Coastal Electric Cooperative

Congratulations to Ciara Daggett, soon-to-be graduate of First Preparatory Christian Academy in Hinesville and a future Applied Behavior Analysis therapist! CEO Chris Fettes was happy to present Ciara with a $5,000 Coastal Electric Foundation Scholarship yesterday at our Midway office. The scholarship is renewable, so as Ciara continues to excel in her studies, she could earn up to $20,000 from the Foundation over the next four years to help her achieve her dreams of one day... opening her own therapy clinic in Coastal Georgia. She plans to first pursue her Bachelor's Degree at Mercer University. Over the next week, we'll reveal 5 more winners of this year's Foundation scholarship, so stay tuned! The Foundation’s main funding comes from Operation Round Up, a volunteer program through which Coastal Electric Cooperative members allow their electric bills to be rounded up to the next whole dollar and invested back into our community to meet the food, health, safety, education and shelter needs of citizens in Bryan, Liberty, Long and McIntosh counties.

One of our pickup trucks will get a fresh start today at Black Creek Scout Reservation in Sylvania. CEO Chris Fettes handed over the keys to Rep. Derek Mallow, field director for the Boy Scouts of America Coastal Georgia Council, and Camp Ranger Jacob Follin in front of our Midway office this morning. Coastal Electric makes an effort to donate vehicles after they've passed the point of being reliable enough for utility work but still beneficial for other purposes. This particular truck will help staff haul supplies around the camp and serve local kids.

CEO Chris Fettes was the bearer of good news yesterday as he spoke to the Hinesville Rotary Club about the coming of broadband internet service to the largely unserved areas of East Liberty County. Fettes said Coastal Electric is currently in the design phase of the project, and construction will begin this fall along Highway 38 to include Sunbury and continue on to all areas of Colonels Island. Pictured, Club President Karen Bell presents Fettes with a book to be donated in his name to the Little Libraries the club sponsors across Liberty County. One of these libraries is shown in the second photo (courtesy of the Liberty Chamber), featuring our own IT Manager and Hinesville Rotary Club member Terry Cook.

Did you know? For years, Coastal Electric Cooperative has been using smart meter data to reduce outage times and help our members save money.

Gas shortage? Of all the reasons to consider buying an electric vehicle, peace of mind is a great one. #GoElectric #DriveElectric #EVs

Stop by our office in Midway or Richmond Hill May 24-26 to vote for your board of directors candidates and register to win $1,000! Every member who registers can take home a 38-piece Stanley home project hand tools set, displayed here by Lineman Shyhiem Carter. We'll announce the winner of the $1,000 during our virtual annual meeting May 27, so be sure to tune in to CoastalElectric.Coop/live at 10 a.m.!

This time of year, you never know when a thunderstorm might pop up and disrupt your day! If your power goes out, here are three easy ways to make sure your outage is entered into our system and resolved as soon as possible: MyCoastalEC mobile app CoastalElectric.Coop/outages (800)421-2343... Have a fun (and hopefully outage-free) weekend!

10:58 a.m. UPDATE: Talk about fast service! The fire is out, the tree is off the line, and the power is on. Thanks to all our local first responders for handling the situation quickly and safely! ------------------------------------------------- As of 10:43 a.m., an outage is affecting 412 members in Bryan County and 378 members in Liberty County. Our linemen are on the scene near Highway 17 and GA-196 where a tree has fallen on a power line and caught fire. Emergency personnel are on the way.

Ever wanted to see the world from a lineman's point of view? Check out this video from our friends at Jackson EMC, and get just a taste of what it's like to work on electrical equipment 40 feet in the air!

Congratulations to Line Supervisor Billy Kirk on 25 years serving the members of Coastal Electric Cooperative! Billy's knowledge of substation equipment and his frequent inspection of our substations is critical for Coastal Electric to deliver reliable power to members. "Billy has the ability to think outside the box and can fix almost anything," said Operations Manager Jake Horton. "Often referred to as 'MacGyver' or 'Billy Goodwrench,' he uses his talents to spot and repa...ir issues in the field." Billy also has a reputation for giving back to the community, coaching softball and volunteering with the Outdoor Dream Foundation. Thank you, Billy, and congratulations!

