees demonstrated how electric appliances – like ovens, refrigerators and washing machines — transformed daily life
WIRED FOR COMMUNITY
Jackson EMC employees put the cooperative principle of “Concern for Community” in action by volunteering their time and resources for local organizations. Last year, they contributed more than 1,500 volunteer hours in the community.
We also value educational opportunities for students and developing our future leaders. Programs like the Washington Youth Tour, annual beef show, wiring contest, safety demonstrations and Bright Ideas grants support local students and educators.
Jackson EMC has a history of participating in international efforts to bring power to communities in need, including those in Guatemala and Bolivia.
TOOLS FOR THE TRADE
Our safety-first culture is critical to protecting our members, employees and the community. Through education, training, compliance and mentoring, the cooperative’s safety and training team helps empower co-op employees, first responders and the public to be responsible around electricity.
During National Co-op Month, we honor this history by continuing to put members first — your power, your community, your cooperative.
Jackson EMC has sponsored the FFA Wiring Contest, designed to teach high school students about electricity and wiring, since 1967.
In 1964, Jackson EMC’s first bucket truck changed how we worked in the field. Today, more than 50 bucket trucks are part of our growing fleet to help keep your service safe and reliable.
Safety equipment used by Jackson EMC linemen keeps them protected while working in hazardous situations.
$175,938 IN GRANTS RECENTLY AWARDED
The Jackson EMC Foundation Board of Directors awarded a total of $175,938 in grants during recent meetings, including $172,930 to organizations and $3,008 to an individual.
Organizational Grant Recipients:
$15,000 to Nothing but the Truth, Dacula, for its Weekend Food Bag Program to purchase bags of food for students in need in Gwinnett and Barrow counties.
$12,500 to iServe Ministries, Jefferson, for its Bags of Love Program to purchase food for families in need during school sessions in Jackson and Madison counties.
$10,500 to Ferst Readers of Hall County, which provides quality books and literacy resources for children and their families to use at home, to support 250 children for its program serving Hall County residents.
$10,500 to Ferst Readers of Jackson County, Jefferson, which provides quality books and literacy resources for children and their families to use at home, to support 250 children for its program serving Jackson County residents.
$10,350 to Block Community Outreach, Sugar Hill, for its Weekend Food Program to purchase nonperishable items and produce for children in need in Gwinnett County.
$10,000 to Georgia Mountains YMCA , Gainesville, for its Food Program for Early Learners to purchase food for children ages six weeks to five years in early learning centers in Hall County.
$10,000 to Positive Impact International, Inc. , Grayson, serving children living in six shelters across Gwinnett County with artistic programs, therapy sessions, life skills development and groceries.
$9,900 to Diamond in the Rough Youth Development, Inc. , Snellville, to support its Clusters Mentoring Program, which offers group mentorship, leadership training, career coaching and family enrichment activities for girls ages 4-18 in Barrow, Gwinnett and Hall counties.
$9,000 to Special Needs Schools of Gwinnett, Inc. , Lawrenceville, which provides high-quality educational and therapeutic programming to children with and without disabilities for three participants in its Young Adults Learning Life Skills (YALLS) Program for Gwinnett County residents.
$8,300 to Legacy Youth Mentoring, Jefferson, which empowers lives through one-on-one mentoring while helping youth discover their strengths to guide them toward personal and academic success, for training materials and supplies for mentors in Jackson County.
$8,000 to Lumpkin County Family Connection, Dahlonega, for its Backpack Buddies Program to purchase food to families in need in Lumpkin County.
$8,000 to New Path 1010, Bethlehem, for its Weekend Food Bag Program to purchase food for students in need in Barrow County.
$7,000 to Reach Out and Read Georgia , for its Powering Early Literacy – Building Brighter Futures Program for 2,000 books for families with young children (infant-five years) distributed by pediatricians at well-check appointments to help support early literacy for residents in Banks, Barrow, Clarke, Gwinnett, Jackson, Madison and Oglethorpe counties.
$6,720 to the Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia, Inc. , Athens, to support 60 girls in newly formed troops in Barrow, Clarke, Hall, Jackson and Lumpkin counties.
$5,000 to Comics Appreciation Project , Bogart, which enhances literacy through comics, to purchase books for its Share-Care Books Program for children in medical crisis or foster care in Barrow, Banks, Clarke, Franklin, Hall, Jackson and Lumpkin counties.
$5,000 to First Foundation Kids , Duluth, for its Food for Youth Development Program to purchase food for foster children in need in Gwinnett County.
$5,000 to Nobis Works, Inc. , which empowers people with disabilities through education and workforce development, to support instructors who serve students in Gwinnett County.
$5,000 to Whispering Angels Youth Ranch , Gainesville, which aims to promote healing for youth through mentorship and horses, for five participants in its Healing and Hope Counseling Program for residents in Banks, Hall and Gwinnett counties.
