Cobb EMC eliminates 80 positions citing efficiency
Cobb EMC announced this week it is eliminating 80 positions as a result of an operational assessment aimed at cutting costs.
Affected employees have been offered severance packages based on years of service to the energy cooperative, one of the largest in the state.
“For the past five years, we’ve implemented a series of strategic changes,” said Tripper Sharp, Chairman of Cobb EMC’s board of directors.
Board member Charles Swanson said the 80 positions represented about 18 percent of the workforce, saving the cooperative an estimated $8 million a year.
“Hopefully, we can reflect that in ... rates,” he said.
Cobb EMC’s leadership has sought to move past
an explosive corruption scandal that saw the utility settle a class action suit for $98 million.
Theft and racketeering charges against former CEO Dwight Brown were dismissed last year. The state has appealed that decision.
About the Author
Meris Lutz is a contributing writer covering climate, the environment and the economy. She is particularly interested in stories that explore the intersections between climate change and labor, markets, health, biodiversity, government transparency and public access to natural resources.
