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Energy prices in the United States have been on everyone’s mind in the last several years. Whether it is gasoline, oil, coal or natural gas, prices of all forms of energy are approaching record levels that have not been seen since the 1970’s. Given that, it seems only appropriate that something created in 1978 to promote energy conservation and efficiency has been revisited. That something is called “PURPA”. “PURPA” stands for the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978, which has recently been amended by the Electricity Modernization Act of 2005. These “Acts” sound rather complex and formal, but do not be alarmed. They simply contain language that requires certain electric utilities across the nation as well as here in Georgia, such as Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation (Sawnee EMC), to evaluate and to consider alternative approaches in five (5) specific areas concerning rate design, rate structures, and the fuel used for generating electricity. To be considered in this review process are the “net metering”, “fuels sources”, “fossil fuel generation efficiency”,“time-based metering and communications” and “interconnection” standards. In considering whether to implement these new standards, these utilities must decide if such implementation would encourage Americans to conserve energy, optimize the efficiency of electric facilities and resources, and promote equitable rates for electric consumers. As required under PURPA, Sawnee EMC will be holding a hearing on May 16, 2007 to facilitate the consideration of the “net metering”, “fuels sources”, “fossil fuel generation efficiency”, “time-based metering and communications” and “interconnection” standards. Those persons wishing to learn more about the process, as well as participate in the process in a formal manner or even just voice your opinion on the “net metering”, “fuels sources”, “fossil fuel generation efficiency”, “time-based metering and communications” and “interconnection” standards, should contact Sawnee’s PURPA Officer, Ryan Satterfield at (678) 455-1583. Alternatively, if you are too busy to call, you may also visit Sawnee’s website at www.sawnee.com/purpa and read all about these activities. As a member-owned cooperative, Sawnee EMC remains dedicated to its member-consumers to deliver high quality, dependable and cost-effective electric energy. About Sawnee EMC: Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation is a distribution electric cooperative headquartered in Cumming, Georgia. Sawnee serves electricity to over 140,000 accounts in greater north Georgia, and has assets valued in excess of $366 million. Sawnee has annual energy sales of 2.84 billion kWh and revenue of $253 million. With over 300 dedicated employees making up a team of professionals that meet the needs of its member-owners through a network of over 9,000 miles of distribution facilities.
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