BRUNSWICK ELECTRIC TO GATHER GPS INFORMATION

SUPPLY, NC, August 26, 2002 - - - Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation (BEMC) is sending teams out in Columbus County to complete the compilation of GPS (Global Positioning System) information for its mapping system.
The work will begin around September 1 in the area surrounding the Evergreen substation on the Hayes Lennon Road. In subsequent weeks, the other substation areas in Columbus County will be covered in the following planned order, Colliers, Cherry Grove, Peacock, Sidney, Guideway, Tom Hill, Old Dock, Hallsboro and White Marsh. The entire project is targeted for completion by March 31, 2003.
Bobby Davis, Manager of Technical Operations, says: “We want to let the public know what we’re doing. The work is being done by contract crews, and their vehicles will be identified with the familiar BEMC logo and name. To access off-road locations, some of the crews will be using ATVs (all-terrain vehicles) and all teams will have a vehicle sign and/or other BEMC identification. They will be equipped with mobile antennas plugged into handheld instruments that record the data. Team members will be walking up to houses and other buildings to collect the meter number and record the exact GPS location.”
By adding the precise coordinates of all of the electric system’s distribution components, lines, transformers, meter locations and more to a base map, BEMC will have a comprehensive map of the entire system that delivers power to every home or business in the service area. This means faster response in power outage situations. It also helps streamline the process for designing new services for installation.
Anyone with questions about the project may call 1-800-842-5871 or email us at info@bemc.org.