Jackson EMC members can now enjoy the benefits of solar energy without the costs and complications of rooftop solar panels, thanks to Cooperative Solar, a new program announced recently.
With Cooperative Solar, Jackson EMC members can receive energy from an off-site solar facility that distributes energy to individual residences while avoiding the inconvenience of rooftop solar.
Christy Queen, Jackson EMC’s director of residential marketing, says: “Our new program allows members to utilize clean, renewable energy without having to bother about roof orientation, shaded roofs, subdivision restrictions, homeownership and long-term contracts for solar panels.”
Members can purchase solar energy blocks from Jackson EMC at a monthly rate, and receive the electricity produced by approximately three solar panels for each solar energy block purchased. The monthly output from each solar energy block varies due to the sun’s position, time of year, and the number of cloudy days. Therefore, members will receive different amounts of solar energy each month based on the available sunlight and the performance of the solar facility.
The kilowatt-hours produced by the solar energy block in each calendar month will offset the same number of kilowatt-hours on the member’s bill. If the solar energy block produces more kilowatt-hours than members use during their billing period, they will receive a credit for the excess. On average, each solar energy block is expected to produce between 200 and 225 kilowatt-hours of solar electricity monthly. For reference, the average Jackson EMC household uses 1,200 kilowatt-hours of electricity per month.
Solar energy blocks are $23 each per month. Residences served by Jackson EMC are eligible to sign up for up to three blocks. There is no long-term commitment, and members may discontinue their solar energy commitment at any time. Sign-ups are on a first-come, first-served basis. Members can complete the Cooperative Solar enrollment form by visiting the Cooperative Solar section of jacksonemc.com/renewables.
Jackson EMC can help members evaluate their solar energy options. Resources and full eligibility requirements are available at jacksonemc.com/renewables or by calling Jackson EMC at 1-800-462-3691.
Commission adopts new smoke-free air ordinance
The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners approved a Smoke-free Air Ordinance during its public hearing on May 24. It was approved as a measure to protect and preserve the health, safety, and welfare of Gwinnett residents. The ordinance will replace Article V of Chapter 38 in the Code of Ordinances of Gwinnett County entitled Clean Indoor Air and will take effect on June 23.
Under the new rules, smoking is no longer allowed in public parks of the county. It also changed several aspects of the rules. The measure is seen as a means to combat vaping and e-cigarettes.
In 2005, the Board of Commissioners adopted the Clean Indoor Air Ordinance to protect public health and welfare by prohibiting smoking in most public places and private places of employment. Since then, public awareness of the harms of smoking and second-hand smoke has increased, and the smoking industry has seen changes with the development and increased use of e-cigarettes and vaping. In Georgia, more than 11,700 adults die from smoking-related illness each year.
The Board also approved an amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance during the May 24 public hearing. The ordinance now addresses cigar bars in the same manner as hookah lounges and includes definitions related to each.
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