Energy Sense

Isaac Newton once said, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” This quote has never rung more true than where we currently sit as a co-op today. Our co-op story is saturated with the thought of using the understanding gained by those before us to make progress, and Roanoke Electric Cooperative’s strategy is no different.

This year, we reached a sunset on our multi-year strategy known as Responding to the Call. This strategy was a culmination of nearly eight years of strategy execution leading to several highimpact highlights. This strategy’s initiative efforts forged through the highs and lows of the pandemic, still addressing many of the needs of our communities and responding to the call to serve our membership.

As we closed out that strategy in 2021, noteworthy highlights included: è Since rebooting its Roanoke

Connect initiative in 2020, more than 1,600 subscribers have been connected to the co-op’s fiber network, allowing them to experience high-speed internet and smart grid energy efficiency capabilities. This program enables our member-owners to reap savings on energy costs in deploying Wi-

Fi-enabled thermostats and water heater devices. This effort has allowed us to see first-hand how this region badly needs broadband.

As we continue to make progress in broadband deployment, we have created a multipronged strategy to ensure that everyone has access. Our path to get there has involved us aggressively going after grant opportunities to support these efforts. Additionally, our plan to pass more homes and compete within and outside of the cooperative’s network will help us build a case to ensure that everyone has broadband access—even in the most remote locations. è Last year, more than 1,200 retrofits were completed through our

Upgrade to $ave program. Memberowners continue to receive free energy assessments for their homes and businesses to identify cost-saving energy upgrades. A major milestone of this initiative last year was the completion of measurement and verification on these projects. Projections are one thing, but verifying actual memberowner savings is better. It’s very encouraging to know that our member-owners are saving money by participating in Upgrade to $ave. è Your co-op also made great strides with its Electric Vehicle Pilot

Program. Not only has the co-op enrolled three member-owners in the program, but we also installed the area’s first public DC-fast EV charger reducing range anxiety for individuals driving electric vehicles through our region. In turn, this will help stimulate an

EV market and make the process simpler for those in the market for an EV. Fortunately, we’ve already put together a good program, and we are taking it to another level to assist member-owners with making their EV purchase. As the adoption rate gains momentum in the region, we anticipate the installation of even more public chargers to relieve range anxiety. è Another notable effort for which the co-op laid the foundation in 2021 included a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategy. Specifically, the co-op explored how this strategy can serve as a significant catalyst in demonstrating value and advantages to impact this region.

Moving forward, the co-op plans to measure the results of the impact in its new corporate strategy. è Peter Drucker once said, “what gets measured, gets managed.” As a firm believer in that statement, the co-op focused a lot on managing big data and remained laser-focused on organizational development. To that end, we established a balanced organization prepared for growth in the broadband space while managing costs on the electric utility side. Managing data has been paramount in our ability to balance those efforts.

We are proud of the many milestones we’ve witnessed as we close out our initial strategy and this report will detail those key accomplishments.

As Newton alluded to, these accomplishments have laid the foundation that will allow us to see further and carry forward into the next phase – Vision 2025. Not only are we preserving a great existing strategy, but we are also building on that strategy to complete some of the initiatives that were started and anticipate reaping the benefits of a more efficient organization as we engage member-owners in efforts that truly demonstrate value.

Respectfully,

Located in one of the most economically challenged regions in northeastern North Carolina, Roanoke Electric Cooperative prides itself in providing life-enhancing opportunities for nearly 14,200 member-owners in its service territory. Since 2015, our entire corporate strategy and its many components have been couched under the challenge of responding to the call in serving our membership.

For years, we’ve expressed our overall strategy through the following strategic pillars and core values: è Improve Reliability: Central to our mission, deeply embedded within many of the initiatives we undertake and the investments we make, is meeting your expectation of “keeping the lights on.” è Leverage Technology: We embrace innovative technologies that support our efforts to provide superior service to our member-owners and enable the adoption of best practices. è Build Member Value: We strive to deliver effective and high-impact, diversified programs and services to our member-owners, underscoring our compassion and commitment for the communities we serve. In this multi-year strategy, your co-op has been laser-focused on ensuring it earned your satisfaction. We are proud to announce we have reached some significant milestones in those efforts over the years. Our quest to earn your satisfaction gave birth to several initiatives aimed at actions that speak directly to creating value beyond providing electricity.

Service Reliability Score

Leading in Reliability with Big Data

Service reliability has been a major driving factor in earning member-owner satisfaction for years. While we have gladly answered your call in providing a service that goes beyond enhancing your quality of life, we realize that delivering the essential electric service you can rely on is critical. Just as important is our ability to measure and manage how well we keep the lights on. This desire has resulted in a comprehensive data strategy where the use of real data continues to verify and drive our decision-making for success.

