The Official Newsletter of Middle Georgia Electric Membership Corporation

P.O. Box 190, Vienna, GA 31092

Electrical safety is always of the greatest importance. Proper safety and cover-up protection is essential to the safety of all Middle Georgia EMC employees.

Meter tampering can result in serious injury and death. Meter tampering is risky and illegal.

Improper handling of meter equipment is dangerous. An untrained individual should never attempt to remove a meter; this should be done only by authorized utility personnel.

Meter Tampering Is Dangerous
Power Diversion Is Costly and Illegal

Some people may view power theft as a victimless crime. But, just like shoplifting, everyone is hurt by such an offense.

Middle Georgia EMC makes every effort to recover the costs from those committing these acts of theft. However, lost revenue and costs associated with damaged equipment that are not recouped from the violator must be passed on to every member of the cooperative.

The risks involved with meter tampering and power diversion are of great concern to Middle Georgia EMC. Persons place themselves, family members and innocent bystanders in grave danger when bypassing circuit breakers and fused protection equipment.

Member Services Supervisor Robert Herman cautions everyone, "Serious injury and even death can result when an untrained individual attempts to improperly divert electric current. Middle Georgia EMC per-sonnel always use proper personal protective gear when servicing meter equipment.

When cooperative employees discover meter damage or power diversion, a $500 tampering fee is imposed and must be paid before the service is reconnected. Criminal charges may be filed if it appears that a crime has been committed. These charges range from a misde-meanor to a felony."

Middle Georgia EMC employees are trained to detect power diversion and keep a watchful eye for meter tampering and hazardous situ ations. The severe risk of electrocution or fire is of great concern to Middle Georgia EMC. Anyone who is aware of meter tampering is encouraged to notify the cooperative.

Eliminating power theft and meter tampering will save money for all Middle Georgia EMC members. More importantly, your call might save a life.

Always use caution when working around meter base equipment. Should you require electrical work done on your premises that requires opening a meter base or disconnecting power, contact Middle Georgia EMC to assist you. Cutting a meter seal for any reason without notifying the cooperative could result in a resealing fee and possibly a meter-tampering investigation fee. Your safety is always of utmost concern.

We are here to help and only a phone call away. Call us at 268-2671 locally and 1-800-342-0144 long distance.

P.O. Box 190, Vienna, GA 31092
912.268.2671