baldwin electric membership corporation · Baldwin EMC online - a great resource! Maybe you know...

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baldwin electric membership corporation MEMBER HANDBOOK

Transcript of baldwin electric membership corporation · Baldwin EMC online - a great resource! Maybe you know...

Page 1: baldwin electric membership corporation · Baldwin EMC online - a great resource! Maybe you know you can go to to pay your bill. Maybe you used the site to download the appropriate

baldwin electric

membership corporation

MEMBER HANDBOOK

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What’s InsideWhy We Call You Member....................................................................................Page 3

About Baldwin EMC..............................................................................................Page 4

Keeping You “Plugged In”......................................................................................Page 5

Understanding Your Power Bill..............................................................................Page 6

Easy Payment Options...........................................................................................Page 6

Answers to Some Frequently Asked Questions.....................................................Page 7

Information at Your Fingertips..............................................................................Page 8

Energy Audits........................................................................................................Page 9

Co-op Connections Program..................................................................................Page 9

Member Equity....................................................................................................Page 10

Renewable Energy................................................................................................Page 11

Member Owned Generation.................................................................................Page 11

Green Power.........................................................................................................Page 12

Green Power Registration Form.............................................................................Page 13

Talk About Tankless.............................................................................................Page 15

Operation Round Up...........................................................................................Page 16

Safety First...........................................................................................................Page 17

If Your Power Goes Out........................................................................................Page 18

More Than Just Electricity.....................................................................................Page 19

Office Hours and Locations...............................................................................Back Cover

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Find a digital version of this packet along with additional helpful information at www.baldwinemc.com

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If you’re reading this, then you have the unique privilege of belonging to an electric utility cooperative.

As a member of Baldwin EMC, you’re part of something special. You’re more than just a customer - you’re actually an owner. That means Baldwin EMC is your cooperative. We don’t answer to any distant shareholders or investors. Our only investors are you, which means providing you with the most reliable service is our primary goal.

Baldwin EMC is also a not-for-profit organization. We set our rates just high enough to cover the cost of doing business. Any margins above and beyond that are refunded to our members in the form of capital credits. That’s another unique

benefit of being a cooperative member, and being a member of Baldwin EMC.

As a member, you also have democratic control over the operations at your cooperative. Our policies and procedures are determined by an elected seven-member Board of Trustees. As a Baldwin EMC member, you elect these Trustees for three-year terms, which means they represent you - your wants, needs and ideas. I’m sure you’ll find those things are never far from our minds.

That’s why we call you member. We work every day to provide the most reliable and affordable electricity possible and to improve the quality of life in our communities. We act like neighbors because we are neighbors. That’s the cooperative difference.

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Why We Call You MemberIfe

Athcino

E.A. “Bucky” Jakins, Jr.

Chief Executive Officer

Your Board of Trustees

Peggy Vanover BarnesPresident

District 6, Spanish Fort

Aubury FullerDistrict 3, Marlow

Tommie Werneth Secretary/Treasurer

District 4, Orange Beach

J. Thomas BradleyVice President

District 1, Bay Minette

Joseph ColemanDistrict 2, Loxley

Robert Kaiser District 5, Foley

Jimmy LaFoyDistrict 7, Gulf Shores

Jimmy LaFoy

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“Baldwin EMC will be the leader as a customer focused, efficient, and community involved cooperative.”

Our Vision

Founded in 1937, Baldwin EMC provides electric service in Baldwin County and a section of southern Monroe County. Baldwin EMC employs nearly 200 local residents and serves more than 68,000 meters on 4,300 miles of line.

Baldwin EMC’s service territory is diverse, ranging from the resort area on the Alabama Gulf Coast, to the suburbs in the center of the service territory, to the rural timberland and farmland in the northern region.

The backgrounds of Baldwin EMC’s members are equally as diverse, as many of the co-op’s members are absentee owners. Baldwin EMC sends monthly power bills to all 50 states and four foreign countries.

A strong supporter of community organizations and events, Baldwin EMC is a member of all five Baldwin County chambers of commerce. Operation Round Up®, a program which rounds up participating members’ bills to the next dollar, supports numerous local organizations, provides scholarships to deserving students and assists local residents with basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing, healthcare, environment and education.

Today, Baldwin EMC faces increasing challenges as the energy industry encounters numerous changes nationally and globally. Experienced leadership and sound business principles have made Baldwin EMC a strong, growing organization, well-positioned to assist members in managing their energy needs. While Baldwin EMC currently offers a variety of energy services to members, including a renewable energy option, it is committed to further development and research to meet the challenges of the future.

