• Prepare for medical needs, such as having a plan for loved ones who depend on medical equipment that requires electricity.
• Have nonperishable foods on hand such as canned foods, peanut butter, bread or crackers.
• Have a manual can opener available.
• Gather blankets, sleeping bags, and extra clothes, including hats and gloves.
• Have flashlights, battery-powered lanterns, backup chargers and extra batteries on hand.
• Keep all electronic devices charged ahead of the storm.
• For those with a wood fireplace, check your supply of firewood.
• Fill your car tank with gas.

Even if power outages do not occur in your area, extremely cold weather is still in the forecast for the next week. Small steps EMC members take to conserve energy now can positively impact their electric usage and ultimately, their bill.

• Set thermostats to 68 degrees or lower and adjust window units accordingly. Warming and cooling the home accounts for 55% of residential energy usage.
• Add extra blankets to lower your thermostat at night and when you are away from home.
• Open blinds, drapes and curtains to let in warmth from the sun and close them at night to keep out the cold.
• Caulk or weather strip around windows, exterior doors and any gaps.
• Close the fireplace damper when not in use.

Generator Safety:
For those planning to use a generator during any power interruptions that may occur, follow manufacturer’s operating instructions and all safety guidelines to prevent the backfeeding of powerlines, protecting electric utility employees from serious or fatal injuries.

About Georgia EMC:
Georgia EMC is the statewide 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 more than 5 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 X.

• Prepare for medical needs, such as having a plan for loved ones who depend on medical equipment that requires electricity.
• Have nonperishable foods on hand such as canned foods, peanut butter, bread or crackers.
• Have a manual can opener available.
• Gather blankets, sleeping bags, and extra clothes, including hats and gloves.
• Have flashlights, battery-powered lanterns, backup chargers and extra batteries on hand.
• Keep all electronic devices charged ahead of the storm.
• For those with a wood fireplace, check your supply of firewood.
• Fill your car tank with gas.

Even if power outages do not occur, extremely cold weather is still in the forecast. Small steps EMC members take to conserve energy now can positively impact their electric usage and ultimately their bill.

• Set thermostats to 68 degrees or lower and adjust window units accordingly. Warming and cooling the home accounts for 55% of residential energy usage.
• Add extra blankets and lower your thermostat at night and when you are away from home.
• Open blinds, drapes and curtains to let in warmth from the sun and close them at night to keep out the cold.
• Caulk or weather strip around windows, exterior doors and any gaps.
Close the fireplace damper when not in use.

Outage Updates:
A map showing current outages by region, updated every 15 minutes, can be found at http://www.georgiaemc.com/outages. To report power outages and gain more detailed outage and restoration updates, EMC members should contact their local EMC provider.

About Georgia EMC:
Georgia EMC is the statewide 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 more than 5 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 X.

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Outage Information:
A map showing current outages by region, updated every 15 minutes, can be found at http://www.georgiaemc.com/outages. To report power outages and gain more detailed outage and restoration updates, customers should contact their local EMC provider.

About Georgia EMC:
Georgia EMC is the statewide 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 X.

About Georgia Transmission:
Georgia Transmission Corp., a not-for-profit cooperative owned by 38 Electric Membership Corporations (EMCs), owns more than 5,000 miles of high-voltage transmission lines and more than 780 substations. These facilities deliver power to Georgia’s EMCs providing electricity to more than 4.5 million Georgians. For more information, visit gatransmission.com.

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(TUCKER, Ga., Aug. 5, 2024, 10:00 AM)—As Hurricane Debby makes landfall as a Category 1 storm on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Georgia’s Electric Membership Corporations (EMCs) stand ready for its impact. 

Hurricane Debby is predicted to enter Georgia at 2 p.m. on Monday in the southern central part of the state moving northeast as she heads to the southeast coast. With sustained winds of from 39-73mph and heavy rains, power outages are imminent.

“Our forecasters predicted an above average hurricane season, and our EMCs have been preparing in advance for several weeks,” said Harry Reeves, vice president of training and safety at Georgia EMC. “We’ve used our time wisely since we began monitoring Hurricane Debby last week, and EMCs in the storm’s path have enacted their proven storm response plans, taking the necessary steps to prepare for the storm.”

