21 minute read
More Power
from 2022-01-PEMC
JANUARY Quick Hits
Winter Weather Icy out there? Stay off roads if possible. Find driving tips and other ways to prepare for winter weather at
Soup’s On National Soup Month has arrived, perfect for chilly nights. Get a jump on it with our stew recipe on page 32.
Day of Service This Martin Luther King Day (January 17), find a community group near you that needs volunteers to lend a hand.
Energy Tip Are your fans winter-ready? Make sure they’re switched to turn clockwise to circulate warm air around the room.
StormCenter.coop
Speed Under Pressure: Lineworkers Test Lifesaving Skills
Pole Top Rescue Competition held at Nash Community College
In November, North Carolina’s top electric cooperative lineworkers assembled at Nash Community College in Rocky Mount to compete for the title of State Champion in the 2021 Pole Top Rescue Competition.
The biennial competition pitted lineworkers against the clock and each other as they demonstrate essential lifesaving skills and provided an up-close look at the speed, technique and safety knowledge required to maintain the lines that power the lives of electric cooperative members. To advance to this state championship, each competitor had to win a similar competition at their local cooperative.
During the competition, each lineworker executed a scenario in which a coworker is unconscious atop a utility pole. The competitor, dressed in full climbing gear, had to radio for help, scale 20 feet up the utility pole, lower a 105-pound mannequin (nicknamed “Kool”) and begin lifesaving procedures. All North Carolina electric cooperative lineworkers must complete this same scenario in less than five minutes to maintain their certification to work on electric co-op lines.
“This championship highlights just how rigorous and challenging it is to be a lineworker,” said Louis Duke, spokesperson for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives. “These highly trained individuals play a critical role in co-op operations, and we can’t thank them enough for the vital service they provide to our members and communities.” Meet the 2021 Pole Top Champs Pictured, top to bottom First Place: Levi Fagan, EnergyUnited, Time: 1:53.37 Second Place: Jason Helms, Union Power Cooperative, Time: 1:57.90 Third Place: Cody Buck, Brunswick Electric, Time: 1:59.83 Not pictured: Chris Griffin of Union Power maintains the overall record with his 2014 time of 01:33.47. carolinacountry.com/extras These guys are fast — this is a competition you have to see to believe! Watch them in action on our website. The competition was held for the first time at Nash Community College thanks to a valuable partnership maintained with North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives. Nash Community College (nashcc.edu) offers critical degree and certificate programs in Electric Lineman Technology that help support the vital line workforce across rural North Carolina.
Roanoke Electric CEO Honored with NC Rural Leadership Award
Recognition comes as Wynn is named CEO of Fla. co-op
Curtis Wynn, CEO of Roanoke Electric Cooperative, has received the 2021 Larry Wooten Rural Leadership Award, presented by Governor Roy Cooper and Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler each year to an outstanding leader who has worked to advance North Carolina’s rural communities. The award is a milestone recognition for Wynn, who, after leading Roanoke Electric for more than 24 years, was recently named the incoming CEO at SECO Energy, an electric cooperative serving more than 200,000 members in central Florida.
At Roanoke Electric, headquartered in Ahoskie, Wynn earned national accolades for his commitment to implementing services and programs that help local communities and members thrive.
“Curtis Wynn has brought opportunity and innovation to rural North Carolina, making rural communities an even better place to live and work,” said Gov. Cooper. “Thanks to his work, more families, schools and businesses have access to high-speed internet, a critical tool to help rural communities thrive. We are working hard to build on the great work of our rural co-ops and other partners to get even more North Carolinians connected to broadband.”
Wynn has spearheaded a variety of cutting-edge, high-impact initiatives in the co-op’s long-standing efforts to empower member-owners in a region facing economic challenges.
“Curtis Wynn has built a transformative legacy of leadership, from efforts to bring broadband connectivity to rural communities and raising more than $10 million to support economic development projects, to encouraging wealth creation through land ownership and sustainable land management,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler.
A Florida native, Wynn began his career washing trucks for his rural hometown electric co-op in Graceville, Fla., and his decision to make a career transition stems, in part, from his desire to be closer to his family and home, where he plans to eventually retire.
