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from 2022-11-SREMC
Reliability is Key to a Successful Energy Transition
By Joe Brannan
Every morning, North Carolinians wake up and flip a switch to start their day. “Always on,” reliable electricity is something that we expect and depend on.
Electric utilities, including your electric cooperative, have honed their ability to manage grid resources and meet the energy needs of consumers. But as we go through an evolving energy transition that includes integrating new resources — each with a distinctive set of capabilities — a continued focus on reliability is critical.
North Carolina energy policy, which was signed into law last year, requires development of a carbon reduction plan by Duke Energy to be approved by the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) by the end of this year. NCUC is currently conducting hearings on carbon plan details. North Carolina’s electric cooperatives are actively engaged in these hearings to ensure the cost and pace of a carbon reduction plan does not leave anyone behind, nor compromise reliability. During these hearings, we are learning about the desired plan and timing to implement key tenets of the new energy policy: reliable, affordable and low-carbon electricity.
Today’s reliable energy system includes large electric generation units of many different fuel types, which are coordinated to balance the amount of electricity used by consumers. Replacing existing electric generation with new and sometimes intermittent resources, such as solar and wind energy, requires utilities to carefully manage the pace of the transition and coordination of resource capabilities to make sure things like your lights, heat, air conditioning and refrigerator are always on.
If utilities retire existing generation before new electric resource capabilities can be adequately coordinated to meet consumer needs, we will experience a less reliable and less affordable electric system than we have today. Some of these undesirable and costly situations are currently playing out in other states, such as California and Texas. Our focus on reliable electricity does not stop with the transition and coordination of large, central generation. New “grid edge” technologies — which include residential and community solar systems, energy storage, and electric As we go through vehicle chargers — have become available to businesses and consumers, providing them an evolving greater means to manage their energy use. energy transition, To maintain reliability and affordability going forward, utilities will need to account for a continued focus these growing grid edge technologies and their on reliability capabilities, integrating and coordinating them with large generation units, including solar and is critical. wind resources. North Carolina’s electric cooperatives are doing just that. Building on our 80-year history of delivering reliable and affordable energy across rural North Carolina, we are continuing our focus on the coordinated operation of large generation resources, while also working with members to integrate and efficiently coordinate the capabilities of new grid edge technologies. By maintaining a dedicated focus on reliable and affordable electricity during the energy transition, we will ensure we continue to provide value to our cooperative members.
Joe Brannan is CEO of North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, the Raleigh-based wholesale power and materials supplier and trade association for the state’s electric distribution cooperatives.
November Quick Hits
Thanksgiving Cheat Sheet Cooking for the holidays can be stressful. Find all the perfect side dishes, seasonal recipes and desserts at carolinacountry.com/ thanksgiving
Falling for Compost Instead of raking leaves away, repurpose them for compost. Chop the leaves with a mower and put them in a compost basket for nutrient-rich organic matter.
Travel Plans Avoid traffic jams and airport mayhem during the holidays by researching off-peak travel days when planning trips.
Ease the Breeze If your refrigerator is too cold, it could be wasting energy. Refrigerators set between 35 and 38 degrees save energy and money.

Source: energy.gov
big Questions About our brighter Future
Shopping for a used electric vehicle
Q: I’m interested in purchasing an electric vehicle, but new models can be hard to come by and aren’t currently in my budget. What do I need to consider when shopping for a used EV? A:If you’re shopping for a used EV, there are now more options than ever. Here are a few areas to focus on, in addition to the typical used car shopping considerations like vehicle mileage, interior and exterior, and maintenance history. ■ Battery life and health The number one concern for used EV shoppers should be the health of the battery. Battery performance will affect an EV’s range, and replacements are not cheap. All EV batteries do degrade over time, but improvements in battery technology and management systems mean that many of the concerns of even a handful of years ago are not as prominent today.
Unfortunately, few EVs provide easy-to-access insight into the condition of the battery. So when checking out a used EV, ask to see its estimated range when fully charged. You can compare that value to the model’s U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-rated range (available at fueleconomy.gov) to get an idea of how the battery has held up. See if the dealership can give you a report on the battery’s health and ask if it’s been replaced (unlikely, but possible).
Today, all EVs come with at least an 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty, so check on the status of that with any model you’re considering. Read the fine print as well to ensure the warranty transfers to new owners. If you’re uncertain, contact the manufacturer to confirm. ■ Charging speed Many EVs on the used market might not offer the range or charging speeds of newer models — the technology has improved significantly even over just the last couple of years. Consider how you’ll be using the car to determine if a lower range is a deal-breaker. If you are looking for something to take on longer trips, verify that the EVs you’re evaluating include a DC fast charge port. Today, most EVs come with DC fast charging capability by default. But some models, such as the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan LEAF, have had it as an option or only on certain trims. Also, look up what the cars’ max or “acceptance” charging rates are. This is the maximum amount of power they can take while DC fast charging, and it will affect how fast your fast charging will be. Make sure any vehicle you’re looking at comes with a charging cord, and if you’re buying from a private seller with a home charging station, ask if they’re interested in selling it, as well. ■ Tax credits and rebates Previously, used EVs did not qualify for the up-to-$7,500 federal income tax credit; however, the Inflation Reduction Act, signed earlier this year, introduced a tax credit for pre-owned EVs. Beginning Jan. 1, 2023, buyers may be eligible for a credit of up to $4,000 for used EVs that are under $25,000 and at least two years old. Other incentives may also apply. In particular, see if your electric cooperative offers rebates or special electricity rates for EV drivers. —Jonathan Susser, Advanced Energy



