23 minute read
More Power
from 2022-01-REC
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
ROANOKE ELECTRIC Flashes Flashes
Roanoke Electric Cooperative
A MESSAGE FOR YOU
Marshall Cherry INTERIM PRESIDENT AND CEO
‘The only thing that is constant is change’
As a new chapter begins for your electric cooperative, this age-old quote by Greek philosopher Heraclitus rings true to this day.
Many of you have known me as the chief operating officer here at Roanoke, but today I’m writing to you in a different capacity. In December, I assumed the duties of interim president and CEO following Curtis Wynn’s transition in leadership to SECO Energy. In doing so, this is the first of what I hope to be many CEO messages as we move forward.
For the past 24 years, the co-op has been very capably led by Mr. Wynn. Under his leadership, we accomplished several impactful initiatives in an ambitious, multi-year strategic plan that matured in December. Most notably, Roanoke Electric marked significant progress with the following vital programs and services: è The co-op’s Upgrade to $ave program has helped more than 1,400 member-owners make much-needed energy efficiency improvements in their homes. The program provides free energy assessments to homes and businesses, identifying upgrades that result in the highest possible energy cost savings. è The Roanoke Connect initiative marked significant progress, ushering in the region’s high-speed internet and smart grid energy efficiency capabilities. To date, nearly 2,000 subscribers enjoy the benefits of broadband access, which was accompanied by the installation of 2,542 energy-saving smart devices in homes. è In 2020, the co-op launched its new Electric Vehicle Pilot Program, offering discounted subscription rate packages to electric vehicle owners.
To date, several member-owners have subscribed and are saving as much as $150 per month in vehicle ownership costs. è The co-op also completed a system-wide change of all residential and commercial meters to new digital meters. The initiative, known as the advanced metering project, improves system efficiency and helps member-owners save on energy costs by providing timely data on energy consumption.
To underscore the key accomplishments highlighted above, Roanoke became the fourth electric cooperative in the nation to be inducted into the prestigious “ NOTABLE & QUOTABLE What comes to mind when you think about the co-op’s efforts to build a brighter future for member-owners?
“I can say that Roanoke is always looking for ideas to upgrade our neighborhoods. They invest in our future and the future of our children. Many can take courses “ from the comfort of their home with Roanoke Connect. I look forward to bigger and better moves our co-op will make in the future, in keeping with the trends of the 21st century.” —REC Ambassador Jennifer Sharpe of Aulander
‘Change,’ continued from page 17
Palladium Group’s Balanced Scorecard Hall of Fame for Executing Strategy.
Looking ahead, we will continue to adapt to an evolving energy industry as we strive to meet the unique needs of this region. We are so proud of our work over the past several years, setting the stage for what is to come.
This new strategy, Vision 2025, will set our focus on three main areas: è Energy resource management and development: As we continue to manage, we want to reduce our wholesale power costs and embrace distributed resources. è Operational excellence: We want to continue to streamline our business processes to improve the efficiency of delivering electricity to you. è Member and community engagement: A key driver in all our strategies is you, our memberowners. We will enhance our work around communications and connectivity and improve member-owner engagement to build trust and satisfaction with high-impact solutions.
Today, we can take pride in the foundation of success on which we stand as a cooperative. While we cannot predict what changes the future holds, I can assure you that one thing will remain constant: We will continue to lead the way, putting first and foremost the needs of those we serve.
Do portable space heaters drive up energy costs?
Message from Basil Williams, Manager of Member Services
Small space heaters are meant to do exactly as the name implies: heat a small space. Unfortunately, many people use portable space heaters to heat their entire home, which can take a toll on your household’s energy budget.
Suppose you’re using a space heater to compensate for problems in your home, like inadequate insulation, drafty windows, exterior doors, or an inefficient heating system. In that case, space heaters are not a practical solution.
Your best bet is to improve the overall efficiency of your home. If you’re on a tight budget, caulking and weather stripping around windows and exterior doors is a low-cost, easy way to save energy. Depending on your home’s size, adding insulation can be a great next step. Loose-fill insulation typically costs $1 to $1.50 per square foot.
Taking these proactive energy-saving measures rather than relying on space heaters for supplemental warmth can reduce your heating and cooling bills for years to come. Member-owners can also improve their home’s efficiency and comfort by requesting a free energy assessment through the co-op’s Upgrade to $ave Program. Program experts will pinpoint areas for upgrades to help reduce your home’s energy costs.
Perhaps your home is energy efficient, but you’re cold-natured and want a specific room to be cozier than the rest. In this case, a space heater may work for your needs. A good comparison is ceiling fans. We use ceiling fans in the summer to cool people, not rooms. You can similarly use a space heater during the winter months. Only use a space heater in small spaces that you’re occupying and try to shut off other rooms to contain the warmth. Make sure the heater is correctly sized for the space; most heaters include a general sizing table.
Safety is also a key consideration when using a space heater. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates more than 25,000 residential fires are sparked by space heaters every year, resulting in more than 300 deaths.