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About Baldwin EMC

“Baldwin EMC will be the leader as a member focused,effi cient, and community involved cooperative.”

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Because you’re a member-owner of Baldwin EMC, we have a responsibility to keep you informed of what’s going on at your cooperative. That’s why you’ll see a variety of communication pieces aimed at keeping you up-to-date about the latest happenings both at Baldwin EMC and our surrounding community. Through publications like our monthly Alabama Living magazine, bill inserts, e-newsletters, and our website, our members can stay educated and informed at all times.

By sending Alabama Living to each member’s address, Baldwin EMC can positively state that it has communicated with its members on important issues such as rate changes, new products or services, safety issues and Board elections. One of our seven guiding cooperative principles is “education, training and information for members.”

Many of our publications are also available in downloadable format on our website, www.baldwinemc.com. For more about how www.baldwinemc.com can help you, check out page 8.

DREAM BIG...

...Because Baldwin EMC can help.

Are you or your children dreaming of college? Are you worried about the

financial strain that comes with it? Baldwin EMC can help. Your cooperative offers two scholarship programs than can ease some of the financial burden of college tuition. These programs are designed to help deserving students lay down the foundation of a bright future. See the reverse side of this insert or go to

www.baldwinemc.com for details.

www.baldwinemc.com (800) 837-3374

Alabama Living is your monthly cooperative magazine, and the largest consumer circulation

magazine in the state. Published by Baldwin EMC’s statewide association, it

contains a local section complete with co-op news

and community features.

Alabacooplarg

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7TH ANNUAL POWER OF GIVING DRIVE ~ NOVEMBER 15

7TH ANNUAL POWER OF GIVING DRIVE ~ NOVEMBER 15

Baldwin Electric

Membership

CORPORATION

NOVEMBER 2012 • POWERING YOUR COMMUNITY

NOVEMBER 2012 • POWERING YOUR COMMUNITY

Baldwin Electric

Membership

CORPORATION

Baldwin EMC extends

gratitude to all Veterans

Throughout the month of

November, we give thanks for

those who have served our nation.

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Baldwin EMC extends

gratitude to all Veterans

Throughout the month of

November, we give thanks for

those who have served our nation.

Baldwin Electric

Membership

CORPORATION

www.baldwinemc.com

Keeping You “Plugged In”

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Understanding Your Power Bill

The total charge for your Baldwin EMC bill is based on these components:

Basic Service: This is the minimum customer charge for every Baldwin EMC member. This portion of your bill stays with Baldwin EMC, and is used for our operations and maintenance. This charge will typically remain the same from month to month.

Electricity Used: This amount is based on how much electricity you actually used during that billing period, and changes as you use more or less power. This figure also includes the power cost adjustment, the charge or credit resulting from the fluctuating cost of the fuels we use to generate power.

Outdoor Light Charge (optional): If you have an outdoor light installed on your property, this reflects the charge associated with it.

State Utility Tax: As with all utilities in Alabama, a Gross Receipt Utility Tax of 4 percent must be charged to your electric bill. Baldwin EMC is not exempt from the Public Utilities License Tax of 2.2 percent, which is also included.

Operation Round Up: Operation Round Up is a charitable program in which Baldwin EMC rounds up par-ticipating members’ bills to the next highest dollar amount, with the extra change being used for charitable causes in the community. Members are automatically enrolled unless they choose to opt out.

Easy Payment OptionsMail your bill to P.O. Box 220, Summerdale, AL 36580, drop it off at any of our three office locations, or pay via telephone.Pay online at www.baldwinemc.com.Enroll in automatic draft and have your bill automatically deducted from your bank account or charged to a credit card each month.Sign up for paperless billing, and have an e-mail notice sent to you each month when your bill is ready.

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How much is my bill and when is it due?You can find the amount of your bill by accessing your account online or by calling our Customer Service Center, (800) 837-3374, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. After hours, you can access our automated bill inquiry line by calling the same number. Your bill is due upon receipt and is late approximately three weeks after your billing date.

Can I pay my bill over the phone?Yes, you can pay your bill over the phone with your credit or debit card. Call our Customer Service Center between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Have your credit card and account number handy. (Your account number is the multi digit number printed at the top of your bill beneath the Bill Date.)

Can I pay my bill online?You can view or pay your bill online 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Online payments can be made by credit or debit card, or by electronic check (direct debit from your checking account). You will need your account number to register the first time you view your account. Baldwin EMC maintains a secure payment site, so your private information will be kept safe.