EnergyUnited’s Wayne Wilkins Awarded Order of the Long Leaf Pine
EnergyUnited’s longtime CEO who retired earlier this year, Wayne Wilkins, has been awarded The Order of the Long Leaf Pine from North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper. The award was presented in September to Wilkins by EnergyUnited Board Chairman Dr. Max Walser, who is also a past recipient of the award, at the cooperative’s headquarters in Statesville.
“I am proud to present this prestigious award to Wayne in recognition of the incredible impact he has had on the communities that we serve,” Walser said. “Over the course of his storied career in the industry, Wayne continually demonstrated a strong commitment to serving EnergyUnited members. His leadership philosophy reflected a sincere belief in the benefits of the cooperative business model.”
Since 1963, North Carolina’s governors have reserved their highest honor, The Order of the Long Leaf Pine award, for persons who have made significant contributions to the state and their communities through their exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments.
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.
Wilkins also served on the board
Wayne Wilkins (left) with Dr. Max Walser EnergyUnited of directors of the Davidson County Economic Development Commission, UNC Charlotte EPIC Advisory Board, E-4 Carolina Board, the North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation board and the board of the North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives.
Be a Co-op Voter! Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8. Electric cooperatives are dedicated to making our voices heard with our elected officials — join us at the polls to support issues important to our communities. Early voting runs Oct. 20 through Nov. 5. Visit bit.ly/ncsbe-polling to find your Election Day polling place and information about your county board of elections. CC2034_CarCty_NOV22_prepay.qxp_EVER06 CarCty Nov2022_prepay 9/8/22 10:00 PM Page 1
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selected by our readers
By Leah Chester-Davis
Our readers were not shy about nominating their favorites for this year’s Carolina’s Finest Awards, and the winners don’t disappoint! This is the fourth year for the awards, which is a great guide for getting out and exploring the state, and enjoying some of the best it has to offer.

Finest Made in NC Product
Cheerwine
cheerwine.com | Facebook @Cheerwine Cheerwine, that uniquely Southern soft drink that has been delighting taste buds since 1917 with its fizzy wild cherry taste, is a favorite North Carolina product. Created in Salisbury amid a sugar shortage, the drink’s creator, L.D. Peeler, concocted a drink with a wild cherry flavor. It’s been a winner ever since. While it’s a refreshing drink, Cheerwine is also used in numerous recipes, all available on the company website. That sweet, cherry flavor enhances barbecue, punch, candied apples, a Cheerwine poke cake, brownies and ice cream. It also pairs with another North Carolina product— Texas Pete— for a margarita. Cheers to a delicious drink and an ingredient for all kinds of culinary creations!
“Best soft drink of all time!”
Angela Meredith, High Point, a member of EnergyUnited Finest Food Truck
G e r m a in Me dIA
Kristin’s Hook’d on Smoke
West Jefferson and around Ashe County | Kristins-Hookd-On-Smoke.com Fans of Kristin’s Hook’d on Smoke Food Truck in Ashe County — Blue Ridge Energy territory — can’t seem to get enough of her delicious food, and the accolades keep rolling in! In addition to this year’s Carolina’s Finest, she has won best breakfast, lunch, dinner, wings, burgers and BBQ in Ashe County since 2013. Kristin Howell is part of good-cookin’ royalty. She grew up watching her great grandmother and grandpa run Shatley Springs Inn and Restaurant, a favored stop on any NC mountain sojourn, and she has run several restaurants herself. Kristin’s specialty is smoked meats and wings, but she prides herself on making sure her entire menu is amazing.
“Best food with the best smiling faces preparing it. Their food melts in your mouth and makes the soul happy!”


