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V O L U M E 9 / N U M B E R 4 / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 0 9
GreyStone earns top safety score,
completes 2008 with no lost-time accidents
GreyStone Power earned safety their safety is paramount to us, as is the
accreditation from the National Rural safety of the public.”
Electric Cooperative Association GreyStone Director of Safety and
(NRECA) with flying colors in Novem- Loss Control Blake Pendley oversaw the
ber. In addition, the Cooperative com- accreditation process, bringing in safety
pleted the 2008 year with no lost-time professionals from cooperative and insur-
accidents, for perhaps the first time in ance firms from around the country to
its 72-year history. evaluate GreyStone’s commitment to
“As far as we know, GreyStone until safety. “The accreditation process gives
now has never completed a year with us a chance to check our progress and Safety and Loss Control Director Blake
zero lost-time accidents,” says Gary see how we’re doing in comparison to Pendley and President/CEO Gary
Miller, GreyStone Power President/ other cooperatives. It gives us a way to Miller with the NRECA plaque
CEO. “It is a major accomplishment, have outside inspectors come in and awarding safety accreditation.
something we have always striven for, look at us and tell us how we can
yet never quite been able to do. Every improve our safety processes. Our safety written application, to determine a
employee has to be committed to this or success has a lot to say about our score and grant accreditation. Not only
it doesn’t happen, so every employee employees. It means something to them is accreditation gained through a safe
shares in this accomplishment. A lot of to earn high scores, because it means work environment, inspectors also
credit goes to our men working outside that we are all working safely. I’m very examine the structure and productivity
and on the lines, who have to overcome pleased that we earned a 96 percent of GreyStone’s facilities and property.
many obstacles in the work they do to score in the accreditation process, and a Examiners observe the construction
realize a year with no accidents. Obvi- 2008 year free of lost-time accidents is and maintenance of power lines, trans-
ously they have made safety a priority in quite a milestone.” formers, substations, right of way, and
2008,” he says. NRECA meets with safety profes- any property owned by the Coopera-
“I couldn’t be more pleased that we sionals to compile criteria that cover tive. The accreditation is NRECA’s
have shown we can work safely, and we safety, regulatory compliance and pub- recognition of GreyStone’s dedication
will continue to keep safety top priori- lic liability issues facing the industry. to employee and public safety and com-
ty. Our employees are our most impor- The process is a two-part test, com- mitment to regulatory compliance and
tant assets and our keys to success; prised of on-site observation and a loss-control practices.
Rising fuel costs lead to power cost adjustment
As in most months, members will to generate power during that particu- been incorporated into the base rate
note a power cost adjustment (PCA) lar month. change that took place Nov. 1, 2008,
charge on their electric bills in Febru- Fuel costs are evaluated to deter- rising fuel costs mandated that a PCA
ary. The PCA is a variable monthly mine how much of a PCA charge is charge be added to the bills beginning
fuel charge levied on members’ bills necessary in order to recoup additional Jan. 1, 2009. The current PCA rate is
that covers the cost of the fuels (coal, costs of fuels used to generate the .007897 percent.
natural gas, nuclear, renewables) used power. Although PCA charges had GA08370B
V I S I T U S O N T H E W E B : W W W . G R E Y S T O N E P O W E R . C O M
Meet Your
Meet Your Employee
Apprentice Lineman I Casey Darden You climb every day for nine weeks. You
started working at GreyStone last June also learn the equipment,” he says.
after graduating from the apprentice line- A typical work day for Casey starts by
man program at DeKalb Technical Col- stocking trucks with materials before going
lege. Casey says the nine-week program to a work site. Once at the site, Casey gets
lets you experience what a lineman’s work a job briefing on work conditions, and he
C asey Darden, Apprentice Lineman I is all about. “Climbing is a big part of it. is then responsible for assisting the line-
GR E YST O N E. THE P OWE R OF 101 , 0 0 0 M EM BER -OW NER S AND T HEIR F A M I L I E S.
