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from 2022-07-CEMC
Electric Co-ops Adding Solar + Storage Across Rural NC
Renewable energy resources will be added at 14 sites
North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives are bringing new energy innovation to rural North Carolina by coupling utility-scale solar with battery energy storage at 14 locations. The new solar + storage resources will be interconnected to electric cooperative grids and support the cooperatives’ Brighter Future efforts — an initiative to support co-op consumer-members and communities by building a more resilient, efficient grid, while upholding affordability and pursuing a long-term sustainability goal.
“Delivering value to co-op consumermembers and communities is a cornerstone of our cooperative purpose, and solar is a growing resource for us,” said Amadou Fall, COO of North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives. “Pairing solar with battery energy storage enables us to gain the most benefit from an intermittent resource, advancing grid resilience and supporting our goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.”
“Solar energy is most abundant during the middle of the day. However, peak energy demand typically occurs in the late afternoon hours in the summer and the early morning during the winter,” said John Lemire, director of grid management for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives. “With hybrid solar and storage solutions, renewable solar energy is captured when it’s most abundant in large batteries. This energy can then be discharged exactly when it’s needed to efficiently support the grid.”
Cooperatives in North Carolina are working together to integrate innovative energy technologies like solar and storage at a deliberate pace to balance and uphold commitments to reliability, affordability and sustainability. Currently, electric cooperatives have approximately 500 megawatts (MW) of renewable, distributed energy and edge-of-grid resources integrated or pending integration into cooperative grids through their shared role as a “distribution operator.”
As a distribution operator, the state’s electric co-ops are coordinating thousands of distributed energy resources throughout the grid to optimize their performance and support an efficient and strategic grid evolution.
“While cooperative power is already very reliable, this cuttingedge capability enhances reliability even further for co-op members, as power now flows multi-directionally throughout the grid,” Fall said.
14
SOLAR + STORAGE SITES
more than
75,000
SOLAR PANELS more than
53MWh
OF ENERGY STORAGE
will generate more than 23 MW, or enough to power more than
23,000
HOMES
Six developments are already operational: ■ Two sites in Duplin County—Interconnected with Four County EMC ■ One site in Halifax County—Interconnected with Halifax EMC ■ Three sites in Randolph County—Interconnected with Randolph EMC
Eight more expected to be activated by the end of the year: ■ One site in Greene County—Interconnected with Pitt & Greene EMC ■ One site in Hyde County—Interconnected with Tideland EMC ■ Three sites in Northampton County—Interconnected with
Roanoke Electric Cooperative ■ One site in Richmond County—Interconnected with Pee Dee Electric ■ One site in Sampson County—Interconnected with South River EMC ■ One site in Wake County—Interconnected with Wake Electric
July Quick Hits
Safe Celebrations Be careful with fireworks and sparklers— they should only be handled by responsible adults. Visit bit.ly/nsc-fireworks for more safety tips.
Know Your Sunscreen
Use “broad spectrum” sunscreen, which blocks the sun’s UVA and UVB rays, with SPF of 15 or higher.
Tip and Toss Curb your local mosquito population by emptying or getting rid of outside containers that hold stagnating water. Source: NC State
Cool Shades Keep window coverings closed during summer days to block the sun’s heat and help your air conditioner work less. Source: DOE
Tropical Storm Elsa was among those that affected North Carolina in 2021.
Above-Normal Hurricane Season Predicted
The Atlantic hurricane season began June 1 and runs through November, and this season is predicted to be busier than usual. The 2022 Atlantic hurricane season will see up to 21 named storms forming in the Atlantic basin, according to researchers at both NC State University and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The Atlantic basin includes the entire Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. The long-term average of named storms is 11.
Of the predicted named storms, seven to nine may grow strong enough to become hurricanes (the historical average is six), with the possibility of three to five storms becoming major hurricanes, according to NC State University.
