A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FROM BLUE RIDGE ENERGY
matters MEMBERSHIP
OCTOBER 2017
Community Solar SUCCESS! Members have had a tremendous response to Blue Ridge Energy community solar! Nearly every panel of the available 1,472 have been subscribed.
want the expense or hassle of owning their own rooftop solar system. The cooperative has taken care of all installation and maintenance.
A few panels are left! To sign up, members may call us at 1-800-451-5474.
Member subscriptions are $4.50 per panel, per month. Participants receive a monthly credit on their bill reflecting the amount of energy produced by the solar gardens.
Located in Caldwell, Watauga, Ashe and Alleghany counties, Blue Ridge Energy’s four community solar gardens started generating electricity last November. Cumulatively, they are on track to generate 625,000 kWhs per year — enough to power 60 average households. Blue Ridge Energy is offering community solar to give members an easier and more affordable way to go solar. For example, many locations aren’t suitable for solar due to shading or orientation issues. Also, some homeowners don’t
Telephone Town Hall announced Join us on our Telephone Town Hall Tuesday evening, September 26, at 6:30 p.m. To participate, simply answer your telephone when we call during this time. You’ll hear Chief Executive Officer Doug Johnson share a brief update about your cooperative. Members will also have the opportunity to ask questions. As a helpful reminder, we’ll call members a few days prior to the event with the date, time and how to participate if you miss our call on September 26. The primary phone number listed on members’ accounts will be used, so please be sure to contact us to update your information if needed!
BlueRidge-1017.indd 25
9/7/17 2:14 PM
W
C
the
S e w b st T in se is m
perspective From Blue Ridge CEO Doug Johnson
Cybersecurity: Keeping member information safe and electricity reliable In an increasingly digitally interconnected world, cybersecurity is a top priority for your cooperative and for the electric utility industry as a whole. Technology has improved nearly every segment of daily life, including a smarter grid. But along with the benefits comes the need to safeguard member/consumer information and power grid operations. At Blue Ridge Energy, we have a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy that begins with three key initiatives:
3. Secure The Grid As the electric grid evolves with technology, the new ‘smart grid’ brings a whole new set of cyber risks. Blue Ridge’s multilayered approach to Network Security Administrator cybersecurity, along Blue Ridge Energy with physical security Phil works to protect the energy grid and measures, protects our critical infrastructure against potential grid that serves each cybersecurity threats. and every one of our homes. Ensuring the lights stay on is the top priority for line technicians AND every other Protecting member information and the energy grid from potential cyber threats is a top priority in the electric power industry. Blue Ridge Energy has a comprehensive employee at Blue Ridge cybersecurity approach including efforts by Network Security Administrator Phil Crump. Energy.
Phil Crump
1. Secure Member Data Our members’ personal data is very important to us at Blue Ridge. For instance, Blue Ridge Energy (including our subsidiaries) does not store credit card data. When members elect to save it, we use a process called “tokenization” to identify the card number using a unique code known only to us and the payment processor (such as Visa® and Mastercard®). The card number is never saved/stored on our systems. 2. Secure Our Systems Blue Ridge Energy maintains over 100 unique systems to offer services and reliable electricity to our members. Each system comes with a new set of cyber risks. We mitigate cybersecurity risks by employing a multi-layered “zero trust” approach; utilizing technology such as firewalls and intrusion protection systems. We also leverage thirdparty cybersecurity firms to analyze our networks and
Page 26
BlueRidge-1017.indd 26
systems in real time — protecting and alerting employees of abnormalities 24 hours a day.
Cybersecurity is a never-ending job. Criminal hackers and other threats, combined with fast-paced technology advances, make cybersecurity like the Wild West! It’s a rapidly changing world and we must adapt and evolve with adversaries coming from all around the world. We believe the best defense is a strong offense, especially when it comes to cybersecurity. I can assure you that your cooperative is well prepared and constantly hardening our cybersecurity initiative to ensure the protection of member information, your cooperative and the electric grid from cyber threats.