Can I set up automatic payments? Members can sign up to have their bill automatically drafted from a bank account or charged to a credit card every month. With this option, you’ll never make a late payment, which could result in extra charges or an upgraded deposit. To sign up for automatic draft, go to www.baldwinemc.com, click on the Billing tab and select one of the automatic payment options.

How can I change my address or phone number?You can change the billing address or phone number for your account at any time by completing the change of address/phone number form at www.baldwinemc.com, or by calling our Customer Service Center.

Can I add my spouse’s name to my account?Married couples are allowed to have their membership designated as a joint membership at no additional charge. A joint membership entitles either spouse to participate as an active member of Baldwin EMC and take advantage of membership privileges like making changes to an account or adding service. To apply for joint membership, complete the Joint Membership form found on www.baldwinemc.com, or call or come by one of Baldwin EMC’s office locations.

What is the PCA?The power cost adjustment, or PCA, is an adjustment resulting from the actual cost of the electricity purchased for your use. The PCA may fluctuate each month based on the wholesale cost of power Baldwin EMC buys from our power supplier.

Answers to some frequently asked questions...

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Information At Your FingertipsBaldwin EMC online - a great resource!

Maybe you know you can go to www.baldwinemc.com to pay your bill. Maybe you used the site to download the appropriate form to become a member. Take a closer look though, and you might just find there’s a lot more to Baldwin EMC than you knew.

Easy Payment Options:If mailing a check to Baldwin EMC each month isn’t your

style, then you’ll be interested in the easy payment options available through our website. You can make a payment online by credit card or electronic check, or sign up for automatic draft and have your payment charged to a credit card or deducted from your bank account each month. You can also cut out the paper entirely by signing up for paperless billing, through which Baldwin EMC will stop mailing you a paper bill, and instead send you e-mail notification each month.

Find a Form:Whether you’re applying for new service, disconnecting existing service, or reporting a tree limb on a power line, you can find the right form for the right job at www.baldwinemc.com.

Safety Information:Electricity is a useful part of our life, but if not respected, it can be a lethal hazard. At www.baldwinemc.com, you’ll have access to lifesaving electrical safety information, along with tips for the whole family on how to stay safe around electricity.

Products and Services:Looking for information about a specific product or service offered by Baldwin EMC? Many times, www.baldwinemc.com has all the knowledge you need. Your co-op uses the website to publish frequently asked questions about our products and services, so chances are you’ll find exactly what you need to know.

Member Updates:Being a member-owned electric cooperative means we have a responsibility to keep you up-to-date and informed. Baldwin EMC’s website is one of the most prominent ways we do that. Because it can be updated in an instant and is accessible from just about anywhere, www.baldwinemc.com is one really valuable communications tool for your co-op.

Stop by today and see www.baldwinemc.com for yourself!

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Home Energy Checklist

Change incandescent bulbs to CFLs

Check A.C. filter

Make sure insulation level is efficient

As a special service to our members, Baldwin EMC offers free Home Energy Audits. Upon request, a trained employee will audit your home and offer advice on ways to improve the efficiency of your energy use.

If you are building, remodeling or planning to replace your existing electrical system, we can help. We recommend you include features that will qualify your house as a Touchstone Energy Home. Building to Touchstone Energy Home standards is a smart investment in comfort, energy savings and resale value. Call Baldwin EMC at (800) 837-3374 and ask to speak to one of our energy marketing specialists to arrange an appointment.

Energy Audits

Co-op Connections ProgramIf you like saving money on things such as hotels, books, or clothes, then you’ll love what’s in store for you through Baldwin EMC’s Co-op Connections card program. With the enclosed card, you are entitled to receive discounts on hundreds of goods and services both at home and on the road.You can find a list of discount providers at www.baldwinemc.com or at www.connections.coop.

A prescription drug discount is also included on our cards, a valuable benefit to many Baldwin EMC members who do not have prescription drug insurance coverage. Cardholders have access to discounts ranging from 10 percent to 85 percent on prescription drugs at over 60,000 national and regional pharmacy chain stores—including CVS, Walgreens, Wal-Mart, Target and many more.

To locate pharmacy providers in your area:

Call 800-800-7616 for Member Services if you have questions or need a provider.Log onto www.locateproviders.com and use code 22203 as the group number under the “Groups” login section. Next enter your zip code and the recommended mile radius of 100 to search for providers near you.

