When I first joined the Meridian Enterprise team over six and a half years ago, reliable power was something I took for granted. Like many, I didn’t fully appreciate the intricate work and dedication it takes to keep the electricity flowing, especially in rural areas. Power was just something that was always there, and I gave little thought to what happens behind the scenes.
Over my time with Meridian, I came to understand the critical role these services play in keeping our communities running. Flash forward to now, and I’m fully immersed in the world of electric cooperatives and a proud member of Amicalola EMC in North Georgia. Recently, severe storms rolled through the region, leaving thousands without power, myself included.
Amicalola EMC did a fantastic job of keeping their members informed about the ongoing restoration efforts. They were honest about the challenges they faced—downed trees, storm damage, and the difficulty of reaching some locations, but through it all, they consistently updated their membership, sharing information and timelines as best they could. It was clear that they kept their members in mind at every step.
What stood out to me most was the sense of community that permeated their efforts. Amicalola wasn’t working alone. They were joined by crews from other electric cooperatives, including crews from our friends at Coweta-Fayette EMC, Planters EMC, Sand Mountain Electric, Washington EMC, Altamaha EMC, Canoochee EMC, Tallapoosa River EC, and Satilla REMC. These utilities came together, providing mutual aid to help restore power as quickly and safely as possible.
This experience reinforced what I’ve come to love about the cooperative utility industry: the unwavering sense of community. In times of crisis, no one is ever truly alone. Utilities across the nation work together, lending a hand wherever it’s needed. It’s about neighbors helping neighbors, whether those neighbors are across the street or across state lines.
Being in the utility industry has shown me the deep-rooted values of cooperation and mutual support. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that despite the challenges, co-ops will do whatever they can to help their communities and each other. They are the unsung heroes who work tirelessly to keep the lights on, often braving dangerous conditions to ensure our comfort and safety.
So, to the folks at Amicalola EMC and all the other utilities out there—thank you. Thank you for your hard work, your dedication, and your commitment to your communities. Your efforts do not go unnoticed, and as someone who is now a proud member of an electric cooperative, I am deeply grateful.
Let’s take a moment to celebrate the incredible people who keep our country powered, no matter the storm.