CURRENT LINES
FEBRUARY 2025
THIS MONTH’S NEWS
Tri-CoGo Milestone, page 1-2
Lineman Scholarship, page 2
Energy Saving Tips, page 3
Operation Roundup Deadline, page 4
Recipe Box: Strawberry Jam, page 4
SERVICE TO RIVER NORTH COMPLETES BROADBAND PROMISE
On January 13, Tri-CoGo announced service availability to homes in River North in Jones County. With fiber connectivity to the 340 Tri-County EMCserved homes in, broadband is now available to the entire cooperative service area, over 23,000 locations. Now that this subdivision is complete, Tri-County EMC has successfully completed its mission, and all homes served by Tri-County can receive fast, reliable, and affordable internet.
The project was one of the team’s most difficult tasks to date, given the age of the neighborhood and the complex utility infrastructure that was already buried. Still, Tri-CoGo found innovative solutions to minimize and mitigate disruptions to the neighborhood. Tri-CoGo’s team of fiber experts worked diligently to not simply deliver fiber quickly, but also in a manner that would cause the least interference.
Outside Fiber Plant Manager Kevin Brookins was tasked with overseeing this fiber build of River North. “Though we faced challenges during this project, we were able to overcome them to complete it; we are proud to announce that we now offer over 600 homes with fiber from Tri-CoGo,” said Brookins.
Continued on Page 2
Kevin Brookins Outside Fiber Plant Mgr.
LINEMAN SCHOLARSHIP
Applications due April 15
Like many trades, being an electric lineman is not just an occupation, but a tradition and way of life. To honor the trade that is the backbone of our business, Tri-County EMC established the Lineman Scholarship Program in 2022.
This year, Tri-County EMC will award two $3000 scholarships to individuals interested in becoming electric linemen. The scholarship money will be used to complete the lineman training program through the Technical College System of Georgia. Applications are judged by a panel of Tri-County EMC linemen and retirees.
QUALIFICATIONS
To qualify, applicants must have received a high school diploma in Jones, Putnam, or Baldwin Counties OR have received a GED and currently reside in Jones, Putnam, or Baldwin Counties in Georgia. Applicants do NOT have to reside in a home served by Tri-County EMC.
Tri-County EMC is grateful to be able to invest in a local student who in turn will make a contribution to the future of the electric industry. Individuals interested in becoming a lineman can complete or download an application online at tri-countyemc. com/linemanscholarship.cms.
If you have questions, contact Christopher Jackson at christopherj@tri-cogo.com or 478.986.8126. (95231001)
SERVICE TO RIVER NORTH COMPLETES BROADBAND PROMISE
Continued from Page 1
Fiber construction of River North began in August 2024. The Tri-CoGo board also elected to service the Georgia Power customers. The project brings world-class fiber internet service to all homes in the subdivision. As the final EMC members receive service availability, the mission of Tri-CoGo is to continue to seek out locations and best aid our community. (94786001)
“Being at a point where we can declare ‘Mission Accomplished’ is an important milestone for the cooperative and our board of director’s promise to our membership”
Greg Mullis Chief Operating Officer
“Being at a point where we can declare ‘Mission Accomplished’ is an important goal for the cooperative and our board of director’s promise to our membership,” said Tri-CoGo COO Greg Mullis. “Every Tri-County member now has access to broadband fiber internet. Including these additional Georgia Power locations in River North are evidence of our commitment to reach out further into the community to bring broadband to underserved and unserved locations.” Tri-CoGo expects additional announcements of off-system service areas in the near future.
January 2025 also saw Tri-CoGo reach a milestone of 9,000 customers. The company’s growth of over two percent a month marks Tri-CoGo as one of Georgia’s fastest-growing internet service providers. Tri-CoGo is honored to have completed its promise to the cooperative of bringing high-speed fiber internet to all its members and continuing to connect and innovate for a stronger future together.
