CURRENT LINES
March 2025
TRI-COUNTY ELECTRIC RATES TO CHANGE
Tri-County EMC will be increasing its rates to all members effective March 1. The service charge will increase by $2.50 per month for all rate classes, bringing the residential service charge to $40.00. The kWh or usage rate will also increase by 2%. This means Tri-County EMC residential members who use 1,500 kWh per month will see their bill increase by $5.70.
THIS MONTH’S NEWS
Rate Change, page 1-2
Tri-CoGo Award, page 2
Scholarships, page 3
Broadband for Small Businesses, page 4
Recipe Box: Satsuma Pecan Cheese Ball, page 4
“The EMC has seen a steady increase in the cost of materials and equipment it uses to provide its members with reliable electrical service,” said Ray Grinberg, CEO.
Brenda Green, Chair of the Tri-County EMC Board commented that “any change in rates is a difficult decision for the board of directors. We must balance the goal of affordable rates with the responsibility of keeping the EMC on strong financial footing. Electricity enhances our homes and businesses, a reliable and valuable resource.” (88725001)
*Bureau of Labor Statistics; Consumer Price Index* *
This past month, Tri-CoGo received the Business Innovation of the Year Award from the EatontonPutnam Chamber of Commerce. This recognition reflects Tri-CoGo’s commitment to providing cuttingedge fiber internet and supporting the growth of its community.
Over the past three years, Tri-CoGo has connected over 9,000 homes to its high-speed internet and has built over 1,600 miles of fiber. Greg Mullis, COO, says this award reflects years of dedication and community action. “Our cooperative literally changed the world when we brought rural electrification; we’re doing the same with fiber,” said Mullis.
The fiber team at Tri-CoGo thanks its customers, partners, and the Chamber for their trust and support during this process. Tri-CoGo looks forward to continuing to connect and innovate for a stronger future together.
Tri-CoGo service is available thoughout Tri-County EMCs service territory. Sign up for Tri-CoGo by visiting www.tri-cogo.com
2025 WALTER HARRISON SCHOLARSHIP FINALIST SELECTED
Morgan Hatcher of Milledgeville was named Tri-County EMC’s finalist for the 2025 Walter Harrison Scholarship. Morgan will go on to compete in the statewide competition for one of 17 $1,000 scholarships given out by Georgia EMC. Winners of the statewide competition will be announced in early April. Georgia’s EMCs started the scholarship program in 1985 to honor the late Walter Harrison, who was known in Georgia and across the nation as “Mr. Rural Electrification” for his pioneering efforts in the electrical cooperative industry.
Morgan is a senior at Georgia Military College Prep School. When she graduates in the spring, she plans on attending Georgia College & State University for an exercise science major on a pre-pediatric physical therapy track. Morgan would like to help children overcome obstacles that they are faced with and be an encouragement to them to chase their dreams just as she has done. In her free time she likes to volunteer with River of Life through First Methodist Church in Milledgeville. Morgan is a graduate of Youth Leadership Baldwin, active in JROTC, senior dance captain, and a member of many national honor societies. (95438001)
To learn more about scholarships offered through Tri-County EMC, visit tri-countyemc.com/scholorships-overview.cms
SPRING SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Tri-County EMC is committed to making contributions toward community growth throughout our service area, including investing in youth education and leadership. There are several upcoming scholarship opportunities for service area students who seek to further their education after high school. To apply, please visit tri-countyemc.com/scholarships-overview.cms.
Applications due April 15 Lineman Scholarship | Applications due April 15
Tri-County EMC will award two $3,000 Lineman Scholarships to individuals interested in becoming electric linemen. Applications are judged by a panel of Tri-County EMC linemen and retirees. 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.
Through Operation Roundup, the Tri-County EMC Foundation will award a total of $4,000 annually to students residing in the homes of Tri-County EMC Members. Special consideration is given to non-traditional students who are working full or part-time and have returned to school. Applicants must be enrolled in any U.S. accredited college, university, or technical college and have maintained at least a 2.0 average.
Scholarship | Cooperative Scholarship | Applications due April 15
Tri-County EMC will award three $2,000 Cooperative Scholarships to students residing within the cooperative’s service area. One scholarship is awarded in each of the three Tri-County board districts. Applications are judged by an outside panel of education professionals based equally on academics, financial need, and community involvement. High school seniors and undergraduate students are eligible to apply. (88522001)
RECIPE BOX
Satsuma Pecan Cheese Ball
Courtesy of Georgia Grown
INGREDIENTS:
• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup Greek plain yogurt
• 3 tablespoons confectioner’s sugar
• 3 tablespoons green onion finely chopped, divided
• 2 teaspoons Satsuma zest
• ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons Satsuma supremes (peeled, segmented, membrane removed)
• 1 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
DIRECTIONS:
Using a mixer, cream the cream cheese until smooth. Add yogurt, 2 tablespoons green onions, Satsuma zest and ¼ cup Satsuma supremes. Mix until smooth. Line the inside of a small bowl with plastic wrap. Scrape cream cheese mixture into prepared bowl. Press mixture down and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until firm.
When ready to serve, unmold cheese ball and roll in chopped pecans. Place on serving dish. Garnish with remaining green onions and Satsuma.
TRI-COGO BENEFITS SMALL BUSINESSES
Tri-CoGo delivers gigabyte-speed business internet, advanced voice-over-internet VOIP phone systems, essential internet tools, and custom installation. Partnership with Tri-CoGo boosts connectivity, streamlines communication, and optimizes operations with our tailored solutions. Contact Haley Bates, Business Development Representative, for a free quote at 478.986.8329.
1 2 3 Local Speed and Reliability
Our local customer success team ensures your business has the fastest response times and personalized customer care.
Tri-CoGo has packages of up to one gig symmetrical speeds and reliable service.
Scalability
Whether your business has two employees or 200, Tri-CoGo has the support to help you with your internet needs.
“As a local resident and customer, I understand the importance of reliable, high-speed internet; we are not just a business, we are your neighbors, dedicated to providing the best internet experience.”
- Haley Bates, Business Development Rep.
Three random account numbers are hidden in this issue of Current Lines. Find your COMPLETE account number inside parentheses for a $50 bill credit. Call 478.986.8127 to claim your credit. ACCOUNT NUMBER
*Tri-County EMC is an equal opportunity provider and employer*
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