Electric
System Reliability,
Stable
Rates Highlighted at Annual Meeting
"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. "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 to
members and outlined why a similar situation is unlikely here.
In
his remarks, Board Chairman Johnny Allgood told members 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.
Members
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. Members learned about electrical safety with a
model power line display.
Exhibitors provided
the latest information on energy efficiency and other topics, including
Marathon water heaters, 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.
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other articles in this month's Realite:
