current lines April 2016
A monthly publication for Tri-County EMC members
In this issue:
Co-op Welcomes CEO, Cooperative Solar page 1
Bright Ideas Grants page 2
Tri-County EMC Introduces Cooperative Solar
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ntroducing ourSolar, Tri-County EMC’s new cooperative solar program. With ourSolar, Tri-County EMC members have the opportunity to get solar generation for your home or business without any of the risks of installing solar panels on your roof or property. The energy for ourSolar will come from our new 1 MW solar array in Putnam County, which will begin generating electricity in May 2016. For $25 per month for each 1.22kW block, you will have all of the energy generated by your block credited against the normal usage on that month’s electric bill. Each block should generate approximately 160 to 250 kWh per month. Best of all, there is nothing to install or finance and no contract. You can end your participation at any time, although to rejoin you must wait twelve months. Cooperative Solar Advantages: • No installation or maintenance costs for you • No holes in your roof • Lower costs per kWh through economies of scale • No issues with shading or roof direction • Renters or homeowners with restrictive covenants can participate • No up-front costs, financing, or long-term contracts • Limited to 4 blocks per account About ourSolar: When completed this spring, our 1 MW solar site will be the largest and the first of its kind in our area. The 10 acre site will have over 4,400 solar panels and generate over 2 million kWhs per year. The facility will be located adjacent to our Eatonton District Office in Putnam County. “Many of our members have asked for a solar option,” said Greg Mullis, Tri-County EMC senior vice president. “This project makes economic and environmental sense. In the long run, it will pay for itself and offer our members a no risk solar option.” Learn More and Enroll: To learn more or to enroll, visit tri-countyemc.com/cooperativesolar.cms or give us a call at 1.866.254.8100 or 478.986.8100.
Walter Harrison Scholarship, Right-of-Way Maintenance page 3
Relay Raffle, Recipe Box page 4
Co-op Welcomes CEO Tri-County EMC’s Board of Directors has named Ray Grinberg to the position of chief executive officer. Ray has served as general manager of Lakeview Light and Power in Lakewood, WA since 2014. He will succeed C. Hill Bentley, who has led the cooperative since 1999. Grinberg begins his duties on May 16. Following the announcement, Brenda Green, Tri-County EMC board chairman, commented, “The Board of Directors is thrilled to bring a great manager, community leader and team player for the members of Tri-County.” Grinberg has over 30 years of utility experience. Prior to Lakeview Light and Power, Ray served as the power resources director at Peninsula Light Company in Gig Harbor, WA. He began his career at Bonneville Power Administration in Portland, Ore. working in power supply and power trading. He has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Oregon State University and a master’s degree in Economics from the University of Oregon. "Tri-County EMC is a great organization and I thank the Board for giving me the opportunity to be its CEO,” said Grinberg. “I am looking forward to moving to Georgia and joining the Tri-County EMC family." Ray and his wife Diana have been married for 26 years. Diana is an elementary school science teacher in Gig Harbor, WA. They have two children. Diana and Ray enjoy travelling, playing golf and enjoying winter trips to Arizona and Palm Springs. They also enjoy cooking and working in their garden.