News Releases

Walton EMC Customer-Owners Learn of Service Innovations at Annual Meeting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 17, 2006

Contact Greg Brooks, 770/266-2307

MONROE, Ga. - At today's annual meeting, over 2,500 Walton Electric Membership Corporation customer-owners and guests learned their electric company has implemented several service innovations over the past year.

“We installed a new outage reporting system that is more caller-friendly in getting information to us,” said Board Chairman Johnny Allgood. “At the same time, we put in 40 more phone lines. All this means you spend less time on the phone reporting your outage and we spend less time getting your information.”

Allgood also highlighted a new computer map system that replaces old paper maps. “Since Walton EMC has grown so much, a set of paper maps detailing our system is now over 2,600 pages, more than two feet thick.”

"It costs more to print a set of map books than it costs to buy a laptop computer. The maps are now instantly updated by a wireless connection. Our linemen don't even have to take the computer out of the truck,” continued Allgood.

CEO Ronnie Lee commented on energy prices in 2005. “We weathered the Perfect Energy Storm last year with minimal damage. When it hit, our objective was clear: continue to offer the lowest possible price for your electricity needs.”

The bottom line is that your Walton EMC bill has stayed the same for the last 13 years. The reason is because you receive your electricity from a company that has your interests as its top priority,” said Lee.

Also during the business session, members elected two fellow customer-owners for three-year terms to represent them on the co-op's board of directors.

Incumbent Sam Simonton of the Bold Springs district was re-elected without opposition. In the Eastville district, incumbent Jim Whitley defeated challenger Mark Thomas.

Customer-owners enjoyed gospel, bluegrass and country entertainment. Several won door prizes, including H.E. Shellnutt of Bishop who won the main prize-a refurbished pickup truck.

Children created spin art, watched puppet shows and cooled off with free snow cones. Healthcare professionals conducted a variety of screenings, helping customer-owners possibly detect early heath concerns.

Exhibitors demonstrated energy-saving equipment and Operation Sand Box collected items and appreciation notes to send to US soldiers in Iraq. Customer-owners also viewed information on Walton EMC programs, including green power.

Walton EMC is a customer-owned power company that serves 115,000 accounts over its ten-county service area between Atlanta and Athens. It's subsidiary, Walton EMC Natural Gas, serves natural gas accounts statewide.

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