Through data, the following initiatives have been noteworthy in supporting our goal of achieving reliable service:

Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Deployment: The 2020 completion of our advanced metering infrastructure project well-positioned us this year to fulfill a data strategy that set the stage for our ability to predict energy consumption and has allowed us to be more proactive in the following areas: è Increasing member-owners’ savings potential by communicating abnormal energy consumption; è Improving our ability to get ahead of member-owners contacting us through early power outage detection; è Refining the co-op’s system automation to a point where we can enhance our optimization of the grid and how we deliver power across assets without waste. This will ultimately help us manage all devices on our system so that we can monitor and troubleshoot at any given time. A critical component of us being able to communicate this valuable data across our system is ensuring the integrity of the system’s physical infrastructure – specifically the more than 2,000 miles of line and poles.

Pole Replacements: Wooden poles serve a litany of purposes critical to the overall operation of our system. In the elements, wood rots and deteriorates over time and has an average lifespan of up to 40 years. With an 83-yearold system, the co-op routinely replaces poles to ensure our ability to keep your lights on. The co-op’s operations and

8.77

maintenance team replaced several hundred poles in 2021 for fiber “make ready” efforts to install additional assets to our poles.

Right-of-Way Maintenance: Another major threat to the reliability of the co-op’s electrical system is trees and other vegetation growing around our power lines. In 2021, Roanoke Electric continued using a combination of tree trimming and spraying to maintain its rights-of-way. Work

What’s the Big Deal with Big Data? Our ability to collect accurate data across the system helps your co-op make more informed decisions in avoiding the additional capacity needed to deliver electricity. Managing this capacity is critical to our ability to reduce the cost of electricity for our member-owners.

Technology: Providing Increased Affordability and Ease of Access

Cybersecurity: According to the International Telecommunication Union, during the COVID-19 pandemic,

Internet user ranks grew from 4.1 billion in 2019 to 4.9

billion in 2021. While the pandemic has allowed the co-op flexibility in working remotely, our focused approach on people, process, and technology has helped us prepare and defend our system’s reliability and data against cybersecurity threats. With increases in cyberattacks across the country, our co-op staff has been empowered with solutions to help protect not only your sensitive data but also the nation’s power grid.

Last year, there were notable solutions included: è Implement internal network protection to recognize the good, the bad, and the gray: While other endpoint security products only collect datasets related to what is known as bad, we continuously collect endpoint activity data because attackers intentionally try to look normal to hide their attacks. è Practice makes perfect: Continued Monthly

Cybersecurity Training for each employee and contractors that access our business network. Team members also attend national training in developing actionable cybersecurity metrics to measure and improve progress. è Network with the experts: Roanoke Electric became a member of E-ISAC (Electricity Information Sharing and

Analysis Center). Peer groups connect E-ISAC portal members with the industry’s sharpest experts to share best practices and lessons learned and serve as a forum for networking and engaging discussions. è Remote Security: The co-op upgraded its remote access software as a better solution for IT/help desk remote support to any device on our network.

These solutions ultimately led to a more efficient workforce with the following results: è Use Microsoft Teams software to enhance virtual collaboration among staff and other team members. è Enabled member service representatives to work remotely and successfully answer more than 52,500 inbound calls during 2021. With the increase in technological expansion, the co-op made strides in increasing the affordability and access to opportunities across the energy spectrum.

Last year, the co-op continued its electric vehicle pilot initiative, offering participating member-owners a reduced rate for charging their electric vehicles. These EV owners have the added convenience of choosing their rate package and “re-charging” at home with a new charging station, valued at $1,700.

In September 2021, Roanoke Electric ramped up its efforts to make early adoption of electric vehicles that much more affordable through its philanthropic partners by offering a new $5,000 incentive to 17 prospective EV owners. The funding opportunity results from an $85,000 grant awarded to the co-op by the Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation, a philanthropic organization seeking to alleviate poverty and increase social and economic justice in 11 southern states.

In recognizing that not all member-owners interested in EVs can bear the upfront cost of purchasing one, this incentive promotes inclusivity. It stimulates a market to ensure EV ownership benefits are accessible to all memberowners.

As a result of the various offerings of the pilot program, the co-op enrolled more member-owners in its pilot program in 2021.