Although no hurricanes made landfall in North Carolina in 2021, three tropical systems moving through the state — Claudette, Elsa and Fred — brought heavy rainfall, high winds and flooding. Hurricane Ida, which made landfall as a category 4 hurricane in Louisiana in September 2021, impacted communities as far north as New England.
“Hurricane Ida spanned nine states, demonstrating that anyone can be in the direct path of a hurricane and in danger from the remnants of a storm system,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “It’s important for everyone to understand their risk and take proactive steps to get ready now by visiting Ready.gov (Listo.gov en español) for preparedness tips, and by downloading the FEMA App to make sure you are receiving emergency alerts in real-time.”
Be Prepared For Whatever Mother Nature Brings
Whether storm clouds are on the horizon or a hurricane is in the forecast, NCStormCenter.coop is your one-stop-shop for important information to protect you and your family during severe weather. Resources include:
A real-time statewide outage map Information on what to do before, during and after a storm Specific resources for hurricanes, flooding, tornadoes and winter storms
EneryUnited’s Wayne Wilkins Retires After 51 Years of Service
Thomas Golden appointed as next CEO
In May, EnergyUnited CEO Wayne Wilkins retired following a career with electric co-ops that spans decades.
“Over the course of his storied career in the energy industry, Wayne was continually committed to supporting member and community service initiatives that positively impacted so many people,” said EnergyUnited Board Chairman and President Dr. Max Walser. “I am incredibly thankful to have had the opportunity to serve with Wayne and sincerely appreciate all that he has done on behalf of EnergyUnited members.”
Wilkins’ 51-year career with North Carolina’s electric cooperatives includes service as CEO of Davidson EMC, where he helped coordinate the consolidation of it and the neighboring Crescent EMC to form the present-day EnergyUnited, based in Statesville, in 1998. The co-op has since deployed new technologies to better serve members and increase reliability, including advanced metering infrastructure, smart grid technology and electric vehicle chargers.
His service to the electric cooperative network extends to the state level, where he served on the North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation and North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives (NCAEC) boards of directors, including providing guidance as NCAEC Board President in 1990 and serving on the NCAEC Executive Committee from 2008–2013. He has worked closely with legislators at the state and national levels, advocating on behalf of the communities served by electric cooperatives across North Carolina, and has supported political action as Chair of the Rural Electric Action Program.
“As I look back and ask myself the question of what I would do different, I don’t think I could’ve picked a better business to be in,” Wilkins told EnergyUnited members ahead of his retirement. “There are just so many incredible people and facets within this job that have pushed me and grown me as a leader, a friend and even a father.” Following the announcement of Wilkins’ retirement, EnergyUnited Board of Directors appointed Thomas Golden to serve as the cooperative’s next CEO.
Golden recently served at the co-op’s COO, where he was responsible for the oversight, implementation and execution of many strategic initiatives that focused on “There are just so developing growth opportunities, operational enhancemany incredible ments, improving member value and maintaining superior safety and reliability performance. He holds a Bachelor people and facets of Science degree in nuclear engineering and engineering within this job that physics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York, as well as a Master of Business Administration from have pushed me Wake Forest University. “I am honored to serve EnergyUnited members as the and grown me as cooperative’s CEO,” Golden said. “More than 115,000 a leader, a friend EnergyUnited members trust their cooperative each day to deliver safe, affordable, reliable and environmenand even a father.” tally-responsible energy. While these primary service pillars remain consistent, our members’ expectations will continue to evolve with the implementation of new technologies and innovative solutions. As EnergyUnited’s CEO, I’m excited to lead the cooperative into this future with member satisfaction always top of mind.”
Thomas Golden (left) will serve as EnergyUnited’s next CEO. Retiree and prior CEO Wayne Wilkins spent 51 years working with North Carolina’s electric cooperatives.
VisitNC.com As the son of a commercial fisherman, Beaufort native Carl Cannon, Jr., came by his love of the sea honestly — though some people would say he took a wrong turn along the way. As an adult, Cannon chose a life of pirating. He’s commander of a rowdy band of swashbucklers, mermaids and sailors landing at Gallant’s Channel September 23–25 for this year’s Beaufort Pirate Invasion (beaufortpirateinvasion.com).
