ANSWERING THE CALL
One of the things I enjoy most in my position is being able to see our team show up for you every day.
April is Lineman Appreciation Month, which gives us a chance to recognize a group of people who play a big role in our community – our linemen.
When the power goes out, it can be easy to notice the interruption. For our linemen, it’s a call to action.
Cole
They’re the ones heading out the door, often in the middle of the night or in tough weather away from their families, to restore power as safely and as quickly as procedures allow. The balance of safety and urgency is something they take seriously. Because at the end of the day, their goal isn’t just to get the lights back on, it’s to make sure everyone goes home safely.
Reliability is something we talk about often at Jackson EMC. You count on us to keep the lights on and our linemen are at the heart of delivering on that promise. It takes years of training, preparation and commitment to ensure the job is done right every time.
What sets our teams apart is how personal this work is for them. They’re not just working on an electric distribution system. They are serving their community. They live here. They raise their families here. So, when they’re restoring power, they’re helping neighbors, friends and local businesses. That sense of connection shows up in big and small ways.
Recently, linemen Wesley Brooks and Sal Mendoza spent time at a local event talking with kids and answering questions about their bucket truck. The students were fascinated to learn about the parts of the truck. A member shared with us how much it meant to see Wesley and Sal take time to connect with the curious students. It was a simple moment, but one that reflects who they are.
That same spirit showed up again when a group of our linemen — Kyler Hosch, Andrew Quint, John Wills and Greg Garner — stepped in to help an 89-year-old man whose motorized scooter stopped working in a store’s parking lot. Without hesitation, they helped carry the man’s scooter to his vehicle, load it on a carrier and get a cane to assist the man, whose son shared this touching story with us.
And after a summer storm, Brandon Carter and Darren Bradberry showed up to restore power at a member’s house after already working long hours. What stood out to the member who shared this story wasn’t just the work, but their positive attitude and willingness to help.
James Partain competes in the Georgia Lineman’s Rodeo, which showcases traditional lineman skills and tasks.
Andrew Quint demonstrates to students some of the safety equipment that linemen use every day.
Those stories mean a lot to me because they show something we talk about often. We’re not just here to provide electricity; we’re here to care for the people we serve. That’s the cooperative difference. It’s neighbors helping neighbors.
You’ll also see that spirit during major storms. When needed, our crews assist other cooperatives in restoring power through mutual aid. Those crews do the same for us. It’s one more way we work together to serve you and keep our community running.
A lineman's job can be demanding. It requires physical and mental toughness to get the job done and always keep safety top of mind. Our crews approach each job with a focus on safety and teamwork. They take pride in their craft and in the trust our members place in them.
As we celebrate Lineman Appreciation Month it’s worth expressing our gratitude for linemen. Their service, professionalism and dedication are the backbone of your cooperative. We’re grateful for all that our linemen do!
Have a story to share about a lineman helping you? Share it with me at chip@jacksonemc.com.
CHIP JAKINS,
President & CEO
Smith helps his fellow crew members restore power after a storm caused trees and limbs to fall on power lines.
Jackson EMC Honors
Local Builders, Partners Behind Energy-Smart Homes
Jackson EMC recently recognized local homebuilders and industry partners whose commitment to excellence is raising the standard for energy-efficient new homes in our area.
During its annual Right Choice awards, the cooperative honored builders and trade partners who demonstrate outstanding dedication to constructing homes that meet Jackson EMC’s higher standards for energy efficiency and comfort.
“Every Right Choice home represents a partnership,” said Nelson McGinnis, Jackson EMC’s manager of residential new development. “Together with our dedicated homebuilders and trade partners, Jackson EMC is helping to ensure homeowners experience greater energy efficiency from day one and improved indoor comfort.”
New homes built through the Right Choice program meet higher construction and energy efficiency performance standards. Each home undergoes inspections and testing to verify that heating and cooling systems, insulation levels and overall air sealing in the home meet program requirements. Right Choice homes also qualify for Jackson EMC’s lowest residential electric rate, offering long-term energy savings for members.
Supporting builders who prioritize quality and energy efficiency reflects Jackson EMC’s commitment to serving members with reliable and affordable energy solutions.
LEADERSHIP AWARD WINNERS
Jackson EMC recently honored several area homebuilders with a Right Choice Leadership Award. They included (L-R): Ryan Brown, Southern Heritage Homes; Sam Lotspeich, Westplan Investors; and Ash Smith, McKinley Homes. Not shown: Brian Simmons, MB Endeavors.
CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR
Jackson EMC recently honored several area contractors with a Right Choice Contractor of the Year Award. They included (L-R): Skye Porter, Keith Porter Insulation and Fireplace; and Micah Hogue and Steven Moore, Stuart Pro Heating and Air.
BUILDER OF THE YEAR
Jackson EMC recently honored several builders with a Right Choice Builder of the Year Award. They included (L-R): Mark Rudolph, Sterling Residential; Ryan Brown, Southern Heritage Homes; Sam Lotspeich, Westplan Investors; and Alex Situ and Brian Deppen, McKinley Homes.
For a complete list of award-winning homebuilders, scan this QR code
Material Handling Jib
A BUCKET TRUCK UP CLOSE
Built for Safety and Service
When Jackson EMC crews are working on power lines in your community, chances are they’re using a bucket truck. These specialized vehicles help linemen safely reach overhead lines so they can maintain and restore the electricity that powers your home.
Safety is always a top priority. Jackson EMC’s bucket trucks are built to meet strict safety standards and are equipped with insulation that helps prevent electricity from traveling from energized lines to nearby workers. To ensure everything is working properly, each bucket truck in our fleet undergoes comprehensive safety testing twice a year.
Bucket trucks have been an important part of our work for decades. Jackson EMC added its first bucket truck to the fleet in 1964. Before that, linemen often climbed poles to reach power lines.
Take a look at some of the equipment you’ll see on a bucket truck:
Outriggers
Outriggers are legs that extend out from the truck to increase its stability and provide support while linemen are working.
Wheel Chocks
These heavy-duty wedge-shaped devices snugly fit behind wheels on parked trucks to prevent movement.
This is used to lift heavy equipment and wire from the ground to the bucket when the boom is extended.
Storage Bins
These are spaces where linemen can securely store their tools and equipment.
Bucket
The bucket is designed to keep linemen safe while working on energized lines. Buckets are insulated to protect against electricity and include harness attachments for linemen to use while in the bucket. Linemen can also operate the boom from controls within the bucket.
Boom
The boom extends from 37-67 feet to lift workers in a bucket to higher places. Booms are insulated to prevent electricity from traveling to the ground.
Specialized Equipment
Specialized equipment includes items that are designed to keep linemen safe, such as hot sticks (insulated poles that can reach energized lines), voltage testers and battery-powered tools for working on lines and equipment.
Beacon Lights
These are flashing lights that alert drivers that linemen are actively working.
Outrigger Pads
Outrigger pads are heavy-duty pads that are placed under stabilizer legs (outriggers) to provide a stable foundation.
YOUR OPERATION ROUND UP®
Contributions in the Community
Thanks to your contributions to Operation Round Up, local nonprofits are making a life-changing impact on our community.
Wellspring Living recently thanked the Jackson EMC Foundation for a $5,000 grant supporting its Gwinnett-based Women’s Residential Program. The grant helps provide mental health sessions for women in Gwinnett and Hall counties who are survivors of sexual exploitation.
“The Jackson EMC Foundation’s continued partnership and commitment to our mission make a meaningful impact in the lives of the young women and families we serve,” the organization recently shared on social media.
By rounding up your electric bill each month, you help transform small, everyday contributions into meaningful grants. Together, Jackson EMC members make it possible for nonprofits like Wellspring Living to provide care, support and hope to those who need it most.
OPERATION ROUND UP ® : YOUR DONATIONS AT WORK
$80,565 IN GRANTS RECENTLY AWARDED
The Jackson EMC Foundation Board of Directors recently approved grants totaling $80,565, including $77,065 to organizations and $3,500 to an individual.
Organizational Grant Recipients:
$9,000 to Acceptance Recovery Center, Inc., Athens, to support low-income individuals in Clarke, Franklin, Gwinnett, Hall, Jackson, Madison and Oglethorpe counties with substance use disorders with access to recovery services.
$8,000 to Connectability, Inc., Dahlonega, for its Sidekicks Community Events Program for caregivers and individuals with physical, intellectual and development disabilities in Gwinnett, Hall and Lumpkin counties to participate in inclusive family events.
$8,000 to Glory Hope & Life, Inc., Gainesville, for its For Her Glory Program to provide wigs, nutrition supplements and compression garments for cancer patients in need in Banks, Barrow, Hall, Gwinnett, Jackson and Lumpkin counties.
$8,000 to Hi-Hope Service Center, Inc., Lawrenceville, for its Community Access Program to enable individuals with disabilities in Gwinnett County to participate in community engagement activities.
$7,500 to Prevent Child Abuse Athens, Inc., for its Healthy Families Program to support new and expectant parents in Barrow, Clarke, Jackson, Madison and Oglethorpe counties with in-home visits by trained family support specialists.