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Because Baldwin EMC is a cooperative owned by its members, we are a not-for-profit organization. As a result, any revenues over and above the cost of doing business are considered “margins.”

These margins have a purpose. They serve as our members’ equity in the cooperative. They are what you, as an owner of Baldwin EMC, invest back into the cooperative. That investment provides us a financial reserve that reduces the need to borrow money to run the business, and helps hold down rates.

Every year, Baldwin EMC’s Board of Trustees reviews the financial condition of the cooperative. If the Board deter-

mines that the cooperative is financially stable and that the margins we’ve accumulated are more than we need to reserve, they may decide to refund, or retire a portion of the reserve in the form of capital credits.

When the Board decides to retire capital credits, they also decide how much and from what years. If you were a member in the years they select, then you receive a refund check. The amount is based on how much you paid for electricity during those years.

If you move out of Baldwin EMC’s service area and end your membership, Baldwin EMC will still maintain the records of your capital credits. When the capital credits for the years you were a member are refunded, you will receive your share just as if you were still a member. That’s why it’s important for you to provide a forwarding address when you leave our service area so that you can still receive payment.

In the event of a member’s death, Baldwin EMC will pay capital credits to the estate of the deceased member when the appropriate paperwork has been filed by family members.

If you weren’t a member of a coopera-tive, capital credits would be some-thing unheard of. But cooperatives were founded under the principles of sharing the responsibilities and the benefits of a business. That’s who we are, and that’s what capital credits are all about.

Member Equity

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Renewable Energy at BEMC

Member Owned Generation

Renewable energy is the term used to describe electricity generated from sources that can be replenished. Technologies exist that can turn these everyday forces of nature into a usable energy source. It’s considered a cleaner, more environmentally friendly way to produce power.

Using renewable energy to generate electricity offsets the use of fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas, which may become less and less available as the future progresses.

The use of renewable energy not only improves the availability of future fossil fuel supply, but also further diversifies our generation and purchased power resource mix. Greater generation diversity provides a more reliable power supply and a small hedge against increasing coal and natural gas prices.

If you’d like to be a part of a renewable energy program at Baldwin EMC, check out our Green Power Choice program, through which energy is generated from methane gas (a by-product of decomposing waste), and blended into our overall generation and purchased power resource mix.

For more information, turn to page 12 or check out www.baldwinemc.com.

Distributed generation is the term for Baldwin EMC’s program for members who own and operate renewable energy devices such as wind turbines or solar panels.

This option is only available on a case by case basis, and must be approved by Baldwin EMC management.

For more details on distributed generation, call (251) 989-6247 and ask to speak to someone in our energy services department.

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Who Said It’s Not Easy Being Green?

Baldwin EMC has been bringing progress and innovation to the communities it serves for many years. That’s why we’re thrilled to inform our members of their opportunity to take advantage of one of our latest innovations – the first landfill gas-to-energy project to be developed in our area.

Many of us never had the chance to take part in breaking the ground for Alabama or Florida’s energy framework, but now you have the opportunity to participate in the development of a renewable energy source with one of our nation’s most abundant resources – trash.

Producing electricity with renewable resources, such as methane gas at the Springhill Regional Landfill, makes sense for your cooperative. By participating in our Green Power Choice program, you are sponsor-ing clean energy and partnering with your local cooperative to ensure that renewable energy continues to be developed.

With even a small commitment – as little as 400 kilowatt-hours per month for a year – Green Power Choice could have the same environmental benefit as planting half an acre of trees. Your participation in Green Power Choice speaks for your support for developing renewable energy, and each block of energy you purchase represents your sponsorship of an equivalent amount of clean, efficient and renewable energy in our overall blend. It’s an easy way to make a big difference.

To sign up for green power, fill out the form on the next page and return it to Baldwin EMC. Or you can sign up online at www.baldwinemc.com.

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Registration FormGreen Power Choice gives our members the option of purchasing clean, green energy in 100-kilowatt-hour blocks. Your first five blocks will add $2 each to your monthly power bill, and you’ll pay just 15 cents for each block after that. You can buy as many as you like. The minimum participation period is one year.

To sign up, complete this registration form and return it to Baldwin EMC.