If you've ever had questions about your electric bill or wondered what goes on behind the scenes at your electric co-op, this issue of Georgia Magazine is for you. You'll also find plenty more to pique your interest, like antiques, football and FOOD! https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks//georgia_202101/index.php

Today is National #TechnologyDay. One of our favorite tech trends: smart lighting! Smart lighting systems that run through a hub, like the Philips Hue shown here, can control all the lighting inside and outside your home. Photo credit: Philips

#TipTuesday: During cold weather, lowering your thermostat is one of the most impactful ways you can save energy!

Make your voice heard today in Georgia's runoff elections! Give us a if you've already exercised your right to vote. #CoopsVote

No matter what 2021 brings, we are here to serve you and help our community thrive. What are you looking forward to this year? Tell us in the comments!

2020 has been a year of difficulty and tragedy, but also marked by progress and the Cooperative Spirit. Comment to tell us something good that happened to YOU in 2020, and check the captions for ours. Here's to 2021! It's a privilege to serve you.

Though we will continue to monitor #HurricaneZeta and stay prepared to restore service as quickly as possible in the event we are affected, we don't expect the high winds and heavy rain forecast for other areas. So this afternoon, a crew of Coastal Electric linemen left ahead of the storm to help our friends at Carroll EMC in Carrollton, GA. Safe travels to Clint Durrence, Eric Wells, Josh Cowart and Riley Smith!

A very #HappyKwanzaa to all our members celebrating this week!

Congratulations to Coastal Electric Cooperative Director Holly Fields, who recently earned her Credentialed Cooperative Director Certificate. Board President Jack Waters and CEO Chris Fettes recognized her achievement during our board meeting this morning. The national Credentialed Cooperative Director program empowers directors to fulfill their duty as elected officials serving on behalf of their membership by focusing on essential skills and knowledge such as understanding the electric business, strategic planning and financial decision-making. A lifelong resident of Liberty County, Fields has served as a director since 2017. She has worked for the City of Hinesville for 18 years and currently serves as Human Resources Manager.

#TipTuesday: Fireplace dampers are like windows -- if left open or not properly sealed, they can let unconditioned air inside. Follow these #energyefficiency tips to make the most of your fireplace this winter. #EnergySavings #EnergySmart

Our offices will close at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31, to perform year-end procedures on our billing systems. All payment options will be unavailable from 2 p.m. Dec. 31 until the morning of Jan. 1. Our offices will also be closed on New Year's Day, though payment systems and the member portal will be available. As always, crews will be on standby 24/7 in case of outages. We wish you a happy and prosperous 2021!

A few of our employees are having a little Halloween fun at work today! Comment on the photos to vote for "Most Creative Costume" and "Funniest Costume."

I just returned from my lunchtime drive down to Shell Creek Seafood in Eulonia to pick up two pounds of beautiful lump crabmeat. This will be a part of my family's Georgia seafood Christmas dinner centered around wild caught Georgia shrimp and local oysters (in stew). If you haven't already, visit them soon. They are wonderfully fine people who deliver a quality local product with excellent service. And they honor the Coastal Electric Cooperative Co-op Connections Card. Thank you for that nice discount!

Wasting electricity -- now THAT's scary! Print this fun word search out for your kiddos, and beware energy vampires lurking in your home! #TipTuesday #EnergyEfficiency #EnergySavings

Our offices will be closed Dec. 24-25 for the Christmas holidays. As always, you can manage your account or report outages through the MyCoastalEC mobile app, CoastalElectric.Coop and (800) 421-2343. Crews will be standing by. We wish you and your family a wonderful holiday!