MEMBERSHIP
matters 9/7/17 2:14 PM
M in
Whi duci ertie our nanc auth perio This requ Safe help mem relia serv Ridg safet mem cont offic
MEM
WEATHER STRIPPING DOORS Capturing Energy Savings by Sealing Air Leaks
Save energy and seal air leaks by weather stripping exterior doors. How do you know if you need to weather strip? If you can see any amount of light between the door frame and the floor, weather stripping should be applied to eliminate energy waste. This DIY energy-saving project is relatively easy and inexpensive depending on the type of materials selected. The most common weather stripping material is self-adhesive foam strips, although rubber, vinyl, metal, or a combination of materials may also be used.
nd es, ng ng
en auon,
ers
2 MEASURING DOOR & DOOR JAMBS – To ensure greater accuracy, measure your space twice before cutting the material. It is best to plan for one continuous strip for each side of the door and door jamb. 3 CUTTING FOAM – Cut long pieces of self-adhesive weather stripping material (foam, vinyl, etc.) for each side of the door jamb and door.
2
of
art ole ks. tito ng ity ur ch ur he op nier ge
4
3
1 CLEANING SURFACES – Clean the door 1. and door jamb to be weather stripped. For best results, weather stripping should be applied to clean, dry surfaces above 20°F.
1
4 APPLYING WEATHER STRIPPING – Peel back the self-adhesive foam. Apply one continuous strip of material snugly along each side. Make sure the weather stripping meets tightly at the corners and is pressed firmly onto the door and door jamb. The material should compress tightly between the door and door jamb, without making it difficult to shut. SOURCE: Department of Energy
Meter service inspections
Attaching signs to utility poles presents safety hazards
While automated meters are greatly reducing the need to be on members’ properties, we must still periodically check our equipment and perform maintenance. Blue Ridge Energy or a contractor authorized by the cooperative conducts periodic inspections of service facilities. This inspection is in accordance with the requirements of the National Electrical Safety Code and helps ensure our members receive reliable electric service from Blue Ridge Energy. As a safety precaution, members should be aware that authorized contractors and their vehicles will have official Blue Ridge Energy identification.
Putting signs or other items on utility poles creates serious safety hazards for our line technicians climbing poles to restore power or perform routine maintenance.
MEMBERSHIP
BlueRidge-1017.indd 27
matters
Signs, birdhouses, balloons, flags, and basketball nets can create dangerous obstacles. Putting line technicians at risk are also the staples, nails, or tacks left behind that can snag utility workers’ boots or puncture safety clothing, making them vulnerable to slipping or even electrocution. Thank you for helping ensure the safety of our line technicians by refraining from posting anything on utility poles. Page 27
9/7/17 2:14 PM
Call 811 before digging For your convenience, Blue Ridge Energy is a part of the “811” NC One-Call system. This allows members to call a single number — 811 — to get all of your underground lines marked, including those of Blue Ridge Energy, before you start any project that involves digging. When you call 811, you’ll be speaking with a NC One Call Center operator who will ask for the location of your You must notify all digging job in addition to several utilities three days before other important questions. Operators digging underground. will then route your information to affected utility companies including Dial 811 for fast, one-stop Blue Ridge Energy. Blue Ridge reporting to all utilities! Energy or a contractor authorized 811. For your convenience by the cooperative will locate your and safety. underground electric lines within a few days. Once ALL of your underground lines have been marked, you can dig safely, protecting you and your family from injury and expense. It’s fast, it’s easy, and it’s FREE!
It’s the law!
Remember to keep your 811 assigned ticket number handy in case you need it for follow up calls or to track your request online at ncocc.org. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Doug Johnson
EDITOR Renée R. Whitener
PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR Susan Simmons
DISTRICT OFFICES Caldwell Watauga Ashe Alleghany Wilkes PowerLine®
(828) 754-9071 (828) 264-8894 (336) 846-7138 (336) 372-4646 (800) 451-5474 (800) 448-2383
Toll Free
(800) 451-5474
(PowerLine® is an automated account information and outage reporting system.) (for members outside of the service area.)
To report an outage at any time, call PowerLine.
Check out the solar production from Blue Ridge Energy’s community solar gardens in Caldwell, Watauga, Ashe and Alleghany counties.
Learn more at BlueRidgeEnergy.com/ solar-production. Click on the counties listed to see how the sun is contributing to our energy grid!
OFFICE HOURS: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm, Monday-Friday Night deposit available. Visit us on the web: BlueRidgeEnergy.com +
This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Page 28
BlueRidge-1017.indd 28
Join Blue Ridge Energy’s solar community by calling 1-800-451-5474. MEMBERSHIP
matters 9/7/17 2:14 PM