The impact of Wynn’s leadership on Roanoke Electric and its consumer-members is lasting. During his tenure, the co-op developed the Upgrade to $ave program, which provides energy efficiency and smart energy upgrades to homes and businesses that financially benefit both the member-consumers and the cooperative.
In partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the co-op established its sustainable forestry program. It has helped hundreds of local landowners by providing information and resources to help them better manage and retain their land for the purpose of building generational wealth.
The Roanoke Connect initiative is bridging the digital divide by bringing broadband connectivity to the region for the first time. After years of laying the groundwork, connections to high-speed internet service are now underway.
The impact of Wynn’s vision and legacy stretches beyond the borders of North Carolina. As immediate past president of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), Wynn had the distinction of being the first Black board president in the organization’s history and leading the organization through the unprecedented disruptions of the global pandemic. During his tenure, he was a tremendous voice for the nation’s electric cooperatives to embrace the tenets of diversity, equity and inclusion, and the NRECA membership passed a diversity, equity and inclusion resolution in 2020.
In addition to leadership roles at Roanoke Electric and NRECA, Wynn has served on various local, state and national boards of directors. His greatest sense of achievement, however, comes from Roanoke Electric.
“I would say my proudest accomplishment is the growth I have seen in our team, and how they have stepped up to address the many challenges the industry has thrown our way over the years,” Wynn said. “They did so by embracing our core values beyond anyone’s expectations, really wanting to make a difference in the community we serve. Leaving that behind makes me feel good about what lies ahead for Roanoke Electric.”
Wynn’s last day at Roanoke Electric was December 13. The board of directors has appointed the co-op’s chief operating officer, Marshall Cherry, to serve as interim CEO.
Wynn has advocated on behalf of electric co-ops throughout his career, including during 2017 testimony to the U.S. House Agriculture Committee.
—Louis Duke, North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives
Scenes CAROLINA COUNTRY A GALLERY OF YOUR BEST PHOTOS
A Mountain Rainbow
Taken from the Clingman’s Dome parking lot in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the camera was pointing toward Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest and Cherokee National Forest. Rodney Hendrickson, London, KY Thanks to everyone who submitted pictures to our annual photo contest! The judges chose from hundreds of photos of people and places throughout North Carolina. In addition to these images, we’ll run more in our “Carolina Creators” magazine feature. And even more selections will appear as the “Photo of the Week” on our website (carolinacountry.com/potw), where there’s an archived collection. Our Facebook and Instagram pages also routinely showcase reader photos.
Gone Turtlin’?!
We had a slow afternoon of fishing off of Moccasin Creek, but we were able to catch this large snapping turtle while attempting to catch a catfish. You can tell by my nephew’s expression that he was rather large. After snapping a few photos, we removed the hook and let him swim away. Jon McReynolds, Wake Forest, Wake Electric
Mud Minis
These are my sons, Gabe (age 5), and Grant (age 2), having the time of their lives in Lewiston. Chelsie Blowe, Ahoskie , Roanoke Electric Photographer Casey Byrum
Casting Cousin
My cousin casted into the Atlantic Ocean on a beautiful fall evening in Pine Knoll Shores. Emily Bedsworth, Pine Knoll Shores, Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative
In Memory of “Cap”
On my Deddy’s birthday, my oldest son, Jace, my youngest son Ryker and I went to the Pee Dee River to spread some of his ashes. “Cap” was everything to Jace as he was to me. Jason Bud Sweet was a true wonder, a man of nature with a heart of gold! Kaylee Sweet, Hamlet, Pee Dee Electric
All Decked Out
Sunrise at the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse on the Manteo waterfront. Winter sunrises at the Outer Banks are the best. Alan Trammel, Chapel Hill
Many Mouths To Feed
Bluebird feeding time in my backyard. Nhat Vu, Mint Hill, Union Power Cooperative
Dapper Champ
My “grand-dog” Champion is a 3-year-old pit bull and quite dapper in his hat and shirt. The sweetest, most laid-back pitbull you’ll ever meet, he gets his feelings hurt easily and will go pout in the corner when he does! Lisa Reeves, Hickory, Rutherford EMC Photographer Hilary Reeves