EMCs have mobilized all key personnel and additional contract crews, prepared trucks with emergency equipment and increased supplies of materials that could be needed should the effects of the storm become severe. Key staff members have also been in contact with other emergency service providers, including EMAs, police, fire and public works.

At the same time, EMCs have been in regular contact with other electric cooperatives across the state and country to arrange for help and additional support. Several cooperatives from the northern part of the state are headed south to assist with power restoration.

Forecasters predict the storm will slow on Tuesday and stall as it reaches Georgia’s coast by Wednesday. This is expected to create a historic rainfall and flooding event in southeast Georgia, particularly for areas within 50 miles of Savannah, with rainfall totals reaching a predicted 12-20 inches of rain.

Gov. Brian Kemp issued a State of Emergency in all 159 counties. The emergency declaration makes all state resources available to local governments and entities within the impacted area of the hurricane. Officials are warning residents along in the path to be prepared for life-threatening storm surge, hurricane-force winds, and heavy rains which could lead to flash flooding. Reeves says residents should heed the advice of local officials and be assured that all electric cooperatives across the state are prepared and ready to restore service.

EMCs will continue to watch Hurricane Debby closely and remind members to keep abreast of the storm’s development and take every precaution in the event the state experiences its effects. Stay informed by visiting https://gema.georgia.gov/ and https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/.

Outage Information:
A map showing current outages by region, updated every 15 minutes, can be found at http://www.georgiaemc.com/outages. To report power outages and gain more detailed power outages and restoration updates, customers should contact their local EMC.

About Georgia EMC:
Georgia EMC is the statewide 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 X.

EMCs serving South Georgia are working from their emergency storm plans, having launched damage assessments and restoration work as soon as the most dangerous weather moved through and it was safe for crews to operate in the area.

At 9 a.m. Thursday, there were approximately 63,000 customers without power across more than a dozen counties in southeast Georgia, less than half the 131,000 original number of outages in Idalia’s aftermath. EMC representatives warn that restoration in some of the hardest hit areas could take days, and they arranged for additional crews and equipment from unaffected parts of Georgia and from outside the state to expedite the restoration process.

Still, replacing one pole can take 4-5 hours, including removing fallen trees and reconnecting broken wires. The hurricane’s powerful winds destroyed hundreds of poles, many where access is difficult in normal conditions.

Line workers ask that members of the public keep off roads to allow trucks and equipment room to remove debris and access damaged poles and wires.

The public should be mindful of the risks of downed power lines. An energized line on the ground can pose a danger 35 feet or more away without any obvious signs of carrying electricity. Stay away and report downed lines to your electric company or call 911.

EMC members should contact their local EMC to report power outages.

Georgia EMC is the statewide trade association representing the state’s 41 EMCs, Oglethorpe Power Corp., Georgia Transmission Corp. and Georgia System Operations Corp.  Collectively, Georgia’s customer-owned EMCs 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.

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.

To prepare for hazards present during and after the storm, residents should consider the following electrical safety tips:   

1. Beware of fallen power lines.  If you come upon a fallen power line, assume it is electrically charged. This includes any wires that look like cable and telephone lines as well. Report any downed line to your power company.
2. Report an outage to your local EMC by phone, email or visiting their website.   
3. Take proper precautions when using a generator if you lose power. Place the generator outside the home, as dangerous carbon monoxide fumes are odorless and can quickly overwhelm you indoors. Also, never connect generators to another power source, such as power lines. The reverse flow of electricity or “backfeed” can electrocute an unsuspecting utility worker.
4. Prepare for medical needs, such as having a plan for loved ones who depend on medical equipment that requires electricity. This includes backup power, extra medical supplies and medication, or going to an alternative location until the storm is over.  
5. A final helpful hint. In the event of a power outage, check your breaker panels before calling your power company. Check both the main breaker on the inside panel and outside disconnect (usually only found in newer homes) located close to your electric meter. If the breaker is tripped, it will be stopped halfway between "off" and "on." Turn the breaker off first and then back on to reset it. If you still have power in part of your home, check the individual breakers in the panel.   

