March 2008

The U.S. Department of Energy says national demand for electricity will rise 40 percent over the next 22 years, even with increased efficiency. Nearly every study concludes our country is running out of power.

The predictions show an urgent need to shore up our nation’s power grid. In 2007, Walton EMC experienced approximately 2.5 percent load growth, which is twice the national average.

We’re working hard to meet your needs with the right mix of energy efficiency, renewable energy and new technologies. Electric co-ops, like Walton EMC, are recognized industry leaders in promoting energy efficiency and wise energy use. Our actions prove it.

We offer loans and rebates for energy efficiency improvements. Our member services representatives are available to help you save energy and reduce bills. We constantly give energy saving advice through our newsletter, website and other communications. We’ve always promoted saving energy and reducing your bill, even when it wasn’t in style.

Using electricity efficiently has two benefits. Right now, it saves you money. In the future, it means building fewer power plants. 

Renewable energy holds some promise in meeting electrical demand. But renewables have limits.  Research shows Georgia is not suitable for wind turbines. And equipment to provide solar power is prohibitively expensive.

All these actions will help meet our growing demand for electricity.  But our high demand for electric power means building new power plants.

Power plant construction costs have skyrocketed in recent years as demand for coal and construction materials continues to climb. 

Now, 50 percent of the nation’s electricity supply comes from coal. Power plants built in the near-term will burn coal more cleanly and efficiently than ever before.

Nuclear energy remains part of the solution. Few nuclear power plants have come online over the past 20 years and none have been ordered since the 1970s. Nuclear power–which emits only clean water vapor–generates 20 percent of all electricity in the U.S.  It will likely take 10 years to bring a single nuclear reactor online. 

Providing more electricity and dealing with climate change are big challenges. Co-ops are encouraging lawmakers and regulators to seek practical, long-term remedies to our nation’s energy problems. These solutions should be based on new technology solutions that will allow us to continue providing safe, reliable and affordable power in an environmentally responsible fashion.

<back>