$7,440 to (The) Ark Family Preservation Center, Inc., Franklin Springs, for its Supervised Family Visitation Program to provide parenting classes and counseling for residents in Banks, Clarke, Franklin, Hall, Jackson and Madison counties.
$7,000 to Freedom Path Counseling, Inc., Lawrenceville, for its Counseling Support Program for residents in Barrow, Clarke, Franklin, Gwinnett, Hall, Jackson, Lumpkin and Madison counties seeking counseling.
$6,000 to United Way of Hall County, Inc., Gainesville, for its Empowerment After Incarceration Program for residents in Hall County to support re-entry transition after incarceration.
$5,000 to Wheels of Hope-Athens, for its Rider Transportation Program to provide transportation to essential services for visually impaired, disabled and elderly individuals in Barrow, Clarke, Jackson, Madison and Oglethorpe counties.
$4,800 to Georgia Wellness Group, Lawrenceville, for its Maternal Health Access & Equity Program to provide free and low-cost mental and behavioral health counseling services to individuals in Barrow, Gwinnett and Jackson counties.
$4,000 to Wellroot Family Service for its Healthy Families North Georgia Program to provide home visiting services designed to prevent abuse and neglect for residents in Gwinnett, Hall and Lumpkin counties.
$2,325 to Chosen for Life Ministries, Inc., for its Foster Care Support Program to provide supplies for the clothes closet for foster families in Barrow, Clarke, Jackson, Madison and Oglethorpe counties.
Individual Grant Recipients:
$3,500 for service animal training for a child with disabilities in Banks County.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, OR TO APPLY FOR A JACKSON EMC FOUNDATION GRANT, JACKSONEMC.COM/FOUNDATION
Green Velvet Cake
FEATURED RECIPE WINNERS WILL RECEIVE A $200 GROCERY STORE GIFT CARD AND A HAND MIXER
CAKE INGREDIENTS:
cups all-purpose flour
cups sugar
tsp. baking soda
tsp. cocoa powder
tsp. salt
cup buttermilk, room temperature
cup vegetable oil
large eggs, room temperature
tsp. white distilled vinegar
tsp. vanilla extract
tbsp. green food coloring
CAKE DIRECTIONS:
1 4-5 1/2
FROSTING INGREDIENTS:
oz. cream cheese, room temperature stick butter, room temperature cups powdered sugar tsp. vanilla extract
FROSTING DIRECTIONS:
Mix the cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar until well mixed. Add vanilla extract. If frosting is too thick add 2 tablespoons of milk to adjust consistency.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour three 8-inch cake pans. In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder and salt; stir until well blended. Add buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, vinegar and food coloring to dry ingredients. Using a hand mixer, mix ingredients until well blended and smooth. Divide cake batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove cakes from the oven and let them cool for 10 minutes. Transfer to wire racks to continue cooling.
Reasons Cooperative Solar is a Great Fit for Your Home
Jackson EMC’s Cooperative Solar program allows you to get solar energy at your home without installing solar panels. If you’re thinking about solar for your household, we’ve made it easy to sign up:
Hassle-Free
Jackson EMC operates Cooperative Solar – which means you don't have to install and maintain solar panels or get prior approval from your HOA.
Flexible Participation
You can discontinue your solar energy participation at any time.
Anyone Can Join
Any Jackson EMC residential member can participate in Cooperative Solar.
Affordable Way to Go Solar
Each solar energy block costs $23 per 1 kilowatt (kW) block per month, up to a max of three blocks per residence.
Support Cleaner Energy
Solar energy from our Cooperative Solar program offsets energy produced by traditional energy sources.
READY TO GET STARTED WITH COOPERATIVE SOLAR? APPLY ONLINE AT JACKSONEMC.COM/RENEWABLES OR SCAN THIS QR CODE
-GINA POLKINGHORN, Commerce
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
What's Your Energy Story?
It’s normal for your home’s energy use to rise and fall throughout the day. One of the biggest reasons is the weather. When temperatures heat up or cool down, your heating and cooling system works harder to keep your home comfortable.
The energy usage chart on the MyJacksonEMC mobile app and website is a great tool to compare your home’s energy use to the weather for a specific time period. When temperatures rise or fall, your HVAC system will work to keep your home cool or warm, depending on the season.
To get started, log in to your account at MyJacksonEMC. com and select “Usage” then “Average Usage”. On the MyJacksonEMC app, tap “Usage” then select a time period. You can view energy use by the hour, day or month.
For a deeper dive on your home’s energy use, click on “Usage Management” and explore the home energy calculator to get personalized recommendations on how you can save more energy.
Learn more by scanning this QR code.
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