The above javascript is used to send anonymous usage data to Google Analytics. Decades of innovation: 2000s - Walton EMC

Decades of innovation: 2000s

In 2008, Walton EMC underground crews completed more than 1,000 jobs without a single utility cut, earning their second straight Golden Backhoe Award and the Lester Feathers Award from the Georgia Utilities Coordinating Council. Front, from left: Brian Terry, Adam Simmons, Arthur Thomas, Jacob Brooks, Ryan Mitchell and Larry Lawson. Back: Larry Johnson, Jerry Miller and Tommy Maddox.

A look back at the milestones that powered 90 years of progress

Though electric utilities weren’t deregulated in the 1990s, the possibility sparked new ideas that directly benefited Walton EMC’s members.

It prompted the cooperative to build power-generating plants to meet members’ peak demand for power. In partnership with a large generating company, Walton EMC built the Doyle Generating Plant in 2000.

In 2001, Walton and 15 other Georgia EMCs formed Green Power EMC, the Southeast’s largest renewable energy program. The co-op also opened a new Watkinsville Operations Center that year. Walton Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of the cooperative, began marketing natural gas statewide in 2002. It has since been recognized several times by J.D. Power for having the highest customer satisfaction among residential natural gas providers.

Automated meter reading, a major technological innovation, came in 2007. The system transmits meter readings to the co-op’s billing system over existing power lines, saving money and improving accuracy.

Honoring its pledge to care for the community, Walton EMC ended the decade by establishing two college scholarship programs. The Walton EMC Engineering Leadership Scholarship, awarded through the University of Georgia College of Engineering, encourages education in fields that support the electric utility industry. Nearly 900 Walton Electric Trust scholarships totaling more than $3.85 million have rewarded students who have overcome significant obstacles.

Featured Articles:

  • November 2026

    Read our full November 2026 Realite newsletter issue.
  • Investing in youth

    Walton EMC is connecting local students with opportunities that can power them toward a better future. “The resources we put toward youth development programs like the Washington Youth Tour and EmPOWERment classroom grants are a long-term investment in our community,” says Jennifer Broun, Walton EMC’s community and youth coordinator. “These programs and others help to […]
  • Dogs help disabled vets

    At the Lilburn home of Blake and Sheila Rashad, Veterans Day is celebrated with a bark. The Army veterans operate Top Dogg K9 Foundation, a nonprofit that provides free, highly skilled service dogs to military veterans with disabilities. “A service dog can completely change a veteran’s life,” says Blake, nicknamed Top Dogg. He uses his […]
  • WEMC employees offer Helping Hands

    Walton EMC employees are putting the Seventh Cooperative Principle — Concern for Community — into action. Through Walton EMC Helping Hands, an employee-led community service committee, they’re providing hands-on assistance to area nonprofit organizations. “We have a direct stake in helping our neighbors thrive because Walton EMC is locally owned by those we serve,” said […]
  • Digging this fall?

    Don’t skip the call. Planning some fall landscaping or backyard projects? Keep your plans safe and on track. Plan Contact 811 at least 3 days before you dig. Wait Crews will mark underground utility lines for free. Dig Carefully dig around marked areas to avoid costly damages and outages. Visit GA 811
  • Merry and Bright Twinkle Tour 2026

    Find: Must-see holiday lighting displays within Walton EMC’s service area. Homes Neighborhoods Businesses Churches Nominate: waltonemc.com/merryandbright You’ll need a street address, property owner’s name and dates/times the display is illuminated. See: Walton EMC’s Facebook