News Releases

Electric System Reliability Highlighted at Walton EMC Annual Meeting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 22, 2004

Contact Greg Brooks, 770/266-2307 or Katie Woodall, 770/266-2572

MONROE, Ga.--“The electric system in Georgia is strong,” said Walton EMC CEO Ronnie Lee to the large crowd at the cooperative’s 68th annual members’ meeting on Saturday, June 19. “While the electricity infrastructure in some parts of the country may be overloaded or in disrepair, that’s certainly not true here.”

“The EMCs have invested $100 million a year for the last four years to upgrade and maintain our system,” continued Lee. “Things are good right now–but we can’t sit still.” Lee commented on last year’s Northeast Blackout during his annual address and outlined why a similar situation is unlikely here.

In his remarks, Board Chairman Johnny Allgood told the group that Walton EMC does not foresee a rate increase in the near future. “We’ve spent less on wholesale electricity than projected. We also haven’t had to borrow money for the last two years and the success from our subsidiaries has added to the bottom line,” explained Allgood.

In other business, four directors were re-elected to three-year terms. Returning to the WEMC board are Doyle Mitchell from the Gratis district, Bobby Williams from the Mountain Park district, Mary Ann Hartman from the Five Forks/North Snellville district and Johnny Allgood from the Southwest Walton district.

The crowd enjoyed shows from a local gospel group and bluegrass ensemble. Hundreds participated in health screenings by local health providers at Health Check and children enjoyed rides, refreshments and crafts at Kids’ Fest. Walton EMC highlighted electrical safety with a model power line display.

Exhibitors provided the latest information on energy efficiency and other topics, including the world’s most efficient electric water heater, window tinting, radon and air conditioning systems. Several members took home door prizes, including Catherine Hannay of Monroe who won the grand prize, a retired pick-up.

Walton EMC is a customer-owned electric company with 105,000 accounts in ten Northeast Georgia counties between Atlanta and Athens.

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