From FDR to today, affordable electricity still a co-op tradition
As a GreyStone member, you are his promised New Deal. Roosevelt’s
part of a dependable electric member- administration brought hope to Ameri-
ship cooperative (EMC) offering some ca, touching lives of citizens from all
of the lowest electric rates in the nation. walks of life—even poor farmers living
GreyStone exists only to provide our in powerless lands.
membership with reliable electricity at Roosevelt said, “The test of our
the lowest possible cost, but that’s been progress is not whether we add more to
NRECA
the idea of the Cooperative since its the abundance of those who have much;
inception in 1936. The history of rural it is whether we provide enough for
electrification and the tradition of pro- those who have too little.” His dedica- Rural electrification was made possible
viding affordable electric service began tion to progress and the establishment through the support of leaders like
in the darkness of despair, but with per- of the REA helped to bring affordable FDR and by citizens banding together
severance gained success through a ray electricity to rural areas and made it to bring affordable power to their rural
of hope. more feasible for communities to obtain communities.
Nearly 90 percent of rural people electric service. Soon power lines began
lived and worked without electricity in to sprout along country roads. By 1953, good to reflect on the time when rural
the 1930s. Investor-owned power com- more than 90 percent of farms had elec- areas were without electricity, and
panies avoided rural areas that did not tricity. remember the very successful grassroots
ensure immediate profit. Because of Over the last 72 years, electric effort that was rural electrification. It’s
their remote locations and rural citizens’ cooperatives nationwide have worked hard to imagine a world without elec-
low wages, electricity in rural America diligently to uphold President Roo- tricity today.”
seemed unlikely. Initiated by govern- sevelt’s dedication and efforts toward At 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh),
ment intervention, hope for rural elec- affordable electric service. GreyStone’s electric rates from June
trification became a reality through the “It’s still our number one desire through October 2007 were below
Rural Electrification Administration among EMCs to keep rates down as Georgia Power’s rates and eighth overall
(REA) created by President Franklin D. with FDR,” says GreyStone Power Presi- among 42 EMCs in Georgia. Winter
Roosevelt in 1935. dent/CEO Gary Miller. “Providing reli- rates from November through May 2008
Entering his term in the midst of able electricity at the lowest possible undercut Georgia Power’s rates by more
the Great Depression, President Roo- cost is the cooperative way, and we than 1.3 cents per kWh and ranked
sevelt faced a nation of unemployment, strive to continue the tradition that third lowest among the state’s EMCs
foreclosures and bank failures. He imme- President Roosevelt began. We’re hon- based on 1,000 kWh usage. GreyStone’s
diately worked to provide relief, recov- ored to provide such a critical and valu- base rates are still some of the lowest in
ery and reform for Americans through able service to members. Sometimes it’s the nation.
Annual Statement of Nondiscrimination
GreyStone Power Corporation is the recipient of federal financial States on the basis of race, color, national origin, age or disability Human Resources.
assistance from the Rural Utilities Service, an agency of the U.S. shall be excluded from participation in, admission or access to, denied Any individuals, or specific class of individuals, who feel that this
Department of Agriculture, and is subject to the provisions of Title VI the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any organization has subjected them to discrimination may obtain further
of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Section 504 of the of this organization’s programs or activities. information about the statutes and regulations listed above from and/or
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; the Age Discrimination Act of The person responsible for coordinating this organization’s nondis- file a written complaint with this organization; or the Administrator,
1975, as amended, which provide that no person in the United crimination compliance efforts is Marcita Scharnhorst, Vice President, Rural Utilities Service, 1120 20th St NW, Washington, DC 20036.
2 V I S I T U S O N T H E W E B : W W W . G R E Y S T O N E P O W E R . C O M
men with anything they need. Usually underground lines. He is learning about month-old daughter, Naiyah. In his
he stays on one site for the remainder of the underground power system, and in leisure time, he enjoys playing basketball.
the day to build lines. He says safety is select subdivisions, he works on lines GreyStone linemen are on call 24
the most important aspect of his job. that run underground. hours a day, 7 days a week, and even on
Since he started at GreyStone, Born and raised in Northwest Geor- holidays, in case of power outages. Their
Casey’s responsibilities have changed to gia, Casey currently lives in Gwinnett dedication to keeping power on for mem-
include work on both overhead and County with his wife, Shay, and 22- bers keeps them always at the ready.
V I S I T U S O N T H E W E B : W W W . G R E Y S T O N E P O W E R . C O M
Cooperative Healthy Savings plan … here’s to better healthcare!
