Jeff Davis Electric Cooperative (JDEC) is a member-owned electric utility cooperative headquartered in Hazlehurst, Georgia. It provides electricity to approximately 130,000 members in Jeff Davis, Appling, Bacon, Coffee, Tattnall, Toombs, and Wayne counties in Georgia.
JDEC was founded in 1939 as part of the Rural Electrification Administration's (REA) effort to bring electricity to rural areas. The cooperative has grown steadily over the years, and today it is one of the largest electric cooperatives in Georgia.
JDEC is a not-for-profit organization, and its members elect a board of directors to oversee the cooperative's operations. The cooperative is committed to providing safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to its members.
Jeff Davis Electric Company
Jeff Davis Electric Company (JDEC) is a member-owned electric utility cooperative headquartered in Hazlehurst, Georgia. It provides electricity to approximately 130,000 members in Jeff Davis, Appling, Bacon, Coffee, Tattnall, Toombs, and Wayne counties in Georgia.
- Member-owned: JDEC is owned by the members it serves, not by investors.
- Not-for-profit: JDEC is not driven by profit, but by a commitment to providing safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to its members.
- Community-focused: JDEC is committed to supporting the communities it serves, through economic development, education, and environmental stewardship.
- Reliable: JDEC has a long history of providing reliable electricity to its members, even during major storms and outages.
- Affordable: JDEC is committed to keeping rates affordable for its members, while still maintaining a high level of service.
- Growing: JDEC is a growing cooperative, with a strong financial foundation and a commitment to meeting the future energy needs of its members.
- Innovative: JDEC is committed to exploring new technologies and solutions to improve the efficiency and reliability of its electric service.
- Sustainable: JDEC is committed to protecting the environment and promoting sustainability, through its use of renewable energy sources and its commitment to energy efficiency.
These eight key aspects highlight the essential characteristics of Jeff Davis Electric Company. As a member-owned, not-for-profit, community-focused cooperative, JDEC is committed to providing safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to its members, while also supporting the communities it serves and protecting the environment. JDEC is a growing, innovative, and sustainable cooperative that is well-positioned to meet the future energy needs of its members.
1. Member-owned
Jeff Davis Electric Company (JDEC) is a member-owned electric utility cooperative. This means that JDEC is owned by the members it serves, not by investors. This is a key distinction between JDEC and investor-owned utilities (IOUs). IOUs are owned by shareholders who are interested in maximizing profits. JDEC, on the other hand, is owned by its members, who are interested in receiving safe, reliable, and affordable electricity.
The member-owned structure of JDEC gives it several advantages over IOUs. First, JDEC is not driven by profit, but by a commitment to providing its members with the best possible service at the lowest possible cost. Second, JDEC is more responsive to the needs of its members. IOUs are often beholden to their shareholders, who may have different priorities than the customers they serve. JDEC, on the other hand, is only accountable to its members.
The member-owned structure of JDEC has a number of practical benefits for its members. For example, JDEC has consistently lower rates than IOUs in its service area. JDEC also reinvests its profits back into the cooperative, which helps to keep rates low and improve service. Additionally, JDEC provides its members with a number of benefits and services that IOUs do not, such as energy efficiency programs, bill payment assistance, and community development initiatives.
The member-owned structure of JDEC is a key part of its commitment to providing safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to its members. JDEC is a not-for-profit cooperative that is owned and controlled by its members. This structure gives JDEC a number of advantages over IOUs, including lower rates, better service, and a greater commitment to the communities it serves.
2. Not-for-profit
Jeff Davis Electric Company (JDEC) is a not-for-profit electric utility cooperative. This means that JDEC is not driven by profit, but by a commitment to providing its members with the best possible service at the lowest possible cost. This is a key distinction between JDEC and investor-owned utilities (IOUs). IOUs are owned by shareholders who are interested in maximizing profits, which can lead to higher rates and less reliable service for customers.
In contrast, JDEC is owned by its members, who are also its customers. This means that JDEC is accountable to its members, not to shareholders. This accountability gives JDEC a strong incentive to provide its members with safe, reliable, and affordable electricity.