Tunnel Travelin’ Tot
My grandson Mason having fun at Stokes Family Farm. Rebecca Lewis, Troy, Randolph EMC Photographer Amy McLawhorn
Stetson and Fred
Our 2-year-old grandson, Stetson Lail, with Fred the cow. This picture was taken by K. Smith Photography. Taylor Lail, Hickory, Rutherford EMC
Cape Lookout Moonrise
This photo was taken at a unique moonrise at Cape Lookout. Late in the year, the full moon will rise further north than it normally does, giving an interesting angle on the lighthouse—an incredible sight to witness! Wick Smith, Beaufort, Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative
Winterscape
Mount Carmel Road, Lexington. William Deal, Lexington, EnergyUnited
Sweet Girl
One of our sweet girls laying her egg in the nesting boxes. She gives us an egg each day, and is the only one of our Barred Rock girls left. She’s a beautiful, active lady who loves worms, bugs, chicken scratch (corn especially), and taking dust baths in the warm sunshine! Micah Junket, Mount Pleasant
Falling for Fall
Tiny World My neighbor’s daughter came over and I love to wander around my yard and find all the hidden offered to help me gather leaves. Her smile worlds that exist if you slow down enough to see them. was exactly the “pick me up” that I needed This is one tiny example. to finish one of my least favorite fall chores! Chris Rodermond, Hillsborough, Piedmont ElectricLisa Hall, Waxhaw, Union Power Cooperative
The Importance of Farming
My wife’s uncles were digging ditches in the field to allow water to drain so that crops do not drown. Spending time around family I have learned a lot about farming and how much it means to parts of North Carolina. It is something we should continue to educate others on. Ian Slade, Wake Forest, Wake Electric
Flower Children
Best friends sharing a tender moment in the sunflower field at Dorthea Dix Conservatory Park in Raleigh. Alya Jakubowicz, Raleigh, Wake Electric
Nature Finds a Way
I took this photo while walking through the woods behind my house in late March while looking for deer antler sheds. Austin Heine, Eastover, South River EMC
Room with a View
We escaped the heat and headed up to Round Bald, straddling the border with NC and TN, for a night out under the stars for my birthday. Adventures are the best birthday gifts. Kate Kedzierski, Morganton, Rutherford EMC
Connection
PIEDMONT ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE MEMBER NEWSLETTER | JANUARY 2022
Piedmont Electric Office Hours Will Change on July 1
For much of the past two decades, we have seen a year-over-year reduction in the number of members who come to our office to make a payment. Conversely, we’ve seen tremendous growth in the number of phone calls, emails, social media messages and other forms of digital communications from our members.
As a result, beginning on July 1, 2022, Piedmont Electric will have new hours of operation at our Hillsborough and Roxboro offices. Starting on July 1, our drive-thrus will be open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays each week, with drive-thrus being closed on Mondays and Fridays. Our lobbies will remain closed to visitors each day. Our Caswell office drive-thru will continue to remain open only on Wednesdays. Employees will still be available to help members in the following ways Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (excluding holidays) by: • Phone (800.222.3107) • Email (info@pemc.coop) • Website (pemc.coop) • Social media (@piedmontemc) Reducing our drive-thru hours will allow us to better focus on the growing forms of digital communication that our members are increasingly using and preferring while still providing options for members who wish to pay in person. As with everything we do, our focus continues to be on best serving our members and we believe that this change will enable us to better serve more members. Employees will still be available to help members in the following ways Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (excluding holidays) by: • Phone (800.222.3107) • Email (info@pemc.coop) • Website (pemc.coop) • Social media (@piedmontemc) Our drop box at each office will remain available for members who wish to leave a check payment. Members can also make payments at any time, including nights and weekends, at any Western Union or MoneyGram location. For all our payment options, visit pemc.coop/payment-options. IMPORTANT DATES
December 31
New Year’s Holiday
Piedmont Electric offices will be closed and employees will be on call.
January 17
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
March 31
Basketball Camp Applications Due College Scholarship Applications Due
18 Money-Saving Programs 19 Be Ready for Winter Weather 20 Supporting Our Youth
Are You Missing Out on Bill Credits?
