Providing reliable power is our standard of service at OREMC, but sometimes Mother Nature has other plans. Summer thunderstorms, hurricanes/tropical storms---even ice storms---can lead to power outages lasting hours or days. Now members can have peace of mind by being prepared for power outages with a Generac automatic standby generator.

 OREMC has partnered with our supply cooperative, GRESCO, based in Smarr, Georgia, and Generac preferred-installer AMSCO Incorporated, to make the purchase and installation of a home standby generator easy for our co-op members. Additionally, qualified OREMC members are eligible for HomePlus Loans starting at 9.9% available through GoEnergy Financial to finance their generator purchase.

 So how does a standby generator work? A home standby generator is permanently installed outside the home, similar to a heat pump or air conditioning unit, and runs on natural gas or propane. It continuously scans for power, and when an outage is detected, it automatically turns on. Upon activation, the generator cuts off the home’s connection to OREMC’s electrical system until power is restored, at which point it seamlessly switches back.

 Typical installation for a 2,500 square-foot-home is a Generac 22KW generator, which can power everything in the home including air conditioning/heat pumps, well pumps, security systems and large appliances. The average cost for the generator itself and installation is $12,000 at homes with existing natural gas service. Additional costs would apply for the installation of propane fuel.

 “Our members are increasingly be presented with ways to invest in energy products/services such as rooftop solar or electric vehicles that come with significant price tags,” notes OREMC Manager of Member Services Dewayne Johns. “For the money, a Generac generator is going to give you the best return on investment right now. Don’t get me wrong, OREMC works diligently to upgrade, maintain and restore our distribution system to have outages affect the fewest number of people for the shortest amount of time. But as we regularly hear in the media, storms are getting bigger, stronger and causing more damage. We have been very blessed to have been minimally impacted by tropical storms/hurricanes that last few years, but preparation is the best protection.”

 Call 478-315-0817 and press option 1 to schedule a free, no-obligation site survey. A professional from AMSCO will survey the home, review members’ power needs and provide an estimate for a Generac generator and installation.