Resolved to make this the year to Dental Care The Cooperative Healthy Savings
live healthier? GreyStone offers a dis- • Members save 15% to 50% on plan helps members save on
count healthcare savings program that everything from general den- their medical costs for just
can help achieving better health less tistry and cleanings to root $4.25 per month!
expensive. Members now have access to canals, crowns and orthodontia.
exclusive healthcare discounts through • More than 71,000 available den-
the Cooperative Healthy Savings pro- tal practice locations nationwide.
gram, an added benefit that expands on • Save on routine dental services such
the discount pharmacy plan currently as X-rays and fillings as well as on
administered by New Benefits through specialty care such as orthodontics
the Co-op Connections program. For and periodontics, where available.
just $4.25 per month, the entire family Vision Care extension to the
can receive valuable discounts on den- • Save 20% to 60% on eyewear at pharmacy discounts
tal, vision and hearing costs through an more than12,000 locations nation- administered by
easy-to-use savings card. wide (includes most frames, lenses New Benefits, the Cooperative Healthy
“Deductibles, gaps in coverage and and specialty items.) Savings plan can offer members even
rising healthcare costs—out-of-pocket • Save 10% to 30% on medical eye more savings on their healthcare costs,”
expenses can add up to be substantial. exams at select locations. says Miller.
We’re glad to offer members a benefit • Save 40% to 50% off the overall To register for the program, visit
that can help reduce some healthcare national average on LASIK surgery. www.cooperativehealthysavings.com/?2220
and treatment costs, especially during • Save 10% to 40% on most brands of 3GA08 and click the “join now” button
difficult economic times,” says Grey- replacement soft and gas-permeable to the right of the screen. By calling
Stone Power President/CEO Gary contact lenses (includes disposables, 770-370-2600, you may also request an
Miller. torics and bifocals through the mail- application be mailed to you so you can
The plan is NOT insurance; howev- order service.) learn more about the program. For a
er, it can be used in addition to many Hearing modest payment of $4.25 per month or
insurance plans. The Cooperative • Free hearing test and save 15% on $50 per year, you’re connected to valu-
Healthy Savings program was designed the retail cost of more than 70 mod- able healthcare savings for the entire
to make healthcare more affordable els of hearing aids at more than family. All applications must be
through valuable discounts on medical 1,350 provider locations in the U.S. returned to Cooperative Healthy Sav-
costs for electric cooperative members. and Canada. ings, not to GreyStone Power.
By presenting the card at the time of • Save 40% to 60% off average Once your application has been
service, members will receive an instant National Retail Pricing on more processed, you’ll receive two ready-to-
discount. The card may be used as many than 100 makes and models of hear- use Cooperative Healthy Savings cards
times as needed. Members, their spouse ing aids through the mail-order along with your membership kit that
and any legal dependents are all eligible service. includes a list of local participating
to use it. providers. Members can also locate
The Cooperative Health Savings “GreyStone members have saved providers in their area by calling the
Card is accepted at thousands of $250,000 on their pharmacy bills by toll-free number on the back of their
providers nationwide with discounts using the Co-op Connections Card, and card or searching online at
that include: that program is alive and well. As an www.locateproviders.com.
GREYSTONE. THE POWER OF 101,000 MEMBER-OWNERS AND THEIR F A M I L I E S. 3
Green Power EMC awarded nation’s leading
voluntary certification for renewable energy
Green Power Electric Membership of Green-e Energy Certified products ient, yet effective way for members to
Corporation (GPEMC), a consortium of undergo an annual verification audit to make a significant contribution to ener-
38 EMCs including GreyStone Power document that the company purchased gy conservation and efficiency, and the
Corporation, has announced that its and/or generated enough renewable Green-e Energy Certification is one
renewable energy program received energy, both in terms of quantity and more way to let them know they are
Green-e Energy™ Certification from type, to meet customer demand and participating in a valuable program.”
the Center for Resource Solutions, the marketing claims.
nation’s leading certification and verifi- Through the GPEMC program, the About Green Power EMC
cation program for renewable energy. state’s electric cooperatives, representing Green Power EMC is a not-for-
The Green-e Energy Certification more than 1.6 million homes, business- profit cooperative founded in August
program provides independent, third- es, factories and farms, have signed on 2001 to support EMCs in their search
party certification to ensure that renew- to offer their members renewable energy. for renewable resources. The primary
able energy meets strict environmental Because green power costs more to gen- efforts of Green Power EMC have been
and consumer protection standards. erate than electricity from traditional to find, screen, analyze and negotiate
GPEMC joins a network of more than sources, some participating EMCs offer power purchase agreements with Geor-
150 certified Green-e Energy Certified their members the opportunity to pur- gia-based renewable resource providers.
