Georgia’s EMCs prioritize readiness ahead of Winter Storm Fern

Georgia EMC Statewide Outage Tracker: https://georgiaemc.com/page/outages

(TUCKER, GA, January 24, 2026, 6:00 AM) — As Winter Storm Fern moves into Georgia, Electric Membership Corporations (EMCs) continue final preparations and stand ready to respond to potential power outages.EMC employees and contract crews have been taking proactive measures to prepare for restoration efforts for the past several days. Vehicles have been winterized, and emergency equipment has been loaded onto trucks. Key restoration materials including extra poles, wires, connectors and transformers, have been secured. Vendors remain on standby to supply additional resources as necessary. Communication with mutual aid partners, both in and out of state, is ongoing in order to safely and efficiently mobilize additional crews to assist impacted EMCs. Thanks to mutual aid agreements, crews from Florida are positioning in the areas forecasted to be most heavily impacted. Crews from southern Georgia will also be assisting in power restoration. Given the widespread impact forecasted for this storm, coordination efforts will continue as the storm’s exact path is determined and crews from unaffected areas will quickly mobilize to the hardest hit regions. Ice accumulation continues to be the main concern, as ice forming on tree limbs and power lines can cause catastrophic damage to the distribution system. EMC representatives are closely monitoring weather conditions and the path of the storm and are prepared to respond to outages.Customers should contact their local EMC to report any power disruptions and can follow their local EMC’s communications channels for updates.

Statewide EMC Outage Updates:
A map showing current EMC outages by region, updated every 15 minutes, can be found at http://www.georgiaemc.com/outages

To report power outages and gain more detailed outage and restoration updates, EMC members should contact their local EMC provider.

Winter Storm Preparedness & Energy Conservation Tips for EMC Members:

EMC members are encouraged to prepare now for potential power outages:

• Prepare for medical needs, such as having a plan for loved ones who depend on medical equipment that requires electricity.
• Have nonperishable foods on hand such as canned foods, peanut butter, bread or crackers.
• Have a manual can opener available.
• Gather blankets, sleeping bags, and extra clothes, including hats and gloves.
• Have flashlights, battery-powered lanterns, backup chargers and extra batteries on hand.
• Keep all electronic devices charged ahead of the storm.
• For those with a wood fireplace, check your supply of firewood.
• Fill your car tank with gas.

Even if power outages do not occur in your area, extremely cold weather is still in the forecast for the next week. Small steps EMC members take to conserve energy now can positively impact their electric usage and ultimately, their bill.

• Set thermostats to 68 degrees or lower and adjust window units accordingly. Warming and cooling the home accounts for 55% of residential energy usage.
• Add extra blankets to lower your thermostat at night and when you are away from home.
• Open blinds, drapes and curtains to let in warmth from the sun and close them at night to keep out the cold.
• Caulk or weather strip around windows, exterior doors and any gaps.
• Close the fireplace damper when not in use.

Generator Safety:
For those planning to use a generator during any power interruptions that may occur, follow manufacturer’s operating instructions and all safety guidelines to prevent the backfeeding of powerlines, protecting electric utility employees from serious or fatal injuries.

About Georgia EMC:
Georgia EMC is the statewide trade association representing the state’s 41 electric cooperatives, Oglethorpe Power Corp., Georgia Transmission Corp. and Georgia System Operations Corp. Collectively, Georgia’s customer-owned co-ops provide electricity and related services to more than 5 million people, nearly half of Georgia’s population, across 73 percent of the state’s land area. To learn more, visit www.georgiaemc.com and follow us on Facebook and X.

Copyright 2026 South Georgia News. All rights reserved.