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Sawnee Electric
Membership Corporation www.sawnee.com

 

Volume 26, Issue 3                    We’re More Than Electricity,We’re Service


 

Energy Savers
 
Being conscious of the lighting in your home can save on your energy bill.  Follow these tips below:

Use fluorescent lighting when possible.  Compact fluorescent light bulbs use just 1/3 to 1/4 as much electricity as incandescent lamps but last 10 times longer.  

Turn off lights you do not need.

Use one large bulb instead of several small ones in areas where bright light is  needed.

Save on lighting energy through decorating.  Light-colored walls, rugs and draperies reflect light and reduce the amount of artificial light required in a room.

Implement these tips in your home today!  Click here for information on Sawnee’s rebate for installing compact fluorescents.

Tightening Your Thermal Envelope


What is a thermal envelope you ask?  Well, it’s those items in your home or business that separate the inside space from the outside and include the roof, walls, floors, windows and doors.  If your home or business is suspect to air leaks and cracks in the exterior wall or around a window, it can mean that your energy dollars are escaping.

Below are some helpful hints on where to start “tightening up” your home or business thermal envelope.  Most of these energy-saving improvements can be done at a very low cost with materials available at your local hardware or home improvement store.

- Make sure your attic is well insulated.  This step alone can save 20% to 35% in heating costs and up to 35% in air conditioning costs.

- Seal holes with caulk or compressed fiberglass insulation.
 
- Check those windows and doors.  If you see sunlight coming in around the edges, your heat and air conditioning is going out!
 
- Seal all holes.  Did we mention that you need to seal all of those holes that you have?
 
- Seal all leaks with caulk and remember to seal any leaks around electric switches or outlets.
 
- Don’t forget the walls and floors!  We can’t stress it enough - insulate, insulate and then insulate some more!  By insulating under floors, around water pipes, heating ducts and in crawl spaces, you can save money on your electric bill!

If you have questions about any of these energy-saving tips, please email our Energy Services Department today!

 

Standby Power - What is it?


Ever asked yourself “...what is standby power and what does it mean to me...?”  One definition relates to the electricity that your home electronics use even when they are “turned off”.  The EPA estimates that this form of energy accounts for 45 billion kilowatt hours of electricity consumed each year.  This is nearly five (5) percent of total residential electricity use.


The products responsible for using “standby power” are items such as clock displays, cordless phones and recharging stations for cellular phones, as well as many other devices.  Some items, such as chargers for cordless or cellular phones, will continue to use energy even after the battery has been fully charged.  You can easily verify which items are using “standby power” by touching the wall pack power supply, or what we know as the charger, that is plugged into the wall.  It will be “warm” when it is not powering anything, but it is using energy.


In order to maximize efficiency and reduce the amount of “standby power” used, purchase home electronics equipment that are Energy Star rated products.  For additional information on “standby power” as well as the Energy Star program, please visit Energy Star online at www.energystar.gov.

 
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

“The bad news is time flies.  The good news is you’re the pilot.”

            Michael Altshuler
 
 

Do We Have Your Current Contact Information?


It is very important that Sawnee EMC has on file your most-up-to-date contact information so that we can reach you by telephone or email when needed.  We use this information to communicate with you during outages and when responding to questions about new or additional service, billing questions and many other activities.

Please take a few minutes and visit us online at www.sawnee.com to review, verify and, if needed, update your contact information.  Please keep in mind that this information is only used by Sawnee EMC and is not sold or distributed in any way.

 

We really appreciate your help!

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


Laundry Time...

No one likes it, but everyone has to do it...that’s right...you guessed it...the laundry.  Next time you prepare to do a load of laundry, consider these helpful energy saving tips to save money and energy.

  • Use cold water whenever possible.

  • Wash and dry full loads.  Remember to change the water-level setting when washing small loads.

  • Don’t over dry clothes.  Select the setting that is right for the clothes that you are drying.

  • Dry towels and heavier cottons in a separate load from lighter weight clothes.

  • Use the cool-down cycle to allow the clothes to finish drying with the residual heat in the dryer.

  • Clean the lint filter in the dryer after every load to improve air circulation.

By following these simple and easy tips, you will not only save money on your energy bill, but you can also reduce the wear and tear on your washer and dryer!  Start saving today!  Have a question?  Email our Energy Center today and one of our trained professionals

 


What Can You Do About Power Theft?

 

Sawnee EMC is constantly working to stop the theft of electricity.  Not only does it cause all members to pay more for their electric energy, it can create a potentially dangerous situation and could lead to property damage, personal injury or even death.

Members should also be aware that Sawnee EMC has programs and processes designed to identify and punish those who steal electric energy, but we need your help.  You can anonymously report a suspected energy theft or tampering of an electric meter by calling our “Theft Tip Hotline” at 678-455-1550.  Thank you for your help.