HOW P WER RESTORATION WORKS
FEBRUARY 2026 | IN THIS ISSUE
STAY SAFE AFTER AN ACCIDENT INVOLVING POWER LINES READY TO RESPOND: WINTER STORM FERN BRINGS SNOW, ICE SET UP YOUR SAVINGS WITH ADVANCED POWER STRIPS
STAYING READY FOR YOU
When Winter Storm Fern moved through northeast Georgia, it was a good reminder of how quickly the weather can turn.
One day feels like business as usual, and the next you’re watching temperatures drop and hearing the wind push through the trees.
Thankfully, Fern wasn’t a major storm for Jackson EMC. We had very few impacts to our system and most of our members never lost power at all. And I don’t take that lightly.
In many ways, storms are like maintaining an old country road. If you keep the brush cut back and the ditches clear, you’re a lot less likely to run into trouble when the heavy rain comes. That’s exactly why our vegetation maintenance program matters so much. When we keep trees trimmed back from power lines, we reduce the risk of outages before they occur.
Several members reached out to say how thankful they are for that work and I
appreciate hearing it. Prevention may not always be the most visible part of what we do, but it’s one of the most important.
Even when a storm is mild for us, we’re always prepared. Our crews stay ready to respond quickly and safely, because conditions can change in an instant. Safety guides every decision we make — for our employees, our members and the communities we serve. As part of that preparation, we also reached out to other cooperatives so help would be nearby if we needed it.
I’m grateful that so many of our coop friends answered the call. We had support ready from Alabama, Florida and Minnesota, which is a true reminder of how strong the cooperative network really is. And sometimes, the best thing we can do during a storm is lend a hand beyond our own lines.
While our service area was largely spared, our neighbors at Habersham EMC experienced more destruction. We
were proud to be able to assist in their restoration efforts. That’s part of what it means to be a cooperative. Cooperatives look out for one another, especially when the work is hard and the hours are long.
Thank you for your continued support, your kind words, and the trust you place in us. We’re grateful when the lights stay on, and we’re equally grateful for the chance to serve others when they don’t.
Stay safe, and as always, thank you for being part of our cooperative family.
Have a story to share about a lineman restoring your power after a storm? Send it to me at chip@jacksonemc.com.
CHIP JAKINS, President & CEO
STAY SAFE AFTER AN ACCIDENT INVOLVING POWER LINES
If your vehicle crashes into a utility pole, it's important to know how to stay safe. When electric equipment is damaged, the ground and nearby objects may become energized with electricity.
IN AN ACCIDENT INVOLVING A POWER LINE:
1. Stay inside the vehicle. The ground may be energized.
2. Call 911. Report downed or damaged lines.
3. Warn others.
Tell bystanders to stay away and tell others to stay inside the vehicle.
4. Wait for a utility crew. Don't exit the vehicle until it's deemed safe by emergency crews.
IF YOU NOTICE SMOKE OR FIRE:
1. Exit safely. Jump clear of the vehicle with your feet together. Don’t touch the car and ground at the same time.
2.Move away. Shuffle or “bunny hop” with feet together as far away as possible.
READY TO RESPOND:
Winter Storm Fern Brings Snow, Ice
When Winter Storm Fern brought snow and ice to north Georgia on January 24-25, Jackson EMC was ready. Our crews prepared around the clock and were joined by more than 250 linemen from Florida, Alabama and Minnesota who were ready to assist with restoration efforts.
After safely restoring power to more than 20,000 of our members, our team answered the call to help a fellow electric cooperative in Georgia. More than 30 linemen from Jackson EMC went to Habersham EMC, where the storm caused extensive damage and left more than half of their members without power.
That’s the cooperative difference in action: Neighbors helping neighbors. Whether it’s our crews working through tough conditions or fellow co-ops stepping in to help, you can count on Jackson EMC to respond with care, safety and commitment to our members.
Thank you to everyone who supported our crews during the winter storm! Your encouragement means the world to us.
Thank you guys for keeping our power on this past weekend. You're awesome. Be safe. KAY G.
LINEMEN IN BANKS COUNTY WORK IN A CHALLENGING LOCATION TO RESTORE POWER TO MEMBERS.
Thank you for your service and sacrifice. PATSY G.