Georgia EMC is the statewide trade association representing the state’s 41 EMCs, Oglethorpe Power Corp., Georgia Transmission Corp. and Georgia System Operations Corp. Collectively, Georgia’s customer-owned EMCs provide electricity and related services to approximately 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.

RESOURCES  

Outage Map – provides real-time information on power outages across the state at georgiaemc.com/Outages

Storm Preparation – a complete list of items to prepare in homes and businesses before the storm is available at Ready Georgia, provided by the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, at gema.georgia.gov/hurricanes

This storm produced as much as eight inches of snow in some areas and caused heavy damage in the north Metro area, and north central and northeast Georgia, including Cobb, Bartow, Gilmer, Lumpkin, Habersham, Hall, Pickens, Rabun, Towns, Union and White Counties.

High winds and the weight of snow in particular in these areas has been a challenge as it causes trees to snap or lean into the right of way, bringing down lines or causing them to touch. Repairs have been time-intensive since outages are widespread and in some cases located in every corner of an EMC’s service area. In addition, hundreds of trees have to be cleared and removed before restoration work begins. 

To assist in the rate of restoration, hundreds of additional linemen and right-of-way crews from unaffected areas of Georgia have descended upon the damaged areas.  They will work until all power is restored.

Georgia EMC is the statewide trade association representing the state’s 41 EMCs, Oglethorpe Power Corp., Georgia Transmission Corp. and Georgia System Operations Corp.  Collectively, Georgia’s customer-owned EMCs 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.

In anticipation of the storm, EMCs began reviewing crew assignments early last week so they could quickly dispatch help to affected areas. In storm situations, EMCs follow their disaster plans which lay the groundwork for quickly getting help from sister EMCs if it is needed.  All employees and contract crews have been on a heightened state of readiness and were quickly mobilized to implement the restoration procedures.

Customers should report power outages by contacting their local EMC and stay away from downed lines and report them immediately to their local utility or call 911.

Georgia EMC is the statewide trade association representing the state’s 41 EMCs, Oglethorpe Power Corp., Georgia Transmission Corp. and Georgia System Operations Corp.  Collectively, Georgia’s customer-owned EMCs provide electricity and related services to more than four million people, half of Georgia’s population, across 73 percent of the state’s land area.

The winter mix combined with freezing temperatures and high winds is causing trees to fall, breaking power lines and power poles.  So far, outages are widespread and range from the west side of the state and stretch to the east.

Damage assessment and restoration efforts have begun and crews are dispatched to begin repairs. Electric co-ops will follow standard utility practice in repairing and energizing lines by repairing feeder and primary lines first, then addressing secondary and service lines next. This method restores power to the greatest number of people in the shortest amount of time.

When weather forecasts called for significant snowfall and dangerous ice accumulations in north and central Georgia, EMCs called upon crews from electric co-ops in unaffected areas of the state as well as for trucks, equipment and additional personnel from surrounding states.

Customers should report power outages by contacting their local EMC and stay away from downed lines and report them immediately to their local utility or call 911.

Georgia EMC is the statewide trade association representing the state’s 41 EMCs, Oglethorpe Power Corp., Georgia Transmission Corp. and Georgia System Operations Corp.  Collectively, Georgia’s customer-owned EMCs provide electricity and related services to more than four million people, nearly half of Georgia’s population, across 73 percent of the state’s land area.

Representatives are closely monitoring weather conditions and have a variety of contingency plans in place to address problems associated with snow accumulation, and ice forming on tree limbs and power lines which can cause damage and outages to the distribution system. 

The EMCs have employees and contract crews preparing trucks with emergency equipment and necessary materials, should the weather become severe. Additionally, the electric cooperatives, which could be hardest hit, have called upon other EMCs to provide help and support, should it be required.

EMCs are stocked with poles, wire, connectors, transformers and other supplies frequently used in the restoration process. Vendors have been contacted to be on standby in case additional materials are needed.

