Why Is the Demand for Electricity Rising?
Demand for electricity in the U.S. is booming. Recent data shows that power consumption nationwide is set to increase by at least 38 gigawatts (enough electricity to power 3,600 homes for one year) between now and 2028. Meeting this new demand will require a combination of new power plants, grid upgrades and energy storage technology advancements. Here are the key factors that are driving increased demand:
1
2 3
4
Increased Electrification: Electric vehicle adoption, electrification of home heating and industrial electrification are increasing overall U.S. energy consumption.
Data Centers: Driven by explosions in AI, cryptocurrency and cloud computing, total U.S. data center load is projected to increase by 65% by 2050.
Economic Growth: Residential power consumption is expected to increase by 14%-22% through 2050 due to increases in population and steady economic growth.
Manufacturing Growth/Onshoring: New, expanding and onshored/reshored manufacturing capacity driven by federal incentives is expected to increase industrial demand by 13,000 GWh a year.
Say Goodbye to Winter Energy Hogs
As harsh February weather sets in, now is the time to confront your winter energy hogs and show them the door.
Look for these common winter culprits throughout your house:
• Drafty Doors and Windows: An easy fix with a big payback is weatherstripping. Caulk or apply weatherstripping around all window and door seams, especially those leading to the basement or the attic. Weatherstrip your attic access door.
• Dirty Air Filters: Dirty filters make your system work harder to heat the air. Aim to change the filter every three to six months.
• Leaky Ducts: A contractor can test your ducts for leakage and repair any problems. Repair visible or accessible leaks with metal tape— not duct tape!
• Chilly Water Heater: If your water heater is older or not well insulated, wrap it in an insulating jacket.
• Wood Fireplace: Traditional fireplaces pull heated air out of the house. When not in use, check that the damper is completely closed.
The Parts of a POWER POLE
Ever wonder what’s on a power pole and how it delivers electricity to your home? Learning about each part can help you and your family stay informed—and safe.
Here are some common parts found on power poles. Equipment can vary depending on location and service needs.
Insulators keep energized wires from touching the pole or other wires, preventing dangerous contact.
Lightning surge protectors shield equipment from lightning or sudden voltage spikes.
Neutral conductor wires provide a return path for electricity to the substation and are grounded to balance the system.
Secondary wires deliver lower-voltage electricity directly to homes and businesses.
Guy wires anchor poles to the ground for stability. Stay clear of them when walking, playing, mowing or driving nearby.
Primary wires are the main series of wires that carry high-voltage electricity (often 7,200 volts) from substations through the distribution system—about 60 times higher than household voltage.
Transformers—the round, metal tank-like devices—reduce high-voltage electricity from primary wires to a safer level for homes and businesses. Many include a lightning arrestor for protection.
Ground wires run the entire length of the pole and safely channel electricity and lightning into the earth.
Communication lines—for phone, cable or internet—are usually the lowest wires on the pole.
Safety Tip: Never attach signs or posters to utility poles. It creates serious hazards for lineworkers.
Your Cros sbeam
Inte r net Expe rie nce Should Be Exceptional
We beli eve you r I nter n et s hou l d work r elia bl y a nd wit hou t i nterru pt ion. From working at home to streaming video and playing online games, a dependable connection keeps ever y thing moving smoothly And making sure you have that reliabilit y is our responsibilit y We take it seriously because we know how much you rely on us ever y day. If your ser vice ever seems slower than usual, drops unexpectedly, or just isn't per forming the way you think it should, let us know Don't worr y You don't need to figure out what's wrong on your own, and you don't have to live with an issue, no mat ter how minor or infrequent
JUST TAK E THESE T WO SIMPLE STEPS:
1. Reboot you r e q u i pment . A quick restar t of ten clears up the most common issues and gets ever y thing back on track
2. I f a r eboot does n' t fi x it , ca ll u s at 678 - 8 21- 6 0 6 0. Our 24/ 7 tech suppor t team is ready to help anytime you need us. Our local technicians live and work right here in the communit y, and they take pride in keeping your connection strong.
