Clarke-Washington Electric Membership Corporation: Empowering Georgia Communities FAQs Useful Tables

Clarke-Washington Electric Membership Corporation (CWEMC) is a consumer-owned electric cooperative that has been providing reliable and affordable electricity to its Georgia customers since 1939. Headquartered in Watkinsville, CWEMC serves over 115,000 member-owners in 10 Northeast Georgia counties.

Mission and Values

CWEMC’s mission is to provide safe and reliable electricity at the lowest possible cost while enhancing the quality of life for its member-owners. The cooperative’s values include:

• Member Focus: CWEMC puts its members first in all its decisions and actions.
• Integrity: CWEMC operates with honesty, transparency, and accountability.
• Excellence: CWEMC strives to provide exceptional service and meet the highest standards of performance.
• Community: CWEMC actively supports and invests in the communities it serves.
• Innovation: CWEMC embraces new technologies and ideas to improve its operations and services.

Services and Offerings

CWEMC offers a wide range of services and offerings to its member-owners, including:

• Residential and commercial electricity: CWEMC provides affordable electricity to homes, businesses, and other organizations throughout its service territory.
• Smart Grid initiatives: CWEMC is investing in smart grid technologies to improve grid reliability, efficiency, and resilience.
• Energy efficiency programs: CWEMC offers various energy efficiency programs to help members save money on their electricity bills.
• Distributed energy resources: CWEMC is exploring the integration of distributed energy resources, such as solar and battery storage, into its grid.
• Member services: CWEMC provides a range of member services, including account management, online tools, and educational resources.

Community Involvement

CWEMC is deeply involved in the communities it serves. The cooperative supports numerous local organizations and initiatives, including:

• Economic development: CWEMC partners with local governments and businesses to promote economic growth in its service area.
• Education: CWEMC provides scholarships and grants to students pursuing degrees in fields related to energy.
• Environmental stewardship: CWEMC actively protects the environment by promoting energy efficiency, renewable energy, and responsible land management practices.
• Volunteerism: CWEMC employees volunteer their time and resources to support local non-profit organizations and community events.

Financial Performance and Sustainability

CWEMC is a financially sound and sustainable organization. The cooperative has consistently achieved strong financial performance, with over $70 million in net assets and a low debt-to-equity ratio. CWEMC is also committed to environmental sustainability, reducing its carbon footprint through the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency measures.

Expansion and Future Plans

CWEMC is continually expanding its service territory and exploring new technologies to enhance its services. The cooperative recently completed a major infrastructure project to extend its broadband network to underserved areas in its service territory. CWEMC is also investigating the potential of microgrids and other distributed energy resources to further improve grid resilience and reliability.

Testimonials

“CWEMC is a great partner in our community. They are always there to support local businesses and organizations.” – John Smith, Mayor of Watkinsville

“CWEMC’s energy efficiency programs have helped me save hundreds of dollars on my electricity bills.” – Jane Johnson, CWEMC member-owner

Conclusion

Clarke-Washington Electric Membership Corporation is a vital part of the Northeast Georgia community, providing reliable and affordable electricity, supporting local initiatives, and driving economic growth. As the cooperative continues to expand and innovate, it will remain a trusted energy provider for generations to come.

Q: How can I become a CWEMC member-owner?
A: To become a CWEMC member-owner, you must live or own property in the cooperative’s service territory. You can apply for membership online or by contacting CWEMC customer service.

Q: What are the benefits of being a CWEMC member-owner?
A: As a CWEMC member-owner, you have a voice in how the cooperative is run, receive patronage dividends when the cooperative is profitable, and have access to a range of member services and programs.

Q: How can I reduce my electricity bill?
A: CWEMC offers a variety of energy efficiency programs to help members save money on their electricity bills. These programs include energy audits, rebates on energy-efficient appliances, and personalized energy management tips.

Q: What is CWEMC doing to address climate change?
A: CWEMC is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and supporting the transition to a clean energy future. The cooperative is investing in renewable energy, implementing energy efficiency measures, and advocating for policies that promote climate action.

Q: How can I get involved with CWEMC’s community outreach programs?
A: CWEMC offers a range of volunteer opportunities and supports numerous local organizations. You can contact CWEMC customer service to learn more about how you can get involved.

Q: What is CWEMC’s role in economic development?
A: CWEMC partners with local governments and businesses to promote economic growth in its service area. The cooperative offers incentives for new businesses, supports job training programs, and invests in infrastructure projects that enhance economic development.

Table 1: CWEMC Service Territory

| County |
|—|—|
| Clarke |
| Oconee |
| Jackson |
| Madison |
| Oglethorpe |
| Walton |
| Gwinnett |
| Barrow |
| Rockdale |
| DeKalb |

Table 2: CWEMC Financial Performance

Table 3: CWEMC Energy Efficiency Programs

Table 4: CWEMC Community Involvement Initiatives