In April, Roanoke Electric

Cooperative unveiled its first rapid-charging station for electric vehicles in its service territory this week at a ribbon-cutting ceremony in

Halifax, NC. The co-op purchased the cutting-edge, three-phase power charger, which has been deployed at the Oasis Travel Center, a truckstop near Exit 168, off Interstate 95. Called the EdgeEV70, this type of fast-charging station is a rarity in the state’s northeastern region. It can provide EVs a full battery charge in approximately 30 minutes versus the four to six hours provided by a lower-phase charging station. EdgeEnergy, a subsidiary of Cincinnatibased Single Phase Power Solutions LLC, manufactured and installed the power source at the truck stop located at 10401 Route 903 in Halifax.

off the dealer’s lot the owner of a shiny new 2019 Chevy Bolt in early January 2021, she also became a trailblazer of sorts—moving to the front of the line for an exclusive offer that sweetens the deal.

Even with all the financial perks, the driving force behind D’Angelo’s EV purchase is a heartfelt one. “I’m a tree hugger,” she said. “And I’m a firm believer that we have to leave something for our future children. If we keep going the way we are without any regard for how it affects our environment, I’m afraid we won’t have anything.”

Co-op’s EV Pilot Program announces the second participant on the

road to savings. Montgomery Clemons and his wife, Janet, are the new proud owners of a midnight-blue Tesla P85 Model S. The Gates County residents also secured the second of ten slots, entitling them to a discounted rate for charging his car, a free home charging station and a $1000 cash bonus—all compliments of the co-op. When asked what motivated them to purchase their EV last March, Mr. Clemons said the co-op’s pilot program was a key factor. “I’ll be honest, one of the incentives that helped us do this was the $1,000. And giving us the charging equipment was an added bonus.” While the co-op had already put together a good program, this year’s efforts took it to another level in assisting member-owners in stimulating the EV market by installing additional public chargers in the region to relieve range anxiety permeating our region.

Mending the Digital Divide with Roanoke Connect

In 2021, Roanoke Connect capitalized on the momentum gained from its revised strategy to deliver high-speed internet service to the region.

Consistent with its previous plan, the network will be able to power smart devices, such as smart thermostats, to monitor energy consumption and ultimately reduce energy costs for member-owners. To date, the following progress has been made:

è Built over 236 miles of fiber è Able to deliver service to over 2,700 homes and businesses

The co-op has also set up several locations throughout its service area so community members can access a free Wi-Fi connection. The hot spots are set up in Bertie, Hertford, Gates, Northampton, and Halifax counties at the following public locations: Roanoke Electric Cooperative – 518 NC Hwy 561 W, Aulander, NC The Roanoke Center – 409 N Main St, Rich Square, NC Mapleton Substation – 307 Collin Rd, Murfreesboro, NC Jackson Substation – 540 Mt Carmel Rd, Jackson, NC Roanoke Rapids Substation – 1205 Three Bridges Rd, Roanoke Rapids, NC William R. Davie Middle School – 4391 US Hwy 158, Roanoke Rapids, NC Cool Spring Baptist Church – 1400 NC Hwy 137, Eure, NC Tarheel Bar-B-Q – 9 US Hwy 13 S, Eure, NC

Mr. and Mrs. Rogers are joyful to finally have Roanoke Connect internet available. They are pleased to have reliable internet service for their grandkids who can learn remotely from home without interruptions and distractions from an unreliable internet connection. Roanoke Connect will deliver the speeds her family needs for their home. They are so happy to have internet from a local provider that she can trust will provide quality service. Signing up was easy, and the installation went well.

Tillery Community Center – 321 Community Center Rd, Halifax, NC Northampton Co High School – 152 Hurricane Dr, Gaston, NC Squire Elementary School – 4671 NC Hwy 46, Gaston, NC Hollister Elementary School – 37432 NC Hwy 561, Hollister, NC Inborden Elementary STEAM Academy – 13587 NC Hwy 481, Enfield, NC Pittman Elementary School – 25041 NC Hwy 561, Enfield, NC Scotland Neck Elementary Leadership Academy – 901 Jr High School Rd, Scotland Neck, NC

Roanoke Electric Cooperative received $50,000 through this program to support low-and-moderate income member-owners’ participation in Community Solar Access. Community solar projects expand access to solar energy for all, including lowto-moderate income consumers most impacted by a lack of access, while building a more sustainable, distributed, and resilient electric grid.

Upgrade to $ave: As mentioned in the Executive Summary, the 2021 performance in our Upgrade to $ave initiative positioned the co-op to establish a measurement verification process. Ultimately, we have continued to provide memberowners the opportunity to make much-needed energy efficiency improvements to their homes and businesses, including insulation, air-sealing, and HVAC upgrades at no upfront costs to them. More than 1,500 member-owners have participated in the program with an average savings of more than $70 per month.

