"We completely expect electric rates to remain stable for the next ten to fifteen years," said CEO Ronnie Lee. "That's good news as almost everything else you buy continues to increase in price."

Lee also commented on the state's electricity infrastructure and the pressure it faces from population growth and increased use of electric devices.

"As our communities require more electric power, the facilities of Georgia's electric utilities must keep pace," said Lee. "I urge you to contact your state senators and representatives and let them know you don't want your electric rates raised by unnecessary regulations on Georgia's vital electricity infrastructure.

In his remarks, Board Chairman Bud Wiley assured members their cooperative is quite different from many of today's out-of-control corporations.

"The cooperative way of business, like the way Walton EMC operates, offers an accountable alternative to the greed we see in the corporate world these days," said Wiley.

"Co-op boards are elected from the members, by the members, in competitive elections. Cooperatives are businesses people can trust. Why do people have such trust in cooperatives? Because they're businesses those same people own and control."

In other business, two directors were re-elected to three-year terms. Returning to the WEMC board are Jim Whitley from the Eastville district and Sam Simonton of the Bold Springs district.

The crowd enjoyed two shows from Southern gospel group Higher Ground and bluegrass group Blue Ridge Ramblers. Hundreds of members went through health screenings by local health providers at Health Check and children enjoyed rides, refreshments and crafts at Kids' Fest.

Members learned about high efficiency water heating equipment and home security in two of several exhibits. Several members took home door prizes, including Charlie Baugh of Watkinsville who won the grand prize, a retired pick-up.

Walton EMC is a customer-owned electric company with 100,000 accounts in ten Northeast Georgia counties between Atlanta and Athens.

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