Name:_____________________________________________________

Baldwin EMC Account Number:_______________________________________

Address:____________________________________________________

City:_______________________ State:_______ Zip:__________________

Phone:___________________E-mail:_____________________________

Please select the number of kilowatt-hours you would like to purchase:

100 kilowatt-hours ($2/month)

200 kilowatt-hours ($4/month)

300 kilowatt-hours ($6/month)

400 kilowatt-hours ($8/month)

500 kilowatt-hours ($10/month)

1000 kilowatt-hours ($10.75/month)

1500 kilowatt-hours ($11.50/month)

2000 kilowatt-hours ($12.25/month)

2500 kilowatt-hours ($13/month)

5000 kilowatt-hours ($16.75/month)

Other:____________________________ (must be increment of 100 kilowatt-hours)

Signature:______________________________________ Date:___________

Return this form with your next Baldwin EMC payment, or mail it to us at P.O. Box 220, Summerdale, AL, 36580.

Don’t forget you can also sign up for Green Power Choice online at www.baldwinemc.com.

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Registration Form

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Electric tankless water heaters are growing in popularity among new and remodeled homes. Although marketed as an energy-efficient alternative to traditional storage water heaters, electric tankless water heaters may actually cause more trouble than relief.

Here’s a look at why:

Their electricity demand is huge. When an electric tankless water heater starts up to heat water, it requires a large amount of electricity, as much as 36,000 watts of power. That’s eight times more than the 4,500-watt demand of a traditional storage water heater.

They require larger equipment. Many times a home’s wiring and the utility company’s equipment is not suitable for the load. That’s why homes that use electric tankless water heaters (and their neighbors) often have issues with flickering or dimming lights. In some instances Baldwin EMC will have to upgrade the equipment in place at a home to accommodate an electric tankless water heater, at the expense of the homeowner.

Their demand is everyone’s demand. The high demand of electric tankless water heaters leads to increases in Baldwin EMC’s purchased power cost, which are currently being passed on to all Baldwin EMC’s customers.

Because of the effect these devices have on Baldwin EMC’s system and its customers, the cooperative has initiated a rate program for electric tankless water heater users (not applicable to gas tankless water heaters.) This rate will cover the cost of the larger equipment necessary to support the devices and the increased power cost associated with their high demand.

If you have installed an electric tankless water heater, you should know that you have options. Baldwin EMC has a rebate replacement program available to help you avoid being placed on the special rate.

OPTION 1 - Remain on your current electric rate, and replace your electric tankless water heater with a standard electric storage water heater. Baldwin EMC will order and cover the cost of the water heater and the cost of the pre-approved contractor installation.

OPTION 2 - Remain on your current electric rate, and replace your electric tankless water heater on your own without assistance from Baldwin EMC. Baldwin EMC will rebate your cost up to $1,000 (in the form of a Baldwin EMC electric bill credit) upon receipt of approved invoices and inspection.

You may choose to continue using your electric tankless water heater and be placed on the special rate.

If you are using an electric tankless water heater and would like to discuss your options, please call Baldwin EMC at (251) 989-6247 and ask to speak with one of our energy marketing specialists.

The Talk About Tankless

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Operation Round UpIt’s small change on your bill, but big change in someone’s life.

Operation Round Up is Baldwin EMC’s charitable program through which we use funds collected by the rounding up of participating members’ power bills to distribute grants to needy individuals and deserving organizations in our community. It’s an opt-out program, meaning once you became a member, you were automatically enrolled. However, each member’s individual contribution is so small, you might not have noticed it. For example, if your bill is $100.75, Baldwin EMC will round that up to an even $101, with the extra $0.25 going into the charitable fund. That fund is managed by the Baldwin Electric Membership Charitable

Foundation Board, which reviews all applications to the Operation Round Up program and distributes grants within the six categories of food, clothing, shelter, healthcare, education and the environment.

On average, members who participate in Operation Round Up only contribute about six dollars per year. That may not seem like much, but multiply that by the thousands of members who donate to the program, and the number grows substantially.

Charitable Foundation BoardOperation Round Up is facilitated by a nine-member board of directors who review the numerous grant applications that come in monthly, and determine how funds are distributed. These board members are chosen by Baldwin EMC’s Board of Trustees for three-year terms, with a limit of two consecutive terms.

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Chairman:Caren Davis

Vice Chairman:Katie Warren

Secretary:Carol Walker

Treasurer:Betty Mullek

Board Members:Johnny ChasonRaymond Gates

Paige GriffithStan MossToni Turner

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Electrical injuries and deaths are not “freak accidents.”

Most people think injuries happen by chance or “accident” - a word that implies something that can’t be foreseen or avoided. But electrical injuries typically can be both foreseen and avoided.

