31 minute read
More Power
from 2022-07-PEMC
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.
Connection
PIEDMONT ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE MEMBER NEWSLETTER | JULY 2022
Reducing Outages With Right of Way Trimming
Electricity powers the air conditioning that keeps us cool, the television that entertains us and the pot of coffee that gets us through the morning. Nobody likes being without power! That’s why we strive to prevent outages before they happen. One of the ways we do this is through right-of-way trimming.
What Happens During the Right-of-Way Trimming Process?
Each month, our right-of-way crews trim back the trees and other vegetation to ensure that they don’t interfere with power lines. We understand the importance of vegetation in our area, which is why we only remove limbs when necessary. In order to give large utility vehicles access to power lines, we make sure there is 50 feet of clearance on both sides of a transmission line and 15 feet on either side of a distribution line.
One misconception about right-of-way trimming is that one crew does it all. In reality, there are often multiple crews that are part of the process. For example, the trimming crew cuts down the limbs, while a clean-up crew will come through a few days afterwards to clean up the discarded pieces. This explains why there are sometimes limbs left behind by the trimming crew. There are also crews that spray non-toxic solutions to prevent new growth in our rightof-way areas. Rest assured, these sprays are not harmful to humans, pets or animals. We also only use them in transmission line rights-of-way and we give extra notification to these members.
How Does This Prevent Outages?
Right-of-way trimming helps prevent trees and limbs from falling on power lines during storms. As a result, there are fewer outages in our service area. Even when an outage does occur, this preventative maintenance allows us to better access downed lines since the areas aren’t overgrown with trees. This helps us get the lights back on faster. When Will My Right-of-Way Be Cleared?
We trim all of our lines once every three years. We email members before trimming and will either speak with members directly or leave a door hanger before trimming. Call us at 800.222.3107 or email info@pemc.coop to make sure we have your up-to-date email address.
Remember, clean up crews could take a few days to get to your property. To learn more about our right-of-way process, please visit pemc.coop/right-of-way.
Does Piedmont Electric Remove Trees That Could Fall On Power Lines?
• Piedmont Electric will gladly take down dead trees that are endangering our primary lines at no cost to our members.
However, we do not clean up debris from these trees which will be the responsibility of the member. If you have a tree on your property that you feel may fall on primary lines, please contact us. • Please note that we do not take down dead trees near service lines which are the lines that run from our primary lines to your home. Members would need to hire a tree service to cut these trees. If needed,
Piedmont Electric will drop the service line while trees are removed at no cost to member.
• Contact us at info@pemc.coop or 800.222.3107 to have one of these services scheduled. IMPORTANT DATES
July
A peak demand month
As temperatures rise, so does energy use. Be mindful to conserve energy where you can during hot weekday hours from 1-6 p.m.
July 4
Independence Day
Piedmont Electric offices will be closed on July 4 and employees will be on call.
16 Beat The Peak To Help
Keep Rates Low 17 Sizzling Summer Savings 18 Are You Up For The (Energy-Saving) Challenge?
July Is A Peak Month
Watch for Beat the Peak alerts via text or email to limit power use during peak times to save money for you and your co-op. Turn the page to learn more!
Our new drive-thru hours are officially in place at our Hillsborough and Roxboro offices. You can see a full list of the changes on page 16 and at pemc.coop/drive-thru-changes. Offices are closed Mondays and Fridays except for scheduled appointments.
Beat the Peak to Help Keep Rates Low
Being part of a cooperative means being part of something bigger than yourself. For example, when we work collectively to lower our energy use, we can lower the rates we pay for electricity, benefitting everyone in the cooperative. One of the easiest ways to do this is by joining our energy-saving programs like Beat the Peak.
WHAT IS A PEAK?
Peaks are times throughout the day when our members use the greatest amount of electricity. Since part of our power supply cost is determined by energy demand during peak times, using less power during these times helps keep costs down for all members. Peak times happen on summer, weekday afternoons when our members use more air conditioning to stay comfortable or on winter, weekday mornings when our members use more heat to stay warm. If we can all reduce our energy use just a little bit during these times, we can lower the demand for power across our service area. This is the best way to help us all save money on electricity costs.
HOW DOES BEATING THE PEAK HELP THE ENVIRONMENT?
