Your Guide to a
Smooth and Smart Energy Year.
JANUARY 2026 | IN THIS ISSUE DRIVE WITH CARE WHEN YOU SEE WORKERS YOUR BILL, YOUR CHOICE: FIND THE RIGHT FIT JACKSON EMC SUPPORTS BRIGHT FUTURES WITH SCHOLARSHIPS
PERSPECTIVE
SERVING YOU IN THE YEAR AHEAD There’s something about the New Year that invites us to pause and reflect on where we’ve been and what’s ahead. At Jackson EMC, this season reminds me why we do what we do: Serve you, our members, with care and commitment, all year long. When most people think about the New Year, they think about fresh starts, resolutions or setting new routines. For us, it’s also an opportunity to reaffirm something important – that behind every flip of a light switch, there’s a team of people ready to support you. That may be a lineman who heads out after a storm to restore power. Or, it could be one of our local member service representatives helping
you understand your bill or explore new payment options. It’s also the engineers who are planning upgrades to serve our growing communities or the folks in our fleet department making sure every vehicle is ready to go. Every single person plays a role ensuring safe, reliable and affordable electricity, and giving you superpersonalized care. I’ve seen the pride and heart our employees bring to their work. They don’t just fix power lines; they check in on neighbors. They don’t just take calls; they take time to listen. They don’t just serve customers; they serve members, like you, because that’s what it means to be part of a cooperative.
As we kick off 2026, I want to thank you for the trust you place in us as your power provider. We’re proud to be rooted in your community, working hard every day to serve others and powering the possibilities of what’s ahead. Here’s to a new year filled with care, connection and community! If you have a story to share about how someone from Jackson EMC made a difference for you, I’d love to hear it. Email me at chip@jacksonemc.com.
CHIP JAKINS President & CEO
Jackson EMC
Supports Bright Futures with Scholarships At Jackson EMC, we believe the future is brighter when we invest in our young people. That’s why we’re proud to offer these scholarship opportunities to local students planning to continue their education: • The Walter Harrison scholarship is for high school seniors and undergraduates attending any vocational school or two-or four-year college or university in Georgia. You must live in a primary residence served by Jackson EMC. The scholarship awards $1,000 and the deadline to apply is January 31. Visit jacksonemc.com/scholarships. • The A.T. Sharpton Scholarship is for students with a financial need attending the University of North Georgia. You must live in one of the 10 counties served by Jackson EMC. Contact your financial aid adviser at UNG for details. Visit jacksonemc.com/otherscholarships. We’re inspired by students in our community and we’re excited to invest in your journey. Vol. 75. No. 1, JANUARY 2026 (ISSN 1061-5601), IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY THE COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT OF JACKSON ELECTRIC MEMBERSHIP CORP., 825 Buford Drive Lawrenceville, GA. SUBSCRIPTION $3.50 PER YEAR AS PART OF YEARLY MEMBERSHIP. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT LAWRENCEVILLE, GA AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. Kerri Testement, Editor. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to JEMCO News 825 Buford Drive Lawrenceville, GA.
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JEMCO News | January 2026
jacksonemc.com
Your Bill, Your Choice:
Find the Right Fit Start the year with a billing option that works for you. January is a good time to look at how you manage your monthly bills. We make it easy to choose a payment option that fits your routine.
Pay-As-You-Go Option Gives You Flexibility Looking for a simple way to manage your electric bill? PrePay gives you the flexibility to pay when and how much you want, making it easier to stay on budget and avoid surprises. With Jackson EMC’s PrePay program, you add funds to your account before
Online Payments
Make a payment at MyJacksonEMC.com or with the MyJacksonEMC mobile app.
using electricity. Think of it like filling up a gas tank before you drive a vehicle. PrePay lets you know where your balance stands, so you can make
Phone Payments
Call 1-855-939-3531 to pay over the phone using our secure, automated payment service, which is available 24/7.
Send your payment to: Jackson EMC at P.O. Box 166023, Altamonte Springs, FL 32716-6023
Payment Kiosks
Use a payment kiosk at one of our local offices in Gainesville, Jefferson, Lawrenceville or Neese to pay with cash, checks or credit/debit cards*. Kiosks are available 24/7.
payment adjustments that work for your wallet. Plus, there’s no monthly bill and no late fees, just more control over your energy and spending. Every home and budget is different. Explore how PrePay gives you the flexibility to pay your way by visiting jacksonemc.com/prepay or scanning this QR code.
Auto Pay
Pay your bill automatically each month through a draft from your bank account or credit/debit card*. Sign up at MyJacksonEMC.com or with the MyJacksonEMC mobile app.
In Person
Visit one of our local offices to pay in person, including via drive-thru. Office hours are Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
*We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and debit cards with the Visa or Mastercard logo.