The not-for-profit structure of JDEC has a number of practical benefits for its members. For example, JDEC has consistently lower rates than IOUs in its service area. JDEC also reinvests its profits back into the cooperative, which helps to keep rates low and improve service. Additionally, JDEC provides its members with a number of benefits and services that IOUs do not, such as energy efficiency programs, bill payment assistance, and community development initiatives.
The not-for-profit structure of JDEC is a key part of its commitment to providing safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to its members. JDEC is a not-for-profit cooperative that is owned and controlled by its members. This structure gives JDEC a number of advantages over IOUs, including lower rates, better service, and a greater commitment to the communities it serves.
3. Community-focused
Jeff Davis Electric Company (JDEC) is a community-focused electric utility cooperative. This means that JDEC is committed to supporting the communities it serves, through economic development, education, and environmental stewardship. This commitment is evident in a number of ways.
- Economic development: JDEC supports economic development in its service area by providing low-cost electricity to businesses and industries. JDEC also partners with local governments and economic development organizations to attract new businesses to the area. For example, JDEC recently partnered with the Jeff Davis County Development Authority to build a new industrial park. The industrial park is expected to create hundreds of new jobs in the county.
- Education: JDEC supports education in its service area by providing scholarships to local students and by partnering with local schools to provide educational programs. For example, JDEC recently partnered with the Jeff Davis County School District to launch a new STEM education program. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
- Environmental stewardship: JDEC is committed to protecting the environment in its service area. JDEC does this by promoting energy efficiency and by investing in renewable energy sources. For example, JDEC recently installed solar panels on its headquarters building. The solar panels will generate enough electricity to power the building and reduce JDEC's carbon footprint.
JDEC's commitment to community is evident in its economic development, education, and environmental stewardship initiatives. JDEC is a valuable partner to the communities it serves, and its commitment to community is a key part of its mission to provide safe, reliable, and affordable electricity.
4. Reliable
Jeff Davis Electric Company (JDEC) has a long history of providing reliable electricity to its members, even during major storms and outages. This is due to a number of factors, including:
- Infrastructure: JDEC has a robust infrastructure that is designed to withstand severe weather conditions. The cooperative's poles and wires are made of high-quality materials and are regularly inspected and maintained.
- Vegetation management: JDEC actively manages the vegetation around its power lines to prevent trees and branches from falling into the lines and causing outages.
- Storm response: JDEC has a team of experienced linemen who are trained to respond quickly and safely to outages. The cooperative also has a number of backup generators that can be used to restore power quickly in the event of a major outage.
JDEC's commitment to reliability is evident in its performance during major storms. For example, during Hurricane Michael in 2018, JDEC was able to restore power to the vast majority of its members within 24 hours. This is a remarkable achievement, considering the widespread damage caused by the hurricane.
JDEC's reliability is a key part of its commitment to providing safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to its members. The cooperative's robust infrastructure, vegetation management program, and storm response team ensure that its members have access to reliable electricity, even during the most severe weather conditions.
5. Affordable
Jeff Davis Electric Company (JDEC) is committed to keeping rates affordable for its members, while still maintaining a high level of service. This commitment is evident in a number of ways.
First, JDEC is a not-for-profit cooperative. This means that JDEC is not driven by profit, but by a commitment to providing its members with the best possible service at the lowest possible cost. This is in contrast to investor-owned utilities (IOUs), which are driven by a profit motive. IOUs often have higher rates than not-for-profit cooperatives.
Second, JDEC has a number of programs and initiatives in place to help keep rates affordable for its members. For example, JDEC offers energy efficiency programs that can help members reduce their energy consumption and save money on their electric bills. JDEC also offers bill payment assistance programs for members who are struggling to pay their bills.
Third, JDEC is committed to investing in its infrastructure. This investment helps to ensure that JDEC can continue to provide reliable service to its members at a reasonable cost. For example, JDEC recently invested in a new substation that will help to improve the reliability of the electric grid in Jeff Davis County.
JDEC's commitment to affordability is a key part of its mission to provide safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to its members. JDEC is a not-for-profit cooperative that is owned and controlled by its members. This structure gives JDEC a strong incentive to keep rates affordable and to provide its members with the best possible service.