#TipTuesday #EnergyEfficiency #EnergySmart

As you're taking care of all the last-minute holiday details, don't forget this important one: Remember to keep your tree healthy and watered regularly. #safetyfirst

What makes YOUR electric company different? These principles are the reason we operate differently from other electric utilities, putting the needs of our members first. #NationalCoopMonth #CooperativePrinciples #MondayMotivation

A single car accident at 9:55 last night at Brisbon Road and Hwy 144 briefly knocked out power in the area. The driver was said to be racing on Interstate 95 and was pursued by Georgia State Patrol onto Hwy 144. The driver headed down 144 toward Brisbon Road where he was clocked at 96 mph near Harris Trail. The driver then cut off his lights in an attempt to elude the officers and tried to turn into Brisbon Road. He hit the curb and lost control crashing into Coastal Electric... Cooperative’s 25,000 volt switch gear and terminating cabinet. We do not know the extent of all the damage yet but we do know the concrete switch gear sleeve, the switch gear, and the terminating cabinet will have to be replaced. Even though all of those power lines were recently installed underground to facilitate the widening and safety of Hwy 144, there are still (out of necessity) transformers and switchgear cabinets that are on the surface. This driver collided with one of them.

Here's some economic development news of local interest. Medline announced today it will be leasing 415,000 ft/2 of their new state-of-the-art, LEED-certified distribution center to FedEx Ground in Richmond Hill, GA. Announcement of the lease agreement was made by Georgia Ports Authority Executive Director Griff Lynch today in conjunction with his State of the Port virtual address. Developments like this one highlight the wealth of opportunity available in this market, with ...enough space to accommodate 36 million additional square feet in Bryan County alone, said Lynch. At this location, Medline and FedEx Ground will take advantage of direct interstate access to the Port of Savannah, less than 30 miles from the distribution center. Medline's 1.2 million ft/2 distribution center on Belfast Siding road at the new I-95 interchange is scheduled for completion mid 2021. At full capacity Medline will have 600 employees at this location and anticipates spending over $2 million annually with local vendors to support operations. Medline is a healthcare company: a manufacturer, distributor, and solutions provider focused on improving the overall operating performance of healthcare. See more

That's right! We're always looking for new ways to make renewable energy a more viable part of our energy mix.

What can YOU do to make our community more connected? #ConcernForCommunity #Cooperation #SpreadKindness #UnityDay

From the front page >>>Bryan County News is happy to announce the Coastal Electric Cooperative 2020 Halloween Costume Contest. Parents can submit photos in the following categories: Kids in costumes, Pets in costumes, Kids and pets in costumes. Photo submissions must be sent to [email protected]. Email will be accepted until Oct. 25. As the Coastal Electric Cooperative 2020 Halloween Costume Contest entries are received, selected photos will be printed in the weekly Bryan County News online at https://bryancountynews.com. The winners will be announced in the October 29th edition of the Bryan County News and Coastal Courier. First place will receive a $50 gift card, $25 for second place, and $15 for third place. Entries will only be considered if the photos are sent to [email protected].

Stay cozy AND safe!

As the Festival of Lights draws to a close tomorrow, we'd like to wish all our Jewish members a very happy Hanukkah!

Our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of William Lealel "Billy" Bland of Shellman Bluff, who passed away Oct. 13. He served the members of Coastal Electric Cooperative as a director on our board for 24 years before retiring Oct. 30, 2019, due to health issues. Mr. Bland brought a lifetime of wisdom and experience into the Coastal Electric boardroom. He was always a strong advocate for our members, his constituents. He was a successful businessman and was an institution in the Shellman Bluff community. He will be missed.

Thank you to Georgia’s Public Service Commissioners for approving measures to spur broadband investment in unserved areas of the state. With today’s vote, the G...eorgia PSC is giving broadband providers access to utility poles for $1, per pole, per year, for 6 years. Read more: https://georgiaemc.com//Georgia-PSC-Approves-Measures-to-P

Holiday savings tip: Use a timer to control your outdoor décor energy use -- so it's festive AND efficient! #saveenergy #energyefficiency #energysmart

SCAM ALERT: One of our members reported getting a call warning that her power would be disconnected and to wait on the line to speak to a representative. While she waited, she paid her balance (which was NOT past due) on our website. When the representative got on the phone, he demanded she cancel her payment and download a cash app instead. If you receive a call that seems suspicious, avoid sharing personal information or allowing yourself to be intimidated by threats. Hang up and give us a call. Make secure payments in person at a Coastal Electric Cooperative office, through CoastalElectric.Coop, via the MyCoastalEC mobile app or by calling us directly at (800) 421-2343.

