Georgia EMCs prepare for cold blast

TUCKER, Ga. – Georgia’s EMCs and their generation and transmission partners are closely monitoring the extremely low temperatures expected this weekend. EMCs maintain a diverse portfolio of generation resources and have numerous safeguards in place to protect the reliability of our system during extreme winter weather. We are making necessary preparations to meet the needs of our member-consumers.

As the cold temperatures move through, we are on a heightened state of readiness and are prepared to respond immediately to any service disruptions.

Winter Weather Preparedness Tips for Consumers:

• Set thermostats to 68 degrees or lower, wear warm clothes and lower your thermostat at night and when you're away from your home.
• Caulk or weather strip around windows, exterior doors and any gaps.
• Ensure the filters in your heating system are replaced regularly.
• Have non-perishable foods on hand such as canned fruit, powdered milk, peanut butter, bread and crackers.
• Have a manual can opener.
• Have blankets, sleeping bags and extra clothes, including hats.
• Have flashlights, battery-powered lanterns and extra batteries.
• For those with fireplaces, be sure to have kindling and a good supply of wood.
• For those using a generator, follow manufacturer’s operating instructions and follow all safety guidelines to protect utility employees from serious or fatal injuries. 

About Georgia EMC: Georgia EMC is the trade association representing the state’s 41 electric cooperatives, Oglethorpe Power Corp., Georgia Transmission Corp. and Georgia System Operations Corp. Collectively, Georgia’s customer-owned co-ops provide electricity and related services to 4.4 million people, nearly half of Georgia’s population, across 73 percent of the state’s land area. To learn more, visit www.georgiaemc.com and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.