FOR COMPLETE DETAILS, VISIT JACKSONEMC.COM/WAYSTOPAY OR SCAN THE QR CODE: jacksonemc.com
JEMCO News | January 2026
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Your Guide to a
Smooth and Smart Energy Year. As you look ahead to 2026, keep your Jackson EMC membership working for you all year long. Here’s how you can make the most of your membership each month.
JANUARY
Simplify Your Bill
Consider enrolling in our Budget Billing program for a consistent payment amount each month. Check out jacksonemc.com/budgetbilling.
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JEMCO News | January 2026
FEBRUARY
Check Your Filters
Set a monthly reminder to inspect and clean or replace your HVAC air filters. It’s a small step that can make a big difference in how much energy you use. Get more energy-saving tips at jacksonemc.com/ways to save. jacksonemc.com
APRIL
MARCH
Download the App
Go Solar, the Simple Way
Download the MyJacksonEMC mobile app on your phone to get quick access for tracking your energy use, paying your bill or reporting an outage. Free in the App Store and Google Play.
Get solar energy without installing solar panels on your home with Cooperative Solar. Learn more at jacksonemc.com/renewables.
MAY
JUNE
Research Rebates
Get Rewards
We offer rebates for making energy-efficient upgrades to your home, like installing a qualifying electric heat pump. Check out jacksonemc.com/rebates.
Enroll your smart thermostat with Jackson EMC’s Sync to Save program and you’ll get a $50 incentive plus a $25 credit on your bill each year you stay in the program. Get started at jacksonemc.com/synctosave.
JULY
Secure Your Home
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AUGUST
Stay Cool the Smart Way
Protect your family with the latest technology with burglar monitoring, cameras, smoke detection and flood monitoring from EMC Security. Visit emcsecurity.com.
Upgrade to a smart thermostat to save on your cooling and heating costs. Find deals at jacksonemcmarketplace.com.
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
Be Prepared
Celebrate Co-ops
During National Preparedness Month, make sure your home and family are ready for any storms that could cause extended power outages. See how at jacksonemc.com/storm.
Join Jackson EMC in celebrating National Cooperative Month. Your electric co-op is one of nearly 900 member-owned co-ops serving members in the U.S.
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
Be a Good Neighbor
Through Operation Round Up, your small change makes a big difference in the community. Together, our members have donated more than $22 million to nonprofits doing meaningful work. See your impact at jacksonemc.com/foundation. jacksonemc.com
Find a Contractor
Explore our Contractor Network to find the right contractor for you for HVAC, insulation and weatherization improvements. Search at jacksonemc.com/contractors.
JEMCO News | January 2026
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Your Operation Round U p® Contributions at Work: Streetwise Georgia
Thanks to your generosity through Operation Round Up, Streetwise Georgia recently received a $5,000 Jackson EMC Foundation grant to purchase food for its Mobile Food Pantry Program. Each month, the program provides families in need in Gwinnett and surrounding counties with more than 170 pounds of food while allowing them to stay in their vehicle. The Lawrenceville-based nonprofit wrote on social media: “This generous grant, funded by the Jackson EMC Foundation, through contributions from the cooperative’s members, provides crucial funding that will significantly contribute to expanding our reach and vital resources for families in Gwinnett and surrounding areas.” With your support, our neighbors in the community are getting access to food and a helping hand.
O P E R A T I O N R O U N D U P ® : YOUR DONATIONS AT WORK
$81,320 IN GRANTS RECENTLY AWARDED The Jackson EMC Foundation Board of Directors awarded a total of $81,320 to organizations during its October meeting.