6. Growing
Jeff Davis Electric Company (JDEC) is a growing cooperative, with a strong financial foundation and a commitment to meeting the future energy needs of its members. This growth is evident in a number of ways.
- Customer growth: JDEC has seen steady growth in its customer base over the past several years. This growth is due to a number of factors, including the cooperative's commitment to providing reliable and affordable electricity, its focus on customer service, and its investment in new technologies.
- Financial strength: JDEC has a strong financial foundation, with healthy reserves and a low debt-to-equity ratio. This financial strength allows JDEC to invest in its infrastructure and to keep rates affordable for its members.
- Commitment to the future: JDEC is committed to meeting the future energy needs of its members. The cooperative is investing in new technologies, such as renewable energy and smart grid technologies, to ensure that it can continue to provide reliable and affordable electricity for years to come.
JDEC's growth is a key part of its mission to provide safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to its members. The cooperative's commitment to customer growth, financial strength, and the future ensures that it will be able to continue to meet the needs of its members for years to come.
7. Innovative
Jeff Davis Electric Company (JDEC) is committed to exploring new technologies and solutions to improve the efficiency and reliability of its electric service. This commitment is evident in a number of ways.
First, JDEC is investing in smart grid technologies. Smart grid technologies use sensors and other devices to monitor the electric grid in real time. This information can be used to improve the efficiency and reliability of the grid, and to reduce outages. For example, JDEC is using smart grid technologies to identify and repair problems on the grid before they cause outages.
Second, JDEC is investing in renewable energy. Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, are clean and sustainable sources of energy. JDEC is investing in renewable energy to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and to provide its members with more affordable and reliable electricity.
Third, JDEC is partnering with other organizations to develop and test new technologies. For example, JDEC is partnering with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) to develop new technologies to improve the efficiency of electric motors. These new technologies could help JDEC to reduce its energy consumption and to provide its members with more affordable electricity.
JDEC's commitment to innovation is a key part of its mission to provide safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to its members. JDEC is investing in new technologies to improve the efficiency and reliability of its electric service, and to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. These investments will help JDEC to continue to provide its members with the best possible service at the lowest possible cost.
8. Sustainable
Jeff Davis Electric Company (JDEC) is committed to protecting the environment and promoting sustainability. This commitment is evident in the cooperative's use of renewable energy sources and its commitment to energy efficiency.
JDEC generates electricity from a variety of renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, and biomass. The cooperative is also committed to energy efficiency. JDEC offers a number of energy efficiency programs to its members, including energy audits, rebates on energy-efficient appliances, and weatherization assistance.
JDEC's commitment to sustainability is not only good for the environment, but it is also good for its members. By using renewable energy sources and promoting energy efficiency, JDEC is able to keep rates low and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.
JDEC's commitment to sustainability is a key part of its mission to provide safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to its members. The cooperative is a leader in the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency, and its commitment to sustainability is a model for other utilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses commonly asked questions and aims to provide clear and informative answers. By addressing these concerns, we hope to enhance your understanding of Jeff Davis Electric Company and its commitment to providing reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity to its members.
Question 1: What sets Jeff Davis Electric Company apart from other utility providers?Jeff Davis Electric Company distinguishes itself through its member-owned, not-for-profit structure. As a cooperative, JDEC is owned and controlled by its members, ensuring that the focus remains on providing exceptional service at cost. This model prioritizes the well-being of its members rather than maximizing profits for external shareholders.
Question 2: How does JDEC ensure the reliability of its electric service?JDEC maintains a robust infrastructure, including high-quality poles and wires, and proactively manages vegetation to minimize outages caused by falling trees and branches. The cooperative also employs experienced line crews who undergo continuous training to respond swiftly and safely to any disruptions. Additionally, JDEC invests in backup generators to restore power promptly in the event of major outages.
Question 3: What is JDEC's commitment to affordability?As a not-for-profit cooperative, JDEC prioritizes keeping rates affordable for its members. This commitment is reflected in JDEC's consistent track record of lower rates compared to investor-owned utilities. Furthermore, JDEC offers various programs and initiatives to assist members with energy efficiency and bill payment support.
Question 4: How is JDEC embracing innovation and sustainability?JDEC recognizes the importance of embracing innovation to enhance service and sustainability. The cooperative invests in smart grid technologies for real-time grid monitoring and improved efficiency. JDEC also actively promotes renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and provide cleaner electricity to its members.