If you must use a space heater, purchase a newer model that includes the most current safety features and make sure it carries the Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) label. Choose a thermostatically controlled heater to avoid energy waste and overheating and place the heater on a level surface away from foot traffic when in use. Always keep children and pets away from space heaters.
Also, consider alternative ways to stay warm, like extra layers of clothing or UL-approved electric blankets. If you have hardwood or tile floors, lay down area rugs to provide additional insulation and maintain warmth.
For more ways to save energy and increase comfort in your home, visit roanokeelectric.com/eetips.
Co-op offers college scholarship opportunity for 2022
Roanoke Electric Co-op encourages local, college-bound graduating high school seniors to apply for its scholarship opportunity.
The co-op awards a $1,000 scholarship to a high school senior continuing their education at a state college or university every year. “Being able to invest in the education of a local student is a testament to our commitment to a brighter future for us all,” said Patrice Jordan, the co-op’s coordinator of community relations and engagement. “We recognize that through programs like these, we are investing in our country’s future doctors, lawyers, teachers, and entrepreneurs who will make a difference.”
Submissions will be evaluated by how well the applicant demonstrates an understanding of the cooperative way of doing business, academic achievement, financial needs and leadership at school and in their communities. The scholarship winner must also show proof of acceptance to an accredited two- or four-year college or university in North Carolina.
The $1,000 scholarship will be paid directly to the institution after the co-op receives an official letter confirming the winner’s enrollment.
Interested seniors can find the application and details at roanokeelectric. com/scholarship.The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. on April 8, 2022.
End the Call. End the Scam.
Many North Carolina electric cooperative members have reported receiving phone calls from imposters, claiming to be cooperative representatives, demanding payment to prevent service interruptions. Scammers ask for personal account information and threaten to disconnect service if the member does not make immediate payment by prepaid credit or debit card. In some cases, scammers have even falsified their caller ID to reflect a utility company’s name. In other cases, they claim the number on the caller ID does not match the utility’s phone number due to its remote work policies. Members beware!
Roanoke Electric will never call members to demand immediate payment or ask for account or personal information. Never give out your banking or credit card information to someone who has contacted you regarding your account. If you receive a suspicious call from someone claiming to represent your electric cooperative, hang up and call Roanoke Electric directly at 252-209-2236.
Scammers typically try to rush customers. It’s okay to slow down the call. Think about the information the caller is asking of you. If it seems unsafe, it probably is. While scammers’ techniques continually shift, the easiest way to defuse the pressure is to stop before you act. End the Call. End the Scam.
Energy Efficiency Tip
Maximize your heating system’s performance by inspecting, cleaning or replacing air filters once a month or as needed to reduce energy costs and prevent potential damage to your system. Make sure radiators, baseboard heaters and warm-air registers aren’t blocked so air can flow freely.
Source: Department of Energy
What you need to know about power line safety
Inclement winter weather can create potential dangers of fallen electric utility poles or sagging wires. “This time of year, winter storms can lead to serious hazards, including downed power lines and flooding,” said Glenn Brown, safety coordinator for the co-op. “Keeping safety top of mind for you and your family makes a big difference when faced with potentially hazardous conditions in our area.”
Member-owners are encouraged to adhere to these safety recommendations if they encounter damaged or fallen poles and lines: è If power lines and poles are down in a yard or the street, always treat them as if they are energized and dangerous. è Never touch them and stay away from objects touching fallen lines. è If someone has already encountered a power line, do not try to rescue them. You cannot offer additional assistance if you become a victim.
To report damaged or fallen poles/ lines, contact Roanoke Electric Co-op at 252-209-2236 or 1-800358-9437.
Holiday closing
For the New Year’s Day holiday, Roanoke Electric Co-op offices will be closed on Monday, Jan. 3, 2022. Regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, Jan. 4. The co-op will also be closed Monday, Jan. 17, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday. The offices will reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 18. To report outages:
è Call 1-800-358-9437 è Text “OUTAGE” to 352667.
To make a payment:
è Use our automated system at 252-209-2236. è Download our mobile app by texting “Roanoke” to 252-479-7929. è Text “PAY” to 352667.
ROANOKE ELECTRIC Flashes Flashes
Published monthly for the member-owners of Roanoke Electric Cooperative P.O. Drawer 1326, Ahoskie, NC 27910 Office: 252-209-2236 or 1-800-433-2236 For outages call: 1-800-358-9437 For online bill payment: roanokeelectric.com Statement of Nondiscrimination: Roanoke Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Visit us at roanokeelectric.com
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Allen Speller
Chairman Robert “Nat” Riddick
Vice Chairman Delores Amason
Secretary-Treasurer Vacant
Asst. Secretary-Treasurer Carolyn Bradley Chester Deloatch Columbus Jeffers Kenneth Jernigan Darnell Lee Editor: Brittany Tann President and CEO: Marshall Cherry
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