EMC employees are on a heightened state of readiness and prepared to react immediately to any power outages.

Customers should contact their local EMC to report any power outages and can obtain storm updates through their local EMC’s communications channels.  

In addition, EMCs are encouraging customers to make the following preparations as well:

• 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 who will be using a generator, follow manufacturer’s operating instructions and follow all safety guidelines to protect utility employees from serious or fatal injuries. 

Georgia EMC is a statewide trade association representing the state’s 41 EMCs, Oglethorpe Power Corp., Georgia Transmission Corp., and Georgia System Operations Corp. Through this statewide network, the 41 customer-owned EMCs provide electricity and related services to more than four million people, nearly half of Georgia’s population, across 73 percent of the state’s land area.

Tucker, Ga. —Since Thursday, EMCs have restored power to nearly 400,000 customers who lost power following Tropical Storm Zeta which produced widespread and extensive damage to the electric transmission and distribution system.

This morning, EMCs are addressing approximately 2,200 outages in remote and isolated areas primarily in north and northeast Georgia. At this juncture, customer density and location of outages are critical factors impacting the time and difficulty associated with repairs. By their nature, EMCs serve rural areas of the state and have far fewer customers per mile of distribution line (average is 10) compared with investor-owned utilities (average of 34) and publicly-owned utilities or municipal systems (average of 48).

Current outages are located in EMC service areas which have an average density of 10 customers or less per mile, and their systems span hundreds of miles in rural counties. As such, crews can make one repair and restore service to as few as three households compared with investor-owned utilities or municipal systems which can make one repair and restore service to 75 or more houses.

EMCs were in discussions with states across the region in the week leading up to and after Zeta to secure more resources including additional linemen, support personnel, supplies and other services. Resources arrived and were staged ahead of the storm and continued to arrive when damage assessments were made.

Despite the additional resources, EMCs recognize this has been a lengthy restoration process and wish to thank their members for continued patience during a very trying time, as every available resource has been and is dedicated to complete restoration.

For specific information on local EMC efforts, members should visit their EMC’s web site or follow progress on their EMC’s social media pages.

Note to media: Outage information is available and updated every 15 minutes at www.georgiaemc.com/outages.

Georgia EMC is the statewide trade association representing the state’s 41 EMCs, Oglethorpe Power Corp., Georgia Transmission Corp. and Georgia System Operations Corp. Collectively, Georgia’s customer-owned EMCs 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.

TUCKER, Ga. -- Outage numbers continue to decrease for customers of Georgia’s electric membership cooperatives (EMCs) following devastation from Tropical Storm Zeta.

It took years to construct the electric transmission and distribution system in Georgia, but Tropical Storm Zeta destroyed much of it in under three hours. EMC crews, many working up to 18-hour shifts, are now working in some of the most hard-to-reach parts of their systems, removing hundreds of large trees from roadways and power lines, and replacing hundreds of broken poles and hundreds of miles of line on the ground.

As of 4:30 a.m., EMCs are reporting approximately 9,000 outages primarily in north and northeast Georgia, down from a statewide peak of 400,000 on Thursday.

The power recovery effort has been long and difficult in the aftermath of Zeta which produced wind gusts in excess of 70 mph. Crews are following a proven, methodical process for restoring power, but progress is moving slowly while rebuilding miles of power lines and replacing hundreds of power poles.

In addition, at this stage in the restoration process, each repair may provide service to a small pocket of customers—as few as 10 or 20, and sometimes just one or two members.

However, local crews along with crews from across Georgia, Florida, Kentucky and Tennessee will continue work throughout today and tonight with the goal of restoring service to the majority of remaining customers.

For specific information on local EMC efforts, members should visit their EMC’s web site or follow progress on their EMC’s social media pages.

Note to media: Outage information is available and updated every 15 minutes at www.georgiaemc.com/outages.

Georgia EMC is the statewide trade association representing the state’s 41 EMCs, Oglethorpe Power Corp., Georgia Transmission Corp. and Georgia System Operations Corp. Collectively, Georgia’s customer-owned EMCs 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.