Reducing energy usage during peak times not only helps your bill, but it can also benefit the planet. Peak power usually comes from natural gas or coal which produces more carbon than our baseload, carbonfree nuclear power. Additionally, using less power is better for the environment overall since it helps prevent the need for building more power plants. Beating the peak truly benefits everyone.
HOW CAN I HELP?
When you receive a Beat the Peak notification, try to conserve energy. For example, you might wait to do your laundry or run your dishwasher outside of peak hours. You can also turn your thermostat up in the summer or down in the winter for even more savings. When you participate in our Beat the Peak program, small changes can lead to big results!
HOW DO I SIGN UP?
Email info@pemc.coop or call 800.222.3107 to make sure we have your current email address. If you want a text message then text BTPEAK (first and last name) to 800.222.3107.
Drive-Thru Changes Start July 1
Starting July 1, our Hillsborough and Roxboro drive-thrus will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, with drive-thrus being closed on Mondays and Fridays. Our lobbies will remain closed to visitors each day except by appointment.
The Caswell office drive-thru will continue to remain open only on Wednesdays. Employees will still be available to help members via phone, email, SmartHub, website and social media Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ElecTel’s hours at the Hillsborough office will not change while ElecTel at the Roxboro office will be closed on Mondays and Fridays. 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.
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, by calling 800.222.3107 and using our automated system; online using SmartHub or Pay Now; or in-person at any Western Union or MoneyGram location. For all our payment options visit pemc.coop/payment-options. We are here to help any member who needs help transitioning to a different payment option. Please call us at 800.222.3107 or you can schedule an appointment for a personal training option. We will walk you through your options and how to use each method.
Sizzling Summer Savings
Temperatures are on the rise, which often cause higher bills. Don’t worry though! Here at Piedmont Electric, we have energy-saving resources that can help you save money even during the hottest months of the year.
Reduce Energy Use With These Tips
Adjust your thermostat. Turning your thermostat to 78°F during the summer can help you save on cooling costs while still maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home. If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, you can let that do the work for you, making it even easier to save. Skip the stove. Using your oven and stove requires a lot of electricity, especially if you’re cooking multiple times per day. To help you save money, consider using your grill, microwave, air fryer or slow cooker, all of which use less energy to cook your food. Put your blinds to work. During the day, be sure to close your blinds and your drapes to keep the sun from warming your home. This will help you maintain a cooler temperature and prevent your air conditioner from working harder. Wash strategically. Washing your clothes and your dishes relies on electricity to heat the water and run the machinery. Help cut back on your energy use by only washing full loads together instead of partial loads. Consider letting your clothes and dishes air dry for additional savings. For more energy-efficiency tips, visit pemc.coop/101-energy-saving-tips.
Join These Programs to Save Even More
Another way to save on electricity costs is to join money-saving programs that are available exclusively to Piedmont Electric members. Consider joining any (or all!) of the following programs to help you use energy more efficiently.
• Time-of-day, which allows you to pay a lower rate for energy used during off-peak hours.
• Smart thermostat savings program, which helps you lower your cooling costs during the summer. Must have WiFi to participate. • Load management, which helps you reduce usage and save money on your air conditioning and water heating costs.
• Beat the Peak, which reminds you to conserve energy during peak times. • EV time-of-day, which allows you to pay a lower rate for energy used to charge your electric vehicle during off-peak hours.
Are You Up for the (Energy-Saving) Challenge?
When it comes to saving energy, our motto is that a little goes a long way. That philosophy is why we’ve created a 4-week challenge for our members. By making one small change per week this summer, you can notice a difference in your bill by the end of the month. Join us in this challenge and see how much you can save as a result!
WEEK 1: ADJUST YOUR THERMOSTAT
For the first week of our challenge, adjust your thermostat to help you save on cooling costs. As a good rule of thumb, we recommend setting it to 78°F during the summer. To help you save even more, use a smart or programmable thermostat to set a schedule for your system. For example, if you’re out during the day for work, adjust your thermostat so it’s not cooling an empty home. Then, have the schedule set to cool down to 78°F shortly before you get home.
WEEK 2: CHANGE YOUR AIR FILTERS
Did you know that dirty air filters are a sneaky culprit for higher electricity bills? When your filters are dirty, your system has to work harder to pass cool air through your home. Since your system has to run longer, you’ll end up paying more than you would if your filters were clean. Change out your filters for this week’s challenge and set a reminder to replace them monthly going forward for maximum efficiency.