suppliers that market almost 10 million chase green power on an individual Green Power EMC was the first green
megawatt-hours of renewable energy basis, while others incorporate the green power program in the state with its
annually. power into their pricing structure. resources on-line and operational in
“With Green Power EMC being the “We’re pleased to offer our members October 2003.
first renewable energy program in Geor- easy access to certified, locally produced To learn more about Green Power
gia, and now one of the largest programs renewable energy,” says Miller. “The EMC or to sign up to purchase green
in the southeastern United States, the Green Power program offers a conven- power, visit www.greystonepower.com.
Green-e Energy certification validates
the significance of what we have accom-
plished and recognizes our potential for
achieving even more,” says GreyStone
Power President/CEO Gary Miller. “It
was an extremely rigorous process, and
the certification signals that our pro-
gram meets national as well as local
environmental standards.”
For more than a decade, the Center
for Resource Solutions has been certify-
ing renewable energy that meets envi-
ronmental and consumer protection
standards it developed in conjunction
with leading environmental, energy and
policy organizations. The Center also
requires that sellers of certified renew-
able energy disclose clear and useful
information to potential customers,
allowing consumers to make informed We have an energy challenge, America.
choices. When it comes to finding solutions, we must meet climate change goals while keeping
Providers of Green-e Energy Certi- costs down and electricity available. America needs a plan. Immediately. Because we all
fied renewable energy agree to abide by know that our energy needs keep on growing—every day.
the Green-e Energy Code of Conduct Now is the time to have a candid conversation with your
and meet strict disclosure and truth-in- elected officials.Together, we can find answers and take action.
advertising requirements. All marketers Start the conversation today at www.ourenergy.coop.
4 V I S I T U S O N T H E W E B : W W W . G R E Y S T O N E P O W E R . C O M
Energy assistance program helps low-income
households with their electric bills
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance To apply and/or learn more about
Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded pro- the program, call toll-free 1-800-869-
gram that assists low-income households with 1150 or contact your local Communi-
their home energy bills. Elderly and disabled ty Action Agency:
Georgians are also eligible to receive aid. The
program is administered in Georgia by the Tallatoona Community Action Partnership, Inc.
Department of Human Resources (DHR). 770-382-5388
LIHEAP assists with primary heating fuel costs Counties served: Bartow, Cobb, Douglas,
such as gas, electricity, wood, coal or kerosene. Floyd, Gordon, Haralson, Paulding, Polk
Families must meet a yearly income equal
to or less than 150 percent of the federal Fulton-Atlanta CAA, Inc.
poverty guidelines to participate in the pro- 404-320-0166
gram. For a one-person household, annual County served: Fulton
income must not exceed $15,600; for two peo-
ple, $21,000; for three people, $26,400; for Clayton County CSA, Inc.
four people, $31,800; for five people, $37,200; 404-363-0575
for six people, $42,600; for seven people, Counties served: Clayton, Fayette, Henry
$48,000; for eight people, $53,400 (for each
additional person, add $5,400 to annual CAFI, Inc.
income). Assistance will be offered to qualify- 706-884-2651
ing applicants on a first-come, first-serve basis. Counties served: Carroll, Coweta, Heard,
The program will close April 30, 2009, or Meriwether,Troup
when funds are exhausted.
DHR’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps qualified low-income,
elderly and disabled Georgians with their power bills.
Start saving, use your Here are our newest
Co-op Connections Card today! local offers:
Cena of Atlanta Restaurant
Membership in Grey- 770-370-2273 or 770-370-2436. Atlanta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .678-369-8907
Stone Power has added Since the Co-op Connections pro- 10% off.
benefits. And one of the best gram began Oct. 1, 2008, GreyStone J Shalane & Co.
is the Co-op Connections Card, members have saved $254,008.30 in Villa Rica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .678-840-8961
giving you thousands of valuable dis- discounts on prescription drugs alone, 15% off any service (new clients only).
counts available only to co-op members. with GreyStone ranking third among Magnolia Café
Just visit one of the businesses listed at all participating cooperatives nation- Douglasville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .770-942-7796
www.connections.coop/greystonepower, wide! Coast Electric Power Associa- 10% off.
