Local policymakers and community leaders gathered at Carroll Electric Membership Cooperative’s (EMC) headquarters in early December for the annual Power Breakfast. Guests heard from President and CEO, Tim Martin, who outlined plans to keep electricity affordable and reliable for members despite rising costs and growing energy demands.
As Carroll EMC approaches its 90th anniversary in 2026, the cooperative remains committed to the same principles that have guided it since day one. Martin emphasized that affordability and reliability remain top priorities, even as inflation and generation capacity drive up costs. Over the past decade, residential rate increases have totaled less than 10% for the average consumer.
“We’re still focusing on keeping the main thing, the main thing,” said Martin. “We want to keep rates low and want to keep reliability high.”
Martin also addressed the growing challenge of generation capacity and explained how Members can help. Electric utilities across the state are facing higher planning reserve requirements—especially in winter—to ensure enough dispatchable generation when demand spikes. Nuclear and natural gas remain the largest portion of the cooperative’s fuel mix, and battery storage will play an increasingly important role when renewable resources, like solar, are not producing.
“The good news is, we have all the energy we need to serve our native growth,” said Martin. “We’ve lined up generation for the next ten years, so I feel really good about where we are.”
Members can play an important role in managing demand by improving energy efficiency, such as upgrading HVAC systems and water heaters, and by shifting major appliance use away from peak hours during extreme hot or cold. With the cooperative’s time-of-use rate, members can also receive a lower rate per kWh for managing energy use during higher demand times.
Martin closed with an update on the joint fiber project with SyncGlobal Telecom and Crossbeam Fiber. As of late 2025, all members in Heard County have access to the broadband service. When Phase III is complete, all members in Haralson, Paulding, Polk and Troup counties will also have access. Crossbeam Fiber currently serves more than 4,400 subscribers.
“This is unheard of, but Crossbeam has had two rate decreases and also increased the speed that they offer,” said Martin. “They are in the business of taking care of our members.”
Carroll EMC is a Member-owned cooperative providing electricity to approximately 56,000 homes and businesses. The co-op serves Members in Carroll, Haralson, Heard, Paulding, Polk, Floyd and Troup counties. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. For more information, visit the cooperative’s website at carrollemc.com or follow Carroll EMC on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and YouTube. Carroll EMC: Community Built. Community Builder.