“Pirates have gotten a bad rep, but it really depends which side you’re on,” says Carl, who spends his days organizing pirate invasions and volunteering at the Maritime Museum in this seaside town, which is nestled between the outlying Shackleford and Bogue banks.
“Over history pirates are typically robbers and thieves,” Carl adds, then slipping into character: “We are privateers, hired by kings and the wealthy to protect their property from their enemies, and sometimes it’s necessary to appropriate their cargo. We’re the good guys.”
Pirate activity in and around Beaufort harks back to the Golden Age of Piracy, when the infamous Blackbeard ran the Queen Anne’s Revenge aground in Beaufort Inlet in 1718, and in 1747 when Spanish privateers attacked and plundered the small town until local militia finally drove the attackers away.
It was that bit of tumultuous history that inspired the first event in 1960: a reenactment of the invasion performed by the local fire department.
“When I was just a kid, my mom would take me to the original Pirate Invasions, which started here in the early 1960s,” Carl says. “I can remember waiting on the docks for my dad to come home between fishing trips, and when I was pretty young, I was given my first rowboat. So between those early days and our family’s history with the sea, I guess I always dreamed about that kind of life.”
Invasions through the years
Those early Pirate Invasion events of the ’60s were two-hour performances featuring pirate antics and a bit of history, but after several years, interest waned. America’s Bicentennial and the tall ship cruises revitalized it.
“Around that time, well-known pirate Captain Horatio Sinbad joined in the fun for several years, and he and his ship ‘Meka II’ brought a new aspect to the event for a time,” Carl says. “Then we underwent another revival in the 1980s. The pandemic slowed us down, but all in all, we’ve done 48 events since the early 1960s.”
Before Carl took up the pirate life, he was a commercial fisherman and worked on a dredge boat. By 2012, he had purchased and outfitted a sailboat into an 18th-century replica of a pirate ship and began pirating. In 2017, he took over volunteer leadership as president of the Beaufort Pirate Invasion. The festival became a non-profit in 2015 so that it could raise money for charity — last year, the group funded a violin and a cello for the classical music program at East Carteret County High School.
Samantha Taylor Samantha Taylor
Samantha Taylor
Darryl Marsh
Swansboro swashbuckling
In May, Carl’s crew descended on Swansboro in Onslow County for its two-day Pirate Fest.
“There were boats, encampments, cannon firings, sword fights and even a pirate scavenger hunt,” says LaQuesha Cadwallader, recreation program supervisor with Onslow Parks and Recreation, which presented the event with Swansboro Parks and Recreation. “People just really like pirates.”
Event attendees got into the action. “Many of the adults and kids came dressed up like pirates,” Director of Swansboro Parks and Recreation Anna Stanley says. “And the invasion on the water with the battle between the ships is amazing. It’s one of my favorite annual events here.”
Upcoming piracy
In September, Carl and his pirate crew of nearly 40 will sail into Gallants Channel and set up their encampment on its shores, living the pirate life throughout the three-day festival. Battles between pirate ships, living history displays and reenactments, sword fights, mermaids, lady pirates and black-powder demonstrations bring the past alive.
The Motley Tones, Thunder and Spice and The Crossjacks set a pirate-style musical backdrop for magicians, stilt walkers, the Creative Flame fire dancers, peg-legged buccaneers, blacksmiths and axe-throwers.
“It’s our mission to keep the tradition alive with our pirate invasion events up and down the Atlantic Coast, showcasing the fun and history of this oft-maligned lifestyle,” he says. “Once you get to know us, you’ll find that our pirate crews are a friendly bunch who only pick up a sword when necessary, fire our cannons to demonstrate our might — and are a lot more bark than bite.”
Carl Cannon, Jr. (right), with Michael Taylor (aka Brax) at a past event
Pamela A. Keene is a freelance journalist who writes for magazines and newspapers across the Southeast and nationally.
