Electric cooperatives, like Amicalola EMC, aren’t like other utilities. Cooperatives are non-profit and are owned by their consumer/members. One benefit of that membership involves the return of excess revenue to members in the form of capital credits.
Due to a change in Georgia’s unclaimed property laws in 2005, Amicalola EMC is now allowed to distribute unclaimed refunds throughout the communities it serves for education, economic development and 501(c)3 charities. It is important to note that state law will only allow these funds to be used for these approved purposes and will not allow the unclaimed refunds to be used to offset rates or pay power bills.
This year, Amicalola EMC is providing $300,946 in funding to local communities. Donations include $43,000 to local volunteer fire departments; $125,000 to high school juniors and seniors for college scholarships; $55,000 to the Bright Ideas teacher grant winners; $20,000 to Reinhardt University and $5,000 to the Bethesda Community Clinic in Cherokee County with a matching $5,000 from CoBank (a national cooperative bank serving industries across rural America).
Other donations include grants to the Funk Heritage Center in Waleska, the Gilmer/Ellijay/East Ellijay Joint Development Authority, Dawson County Chamber, Harrison Park (Ellijay) and the Pickens County Chamber.
Amicalola EMC continues to be a strong supporter of the communities it serves. While focused on providing safe, reliable and affordable electricity, Amicalola EMC is also working to improve the quality of life for local residents.