Turn the page to find out how to get money back on your bill and save energy and money all year long.
New Year, Same Great Programs
Are you looking for ways to kick off 2022 the right way by saving energy and money? Your favorite electric cooperative is here to help! Now is the perfect time to sign up for programs that will save you energy and money all year long.
Pay Half Price for Your Power with a Time-of-Day Rate
By signing up for our time-of-day rate, you’ll pay half price for all of the power you use during off-peak times. So, which hours qualify for half price? Saturdays, Sundays, most holidays and 19-20 hours of every single weekday are considered off-peak. That means you can save money without having to make many adjustments to your daily routine. All you have to do is avoid using energy during on-peak hours for the maximum amount of savings. During these cold winter months, avoid excess energy use during weekday mornings from 6-10 a.m. Learn more by visiting pemc.coop/timeofday.
Make Your Thermostat Work for You
If you have a Nest thermostat, Wi-Fi and you’re not signed up for our smart thermostat savings program, you’re missing out on savings! When you join, you’ll get a $50 rebate and a monthly bill credit of $2.50 from June through September. Best of all, you’ll save money on your energy use by allowing Piedmont Electric to make small adjustments to your thermostat via your in-home Wi-Fi on very hot days. Sign up at pemc.coop/thermostat.
Get Alerts to Help You Save Money
With our Beat the Peak program, saving energy and money is simple. After you sign up, you’ll get a text or email alert reminding you about expected times of high energy use for our cooperative so you know when to reduce your energy use. Find out more by visiting pemc.coop/btp.
You wouldn’t let your sink run all day, so why let your water heater?
Sign up for our water heater load management program which cycles off your unit to help you save money. But don’t worry about a lack of hot water! In most cases you won’t notice when your heater is cycled off since your tank will hold a reserve of hot water. By participating in the program, you’ll get a one-time $25 credit and a monthly bill credit of $1. Join by visiting pemc.coop/load-management.
Be Ready for Whatever Winter Weather Comes Our Way
Winter weather has arrived in North Carolina. Are you prepared? Here’s a closer look at what you can do and what we’ll do as your cooperative when winter storms hit.
What You Can Do
Stay safe. During winter storms, it’s not uncommon to see downed power lines in your neighborhood. If you do, remember that downed power lines can carry an electric current that can cause serious injury. Stay away from any downed lines and anything that may be touching them. If you see downed lines on the road, do not drive over them.
Report outages. If your power goes out during a winter storm, please let us know as soon as you can so we can work to restore it. You can report an outage in any of the following ways: • By calling 800.222.3107 and following the voice instructions for the reporting system. • Through the SmartHub app on your mobile device by clicking “Report an issue/inquiry” at the top of the app. • By texting “pemc” to 800.222.3107 to opt in and then #out to report an outage. • By logging into SmartHub through your internet browser on your mobile device and selecting “Report an issue/inquiry” from the Quick Links section at the bottom of the page. Update your information. Finally, be sure to periodically check your SmartHub account to ensure that you have the correct contact information on file. This will make it easier for you to receive outage updates. If you have any questions, please call us at 800.222.3107.
What Piedmont Electric Will Do
Work quickly to prevent and restore outages. You never know what Mother Nature will bring, but our team works hard year-round to make sure there are as few outages as possible for our members. When an outage does occur, we do everything we can to restore power to our members safely and quickly. Our lineworkers work efficiently through our service area, restoring power to the greatest number of members in the shortest time possible to minimize disruption in your service. Keep you updated. As we work to restore power, you can see real-time updates from our team on our website and social media pages. If we have your cell phone number, you may also receive text alerts with updates so you have a better idea of when you can expect your power to be restored. For more information on how to prepare for storms and outages, visit pemc.coop/automated-outage-reporting.
Supporting Our Youth
Here at Piedmont Electric, we’re proud to support the youth in our cooperative through our Helping Hand Foundation and Touchstone Energy. Share these community initiatives with the students in your life today!