The storied lives of Anne Bonny and Mary Read
By Donna Campbell Smith
Carolina colonial history is full of stories of pirates, evil men who preyed on unarmed vessels along the Atlantic coast. Sometimes the line between honest seaman and pirate was a fuzzy one. Perhaps the fuzziest line of all was drawn in the case of two pirates who sailed under the black flag of “Calico Jack” Rackham, who countered the typical image of a pirate — not because of what side of the law they were on, but because of their gender. They were the lady pirates Anne Bonny and Mary Read.
This dastardly duo were among a very few female pirates in recorded history, and most of what we know about them is drawn from the 1724 book, “A General History of the Pyrates.”
Anne Bonny
Anne Cormac was born in Ireland in 1702, the illegitimate daughter of William Cormac and his servant, Mary Brennan.
Cormac later sailed with his lover and baby to America. They settled near what is now Charleston, South Carolina. When Anne was a teenager, her mother died. Anne became manager of their plantation. She had a hot temper; legend tells she beat a man nearly to death with a chair when he made unwanted advances.
Fed up with the genteel life of the colonial South, she married James Bonny, who was known to dabble in pirating. That is how Anne met the pirate Calico Jack. They became lovers, and she ran off to sea with him. Anne gave birth to Jack’s child while they were in Cuba. (It is believed they left the baby with friends and went back to sea.)
By now, Anne was a full-fledged member of the crew. She dressed in men’s clothing, probably at Jack’s request. She was handy with sword and pistol, and quick to use them.
Anne next fell for one of Jack’s crewmen. Although in a twist fit for a swashbuckling movie script, Anne soon learned that fellow crewman “Mark” Read was also a female disguised in men’s clothing.
Mary “Mark” Read
Mary Read (aka Mark), began life differently than Anne. Born in England, she was disguised as a boy from infancy. Her widowed mother pretended Mary was a boy to receive a death benefit not otherwise available to a girl child.
When Mary was older, Mrs. Read hired her daughter out as a footboy. It wasn’t long before Mary tired of that job and ran away. She took on a position with a British man-of-war and later joined the army as a soldier.
Mary, still believed to be a man by all, fell in love with a fellow soldier. They kept her gender a secret until after their time with the army, at which point they became publicly married. Mary and her husband lived a normal and happy life running a tavern.
Then, Mary’s husband died. She failed with the tavern business and returned to the life she knew best. Disguised as a man she joined an army in Holland. Later she took a position on board a ship sailing for the West Indies.
Pirates, led by Calico Jack, attacked the merchant ship, and Mary was taken prisoner. From that time on, Mary was a pirate.
Divergent fates
It wasn’t long before Mary and Anne became aware that they were each a woman. Calico Jack, none the wiser at first, became jealous of “Mark” and threatened to slit his throat. Anne had to let him in on her and Mary’s secret.
But the drama didn’t end there. Mary had an affair with another crewman and became pregnant. Meanwhile, Calico Jack’s ship was captured, and the pirates were put on trial. The men were all sentenced to hang, with Jack scheduled to die the next day. He asked to see his beloved Anne before his execution, but if he’d hoped for sympathy, he got none. As Anne succinctly put it: “I am sorry to see you in this predicament, but had you fought like a man, you would not have to die like a dog.”
Mary and Anne were tried, however, both were pregnant at the time and since a pregnant woman could not receive the death penalty, their sentences were delayed.
Mary, however, died while in prison. Anne’s fate was unknown until the twentieth century, when a rumor surfaced that her name was found in a family Bible, along with a birth certificate and some letters. The birth certificate named a boy child, John Cormac Bonny, whose father was named as John Rackham.
If this rumor is true, it supports the theory that Anne’s father bought her pardon and sent her back to the Carolinas. Some believe Anne Bonny married a man named Joseph Burleigh, lived to a ripe old age and is buried in Virginia. But to this day, how Anne truly spent her later years remains a mystery.
