Marci and Emma Dillard both attended the National Washington Youth Tour as OREMC delegates—nearly 30 years apart. On this episode of Plugged In the mother/daughter duo discusses how their Youth Tour experiences were similar, made an impression on them in the moment, and how the memories shape(d) their future. It was based on Marci’s experience that she encouraged her daughter to apply for the 2025 Youth Tour, and now together, encourage eligible students to apply and experience their own trip of a lifetime.

In this special episode of our Plugged In podcast, Director of Communications & Marketing Michele Hutchins talks about what you need to plan and prepare for your family to weather a storm emergency.

Whether sheltering place or evacuating, she discusses recommendations for water, food and supplies; making sure you have enough medication and backup plans for those reliant on power for medical devices; and how to prepare differently for a cold weather emergency. #WeatherReady

In this episode of our OREMC Plugged In podcast, ROW Coordinator Roger Sloan helps to address some of those frequently asked questions members have about power restoration following a storm.

Questions were pulled directly from social media and/or voicemails members left following the tropical storm, two hurricanes and ice storm that impacted OREMC's service area from August 2024 - January 2025.

Engineer James Allen and Marketing & Members Services Representative Royce Proctor discuss the considerations for installing a whole house backup generator or right sizing a portable generator to be used during power outages. In particular, their discussion focuses on the safety considerations of using a portable generator: knowing what you want to power, having enough generator capacity, as well as proper use and storage.

In this episode of Plugged In, we feature Deondra Lightfoot from Church Girls, Inc. She discusses how her vision has evolved from a prayer line, to a Resource Center, Blessing Room and now transitional housing, in the form of the Church Girls Community in Folkston, Georgia. She has six of the 26 units completed and is building on the power of. by the community, for the community. Deondra talks about the help along the way that gives her the drive and inspiration to reach out and help others in need.

Lucie Akkermans, Manager of the Philharmonia, Music Librarian and Lessons Coordinator with the Golden Isles Youth Orchestra (GIYO), discusses the power of music and the importance of investing in the arts to provide students the opportunity to build community and skills that further musical development, but also foster social skill, academic growth and self-confidence. She explains how the programs offered by the Golden Isles Youth Orchestra are partnering with area schools to provide access to all students who want to pursue, learn and enjoy music.

A conversation with OREMC General Manager John Middleton discussing the long-awaited news that Plant Vogtle is fully operational, the need to build additional power generations, concerns over new EPS rules and what it all means to you.

In this episode of “Plugged In”, OREMC’s Michele Hutchins speaks with Bobby Davis of Anointed Boxing Fitness Outreach in Folkston, Georgia. Their goal is to provide a place and framework for kids to channel their energy productively—be physically active with a purpose— while also supporting their academic success and promoting community service, all in an effort to keep them off the street.

Continuing the discussion with Al Sandrik, Warning Coordination Meteorologist with the National Weather Service Jacksonville, to better understand the potential impacts of a major hurricane on the OREMC service area and how to prepare.

On this episode of Plugged In we talk to Al Sandrik, Warning Coordination Meteorologist with the National Weather Service Jacksonville, who discusses the atmospheric systems lining up this season that create ideal conditions for hurricane development, that could significantly impact the OREMC service area based on historical data.