JACKSON EMC SENT MORE THAN 30
LINEMEN TO HABERSHAM EMC TO HELP A FELLOW COOPERATIVE WITH THEIR POWER RESTORATION EFFORTS.
HOW P WER RESTORATION WORKS
When your power goes out, we know it disrupts your day.
At Jackson EMC, providing safe, reliable and affordable power is our priority. Our crews respond as quickly as conditions and safety procedures allow. After a major storm, restoring power may take longer due to widespread damage. Here’s what happens behind the scenes when our team responds to large outages:
We Assess the Situation First.
Every outage is different. Before repairs can begin, crews need to determine what caused the outage, the extent of the damage and if conditions are safe.
In some cases, self-healing technology automatically reroutes power to restore service faster, and reduce the size and length of outages. When power can't be restored remotely, we dispatch crews to the area to assess the damage, gather the right materials and create a plan to fix the issue.
We Prioritize Where to Restore Power.
After essential services, like hospitals and emergency response facilities are restored, we focus on repairs that bring power back to the greatest number of members in the shortest amount of time.
Coordinating Safe Restoration.
Our power system is connected to other electric utilities across the state. When an outage is caused by damage to their equipment, those repairs must be completed first. We coordinate closely with our utility partners to restore power as soon as it’s safe to do so. This helps prevent further damage and protects crews and the public.
Safety is a Priority.
Restoring power after a storm can be dangerous. Downed lines, hazardous conditions and widespread outages require careful coordination. We mobilize our restoration crews to respond to outages as quickly as conditions and safety procedures allow.
You Need a Backup Plan.
If you depend on electricity for medical devices, you should have a plan to go to an alternative location with power until an outage is resolved. Restoration times can be unpredictable, especially after major storms. We appreciate our members' trust and patience as we work to restore power safely.
Reporting Helps.
Please report your outage, even if you think we already know. Your report helps us pinpoint issues. You can report outages on the MyJacksonEMC website or mobile app, or by calling 1-800-245-4044.
If you’ve shared your mobile number or email with us, you’ll receive outage notifications. We’ll send you text or email alerts that help you stay informed when it matters most. Learn more at jacksonemc.com/alerts.
See the Difference
You’re Making in the Community
When you round up your bill to the nearest dollar, your small change helps make a big impact on the lives of others in your community. Through Operation Round Up, your contributions support local nonprofits doing important work, like feeding families and helping children thrive.
You can see your generosity in action by watching this video.
The Jackson EMC Foundation uses these funds to support charitable causes in the communities we serve. Nonprofit organizations and individuals in need can apply for a grant. To learn more or apply, visit jacksonemc.com/foundation.
Thanks to members like you, we’re building a stronger community together. Every time you round up, you’re helping neighbors in need.
OPERATION ROUND UP ® : YOUR DONATIONS AT WORK
$96,944
IN GRANTS RECENTLY
AWARDED
The Jackson EMC Foundation Board of Directors recently awarded a total of $96,944 in grants, including $88,444 to organizations and $8,500 to individuals.
Organizational Grant Recipients:
$15,000 to Hope Clinic, Inc., Lawrenceville, for its Chronic Care Management Program to cover lab fees for uninsured and underinsured residents in Barrow, Gwinnett, Hall and Jackson counties.
$10,665 to the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation, Inc. for its Sight-Saving Surgery Program to provide cataract, glaucoma and retinal surgeries for uninsured residents in financial need in all counties in Jackson EMC’s service area.
$10,000 to Giving Health, Inc., to provide on-demand telehealth services to individuals and families in need in Barrow, Clarke, Gwinnett, Jackson, Lumpkin and Madison counties.
$10,000 to Mercy Health Center, Inc., Athens, for its Improving Health for the Uninsured program to cover lab fees for uninsured patients in Barrow, Clarke, Jackson, Madison and Oglethorpe counties.
$7,500 to ALS United of Georgia for its Kostiuk ALS Care Grant Program to provide home care, medical expenses, equipment, supplies, home modifications and transportation for residents with ALS in Barrow, Clarke, Hall and Gwinnett counties.
$7,000 to Bridging Hope, Gainesville, for its Advocacy and Trauma Recovery Program to provide trauma-informed counseling sessions for survivors of sexual violence in Banks, Gwinnett, Hall, Jackson and Lumpkin counties.
