Answering the call—again

After Tropical Storm Frances blew through Georgia in early September leaving scores of power lines downed by uprooted trees, 92,000 EMC customers found themselves without electricity. Responding immediately, electric co-op crews across the state worked around the clock as quickly and as safely as possible—usually under harsh conditions—to restore power to their members.

No sooner were these restoration efforts completed than Georgia EMC crews were called upon again to repair damage caused by Tropical Storm Ivan, which followed on the heels of Frances in mid-September. At Ivan’s peak, approximately 70,000 EMC customers were without power. Power was restored to all members within record time.

EMC celebrates Heart of Georgia Technical College 20th anniversary

Known for meeting the needs of its community, the Heart of Georgia Technical College in Dublin honored others at its 20th anniversary in August.

Little Ocmulgee EMC personnel joined in the college’s birthday celebration of Discovery Day by providing bucket-truck rides, safety information and Electric Junction displays. Other Little Ocmulgee EMC employees and staff have also contributed to their community in several ways, like General Manager Arnold Horton, who serves on the HGTC board of trustees.

As HGTC celebrated its 20th anniversary, the college recognized the retirement of Judy Benton, who served on the HGTC board of directors for nine years. Benton, with 15 years of dedicated service, has been “an invaluable resource” says Randall Peters, president of the college. “Judy Benton unfailingly knows the needs of the community.” She works for Little Ocmulgee EMC as manager of Administrative and Member Services.
—Antoinette Clarington

WildBlue—for folks‘out yonder’

There’s good news for the estimated 25 million rural households without broadband Internet access. Thanks to the July 17 launch of WildBlue satellite Internet access system—by an Ariane rocket that hurled the system into the sky above South America’s French Guinea—rural households will have Internet access comparable to that enjoyed by urbanites. WildBlue will be up to 50 times faster than standard dial-up connections and accessible from almost anywhere in the United States.

Denver-based WildBlue Communications, a fledgling satellite broadband company backed by the National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative, developed the system and put it into orbit.

Diverse Power: a class act

How do you thank a teacher? Just ask Diverse Power in LaGrange. This year, the electric cooperative gave out a record number of academic planners to the teachers and staff in schools within its seven-county service area, and some just beyond.

Other recipients included administrative offices such as the board of education, technology centers and maintenance personnel. A total of 59 locations received the planners.

Now, that’s class!

And a nod goes to …

Jackson Electric Membership Corp., Jefferson. The EMC was named Outstanding Co-op of the Year (for 2003) by Wal-Mart in recognition of its customer service and support for the retail giant. Jackson EMC is the only electric co-op to receive such awards consecutively from Wal-Mart; in 2002 it was named East Region Cooperative of the Year.