3 Steps to Electrical Safety:

Spot the Hazards

If there’s an accident waiting to happen in your household, make sure you eliminate it before it has the chance to strike. Here’s a helpful strategy.

Look at places where anyone in your household might come into contact with electricity. Is there a potential hazard?Ask yourself, “Is there a safer way to use this appliance?”Are you or others behaving in a way that could lead to someone being shocked or electrocuted?

Practice Prevention

Once you identify possible problems, make sure they don’t escalate into a hazard.Throw away frayed and damaged cords and extension cords. Never try to repair them. Extension cords are only to be used temporarily. Turn appliances off before unplugging them. And, pull the plug, not the cord. Don’t touch appliances or switches with wet hands. Cover electrical outlets to stop children from poking things into them. Keep appliances out of the reach of children. Make sure outdoor appliances cannot come into contact with pools or puddles of water.

Correct the Problem

Don’t put it off. An electrical hazard can cause injury or claim a life in an instant. Eliminate the hazard the second you spot it.

Safety First / Safety Always

Pick Up the Phone Before the ShovelIf your home improvements involve any digging, you need to know what’s below before you get started. If you’ve got utility lines buried where you plan to dig, striking one with a shovel or another tool can cause serious injury or death. Alabama One Call is a free utility loca-tor service you can use to find out where lines may be buried. Simply dial 811 from any phone to get in touch with the service.

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If Your Power Goes Out

You’ve got our numbers, now we need yours.

Baldwin EMC uses phone numbers to track outages during the power restora-tion process. Having an up-to-date phone number on file for your account will help us restore your power quickly and efficiently if you experience a problem.

If you change your phone number, please let us know by calling (251) 989-6247 or (800) 837-3374 as soon as possible.

Baldwin EMC’s electric service is 99.99% reliable. That doesn’t mean power outages never happen. But when they do, we take action to resolve things as soon as possible. You can help us do that by follow-ing a few key steps, and reporting the problem to us quickly.

What Do I Do If My Power Goes Out? Go to your main electrical panel to see if a fuse has blown or a breaker has tripped. Fuses must be replaced while breakers need only be reset.

If the problem is not in your main panel, call a neighbor to determine if other homes in the area have been affected. If the problem is not within your home, or several are involved, notify Baldwin EMC.

How Do I Report The Outage? Call us at (251) 989-6247 or (800) 837-3374 to report your outage. If you reach our automated outage computer, you will be asked to enter the phone number of the location experiencing the outage. If this phone number is recognized by the computer, it will locate your account information for the system control operator to radio the emergency crew. If the number is not found or if you have multiple meters, please leave a voice message providing us with your name, a number where you can be reached, and your address.

How will I know my message has been received? The information recorded by the automated outage software immediately alerts our system control operators on every call.

Can I report an outage by e-mail? Our control center staff is not able to respond to individual outages via e-mail. Please notify us by phone if you have an outage.

We Need Your Number

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Educational Programs: Safety City demonstrations, CFL poster contests, scholarships, and Youth Tour are a few of Baldwin EMC’s educational support programs.

CFL Bulb Sales and Recycling: For your convenience, Baldwin EMC sells and offers recycling of

these energy-efficient light bulbs at all three of its office locations.

GenerLink ™: While portable electric generators are a convenience, if used improperly they can create life-threatening hazards. GenerLink,offered by Baldwin EMC, eliminates those hazardous conditions by providing a safe connection from the electric meter directly to the generator.

Surge Protection: Baldwin EMC’s Power Quality program was designed to guard against power surges and lightning. We have a variety of surge protection equipment available for purchase and installation through Baldwin EMC.

Energy Savings: Baldwin EMC has a team of trained energy marketing specialists who assist members in making smart energy and money-saving choices. Baldwin EMC’s website, www.baldwinemc.com, also provides a variety of energy efficient resources.

More Than Just ElectricityBaldwin EMC is committed to providing you with reliable and af-fordable electricity. But it doesn’t stop there. We also offer a variety of products and services that can help make your life a little bit “brighter.”

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Office Hours & Locations:

Monday through Friday8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Headquarters:19600 State Highway 59Summerdale, AL 36580

South Baldwin District:21801 University Lane

Orange Beach, AL 36561

North Baldwin District:47525 State Highway 59Bay Minette, AL 36507

Website:www.baldwinemc.com

Call Center:

Monday through Friday7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Phone:

(800) 837-3374(251) 989-6247

Fax:(251) 989-0133

Storm Recovery Updates:

www.twitter.com/BaldwinEMC