YOUR Operation Round Up dollars at work: Because of our members' generosity, we got to deliver $1,000 donations to three McIntosh County schools last week! Accepting the checks from Coastal Electric CEO Chris Fettes were Dr. Valeria Richard, McIntosh County Academy Assistant Principal & CTAE Director; Sandra Ryals, Todd Grant Elementary School Principal; and Scott Brooker, McIntosh County Middle School Principal. Principals Fund donations are made possible by Coastal Electric Cooperative members who allow their electric bills to be rounded up to the next dollar through Operation Round Up. Those nickels and dimes are pooled together and invested back into the community through the Coastal Electric Cooperative Foundation.

While you're thumbing through those tried-and-true family recipes this time of year, why not share some of your favorites with Georgia Magazine? The editors there are already planning for summer! To share your best summertime dishes with fellow readers, email your recipe (listing all ingredients, quantities and directions), plus your name, address, phone number and the name of your electric co-op, to [email protected]. Or mail to: Georgia Magazine, Attn: Summertime Recipes, P.O. Box 1707, Tucker, GA 30085. Recipes will be featured in the July 2021 issue.

Congratulations to McIntosh County Academy’s Christine Stutler and Myra Gist, who won Bright Ideas grants last week! Check out this video to hear more about their innovative classroom projects. Funding for Bright Ideas grants comes from Coastal Electric Cooperative members who allow their electric bills to be rounded up to the next dollar through Operation Round Up. Those nickels and dimes are pooped together and invested back into the community through the Coastal Electric Cooperative Foundation.

If you've noticed some higher usage days lately, these tips can help you save energy and money! (And it's no secret -- especially during cold weather, your HVAC is the biggest electricity user in your home.) #TipTuesday #EnergyEfficiency #EnergySmart #SaveEnergy #SaveMoney

Early voting for Georgia’s runoff election starts TODAY! Click here to find out where to vote: https://www.mvp.sos.ga.gov/MVP/mvp.do #CoopsVote

In celebration of #NationalAppDay, use the MyCoastalEC mobile app to track your energy usage, sign up for alerts, pay your bill and more! Search "MyCoastalEC" to download it from your device's app store. **************************************** After you install and run the app you will be prompted for a username and password in order to link the app to your account. Use the same login credentials as you use for your online Coastal Electric account. If you are a first-time user and do not yet have a username and password, you can create an account at the link below. Just click "forgot password" and follow the prompts. https://billpay.coastalemc.com//Cre/tabid/189/Default.aspx

Why is our CEO Chris Fettes smiling? He's celebrating our latest #safety achievement, SEVEN years (that's almost 900,000 working hours) with no lost-time accidents. But it's not about the award. Every day we work safely is a day our employees make it home to their families. It's one less loss suffered by a caring community. It's a day we're able to deliver the reliable electric service our members need. And it's even a day we save you money (on medical costs and insurance rates)! Our win is your win, so let's celebrate!

We don't often have to deal with the same winter weather risks as our North Georgia neighbors, but if you plan to travel somewhere this winter that is prone to snow and ice, please be prepared.

Not sure that our area could be considered a "winter wonderland" this time of year, but it has been a bit chilly! Print this fun word search for the kiddos, and don't miss the special energy tip at the bottom to help your family save money when the weather outside is frightful. #EnergyEfficiency #EnergySmart

Today we remember and honor the 2,403 United States citizens who lost their lives 79 years ago today. #PearlHarborRemembranceDay

Holiday safety tip: Remember to check all cords and electrical decor for damage *before* you deck those halls! #safetyfirst #electricalsafety

Ever wonder how Coastal Electric reads your meter without stepping foot in your yard? Get the details in the December Georgia Magazine. Inside you'll find ideas for celebrating the holidays in Georgia's beautiful state parks, recipes to go nuts over and the history behind a popular holiday tune!

Keep #safety in mind when choosing the perfect place to display your tree this holiday season. #safetyfirst #electricalsafety #CoopsCare

We had frost on the ground this morning -- appropriate weather for Lineman Josh Cowart to spread a little holiday cheer helping the City of Midway hang decorations!

