months: 742,383 (September: 756,881

THE Perspective

How members benefit from our subsidiaries

From Blue Ridge CEO Doug Johnson

When your cooperative first diversified in 1998 by adding a propane and fuels subsidiary, which we operate under the shared market name of Blue Ridge Energy, it was to benefit members and keep your bills as low as possible. That was also the goal when we added a second subsidiary in 2009: RidgeLink, which leases high-capacity fiber to broadband and wireless service providers.

Our subsidiaries are benefitting members and the customers they serve in several important ways.

In addition to providing local jobs to strengthen the economy in our service area, profits earned by the subsidiaries are used to keep your electric bills as low as possible. This is especially helpful during this period of rising costs – if we didn’t have the subsidiaries, we would have to pass along more costs to members and rates would be higher.

In 2021, our subsidiary companies produced a combined net benefit of $4 million to the cooperative. The subsidiaries have produced a benefit for many years and it continues to grow. Of importance for members to know is this helps keep member rates stable and as low as possible!

Our subsidiaries also benefit local communities through their contributions. Last year, Propane and Fuels and RidgeLink donated $50,000 to the Members Foundation to be used for crisis heating assistance and community grants to improve health care, education, elder services, youth services and more.

Propane and Fuels also benefits communities by donating to local breast cancer related organizations. Since 2013, over $109,000 has been donated through our Pink Truck program “Fueling the Fight” against breast cancer.

Our Propane and Fuels subsidiary also leases space to provide showrooms in each of the cooperative’s district offices where you can visit to receive expert advice and purchase products such as fireplaces and gas logs, space heaters, water heaters, outdoor fire tables, patio heaters, grills, outdoor furniture and more!

As members, it’s important for you to know about your subsidiary companies. We hope you join us in our excitement to pursue continued growth in order to increase subsidiary benefits to you and all members by helping keep rates as low as possible and contributing to the local quality of life in our communities.

Visit your local Blue Ridge Energy showroom today! Talk to one of our energy experts about the home and hearth products available for your home’s comfort and beauty.

Outdoor lighting:

security and beauty

Outdoor lighting available from Blue Ridge Energy can enhance the safety, curb appeal, and landscaping of your home! Select from a variety of lighting styles, including LED options. Outdoor security lights can be added to your monthly electric bill. For more information, visit-

blueridgeenergy.com/outdoor-lighting.

STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http:// www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form.To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.