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from 2022-07-WEC
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.
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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.
Watch Out! How to Avoid Utility Scams 16
Summer Storm Safety Tips 17
For members of Wake Electric Membership Corporation
Creedmoor Volunteer Fire Department Receives a $800,000 ZeroInterest Loan for Fire Truck
The Creedmoor Volunteer Fire Department (CVFD) has a new ladder truck in its fleet thanks to a zero-interest loan provided by Wake Electric.
The funds were loaned by Wake EMC as part of the Business Development Loan program through North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation (NCEMC). The program provides zero-interest funds to local electric cooperatives who in turn lend the money to local entities for projects that support rural areas. The $800,000 loan from the electric cooperative will go towards an E-ONE “ Custom HR 100 Ladder for the Elm Street fire station in Creedmoor.
“This loan program underscores an important cooperative principle: concern for community,” said Wake EMC General Manager & CEO Jim Mangum. “This is why our co-op was originally founded, to meet a need that existed in our community.” Members of the Creedmoor VFD, City Officials from Creedmoor and Wake EMC Board Members This loan to the CVFD is just another way that Wake EMC supports our communities far beyond our electric service. The new truck will help the fire This is why our co- department deliver their services in a op was originally safer and more effective manner and will serve alongside a Spartan EVR Star Series founded, to meet a Pumper Truck that CVFD financed through ” Wake EMC in 2016. “As a locally owned co-op, it is our mission to support the communities we serve,” Mangum said. “We want to help make sure this area continues to be a safe place to live, need that existed in our community. work and raise a family.”
OFFICES CLOSED
Wake EMC offices will be closed Monday, July 4, in honor of Independence Day. For emergencies, call 800.474.6300. Call to report outages: 919.863.6499 or 800.743.3155 Regular office hours: M–F, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Telephone hours: M–F, 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m., 919.863.6300 or 800.474.6300 Underground locating service: Call 811 Dedicated pay-by-phone number: 866.999.4593
Summer Utility Scams Heating Up, Consumers Be Warned
Scammers don't take summer vacations and reported efforts to rip off utility consumers have been picking up in recent weeks. Learn more about common types of scams and how you can defend yourself.
Common Types of Scams
A scammer may claim you are overdue on your electric bill and threaten to disconnect your service if you don’t pay immediately. Whether this is done in-person, by phone, text or email, the scammers want to scare you into immediate payment so you don’t have time to think clearly. If this happens over the phone, simply hang up. If you’re concerned about your bill, call Wake Electric at 800.474.6300.
If the scam is by email or text, delete it before taking any action. If you’re unsure, you can always contact us by calling or use SmartHub to check the status of your account. Remember, Wake EMC will never attempt to demand immediate payment after just one notice.
Some scammers may falsely claim you have been overcharged on your bill and say they want to give a refund. It sounds easy. All you have to do is click or press a button to initiate the process. If you proceed, you will be prompted to provide banking or other personal information. Instead of money going into your bank account, the scammers can drain your account and use personal information such as a social security number for identity theft.
If this “refund” scam happens over the phone, just hang up and block the phone number to prevent future robocalls. If this scam attempt occurs via email (known as a “phishing” attempt) or by text (“smishing”), do not click any links. Instead, delete it, and block the sender if possible. When in doubt, contact us.
Defend Yourself Against Scams
Be wary of call or texts from unknown numbers. Be suspicious of an unknown person claiming to be a utility worker who requests banking or other personal information. Never let anyone into your home that you don’t know unless you have a scheduled appointment or reported a problem. When we perform work on our members’ property or come into your home, our employees are professionals and will always identify themselves.
We want to help protect our community against utility scams, and you can help create the first line of defense. Please report any potential scams to Wake EMC at 800.474.6300 so we can spread the word to prevent others in the community from falling victim.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIP OF THE MONTH - SMART PLUGS
If you’re looking to add smart technology to your home, consider smart plugs. Smart plugs are inexpensive and can be used to control lighting and other electronic devices through a smart phone app. With smart plugs, you can conveniently manage lighting, home office equipment, video game consoles and more. By powering off unused devices when you’re away, you can save energy and money.
Summer Storms: Safety Tips for Before, During and After
Summer is a time for many fun-filled activities, but the season can also bring severe, dangerous weather. Talk to your loved ones about storm safety so that everyone is prepared and knows exactly what to do when a storm strikes.
Before the Storm
〉 Talk to your family about what to do in the event of a severe storm or tornado. Point out the safest location to shelter, like a small, interior, windowless room on the lowest level of your home. Discuss the dangers of severe thunderstorms; lightning can strike 10 miles outside of a storm. Remember: when you hear thunder roar, head indoors. 〉 Make a storm kit. It doesn’t have to be elaborate—having a few items on hand is better than nothing at all. Try to include items like water, non-perishable foods, a manual can opener, a first-aid kit, flashlights and extra batteries, prescriptions, baby supplies and pet supplies. Keep all the items in one place for easy access if the power goes out.
During the Storm
〉 Pay attention to local weather alerts—either on the TV, your smartphone or weather radio—and understand the types of alerts. A thunderstorm or tornado watch means these events are possible and you should be prepared; a warning means a thunderstorm or tornado has been spotted in your area and it’s time to take action.
〉 If you find yourself in the path of a tornado, head to your safe place to shelter and protect yourself by covering your head with your arms or materials like blankets and pillows. 〉 If you’re driving during a severe storm or tornado, do not try to outrun it. Pull over and cover your body with a coat or blanket if possible.
After the Storm
〉 If your power is out, please report it by calling Wake EMC’s outage reporting number at 800.743.3155 or through SmartHub. 〉 Conserve your phone battery as much as possible, limiting calls and texts to let others know you are safe or for emergencies only. 〉 Stay off the roads if trees, power lines or utility poles are down.
Lines and equipment could still be energized, posing life-threatening risks to anyone who gets too close. 〉 When up cleaning storm debris, stay away from downed lines (power, telephone or cable) and call 911 to report immediately.
Do not touch any object that is in contact with downed power lines— especially objects that can transmit electricity such as water or metal.
Educators: Apply Early for a Bright Ideas Grant and be Entered to Win $100
It pays to apply early for a Bright Ideas education grant! Teachers who submit their grant applications by the Aug. 15 early bird deadline will be entered into a statewide drawing to win one of five $100 gift cards.
The final deadline to apply for a Bright Ideas grant of up to $3,000 from Wake Electric is Sept. 15 by 5 p.m.
Since the program began in 1994, Wake Electric has given more than $1 million in Bright Ideas grants to public school teachers in Durham, Franklin, Granville, Johnston, Nash, Vance and Wake counties. Overall, North Carolina educators have received more than $14.3 million statewide in Bright Ideas grant funding for nearly 13,500 projects benefiting 2.8 million North Carolina students.
Visit ncbrightideas.com to learn more about the program and application information.
Published monthly by Wake Electric
PO Box 1229 100 S. Franklin Street Wake Forest, NC 27588 wemc.com
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Suzy Morgan President Mike Dickerson Vice President Joe Eddins Secretary Bob Hill Treasurer Greg Fuller Joe Hilburn Reuben Matthews Allen Nelson Rodney Privette
PERSONNEL Jim Mangum General Manager & CEO Kirk Metcalf Manager, Member Services Don Bowman Assistant General Manager/ VP of Engineering & Operations Scott Poole Vice President of Customer Service
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