Organizational Grant Recipients: $10,320 to The Cancer Foundation, Inc., Athens, for its Financial Assistance Program to provide housing support for patients with critical housing needs in Banks, Barrow, Clarke, Franklin, Jackson, Lumpkin, Madison and Oglethorpe counties. $10,000 to the Salvation Army of Gwinnett, Lawrenceville, for its Financial Emergency Services Program to provide housing assistance for families in need in Gwinnett County. $9,000 to Good News at Noon, Gainesville, for its Transitional Living Program to support individuals from Barrow, Clarke, Hall, Gwinnett, Jackson and Lumpkin counties. $9,000 to Lydia’s Place, Watkinsville, for its Elevate Program to provide rental assistance for young adults facing homelessness or aging out of the foster care system in Barrow, Clarke, Gwinnett and Madison counties. $8,000 to The Ark of Jackson County, Jefferson, for its Housing Assistance Program to provide rental and mortgage assistance for families in need in Jackson County. $7,500 to Athens Area Homeless Shelter for its Bridge to Home Program to provide child care for families experiencing homelessness in Barrow and Clarke counties while their parents attend classes and work toward economic self-sufficiency. 6
JEMCO News | January 2026
$5,000 to Bigger Vision of Athens, Inc. for its Overnight Shelter Program to provide essential shelter services to individuals from Banks, Clarke, Gwinnett, Hall, Jackson, Madison and Oglethorpe counties experiencing homelessness. $5,000 to Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Ministerial Association, Inc. for its Side-by-Side Inservice Program to provide building supplies to complete essential home repairs for residents in need in Lumpkin County. $5,000 to Family Promise of Athens, Inc. for its Transitional Housing Program to purchase furniture for its facility serving families in Clarke and Jackson counties. $5,000 to Latin American Association, Inc. for its Homelessness Prevention Program to provide rental assistance for families in need in Barrow, Gwinnett and Hall counties. $5,000 to My Sisters Place of Gainesville, Inc. for its Empowerment Program to support client advocacy services for residents in Barrow, Clarke, Hall and Jackson counties. $2,500 to Northeast Georgia Council on Domestic Violence, Inc. for its Supporting Domestic Violence Victims and Families Program to provide emergency shelter and essential items for families in Franklin County.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, OR TO APPLY FOR A JACKSON EMC FOUNDATION GRANT, JACKSONEMC.COM/FOUNDATION jacksonemc.com
MEMBERS MAKE IT DELICIOUS
Chocolate Bonbon
FEATUR ED REC IPE WINNE RS WIL L RECEIV E A $20 0 GROCE RY STO RE GIFT CA RD A HAND M ND A IXER
INGREDIENTS: 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 cup shredded coconut (i.e. Baker’s Sweet Coconut) 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter 1 tsp. vanilla flavoring 1 cup finely chopped pecans 1 lb. box (16 oz.) of powdered sugar 2 sticks melted margarine
COATING INGREDIENTS: 1 small package (6 oz.) semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 bar paraffin food-grade wax
DIRECTIONS: Mix bonbon ingredients together, roll into small balls and chill in the refrigerator for one hour. Melt chocolate chips and wax together in a pot on low heat until thoroughly melted. Dip each ball (bonbon) in the chocolate mixture using a toothpick. Place on wax paper to cool. Can be frozen to enjoy later.
“These are a favorite of our family and friends. Everyone asks me for these bonbons, because they know I will make them. And, they don’t last long!” -LOUISE BALES, Flowery Branch SEND US YOUR BEST RECIPES: RECIPES@JACKSONEMC.COM OR MAIL TO: COOPERATIVE COOKING | JACKSON EMC | PO BOX 38 | JEFFERSON, GA 30549 FIND RECIPES AT JACKSONEMC.COM/RECIPES.
N O M I N AT I N G C O M M I T T E E Jackson Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) has its corporate office at 850 Commerce Highway in Jefferson, Ga., with district offices in Gainesville, Lawrenceville, Jefferson and Hull. Jackson EMC is a cooperative providing electric service to 10 Northeast Georgia counties – Banks, Barrow, Clarke, Franklin, Gwinnett, Hall, Jackson, Lumpkin, Madison and Oglethorpe. The cooperative is governed by a nine-member board of directors geographically representing the service area. Board members serve three-year staggered terms. Board members representing Gwinnett, Jackson and Hall/Lumpkin counties will be elected at the 2026 Annual Meeting, which will be held on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at the corporate office in Jefferson. Candidates may be nominated by the nominating committee, or by a petition complying with Article III Section 4 of the Bylaws that is signed by 50 or more members. Petitions must be delivered to the Corporation’s office in Jefferson not less than 150 days, and not more than 200 days, prior to the Annual Meeting. Members of the nominating committee were appointed as follows: two members from Hall/Lumpkin counties, two from Jackson County, two from Gwinnett County, one from Barrow County, one from Madison/ Clarke/Oglethorpe counties and one from Banks/Franklin counties. The complete director nomination and election process is contained in Articles II and III of the Jackson EMC Bylaws, which are available at jacksonemc.com or at any office. jacksonemc.com
Download the MyJacksonEMC Mobile App Pay your bill, track your energy use, report an outage and more – securely and on your schedule. The free MyJacksonEMC mobile app puts your account access right in your hand. Download it in the App Store or Google Play. Learn more at MyJacksonEMC.com.
JEMCO News | January 2026
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YOUR POWER. YOUR COMMUNITY.
PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID
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
Jackson EMC
jacksonemc jacksonemc.com
Drive with Care
WH E N YO U S E E WO R K E R S Utility workers dedicate long hours to ensure you have reliable and affordable electricity. You can help keep them safe by “moving over” to give them extra space. It's the law. LOOK FOR FLASHING LIGHTS When you see a utility vehicle on the side of the road with its lights flashing, move over a lane. When you do that, you give workers the room they need to safely complete their work. SLOW DOWN If there's no extra lane to move into, Georgia law requires you to slow down below the speed limit and be prepared to stop. The law also protects all first responders (law enforcement, fire and EMS), DOT workers, HERO workers and tow truck workers stopped on the side of the road and operating in an official capacity. Let’s work together to keep everyone safe on our roads.
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Jackson EMC