Question 5: How does JDEC contribute to the community it serves?JDEC is dedicated to being an active and supportive member of the communities it serves. The cooperative engages in economic development initiatives by providing affordable electricity to businesses and industries, creating job opportunities. Additionally, JDEC invests in education through scholarships and partnerships with local schools to foster STEM education. Furthermore, the cooperative actively supports environmental stewardship through energy efficiency programs and partnerships with organizations dedicated to protecting the local environment.
Question 6: What are the benefits of being a member of Jeff Davis Electric Company?As a member of JDEC, you directly benefit from the cooperative's commitment to providing reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity. You have a voice in the cooperative's decision-making through member-elected board directors. Additionally, you have access to exclusive benefits such as energy efficiency programs, financial assistance, and community involvement opportunities. By being a member of JDEC, you are not only a customer but also an integral part of a community-focused organization dedicated to your well-being.
In summary, Jeff Davis Electric Company stands out as a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative that prioritizes providing reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity to its members. Through its commitment to innovation, community involvement, and environmental stewardship, JDEC goes beyond being just a utility provider and becomes an active and valued partner in the communities it serves.
Transition to the next article section: JDEC's unwavering dedication to its members extends beyond the provision of electricity. The cooperative actively engages in community development, educational initiatives, and environmental protection, demonstrating a holistic approach to serving its members and fostering a thriving community. To explore further the ways JDEC enriches the lives of its members,click here.
Energy-Saving Tips from Jeff Davis Electric Company
Jeff Davis Electric Company (JDEC) is committed to providing its members with safe, reliable, and affordable electricity. One way JDEC does this is by promoting energy efficiency. By following these energy-saving tips, you can reduce your energy consumption and save money on your electric bill.
Tip 1: Turn off lights when you leave a room. This may seem like a small thing, but it can make a big difference over time. When you leave a room, turn off the lights to save energy.
Tip 2: Unplug electronics when you're not using them. Even when electronics are turned off, they can still draw power if they are plugged in. Unplug electronics when you're not using them to save energy.
Tip 3: Use energy-efficient appliances. When you're buying new appliances, look for the Energy Star label. Energy Star appliances are more energy-efficient than standard appliances, and they can help you save money on your electric bill.
Tip 4: Wash clothes in cold water. Most of the energy used to wash clothes goes to heating the water. By washing clothes in cold water, you can save energy and money.
Tip 5: Air dry clothes. If you can, air dry your clothes instead of using the dryer. This will save you energy and money.
Tip 6: Seal air leaks. Air leaks around windows and doors can let warm air out in the winter and cool air in the summer. Seal air leaks to save energy and money.
Tip 7: Insulate your home. Insulation helps to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. By adding insulation to your home, you can save energy and money.
Tip 8: Get a home energy audit. A home energy audit can help you identify areas where you can save energy in your home. JDEC offers home energy audits to its members at a discounted rate.
By following these energy-saving tips, you can reduce your energy consumption and save money on your electric bill. JDEC is committed to providing its members with safe, reliable, and affordable electricity, and these tips can help you do your part.
Summary of key takeaways or benefits: By following these energy-saving tips, you can reduce your energy consumption, save money on your electric bill, and help protect the environment.
Transition to the article's conclusion: Jeff Davis Electric Company is committed to providing its members with safe, reliable, and affordable electricity. By following these energy-saving tips, you can help JDEC achieve its mission and save money on your electric bill.
Conclusion
Jeff Davis Electric Company is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric utility cooperative that is committed to providing safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to its members. JDEC is a growing cooperative with a strong financial foundation and a commitment to meeting the future energy needs of its members. JDEC is also committed to protecting the environment and promoting sustainability through its use of renewable energy sources and its commitment to energy efficiency.
As a member of Jeff Davis Electric Company, you are not only a customer but also an integral part of a community-focused organization dedicated to your well-being. JDEC is committed to providing its members with the best possible service at the lowest possible cost, and the cooperative's commitment to innovation, community involvement, and environmental stewardship ensures that it will continue to be a valuable partner in the communities it serves for years to come.
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