Anne Bonny (left) and Mary Read
Strong storms. Stronger network.
Co-op ingenuity and innovation are adding strength and flexibility to our grid. Coupled with the dedication of crews from home and afar, cooperatives are ready for whatever summer weather brings.
NEWSCentral JULY 2022
Central provides care packages to military
Monthly newsletter from Central Electric Membership Corp. Central recently had the opportunity to serve individuals in our community who deserve recognition for the ongoing sacrifices they continually make: members of our military. Partnering with the Sandhills Area United Service Organizations (USO), Harnett County Partnership for Children and Life Springs Church, the co-op organized an effort to provide care packages for our local military families. Consisting of goodies for a “movie night,” along with care items from other organizations, the goal of the project was to provide an opportunity for our military families to relax and enjoy some time together. “Being so close to Fort Bragg, the military is near and dear to our heart as we serve a large number of military families between Sanford and the Spout Springs area,” said CEO & General Manager, Eddie Oldham. “Members of our military sacrifice so much day in and day out to protect our freedoms and their families make enormous sacrifices as well while they are away. While we could never provide anything that would
[L-R] Central’s Director of Marketing & Member Services, Janet Jackson, presents a check for $1,000 to USO Sandhills Area Center Operations and Programs Manager, Brian Knight. The funds will be used to help the USO provide programs and services for military members stationed at Fort Bragg. come close to matching what they do for us, this project was a way for us to show how thankful we are for each of them. Thank you to the members of the military and their families, we greatly appreciate each of you.” Scan this QR Code with your phone’s camera to watch a video and learn more about this project!
JULY 4 the Central Electric office will be closed for Independence Day. Crews will be on-call.
Understanding energy costs
From the desk of CEO & General Manager Eddie Oldham
Do you ever wonder what goes into the electricity rates for our members? Maybe you’ve wondered what the basic facility charge is for, or what a kilowatt-hour (kWh) is? These are all very common questions and if you have ever asked yourself those same questions, you are not alone. That’s why I want to take a second to help you understand what is behind the charges on your monthly bill. To start, it is important to understand how the electricity eventually makes it to your home. Before it is ever used to power your everyday needs, it is first generated at a power plant and transmitted through a network of transmission lines, substations and distribution electric lines. We purchase the electricity wholesale from a third party, through wholesale power agreements, and provide the means for the electricity to travel from our substations directly to your home across a system of poles, lines, transformers and other various equipment. The same as we bill our members each month, the co-op also purchases electricity on a monthly basis based on the peak demand of our system. Peak demand refers to the moment in time when our system is using the most amount of electricity. During the winter, this is typically in the morning when it is coldest outside and families are getting their day started, and during the summer, it is typically in the late afternoon at the hottest point of the day when everyone is starting to return home from school and work. basic facility charge is essentially each member’s share of the costs to maintain the system, i.e. poles, wires, substations, etc. This ensures that all equipment can be maintained and is operating efficiently to deliver reliable power to your home. The kWh charge is for your individual electricity consumption. A kWh is your electricity demand over a period of time. This is dependent upon what types of devices you are running in your home and extremely dependent upon the setting of your thermostat versus how hot or cold it is outside. This relates back to the peak demand billing to the co-op. When the electricity consumption of our members is at its highest, that is where the billing to the co-op is at its highest. As a not-for-profit provider, our goal is to serve our members as close to at-cost as possible, while keeping enough funds on hand to absorb any unforeseen circumstances that may occur, such as major storms or equipment malfunctions. Just like you, we are constantly working to make changes to our system to reduce our costs. We’re all in this together. When you save electricity, the co-op saves money, and when the co-op saves money, we all save money on electricity costs in the longrun. That’s the beauty of the cooperative business model; when you win, we all win. Rest assured, we are continually looking for ways to save you money on your electricity, now and well into the future. Until next time,
The Nominating Committee for the election of the Central Electric Board of Directors met June 6 to provide a slate of candidates for the 2022 Annual Meeting of the Members. Nominated for consideration are the following members: £ Frank Comer III, District 1 £ James Brooks, District 2 £ Charles E. Cameron, Sr., District 3. According to the Cooperative bylaws, any one hundred (100) or more members of the cooperative, acting together over their signatures not less than one hundred (100) days prior to the meeting, may make additional nominations in like manner listing the nominees separately with respect to the Directorate Districts.