present the card and receive your tion is number one with $295,026.22 The Splendid House Interiors
discount. in savings since the program began, Douglasville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .404-545-8052
For prescriptions, log onto and Blue Ridge EMC is number two 10% off a full day home staging or 10% off one
www.rxpricequotes.com to compare pre- with $285,584.18 in total savings. room redesign.
scription prices. Call 1-800-800-7616 GreyStone is third with a total saved Shoe Carnival
for discount info. You may also ask of $254,008.30. Nationwide, co-ops Douglasville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .770-577-8723
your pharmacist to compare prices. If have saved members a total of 10% off total purchase (excludes super values).
you’d like to be a Co-op Connections $5,148,180.91 since the program Sweetwater Academy
Card business or you need a free began. Douglasville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .770-942-7233
replacement discount card, call 10% off tuition and free registration ($60 value).
GREYSTONE. THE POWER OF 101,000 MEMBER-OWNERS AND THEIR F A M I L I E S. 5
Contact Douglasville EMC Security GEMC Federal GreyStone Fleet President/CEO
Gary A. Miller
L. Burnell Redding
Charles Rutland
4040 Bankhead Hwy. 770-370-2030 Credit Union Services
GreyStone 770-942-6576 770-963-0305 770-949-3557 770-370-2077 Fred Wallace
Board of Directors Maribeth Wansley
24 hours a day, www.emcsecurity.com 770-445-2800 J. Calvin Earwood,
365 days a year Dallas www.gemc.org Gas South Chairman
120 GreyStone Power Blvd. John Walton, Communications Staff
SurgeMaster Plus 1-866-563-8129
770-942-6576 770-942-6576 770-370-2070 Car Solutions Use promo code 510 Vice Chairman Vicki Harshbarger, Editor
Jennifer DeNyse, Kizzy Howell
770-370-2390 to receive GreyStone Lizzie Bowen
To Report an Co-op Connections Card Secretary-Treasurer
Operation Round Up “Serving our members’ discount. J. Edwin Garrard Amanda Pitts
Outage 770-370-2436
770-370-2960 (To Sign Up) unique automotive needs.” www.gas-south.com/emc Milton Jones Ashley Kramer
770-949-7880 770-370-2273
www.carsolutions.com
www.co-opconnections.com
GREYSTONE. THE P OWE R OF 101 , 0 0 0 M EM BER -OW NER S AND T HEIR F A M I L I E S.
Member wins $50
for conservation tip
GreyStone
challenges mem-
bers to share their
After hearing about Grey-
ideas to conserve
Stone’s recipe section, member
energy and other
Pat Reaid of Douglasville sent
resources. Do you
us her recipe for Jalapeño
have an idea you
Cornbread.
can share to help
In each GreyStone Report, a
conserve energy?
recipe submitted by one of our
Send your tip to:
members is featured. GreyStone
GreyStone Power
Food Coordinator Lizzie Bowen
Corporation, PRC
selects the best recipe for each
Department/Energy
issue and, at the end of the year,
Savings Tips, P.O.
will pick the best of the best.
Box 897,
The final winner will receive a
Douglasville,
$50 gift card to the store or
GA 30133.
restaurant of his or her choice, Pat Reaid Congratula-
compliments of GreyStone.
tions to member
Send your recipes and phone number to: Lizzie Bowen,
Jodi Shadix of
GreyStone Power Corporation, P.O. Box 897, Douglasville,
Douglasville who
GA, 30133. Bon appetit!
received a $50
Home Depot gift
Jalapeño Cornbread card for her helpful
tip. Watch for more
1-1/2 cups self-rising cornmeal tips in upcoming
1/4 cup self-rising flour newsletters. Here is
2 eggs, beaten her tip:
1 cup buttermilk
1 can creamed corn I always wait to
1/2 cup vegetable oil clean my oven
1 medium onion during the colder
1 small bell pepper months of the year
5 jalapeño peppers, seeds removed as the self-cleaning
1-1/2 cups grated cheese feature really puts
out a lot of heat
Mix all except cheese in a large bowl. Pour half of bat- that I’m sure helps
ter, then cheese, then batter again and end with to warm my
cheese in a greased 13x9x2-inch pan. Cook at 375 kitchen and sur-
degrees for 35 to 40 minutes. rounding rooms.
6 V I S I T U S O N T H E W E B : W W W . G R E Y S T O N E P O W E R . C O M
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