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Sawnee Electric
Membership Corporation www.sawnee.com

 

Volume 26, Issue 4                    We’re More Than Electricity,We’re Service


 

Energy Savers

Below are some helpful hints to remember when working with your thermostat:

- If your family is out of the house during weekdays, consider purchasing a programmable thermostat to automatically control the temperature.

- The most efficient thermostat setting is 78 degrees in the summer and 68 in the winter.

- Make sure your thermostat is not located near supply or return vents.  This can cause the thermostat to provide inaccurate temperature readings.

BUSINESS OWNERS!

If you have a commercial account with Sawnee EMC and can reduce your demand by 2.5 kW you may be eligible for a rebate. Sawnee will reimburse you up to $500 on the cost of energy efficient measures implemented to reduce your demand. Visit the “Rebates and Incentives” page on our Web site at www.sawnee.com.

Is Your Air Conditioner Ready For Summer?


Warmer weather is here...and those hot summer days are not far behind!  Is your air conditioner ready for the hot weather that is just around the corner?  Now is a good time to tune up your home or office air conditioner or heat pump.  Here are some tips to keep your unit running as efficiently as possible:

  • Provide good air flow to outdoor cooling equipment.  Your air conditioner depends on large quantities of flowing air in order to operate properly.  Check to see if your unit is clear of all tall bushes or grasses, leaves and other debris.  Provide at least two (2) feet of clearance on all sides of the equipment and five (5) feet at the top for proper ventilation.
     

  • Keep the condensing coils clean.  This coil should be cleaned every year.  If you have a company service your air conditioning unit(s), this is usually part of the service contract.
     

  • Operate the cooling equipment wisely.  To get the most out of your air conditioner and to save money, you must operate it efficiently.  We recommend keeping your thermostat at 78 degrees for the summer months.  Consider a programmable thermostat to save even more, and the best part is that we will help you pay for it through one of our energy rebates!
     

  • Change the filters regularly.  Clogged filters can restrict the air flow through your system, reduce efficiency and lead to other problems within your system.
     

  • Be sure that a clothes dryer is not vented within 10 feet of the outdoor unit.  The lint from the dryer will cling to the condensing coil and lower the efficiency of the equipment and shorten its service life.
     

  • Make sure the cooling equipment is the right size for the area.  Units that are too large cycle “on” and “off” quickly and do not run long enough to remove moisture from the air, resulting in high moisture levels inside the home.  Remember, comfort is a function of both temperature and humidity.


By following these tips now, you can improve the efficiency of your air conditioner and lower your cooling bills no matter what the weather is this summer.

 

What To Do With So Many Wood Pallets?


That’s just the question we have been asking ourselves.  Throughout each month, Sawnee EMC receives, from a variety of sources, a number of wood pallets.  These are the standard pallets that boxes and material are shipped on to our office in Cumming, Georgia.


With so many pallets accumulating each month, we are asking for your help.  If you have a use for these pallets or have a business that requires pallets, please contact our Purchasing Agent, Dennis Hughes, at (770) 887-2363, extension 7346 or via email.  Contact our Purchasing Department today to arrange a date and time to pick up the pallets or to give us ideas as to how we might responsibly dispose of them.
 
Easy Options...

Pay your bill when it is convenient for you!  Consider online bill payment or paying through our automated telephone system for this electric payment!

Quotable Quote

“All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on”

            Havelock Ellis
 

Pay Stations Make Life Easier


Sawnee EMC wants to remind you that we have several pay stations available throughout our service area where you can pay your energy bill.  In addition, Sawnee also gives you the opportunity to pay your bill through our Web site at www.sawnee.com, via our automated telephone system or at our headquarters (walk in or drive thru) at 543 Atlanta Highway in Cumming.  You decide what is convenient for you and your busy schedule.

 

Remember, the following locations are the only authorized locations to pay your bill outside of the other methods listed herein.  If payment is made at a location other than these authorized pay stations, payment cannot be guaranteed to be received by Sawnee EMC.  If you choose to pay via a third party processor other than those approved by Sawnee EMC, you should allow some period of time (usually 7 to 10 business days) for the payment to reach us.

Approved Locations:

  • Regions Bank:   
    9045 Hickory Flat Highway, Woodstock 3621 Peachtree Parkway, Suwanee
     

  • BB&T:   
    136 Highway 400 South, Dawsonville
     

  • Chestatee State Bank:   
    500 Highway 53 East, Dawsonville
    2679 Freedom Parkway, Cumming
     

  • United Community Bank:   
    109 Highway 53 West, Dawsonville
    6372 Highway 53 East, Dawsonville
    4265 Browns Bridge Road, Cumming

Paying your Sawnee EMC electric bill has never been easier!  With all of the stresses of daily routines, it's good to know that you can pay your bill when it is convenient for you.  It is as easy as picking up the phone, logging onto the Internet or stopping by one of these pay stations on you next errand.  Pay your bill conveniently- when it is convenient for you!

If you have any questions about the authorized payment locations where you can pay your electric bill, please contact our Customer Call Center at 770-887-2363.

Our Mission

Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation exists to serve the changing needs of members by enhancing the quality of life by actively supporting community developments and identifying and serving the members’ needs.

Together, we can make a difference!  Click here for details and to sign up for Operation Round Up!  

Contact Us

Physical Address
 543 Atlanta Highway
Cumming, GA 30040

Business Office Hours
 Mon.-Fri. 8am-5pm

Call Center Hours
Mon.-Fri. 7am-9pm;
Sat. 8am-5pm;

24-hour Emergency Service

Postal Address
 P.O. Box 266
Cumming, GA
30028-0266

Phone Numbers
Customer Service Center
(770) 887-2363
Fax (678) 947-3368
 TDD (770) 781-4271
(800) 635-9131

Sawnee Electric Membership
Foundation, Inc.
 P.O Box 1174
Cumming, GA 30028
Phone: 678-455-1539
Fax: 678-513-8106
 Cindy.King@sawnee.com

Simple Rules for Spring Planting...

The days are getting longer and if the urge to get our in the yard and do some landscaping is getting stronger, be sure to keep these tips in mind:

  • Call Before You Dig:  Call the Utilities Protection Center of Georgia (770-623-4344 or 1-800-282-7411) to have all underground utilities marked before you begin digging.  Digging without having utility lines located is illegal and very dangerous.
     

  • Plant for the Future:  Plant trees and large shrubs well away from power lines to avoid safety and outage problems in the future.  Small trees and shrubs (such as crepe myrtles, Burford hollies and dogwoods) should be planted at least 20-30 feet away from power lines.  Medium trees (such as Bradford pears and cherry trees) should be planted 30 to 50 feet from the lines.  Large trees (such as oaks, maples and pines) should be planted more than 50 feet from power lines.
     

  • Stay Away From Those Green SEMC Boxes:  Don’t plant shrubs and bushes close to underground transformers or other enclosures.  They prevent easy access to our equipment during outages and routine maintenance procedures, and they can create a safety hazard for our employees.

Enjoy the warm weather and working in your yard this spring and summer, just be sure to remember these important rules.