The deadline for additional nominations is June 28. Once the full slate of nominees has been determined following the conclusion of the additional nomination period, the list will be posted at the Cooperative’s office at 128 Wilson Road, Sanford, N.C. The election will be conducted via online and mail-in ballots Aug. 23 through Sept. 23 as a part of the Annual Meeting of the Members. Look out for more information on the Annual Meeting and director voting process in your September issue of Carolina Country. The committee met June 6 and during the meeting, they nominated three-year terms for the following incumbents: Frank Comer III, District 1; James Brooks, District 2; Charles E. Cameron, Sr., District 3.
Annual Meeting scholarship
Central Electric is committed to supporting our communities, which is why the co-op has a variety of programs that aim to develop and support our local youth. As part of the Annual Meeting of the Members, Central Electric is awarding a $2,000 scholarship to a student who is a Central Electric member or a child of a member. The scholarship will be awarded through a random drawing during the “virtual” Annual Meeting on Oct. 7. The deadline for entries is Friday, Sept. 16. Scan this QR Code with your phone’s camera to visit the “Annual Meeting of the Members” page at CEMCPower.com for more information on qualification requirements or to apply for the random drawing!
Ah, summer. Cookouts, swimming pools, camping––it’s the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. And when it’s time to come back indoors, there’s nothing better than that cool blast you feel from your home’s air conditioning unit. Your heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system is essential to keeping your home comfortable during summer months, and if it breaks down, it’s also the most expensive equipment to repair or replace. Luckily, there are simple steps you can take to lengthen the life of your HVAC system. Change or clean filters. Dirty filters block airflow, which can greatly decrease the efficiency of your system. The Department of Energy recommends changing or cleaning filters every month or two during the cooling season. If your unit is in constant use or is subjected to dusty conditions or pet hair, consider checking filters more frequently. Clean the HVAC unit. Outdoor condenser coils can become clogged with pollen, dirt and small debris. Use a hose to spray the HVAC unit once each season to ensure maximum airflow. (Warning: Do not use a pressure washer to do this, as it can damage the equipment.)
Are you ever unsure of how your home is using electricity on a daily basis? To help, the cooperative has a trained staff of energy experts available to help you become more energy efficient and understand just where your energy dollars are being spent. Our experts can help you determine the right steps for maximizing the efficiency of your home, including whether an in-home energy audit will help find more savings and reduce your energy costs each month. Contact us at 919-774-4900 to schedule an appointment.
Clear space around the HVAC unit. Dryer vents, falling leaves and grass left behind from the lawnmower can create buildup. Remove any debris around the HVAC unit. If you have foliage near the unit, trim it back at least 2 feet around the condenser to increase airflow. You should also have your HVAC system periodically inspected by a licensed professional. The frequency of inspections depends on the age of your unit, but the Department of Energy recommends scheduling tune-ups during the spring and fall, when contractors aren’t as busy. With a little maintenance along the way, you can add years to your system’s lifespan.
128 Wilson Road P.O. Box 1107 Sanford, NC 27331
OFFICE HOURS
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
CONTACT
Phone: (919) 774-4900 Bill Payment: (866) 488-5011 Eddie Oldham CEO & General Manager
DIRECTORS
Rebecca G. Cogan, President Tommy Dalrymple, Vice President James B. Brooks, Secretary-Treasurer W. Phillip Thompson, Asst. Secretary Charles E. Cameron, Sr., Frank Comer III, Dr. Nancy G. Holmes, Henry Outz, Tim Priest and Henry Randolph. James Taylor, Editor This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
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