College Scholarships
Each year, the Helping Hand Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in our service area who are planning to continue their education at a university, college, community college or technical school. In 2022, we’re proud to be able to award seven $2,000 scholarships to students that are getting ready to graduate. High school seniors can apply online at pemc.coop/scholarships through March 31, 2022.
Basketball Camps
We’re thrilled to announce that basketball camp scholarships are back for the summer of 2022! Along with Touchstone Energy and other North Carolina cooperatives, we’ll be awarding two middle school students at qualifying schools with a scholarship to attend basketball camp on a college campus. Rising 6th and 7th graders can apply for the Carolina Basketball School and Wolfpack Women’s Basketball Camp. Each camp gives students the chance to experience a unique athletic and educational opportunity and have fun while doing it. Applicants are judged on their academics and extracurricular activities and they must submit an essay with their application. You can help your middle schooler apply on our website at pemc.coop/basketball through March 31, 2022.
PIEDMONT ELECTRIC CONNECTION
Published monthly for the members of Piedmont Electric Cooperative. Piedmont Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Hillsborough and Roxboro Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Caswell Office Hours: Wednesday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Report outages, make payments and access account information by phone 24-hours-a-day by calling 800.222.3107. Voice instructions will direct you through the system. 2500 NC Highway 86 South PO Drawer 1179 Hillsborough, NC 27278 Stephen B. Hamlin President & General Manager
DIRECTORS
Bill R. Barber, Chair Randy Kinley, Vice Chair Sam T. Woods, Secretary Richal Vanhook, Treasurer Steven P. Bailey, Stephen C. Long, V. Kay Scurlock-Ferguson, David Poythress, Elizabeth Townsend & Cyrus Vernon
IF YOUR POWER GOES OUT, CALL OR TEXT 800.222.3107
Opt in for text alerts by texting “pemc” to 800.222.3107. Once you’ve opted in, report an outage by texting “#out” to 800.222.3107 or "#status" for an update on your outage. Our automated outage reporting system uses your phone number to determine your service location. Update the number connected to your account online through SmartHub, by completing the form on your monthly bill or by calling 800.222.3107.
Please note that it may take up to 24 hours for our system to recognize new cell phone numbers in the text outage alert program.
Sacred Stone of the Southwest is on the Brink of Extinction
Centuries ago, Persians, Tibetans and Mayans considered turquoise a gemstone of the heavens, believing the striking blue stones were sacred pieces of sky. Today, the rarest and most valuable turquoise is found in the American Southwest–– but the future of the blue beauty is unclear. On a recent trip to Tucson, we spoke with fourth generation turquoise traders who explained that less than five percent of turquoise mined worldwide can be set into jewelry and only about twenty mines in the Southwest supply gem-quality turquoise. Once a thriving industry, many Southwest mines have run dry and are now closed. We found a limited supply of C. turquoise from Arizona and snatched it up for our Sedona Turquoise Collection. Inspired by the work of those ancient craftsmen and designed to showcase the exceptional blue stone, each stabilized vibrant cabochon features a unique, one-of-a-kind matrix surrounded in Bali metalwork. You could drop over $1,200 on a turquoise pendant, or you could secure 26 carats of genuine Arizona turquoise for just $99. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. If you aren’t completely happy with your purchase, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price. The supply of Arizona turquoise is limited, don’t miss your chance to own the Southwest’s brilliant blue treasure. Call today!
Jewelry Specifications: • Arizona turquoise • Silver-finished settings Sedona Turquoise Collection
A. Pendant (26 cts) $299 * $99 +s&p Save $200 B. 18" Bali Naga woven sterling silver chain $149 C. 1 1/2" Earrings (10 ctw) $299 * $149 +s&p Save $150
Complete Set** $747 * $299 +s&p Save $448
** Complete set includes pendant, chain and earrings. Call now and mention the offer code to receive your collecion.
1-800-333-2045
Offer Code STC588-05
Rating of A+
You must use the offer code to get our special price.
* Special price only for customers using the offer code versus the price on Stauer.com without your offer code. Stauer ®
26 carats of genuine Arizona turquoise ONLY $99
“With depleting mines, turquoise, the most sacred stone to the Navajo, has become increasingly rare.” –– Smithsonian.com
Necklace enlarged to show luxurious color