$5,654 to Vision to Learn for its Atlanta Vision Program to provide mobile vision clinics with screenings, exams and prescription glasses for children in Gwinnett County.
$5,000 to Oglethorpe County Schools for its Mental Health Program to provide a mental health coaching app for students and families in Oglethorpe County.
$4,000 to Project Adam Community Assistance Center, Winder, for its Community Assistance Center Program to provide food for participants in Banks, Barrow, Clarke, Gwinnett, Hall, Jackson, Madison and Oglethorpe counties.
$3,820 to Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities, Inc. for its Adopt-a-Family Program to provide housing, meals and transportation for families of children receiving critical medical care in all counties in Jackson EMC’s service area.
$3,705 to Kate’s Club, Inc. for its KC Connects School Based Grief Group Program to support school groups for grieving children and teens in Clarke, Gwinnett, Jackson and Madison counties.
$3,600 to Baptist Mobile Health Ministry Foundation, Inc. to provide supplies for its dental clinics for patients in need in Gwinnett County.
$2,500 to Mother’s Advocacy Project, Inc. Norcross, for its Trauma Assimilation and Social Stability program to provide transportation costs to counseling sessions for participants in Gwinnett County.
Individual Grant Recipients:
$5,000 for home modifications for a widowed woman in Hall County.
$3,500 for a wheelchair ramp for a family in Barrow County.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, OR TO APPLY FOR A JACKSON EMC FOUNDATION GRANT, JACKSONEMC.COM/FOUNDATION
Slow Cooker Corn Tacos
“I found this recipe online and now my family requests it. Even the kids love it!”
-AMANDA LEWIS, Gainesville
INGREDIENTS:
boneless skinless chicken breasts oz. package cream cheese packet (about 2 tablespoons) of your favorite Mexican/taco seasoning
15.25 oz. cans fire-roasted or Mexican corn, drained Juice of two limes tbsp minced garlic cup grated cotija cheese (substitute feta or queso fresco if cotija unavailable)
cilantro to preference
DIRECTIONS:
Place all ingredients in a crockpot and cook on low for 4 to 4 ½ hours. Shred the chicken with two forks and mix well. Serve on flour or corn tortillas topped with fresh cilantro and more cotija cheese.
Set Up Your Savings with Advanced Power Strips
Even when turned off, devices like your TV, printer or gaming console can quietly keep using electricity. It’s called “vampire” or “phantom" energy, and it can add up on your electric bill.
A simple way to trim your energy costs is to switch to advanced power strips for idle devices.
An advanced power strip looks like a regular surge protector, but works smarter. Along with offering surge protection, they automatically shut off power to devices you’re not using, so you’re not paying for energy you don’t need.
HERE’S HOW IT WORKS:
• Plug “always on” devices, like your Wi-Fi router, in the outlets labeled for constant power.
• Plug items like your TV or gaming console into the “switched” outlets.
• When devices in the “switched” outlets are not being used, the advanced power strip automatically turns off power.
HOW CAN YOU SAVE?
Advanced power strips are an easy win for your wallet. You can save up to $100 a year in energy costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
You can find advanced power strips on the Jackson EMC Marketplace, which makes it easy for you to get energy-efficient products for your home.
Start saving today by visiting jacksonemcmarketplace.
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
PROTECT YOUR HOME WITH SMARTER TECHNOLOGY
Home security is getting smarter. With the latest technology from EMC Security, you can get peace of mind with cameras that don't just watch. They act. They learn to tell the difference between a car, a pet or a person, so you only get alerts that matter.
EMC Security offers outdoor cameras with AI deterrence that do more than detect. They react. When a person is detected, the camera can activate a built-in spotlight or broadcast a message tailored for the situation, such as, “Hey, you in the black hat and blue jacket, you’re being recorded. Please leave the property.” Those actions can be enough to scare off a potential intruder.
Whether you’re at home or away, AI-powered cameras can give you an extra set of eyes to protect your home and give you peace of mind.
Explore your camera options by visiting EMC Security at emcsecurity.com or by calling 770-963-0305.
Jackson EMC Jackson EMC jacksonemc jackson_emc @JacksonEMC