Despite global warming issues, base load generation needs and escalating fuel and materials costs – merely a few of the problems EMCs must confront – new Coweta-Fayette CEO Anthony H. “Tony” Sinclair is confident that Georgia’s energy future will remain secure.

“Never before in the long history of electric distribution cooperatives have there been so many challenges and opportunities,” Sinclair said. “There are definitely serious economic difficulties facing all of us now and in the foreseeable future, but the persistence of the American people – when coupled with optimism, confidence and perseverance – can overcome any obstacle.”

Sinclair said becoming energy independent in America will require taking advantage of all the options – nuclear power, natural gas, clean coal technology and renewable assets, where appropriate. “At our EMC and other Georgia cooperatives, we will continue to build upon the great foundation that cooperative pioneers – like recently retired EMC President/CEO Michael Whiteside – strived hard to construct,” he said.

According to Sinclair, now is the time to promote and support economy-fueling business expansion – an endeavor requiring more base load electric generating capacity than presently used. “We must have an ‘energy bridge’ without a steep toll cost to get the reduced-carbon environment we all want,” he said. “Our goal at Coweta-Fayette EMC is to be environmentally proactive, but also to be equally aware of our Members’ need to secure energy at a reasonable cost not detrimental to economic development and prosperity.”

Over the past 12 years, Sinclair has lead, mentored and learned from cooperative employee teams at two electric systems in Alabama and one in Montana. He was born in Alabama and spent the majority of his life on the Gulf Coast. A graduate of the University of South Alabama, Sinclair – father of two – has been married to his wife, Susan, for 25 years.

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