How are YOU giving back for #GivingTuesday? Use one of the ideas from this post to spread some kindness, or copy our idea -- donating grocery certificates to local organizations to pass on to their clients. Together, we can make a difference in the world and right here at home. #ConcernForCommunity #GiveBack

We're happy to report that yesterday marked the end of the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season! Though our area fared well this time around, 2020 boasted the most storms on record, surpassing the 28 from 2005. The official end of the season doesn't mean tropical activity can't still develop, but we'll celebrate anyway and stay vigilant. https://www.noaa.gov//record-breaking-atlantic-hurricane-s #HurricaneSeason #SevereWeather #CoopStrong

The holidays are officially here, and decorating is in full swing! We'll share tips throughout the month of December to help you #saveenergy and stay safe. If you have any ideas to share with your Coastal Electric Cooperative community, feel free to drop them in the comments! #EnergyEfficiency #EnergySavings #EnergySmart #ElectricalSafety

What is your favorite Thanksgiving tradition? Whether you're cooking together, watching parades, cheering on your team, or -- here's a new one -- connecting with family virtually, we're proud to power your holiday! Happy Thanksgiving to all our members from your friends at Coastal Electric Cooperative!

Preparing this year's holiday feast? Use these tips to keep the festivities safe: https://safeelectricity.org/dont-cook-stormy-electric-bill/

#TipTuesday #EnergyEfficiency #EnergySavings #EnergySmart

The scammers are at it again! Several members alerted us today that they received calls from someone claiming their power would be disconnected if they didn't make an immediate payment over the phone. If you receive a call that seems suspicious, avoid sharing personal information or allowing yourself to be intimidated by threats. Hang up and give us a call at (800) 421-2343.

The pandemic has not been kind to many locally-owned small businesses. Let's do our part this holiday season to help them stay in operation by shopping locally to support our neighbors! Here are some ideas: Look down the street: Shop with local businesses that sell the same items you would buy online. Buy the bulk of your holiday gifts, decorations and food from locals.... Go to farmer’s markets: Some are allowing customers to pre-order. How great would a fresh turkey from a local farm taste for your Thanksgiving feast? What could be better than fresh, locally grown vegetables as side dishes and pies homemade by someone with a business right down the street from your home? Shop for the holidays and beyond: As long as you’re shopping, think about the birthday and anniversary gifts you’ll need over the next yearand buy them now. That way, you’ll give some local businesses a boost when they need it the most. Plus, you’ll be prepared when it’s time to wrap those gifts later. Invest in gift cards: Buying gift cards now to spend once the economy improves infuses your favorite small business with cash at a time when it might be cash-strapped. You would spend the money anyway; why not do it in advance if you can afford it now? Order carry-out: Pick up carry-out from a locally owned diner a little more often than you ordinarily would. Find a favorite restaurant with outdoor dining and go there with your family whenever you’re feeling like a socially distanced evening on the town. #SmallBusinessSaturday #SmallBusiness #ShopSmall #BuyLocal #ConcernForCommunity

Page 16 of the November Georgia Magazine features gift ideas from around Georgia, so we'd love to hear from you... Comment some of your favorite local gift ideas! #shopsmall #buylocal

We wish you and your family a very happy Thanksgiving! We are thankful to have the BEST members and to be part of our great community! As always, you can manage your account or report outages through the MyCoastalEC mobile app, CoastalElectric.Coop and (800) 421-2343. Crews will be standing by.

We got to take part in something pretty special at our Midway office this morning, as the East Liberty County American Legion Post 321 honored the 9/11 first responders by raising a garrison-size U.S. flag on our flagpole. After this flag is flown in all 12 American Legion districts in Georgia, on Sept. 11, 2021, American Legion members plan to present it to New York City firefighters who survived the falling of the World Trade Center towers. Pictured are Dwight Biechler, Jeff Bowen, Dennis Fitzgerald and Bill Walter.