$4,160 to Promoting Local Agriculture and Cultural Experiences, Inc. (PLACE), Athens, for its Farm Rx Program to deliver food to people in need in Clarke, Barrow, Jackson, Madison and Oglethorpe counties.
$4,000 to Bloom Enterprises of Georgia, Inc. , (formerly Randy and Friends Inc.), Gainesville, which supports, encourages and empowers adults with different abilities, for a developmental program assistant for its Employment Skills Development Program for Hall County residents.
$4,000 to Prince of Peace Catholic Church, Flowery Branch, for its Cross Bearers Ministry Program to purchase food for people who are food and housing insecure in Hall and Barrow counties.
$3,000 to Encourage Her Academy, Athens, which aims to inspire confidence, cultivate essential life skills and promote resilience in every girl, for materials and supplies for its Soul & Canvas: The H.E.R. Arts Experience Program for residents in Barrow, Clarke, Madison and Oglethorpe counties.
$2,000 to Canopy Studios, Inc. , Athens, to sponsor 10 underserved youth in its Canopy Outreach Program to participate in aerial dance, movement education and performance arts for residents in Barrow, Clarke, Gwinnett, Jackson and Madison counties.
Individual Recipient:
$3,008 for vehicle accessibility modifications for a woman in Hall County.
Your Energy Questions Answered
Q: I’m replacing my HVAC system. How can I choose a contractor I can trust?
– Ann,
Gainesville
A: Great question, Ann. We’re happy to help! While we don’t recommend specific contractors, we created our Participating Contractor Network as a trusted source for members like you. These contractors have a verified business license, have completed specialized training, and follow industry best practices from the Air Conditioning Contractors of America for sizing and installing HVAC systems. They’ve also provided us with customer and trade references, and we regularly update them on Jackson EMC programs to better serve you.
Regardless of the energy-efficient home improvements you’re considering, we recommend getting multiple quotes from different contractors. You can compare the solutions they’re proposing for your project and choose what’s best for your home (and wallet!).
Remember, fall is a great time to contact a HVAC contractor for a system check-up. HVAC contractors generally have more flexibility with scheduling in the fall and spring – before it gets too cold or hot outside. We recommend you get semiannual checkups and maintenance to ensure your HVAC system is operating at peak performance.
STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP
STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION
(Required by 39 W.S.C. 3685)
JEMCO NEWS
Published monthly by the Communication Department of Jackson Electric Membership Corp., 825 Buford Dr., Lawrenceville, Ga. 30043. Subscription $3.50 per year as part of yearly membership. Periodicals Postage Paid at Lawrenceville, Ga., and additional mailing offices.
Editor
YOU CAN FIND HVAC, INSULATION AND AIR SEALING CONTRACTORS ON OUR WEBSITE AT JACKSONEMC.COM/CONTRACTORS
Answered by CHRISTY QUEEN
Jackson EMC Director of Residential Marketing
Send us your questions at residentialmemberservices@jacksonemc.com — your question might even appear in JEMCO News!
Kerri Testement, 825 Buford Dr., Lawrenceville, Ga. 30043
Owner
Jackson Electric Membership Corporation, 825 Buford Dr., Lawrenceville, Ga. 30043
Known bondholders, mortgages and other security holders owning or holding one percent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages or other securities; Rural Utilities Services, 1400 Independence Ave., Washington, D.C. 20250-1500, Cooperative Finance Corporation, 2201 Cooperative Way, Herndon, Va. 20171-3025
AVG. NO. COPIES EACH ISSUE DURING PRECEDING 12 MONTHS SINGLE ISSUE NEAREST TO FILING DATE
15a. Total No. Copies Printed (Net Press Run)
b. Paid and/or Requested Circulation
c. Total Paid Circulation
d1. Free distribution by mail (samples, complimentary and other free)
d4. Free distribution outside the mail (carriers or other means)
e. Total Free Distribution (Sum of d1 and d4)
f. Total Distribution (Sum of c and e)
g. Copies not distributed
h. Total (Sum of f and g)
i. Percent Paid
I certify that the statements made by me above are correct and complete. Kerri Testement, Editor
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
Sweet Potato Soufflé
SOUFFLÉ INGREDIENTS:
oz. can of yams, drained stick of butter, softened
INGREDIENTS:
DIRECTIONS:
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Place all soufflé ingredients in bowl and mix well with mixer. Pour into greased 1 ½ quart oven safe casserole dish. Bake for 45-50 minutes. Remove from oven. Combine sugar, butter and nuts. Mix well with fork to create topping. Cover soufflé with topping. Return to oven for up to 10 minutes or until bubbly. Remove from oven. Cover with dish towel. Allow to cool for 10 minutes.
“This
-CONNIE DENNIS, Gainesville
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