Here are the benefits verified measurements from the program: è Individuals are saving about 20 percent on what they were paying before receiving upgrades through the

Upgrade to $ave program; è The average member-owner saves 4,100 kWh in a year which is approximately $600 annually. è This $600 in savings also supports the co-op’s strategy of avoiding purchasing capacity through this program and providing savings that will help hedge against rising costs for the co-op. As member-owners save, the co-op saves on its overall capacity costs, and that savings is passed through to member-owners.

Roanoke Solar Share: After debuting its Roanoke SolarShare program in 2020, the co-op has provided muchneeded home repairs to 20 member-owners. These repairs ultimately equip the home to be ready for weatherization upgrades and heat pump installations that are a part of the Upgrade to $ave program.

Community Solar Access High Bill Relief Program: Last year, Roanoke Electric Cooperative began identifying nearly 40 low- and moderate-income recipient households served by the co-op to receive a $15 credit on their monthly electric bills for the next ten years.

The North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) is working with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) to distribute $166,400 in funding from the federal CARES Act. Roanoke Electric Cooperative received $50,000 through this program to support low-and-moderate income member-owners’ participation in Community Solar Access. Community solar projects expand access to solar energy for all, including lowto-moderate income consumers most impacted by a lack of access, while building a more sustainable, distributed, and resilient electric grid.

The program supports 10-year solar panel subscriptions for 37 low-and-moderate income coop member-owners. Each participating member-owner will receive a $15 monthly credit on their electric bill for the electricity generated by five (5) solar panels. The solar capacity for the subscriptions comes from solar facilities owned by Roanoke Electric Cooperative and North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation.

Low-Cost, High-Impact Efforts to Address Pocketbook Issues: Where are member-owners receiving credits on their power bills? è On average, participating member-owners in our Timeof-Day Rate program save $35 monthly. è More than $1,280 in bill credits were distributed to member-owners enrolled in e-bill and bank draft.

Capital Credits: In 2021, Roanoke Electric Co-op returned $500,000 in capital credits to its membership. Each year, the co-op’s board of directors evaluates the company’s financial stability to determine the amount of capital credits it can retire. The co-op was pleased to be able to return money to its member-owners as the pandemic continued. The onetime credit was applied to member-owners’ electric bills, and members-owners received an average bill credit of $37.52.

Sustainable Forestry & Land Retention Program: The Sustainable Forestry and Land Retention Project continues to restore and conserve threatened forestland in Roanoke Electric’s service area. Outreach to forest landowners is at the core of the Sustainable Forestry and Land Retention Project. Through relationships in the community, referrals from program partners and participants, and a sophisticated heir’s property database, SFLRP staff members identify potential program participants and make them aware of its benefits. At Landowner Partner Meetings, families have an opportunity to talk through their objectives for their property with SFLRP staff and with program partners who explain the assistance available through agencies like the North Carolina Forest Service and the US Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Here are some of SFLRP’s notable achievements through 2021: è More than 250 landowners are participating in the program, including nearly 30 who enrolled over the past year (landowners must have at least eight contiguous acres of woodland property or the same acreage if they are converting agricultural land to woodland) è Participants have accessed approximately $600,000 in financial assistance for forestry and legal services è 167 landowners have established forest management plans è Sustainable forestry practices are being implemented on about 3,000 acres of land è 22 landowners are enrolled in the North Carolina Tree

Farm program è 54 landowners have created estate/succession plans è 84 landowners owning a combined 5,700 acres of land are participating in their county’s Present Use Valuation tax reduction program è Approximately 20,000 acres of land are under management with forestry and/or agricultural conservation plans, including about 11,000 forested acres è Duke’s Nicholas School graduate students in masters of forestry and environmental science partnered with

SFLRP to gain practical field experience developing forest management plans

Co-op service technician goes beyond the call of duty to battle fire.

What started as a routine service call one day last October turned out to be anything but routine for James Taylor, a service technician for Roanoke

Electric Cooperative. This tale unfolds with a distant plume of black smoke catching his eye as he drove through St. John heading towards Millennium. Instinctively, without hesitation, he changed course to find an RV covered in flames under a big metal carport beside a home. His quick thinking led him to use several fire extinguishers to battle the raging fire. Looking back on that harrowing day, Taylor said going beyond the call of duty is in keeping with the co-op’s broader role in the communities it serves. “As service techs for the co-op, we provide more than just electrical services and keeping the lights on,” he explained. “We’re like the friendly neighbor who happens to live next to everyone in seven counties.”