North Carolina and Virginia electric cooperatives have already requested assistance from sister Georgia co-ops. When the 18 participating EMCs receive word, each will send crews and equipment to help with power restoration efforts.

The North Carolina association for electric cooperatives is anticipating high winds along with high water levels from the Isabel's storm surge and torrential rain, which will probably cause extensive power outages to consumers.

According to Georgia EMC's Jim Wright, pre-arranging assistance allows the electric cooperatives to begin power restoration with an arsenal of extra manpower and equipment.

"It's a massive effort to restore power after an event like this," Wright said. "The North Carolina and Virginia electric cooperatives will have access to a large group of Georgia EMC crews to help them restore power as quickly and efficiently as possible."

"Walton EMC is glad to offer crews and equipment to assist in restoration efforts," said Walton EMC CEO Ronnie Lee. "Electric co-ops have always stuck together to make sure each other's consumers get the best possible service during emergencies like hurricanes and ice storms. Several of our linemen have already volunteered to go if they're needed."

Georgia EMC is the trade association representing the state's 42 EMCs that serve nearly half of Georgia's population with electricity and related services.

Walton EMC is a consumer-owned electric cooperative established in 1936 that serves 110,000 accounts in ten Northeast Georgia counties. The cooperative's headquarters office is in Monroe with satellite offices in Snellville and Watkinsville.

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