Whether you're already decking the halls or embracing fall decor until after Thanksgiving, 'tis the season to celebrate safely! #TipTuesday #safety

Planning your Thanksgiving menu? Consider using small appliances in place of the oven or stove, when possible, to prepare your favorites. With just a little tweaking, you could save energy while you cook! Who has a good recipe to share? #EnergyEfficiency #EnergySavings #EnergySmart #holidaysavings

An analysis by Consumer Reports finds owning an electric vehicle will save the typical driver $6,000-$10,000 over the life of the vehicle, compared to owning a comparable gas-powered vehicle. A detailed white paper with more info is linked in the article. #EVs #DriveElectric

We expect to feel some impacts from #HurricaneEta starting early Thursday morning and throughout the day. Report any outages quickly and easily using: MyCoastalEC mobile app CoastalElectric.Coop/outages... (800)421-2343 As always, please keep #safety in mind: stay away from downed power lines, and never drive, swim or wade through flood water.

We love that veterans are employing their skills and work ethic at electric co-ops across the country, just like our own Mark Bolton, Terry Cook, Steve Gose, Brian Hayes, Clint Smith, Colin Bowkett, Keith Smith and Gordon Chandler. #CoopHeroes

For your dedication to our safety and freedom, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all veterans. We're especially proud of our own co-op employees who served their country in the United States military and who are now serving the members of Coastal Electric Cooperative. #VeteransDay #VetsPowerUs #CoopHeroes

UPDATE: Power was restored at 2:09 p.m. The outage lasted 1 hour and 7 minutes after a tree fell and tore down the primary wire. Thanks to our members for your patience! -------------------------------------- To our Liberty County members near Freedman Grove Road in Fleming, we’ll have you back on soon! Lineman Colin Bowkett is cutting the tree off the fallen line now.

Many of our members have been seeing ads on social media about solar for no money down. To help you make informed decisions about solar, check out these solar myths and facts. Keep in mind when you see advertisements about solar, it if sounds too good to be true, it probably is. We encourage you to do your homework on these offers, and Coastal Electric Cooperative is here to help. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Energy Advisor Jason Smith directly at (912) 880-2232 or [email protected]. For more info about current solar tax credits, visit https://www.energy.gov//Guide%20to%20Federal%20Tax%20Credi

Congratulations to Coastal Electric HR Manager Daphanie Harris, who graduated last night from the Richmond Hill-Bryan County Chamber's Leadership Bryan Program. Leadership Bryan brings together a diverse group of potential local leaders and provides a forum for a shared viewpoints on the needs of Bryan County. Classes focus on leadership, communication, team building, history, government, economic development, education and environment. Leadership Bryan also challenges participants to apply their talents throughout the community by accepting the responsibility of active community involvement. Photos courtesy of the Richmond Hill-Bryan County Chamber of Commerce

Can you spot the Coastal Electric truck in the fleet? Here's just a glimpse into what the days and nights are like for our crews when they travel to help with storm restoration. #CooperativesHelpingCooperatives #CoopStrong #PowerOn

When you switch from AC to heat, don't forget to set your thermostat to 68 or as low as is comfortable to save energy (and money on your electric bill). Enjoy some warm socks and sweaters while you save! #SweaterWeather #EnergyEfficiency #EnergySavings #TipTuesday

What do you think Georgia's voter turnout percentage will be in 2020? Do your part to make it higher! We urge our members to vote Nov. 3 because the voices of our community matter. To check your voter status and find out where to vote, visit mvp.sos.ga.gov #CoopsVote

Our offices are looking a little spooky! Which Halloween door display is your favorite?

The Georgia Solution is just one step Georgia's electric cooperatives are taking to remove barriers to expand rural broadband. (For context, Georgia EMC is the statewide association for Georgia's electric cooperatives, also called EMCs. It's one way we work together for the good of all our members.)

Wasting electricity -- now THAT's scary! Print this fun word search out for your kiddos, and beware energy vampires lurking in your home! #TipTuesday #EnergyEfficiency #EnergySavings

What's one of the best ways to keep your home comfortable year-round? Insulation! Check out this video from ENERGY STAR to find out if your attic is properly insulated. #TipTuesday #EnergyEfficiency #EnergySmart

Our linemen headed to Beauregard Electric Cooperative may be in for a swampy work environment as they work to restore power. Stay safe, guys!