Natural Gas Rate Update

Energy Myths

We have a new energy myth for you to read about this month.  Last month’s energy myth feature was a hit among our readers, so we thought we would present a new topic for your reading enjoyment.

MYTH:  Turning lights “on” and“off” will make your electric bill higher.

TRUTH:  Believe it or not, this is something that the Sawnee EMC staff is asked about quite frequently.  So, let’s settle this myth once and for all.

The truth of the matter is that turning lights “on” and “off” does NOT use more electricity.  There is not a “power surge” each time you “flick that switch”.  So, when you don’t need a light on, we recommend that you just turn it off.  Remember, if the light is on, it is costing you money...if it’s off, then it’s not.

Looking for additional energy saving tips?  Visit our Energy Center online at www.sawnee.com for information about making your home more energy efficient.

Contact our Energy Services staff at 770-887-2363 or via email at marketing@sawnee.com if you should have any questions.

Are You Making Vacation Plans?

Whether you have a late summer or early fall vacation planned, make sure your home’s energy use gets a break, too.  Consider these simple tips next time you’re preparing to go on vacation:

• Set the thermostat to 85 degrees.  If you have a programmable thermostat, use the “hold” or “vacation” setting to keep your home at this “pre-set” temperature until you return.

• Turn the temperature on your water heater down to the lowest setting.  Most water heaters have a “vacation” setting for this purpose.  Consider leaving yourself a reminder to turn it back up when you return home.

• Don’t forget about those pools and hot tubs.  Shorten the operating time for the circulating pump and remember to decrease the operating temperature on hot tubs.

• Unplug your electronics before leaving.  Computers, CD/DVD players, VCRs, video games and other electronic appliances use electricity even when they’re not on.

• Set timers on security lights.  Improve energy savings by installing timers to operate  lights each night you’re away.

Keep these simple energy efficient tips in mind when you are planning your next trip.  Got questions?  If so, contact our Energy Services Department at (770) 887-2363, ext. 7544 or via email at marketing@sawnee.com...and have a good vacation.

Have You Checked The Breaker?

Has your power ever gone out suddenly and you don’t know why?  The reason may be a tripped “main” breaker.  Please read the following tips for ways to identify if this is your problem and how to remedy this at your home:

•    Older Homes (built before 1980) - In older homes, the breaker box is usually inside your home.  The main breaker is generally found at the top or bottom of the electrical panel.  To reset the main breaker, turn (flip) the main breaker to the “off” position and then back to the “on” position.

•    Newer homes (built after 1980) - In newer homes, you will find a main breaker inside your breaker box, in addition to an outside main disconnect.  The outside disconnect will be located next to your electric meter, in a separate enclosure.  It has a cover that lifts up.  After lifting the cover, use both hands to turn (flip) the switch to the “off” position, and back to the “on” position.

If your power outage is due to a tripped main breaker, either of these methods should take care of the situation quickly and none of our staff will come to your home.  If you find that your outage is not due to a tripped breaker, please contact our Customer Call Center, 24 hours a day, at (770) 887-2363, and we will be glad to send someone to check out the problem.  We hope you never experience an outage, but if you do, we will be here to help.

Mark Your Calendar Today!

Be sure to make a note on your calendar that Sawnee EMC’s 2007 Annual Meeting of Members is being held on Saturday, October 6th.  The Annual Meeting will be held at our headquarters in Cumming at 543 Atlanta Highway.  We will begin registration at 8:00 a.m. and the business session is scheduled at approximately 10:20 a.m.  Make plans to join us for an exciting and fun-filled time and to learn about your Cooperative.

In addition to the Cooperative’s business meeting, many activities are planned for your participation and enjoyment.  Here is a “sneak peak” at what you can expect at this year’s Annual Meeting:

            • Exhibits on Energy Efficiency

            • Continental Breakfast

            • Kid’s Activities

            • Musical Entertainment

            • Report of Cooperative’s Activities

            • Door Prizes

If you have any questions or need more information, please contact our Customer Call Center at 770-887-2363.  We look forward to seeing you at this year’s Annual Meeting!

Fast Facts About Your Cooperative

·         Sawnee EMC was incorporated on July 16, 1938 (69 years ago) and serves parts of seven (7) counties

·         Services and maintains 9,240 miles of overhead and underground distribution lines

·         Sawnee EMC is currently the 3^rd largest EMC in the state of Georgia and the 9^th largest in the nation

 

Quotable Quote "Be hold in what you stand for and careful what you fall for"   Ruth Boorstein Writer and Editor