WEEK 3: UNPLUG UNUSED DEVICES
The third week of our challenge is a simple task. Take a look around your home and identify any electronic devices or appliances that are plugged in but not in use. This can include things like a laptop or gaming console. Even when these devices are turned off, they can still use electricity, leading to a higher bill. Take the time to unplug them when you’re not using them to help you save.
WEEK 4: SEAL YOUR DUCTS
Leaking or damaged duct work prevents your air conditioned or heated air from getting to the rooms you want to cool or heat. Instead, the conditioned air leaks out and wastes electricity. Sealing and insulating ducts can go a long way toward lowering your electricity bills.
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 Drive-Thru Hours: Tuesday,Wednesday and Thursday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Caswell Drive-Thru Hours: Wednesday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Offices are closed except for scheduled appointments. 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 David Poythress, Secretary Richal Vanhook, Treasurer Steven P. Bailey, Stephen C. Long, V. Kay Scurlock-Ferguson, 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 phone number connected to your account online through SmartHub, by completing the form on your monthly bill or by calling 800.222.3107.
Use the SmartHub app to report an outage or online at pemc. smarthub.coop/#reportanissue:. 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.
$79 Stauer® Impossible Price ONLY
“This ring is incredibly beautiful — the pictures do not do it justice! ...well worth the price.” — K. M., Palm Coast, FL
— Henry Platt, former president and chairman of Tiffany & Company
EXCLUSIVE FREE
Tanzanite Stud Earrings -a $99 value-
with your purchase of the Sunburst Tanzanite Ring
African Gem Cutter Makes $2,689,000 Mistake... Will You?
This story breaks my heart every time. Allegedly, just two years after the discovery of tanzanite in 1967, a Maasai tribesman knocked on the door of a gem cutter’s office in Nairobi. The Maasai had brought along an enormous chunk of tanzanite and he was looking to sell. His asking price? Fifty dollars. But the gem cutter was suspicious and assumed that a stone so large could only be glass. The cutter told the tribesman, no thanks, and sent him on his way. Huge mistake. It turns out that the gem was genuine and would have easily dwarfed the world’s largest cut tanzanite at the time. Based on common pricing, that “chunk” could have been worth close to $3,000,000! The tanzanite gem cutter missed his chance to hit the jeweler’s jackpot ... and make history. Would you have made the same mistake then? Will you make it today?
In the decades since its discovery, tanzanite has become one
of the world’s most coveted gemstones. Found in only one remote place on Earth (in Tanzania’s Merelani Hills, in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro), the precious purple stone is 1,000 times rarer than diamonds. Luxury retailers have been quick to sound the alarm, warning that supplies of tanzanite will not last forever. And in this case, they’re right. Once the last purple gem is pulled from the Earth, that’s it. No more tanzanite. Most believe that we only have a twenty year supply left, which is why it’s so amazing for us to offer this incredible price break. Some retailers along Fifth Avenue are more than happy to charge you outrageous prices for this rarity. Not Stauer. Staying true to our contrarian nature, we’ve decided to lower the price of one of the world’s rarest and most popular gemstones. This stunning two-total carat Sunburst Tanzanite Ring features marquise-cut gems set dramatically in gorgeous sterling silver. Each facet sparkles with the distinct violet-blue hue of the precious stones. But we don’t stop there. While supplies last, we’ll include these tanzanite studs FREE with your purchase of the ring — a $99 value! Limited Availability. We only have 1200, 954 left for this ad only. Of course, your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. If you are not completely aglow with the Sunburst Tanzanite Ring, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price. But, please don’t wait, our supply is dropping rapidly.
Jewelry Speci cations:
• 2 ctw genuine tanzanite set in .925 sterling silver setting; whole sizes 5–10 Sunburst Tanzanite Ring (2 ctw) $349 $79* + S&P Save $270
Plus FREE Tanzanite Studs (½ ctw) with your purchase of the Sunburst Tanzanite Ring — a $99 value!
* Special price only for customers using the offer code.
1-800-333-2045
Your Offer Code: TZR662-12
Stauer, 14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. TZR662-12, Burnsville, MN 55337 www.stauer.com Stauer® | AFFORD THE EXTRAORDINARY ®