Tri-CoGo offers residential plans at $54.95 per month for 250 MBPS and $84.95 per month for gig service. Tri-CoGo’s Customer Success Team is local and can assist you in finding the best plan for your home to create your best internet experience. Each plan includes a router and an easy-to-use mobile app to help you manage your network and all its connected devices. TriCoGo’s service is 100% fiber-optic from the pole to your home, leaving no room for buffering. For additional information or to sign up, visit tri-cogo. com or call 844.662.7569.
ENERGY SAVING TIPS FOR THE WINTER
Love is in the air - and so are cold temperatures. Winter weather typically means increased energy usage at home. Heating systems are working longer to warm our homes, and peak hours are prolonged as people are home using appliances. Tri-County EMC members will likely notice the impact of higher bill amounts as we navigate further into the winter season. While we know weather is unavoidable, there are some approaches to reduce energy usage in your home during periods of high electricity demand. Keep your bills in check with these tips to save energy and money!
MIND THE THERMOSTAT
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If you have a traditional heating and cooling system, set the thermostat to 68 degrees or lower. Consider a smart or programmable thermostat for additional savings.
BLOCK AIR LEAKS
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TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SUNLIGHT
Seal windows and exterior doors with caulk and weather stripping to improve indoor comfort and decrease the amount of energy used to heat your home. In the winter, open your blinds, shades, and curtains to let the natural sunlight warm your home. Close them at night to block the dropping temperatures.
AVOID COSTLY SPACE HEATERS
Using space heaters to temper the air in a bathroom for a short period of time may be a good option, but using them to heat the entire house will cost you more than using a heat pump. The amount of energy you would use to run 2 space heaters could power a central heat pump large enough to heat an 1,800 square foot home.
RECIPE BOX
Easy Strawberry Jam
Courtesy of Georgia Grown
INGREDIENTS:
• 1-quart fresh strawberries, washed and hulled
• ¾ cup sugar
• ½ teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS:
• Cut strawberries in small pieces.
• Combine strawberries in a bowl with sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla.
• Place mixture in a heavy bottom saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring until sugar has dissolved.
• Raise heat to medium-high, and cook until it reaches a temperature of 215 degrees on a candy thermometer, stirring to prevent scorching.
• If you don’t have a candy thermometer, place a plate in the freezer. Once the plate has chilled well, place a small spoon of mixture on the plate to check the consistency.
• Store in the refrigerator or follow canning procedures to store in properly sterilized and sealed jars.
OPERATION ROUNDUP GRANT APPLICATIONS DUE
Next Deadline March 1
Do you know of a non-profit or civic group looking for funding for projects in our service area? An Operation Roundup Grant may be the right fit.
Operation Roundup is a community development program funded by the voluntary contributions of Tri-County EMC’s members to the Tri-County EMC Foundation. Contributions are made to the foundation when participants elect to have their monthly electric bill rounded up to the next dollar.
Each quarter, the Tri-County EMC Foundation accepts applications for grant projects that meet needs in the eight-county Tri-County EMC service area. The Tri-County EMC Foundation Board evaluates each application and awards grants based on the worthiness of the application and available funds.
Non-profit and civic groups can apply for a project they are executing or on behalf of individuals residing within the eight-county area (Baldwin, Putnam, Jones, Bibb, Jasper, Morgan, Twiggs, and Wilkinson). One hundred percent of funds collected are returned to the community through donations from the foundation. (47188002)
Learn more at tri-countyemc.com/operation-round-up.cms.
2025 GRANT DEADLINES
March 1 | June 1 | September 1 | December 1
Did you know your recipe is worth $20 if chosen? Send your best recipes to christopherj@tri-cogo. com or mail to P.O. Box 487, Gray, GA 31032.
Ray Grinberg, CEO
Board of Directors
Brenda P. Green, Chairman
Sammy Hall, Vice-Chairman
Dan Greene, Secretary/Treasurer
George “Buck” Comer, Chap Nelson, Marion Nelson, Cecil Patterson, Mike Rainey, Edward Walker