You deser ve an ef for tless internet experience, and making sure you have that is our responsibilit y
If it’s any thing less, call 678-821- 6060 and we’ll take care of the rest
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
TIP OF THE MONTH
Mid-winter is a great time to ensure you’re making the most of your home heating system. Replace or clean filters to keep your furnace or heat pump running efficiently. Listen for strange noises and check for uneven heating— these signs indicate that the system may need servicing. Ensure vents and radiators aren’t blocked by furniture or rugs as proper airflow helps your system work less and saves energy. A little maintenance along the way can prevent costly repairs and keep your home cozy through winter.
TIPS TO AVOID
ENERGY SCAMS
Enrolling in autodraft payments with your utility provider can help prevent certain types of utility bill scams. If a scammer contacts you with fake disconnection threats, you can rest easy knowing your bill is paid automatically through a prearranged, secure channel. Autodraft payments also eliminate the risk of exposing checks and personal banking info through the mail. If your utility offers autodraft payments, consider enrolling to stay on track and avoid certain scams.
Source: AARP
155 N. Hwy 113
Carrollton, GA 30117
member.services@carrollemc.com carrollemc.com (770) 832-3552
PRESIDENT/CEO
Tim Martin
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Alvin Ginn, Chairman
Donnie Brannon, Vice Chairman
Ronnie Jordan, Secretary/Treasurer
Don DeFoor
Eddie Gore
Nan Philpot
Lynn Joyner
Emmett Harrod
Delores Goldin
EDITOR Kelly Jimenez WRITER Brittany Shadix
OFFICE HOURS
Carrollton
Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Buchanan
Monday and Tuesday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
24-HOUR OUTAGE LINE
To report a power outage, call (770) 832-3552, option 1.
Remember: If you have multiple accounts, you will need to enter your account number for that location.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Want to Save Energy? Start With the Water Heater
One way you might not have thought about when you’re figuring out ways to lower your energy bills is that heating water can cost a lot.
In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that water heating accounts for approximately 18% of all the energy your family consumes in the home.
Here are five water-based energy-saving tips:
Lower the temperature of your water heater to “warm,” which is 120 degrees. This will save energy. A bonus: A lower water temperature lowers the risk of scalding, especially for elderly bathers and children.
Wrap me in a "blanket!"
Upgrade your water heater to a newer, energy-efficient model. If yours was made before 2004 when new federal energy-efficiency regulations took effect, you’re spending more than you need to heat water.
If you’re buying a new water heater, choose one that “fits” your home. That is, a water heater that’s too small for your family’s needs will be overworked, so its burner is constantly running. A larger one doesn’t need to run the burner nonstop.
Take shorter showers. Doctors say a five- to 10-minute shower is just enough. Any more, and the hot water can dry out or even damage the surface of your skin. Any less might not be enough time to clean and hydrate your skin.
Insulate the water heater and pipes. Pick up an insulating “blanket” made from insulating material to prevent heat from seeping into the air instead of the water.
Scholarship Deadline Reminders
Don’t pass up free money! Apply for these scholarships and opportunities today.
Super Bowl Savings
Hosting friends for Super Bowl Sunday? Here are a few tips to help you save on game day.
• Lineman School Scholarship: Aspiring electrical lineworkers can win a $5,000 scholarship to use toward school and training. Apply at carrollemc.com by March 6, 2026.
• Copeland Scholarship: $800 scholarship. Applicants can check the University of West Georgia website, westga.edu/scholarships, for details and deadlines.
Pregame with efficient cooking. Save energy with slow cookers, air fryers and other small appliances (instead of the oven).
Expecting a full house?
Turn the thermostat down a notch or two because extra bodies equals extra warmth.
Cool drinks the smart way.
Use a cooler for frequently grabbed drinks so the fridge isn’t constantly opened.
Carroll EMC
WeMakeSafetyaPriority