Perspective

Thanking our line technicians

You might think of our line technicians when they’re hard at work during a storm that’s causing outages, but the reality is Blue Ridge Energy line crews work hard, day in and day out, to make sure members have reliable, safe electricity.

It’s no secret that a line technician’s job is tough. It’s a job that’s essential and often performed in challenging conditions. This month, as we celebrate Line Technician Appreciation Day on April 10, I want to recognize the outstanding individuals who serve their community in this role — one that’s among the top 10 most dangerous jobs in the U.S.

Their work can be heavy, in more ways than one. Did you know the equipment and tools that a line technician carries while climbing a utility pole weigh up to 30 pounds? They’re also required to climb poles ranging anywhere from 30 to 90 feet tall. It’s not a job for the fainthearted!

They often work non-traditional hours, outdoors in difficult conditions. The job requires technical skills, years of training and handson learning. Becoming a journeyman line technician can take up to five years of onthe-job training. That’s because working with high-voltage equipment requires specialized skills, experience and ongoing mental tough- ness. Shortcuts are not an option and there is no room for error in this line of work.

Despite the many challenges, Blue Ridge Energy’s line technicians are committed to powering our communities. They must be ready to leave the comfort of their homes and families when severe weather strikes, without returning until the job is done, sometimes days later. That’s why the line technician’s family is also dedicated to service. They understand the importance of the job to the community.

Our Blue Ridge Energy line technicians maintain over 8,500 miles of power lines across seven counties. Today’s line technicians are also information experts who use laptops, tablets, drones and other technologies to map outages, survey damage and troubleshoot problems.

Line technicians are essential to our quality of life. Without their exceptional dedication, we simply would not have the reliable electricity that we need everyday.

So, the next time you see a line technician, please thank them for the work they do. Join us as we recognize them on April 10 by sharing your appreciation on our social media channels or whenever you see a line technician in your community!

Educators, get your Bright Ideas ready!

It’s that time again! Blue Ridge Energy kicks off its Bright Ideas Education Grant program and begins accepting applications from innovative educators for the 2023-24 school year on April 1. Teachers with ideas for creative classroom projects that bring learning to life can learn more and apply online at ncbrightideas.com

Grants are available for projects across all grade levels and subject areas, and educators can apply for grant funding individually or as a team. This program has supported projects focused on improving classroom instruction using innovative and creative teaching methods.

Applications will be accepted until Sept. 15. As an added incentive to apply early, educators who submit their applications by Aug. 15 will be entered into a drawing to receive a Visa gift card.

Since 1994, electric cooperatives in North Carolina, including Blue Ridge Energy, have partnered with K-12 teachers statewide to provide Bright Ideas grants for unique classroom projects that would not otherwise be

Miller Appointed to Board

funded. Over the program’s history, over 3.5 million students across North Carolina have benefited from 14,200 Bright Ideas-funded projects totaling over $15 million. The Bright Ideas grant program is part of our continued commitment to building a brighter future for the people, businesses and communities we serve. In addition to ensuring the delivery of reliable, affordable and sustainable power, this vision emphasizes the importance of innovation and ongoing community support. Learn more at BlueRidgeEnergy.com/ BrightIdeas

Blue Ridge Energy is celebrating its 29th year of offering Bright Ideas grants as part of our support and commitment to education. To date, Blue Ridge Energy has awarded more than $593,000 in its service area and provided direct funding assistance that has impacted over 110,000 students.

The Board of Directors of Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation appointed Angie Miller to fill the Watauga District Board seat that was left open when Hope Caroselli stepped down from the Board following a move outside the cooperative’s service area. Miller will complete the seat’s three-year term, which began on June 24, 2021, and runs through June 27, 2024.

Miller, who resides in Boone, is Deputy Human Resources Director for Appalachian State University. She is a graduate of Caldwell Community College. She has served on Blue Ridge Energy’s Member Advisory Committee and has been actively involved in her community including Blowing Rock Fire & Rescue, Samaritan’s Purse and Watauga County Burned Children’s Fund.

Get rid of the paper and vote online! Sign up now to receive your cooperative’s Board of Directors election kit by email.

Here’s how:

• Go to BlueRidgeEnergy.com/ OnlineVoteSignup

• Sign up for your emailed director election kit

• The deadline to sign up for the email election kit is April 17, 2023

On May 24, the Annual Meeting notice and director election kit will be sent to all members. If you’re signed up to receive the kit by email, you can quickly and easily vote online by using the link in the email you’ll receive. Those not signed up to receive the kit by email will receive a paper kit in the mail. Both include voting instructions, candidate biographies, and a proxy. Members may vote for Board candidates in all districts, not just the district in which they live.