Finest BBQ
Apple City BBQ
3490 NC Hwy 16 South, Taylorsville applecitybbq.com | 828-471-5215 Instagram @applecitybbq
Krispy Kreme Finest Mainstreet

Downtown Sanford
Lee County | sanfordnc.net
One thing is for sure, Apple City BBQ in Taylorsville has a devoted following, and for good reason. They serve up some downright good eatin’! For the second year in a row, the restaurant is our readers’ top BBQ spot. Family-owned and operated by the Dula family, Apple City BBQ specializes in authentic, pit-cooked BBQ that is smoked slowly over apple and hickory wood. Just thinking about it makes your mouth water. No matter what you order — signature smoked BBQ, smoked pulled chicken, St. Louis ribs, the divine beef brisket — there are equally scrumptious sides made in-house to complement your meal. Apple City BBQ has become a road trip destination for foodies. Dine in or carry out Thursday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Finest Doughnut Shop Krispy Kreme
Various locations | krispykreme.com
“They do everything the right way. I’ve tried almost the whole menu and have yet to be disappointed. Great smoky flavors and tender and juicy. My mouth is watering just writing this!”
Joseph Cook, Lincolnton A member of Rutherford EMC For 85 years, Krispy Kreme has delighted doughnut lovers with its melt-in-yourmouth, sugary confections. Fans watch for the “Hot Light,” knowing that when it’s on, a freshly made, hot-off-the line bite of scrumptiousness is awaiting them when they walk in the door. Started in WinstonSalem, there are now more than 30 retail locations statewide, not to mention locations in several partner retailers and in more than 30 countries. Just about anywhere you travel, you can enjoy that reliable homemade goodness. The original glazed doughnut is iconic, but there are plenty of other options like chocolate iced glazed, chocolate iced custard filled, glazed lemon filled, glazed blueberry cake, cinnamon bun, and so much more to please your taste buds.
University of North Carolina at Ch a pel Hil l


Finest Sports Mascot

“The doughnuts are like heaven in a cloud of sweet goodness.”
DaleAnn Plyler, Monroe A member of Union Power Cooperative Covering a 17-block area, Downtown Sanford — near Central Electric’s service territory — prides itself on a mix of arts, music and fun, including shows at the Temple Theatre, free concerts featuring local and visiting musicians, a mural arts trail, a farmers market, Strawberry Jammin’ in spring, the Boo & Brew Tour in October, and more. For children, a Locomotive No. 12 Scavenger Hunt is a fun activity. Plenty of dining spots, including Big T’s Restaurant, one of Sanford’s oldest burger joints, provide lots of options. La Dolce Vita has delicious pizza and homemade gelato in the old Federal Building/post office. The renovation by its owner won an NC Main Street award. Yarborough’s Homemade Ice Cream, one of the oldest creameries in the state, is a favored stop as is Sandra’s Bakery, usually with a line out the door. Kathy’s Java Express kicks off the day with breakfast and lunch. Later, stop by Hugger Mugger or Wild Dogs breweries. Enjoy a variety of shops from books to bikes to boutiques and furniture stores, gift shops and an antique mall.
“They have revitalized this sweet little town, and brought some amazing shops, local restaurants, breweries and events. There is always something to do for all ages.”
Laura Gremore, Sanford A member of Central Electric
Rameses
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Talk about a stiff competition! Fans of sports team mascots seem to be just as passionate about them as the teams they represent. Rameses, the mascot of UNC Chapel Hill, is a beloved tradition of Tar Heel Nation, making appearances at sports and other community events. The mascot is part of Carolina royalty, and can appear as both a live ram — horns painted Carolina Blue, with a UNC blanket thrown over his wooly white coat — and as a student wearing the Rameses costume with flair, adding to the team spirit. Anywhere the mascot appears “everyone gets happy and everyone unites,” says a student of the live ram (a tradition dating back to 1924). Whichever is the favorite, Rameses reigns.
“Love the school, and the ram adds so much to the enjoyment of the games!”