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Roanoke Electric member “charges ahead” with the co-op’s electric vehicle program

Last winter, Al Byrum, a lifelong resident of Ahoskie, was in the market for a new car. He considered purchasing an electric vehicle (EV), but the math didn’t quite add up for him. “When I compared the EV prices to comparable conventional fuel cars,” said Byrum, “the EV’s total cost was more than I wanted to spend.”

Although he was not thrilled about the overall purchase price of an EV, he did relish the idea of saving on fuel costs — EVs run on electricity — and the fact that they have lower maintenance costs (for example, EVs don’t require oil changes). Determined to find a price point he was happy with, Byrum began researching available federal and state tax rebates and credits.

During his search, he was pleasantly surprised to discover that Roanoke Electric Cooperative (REC), his local utility provider, offers a unique incentive to its member-owners. The co-op’s EV Program grants prospective electric vehicle owners up to $5,000 towards purchasing an EV — courtesy of grant money by the Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation. Byrum is the ninth co-op member to join the program.

“Roanoke Electric’s offer combined with a federal incentive helped me decide to go with an EV,” said Byrum. “So, in December, I ordered a silver Chevy Bolt and received it in January.” The Bolt EV has a 200-horsepower motor and, according to an EPA estimate, can travel up to 259 miles on a single charge.

Byrum said his entire family is enjoying their new purchase, especially his daughter, Allie, 11. “She loves the car. She’s already asked for an electric vehicle when she gets her driver’s license.” Byrum noted that by the time Allie is old enough to drive, he is certain that EVs will be the norm instead of the exception: “I go to a car show every year and last year, there were two EVs for sale. This year, there were 15. And that number will continue to rise exponentially because with each EV generation, these vehicles are getting even better and more affordable.”

As your local energy partner, REC is proud to join electric cooperatives across the state in working towards net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030. EVs are becoming an important part of this mission.

If you own an EV or are considering the option, the co-op’s EV Program offers member-owners a discounted rate for charging their electric vehicles. Memberowners can also choose their rate package and a new home charging station, valued at $1,700, will be professionally installed at no upfront cost.

Also, the co-op is currently seeking additional member-owners to join the EV Program. The first 10 members to sign up can become part of the co-op’s EV Ambassador Leadership Program, designed to promote the many benefits of owning an electric vehicle. Since Byrum is the ninth member to join, there is only one ambassador space left as of press time.

Teachers, Apply for a Bright Ideas Grant!

Roanoke Electric Cooperative (REC) is partnering with outstanding educators to bring creative learning to life! Starting April 1, teachers can apply for a Bright Ideas education grant of up to $2,000 to fund projects that enhance student success in K–12 classrooms and would otherwise not be possible. Applications and more information about the program can be found at ncbrightideas.com

Grants are available in all curriculum areas including art, science, history, and mathematics. Teachers in Bertie, Chowan, Gates, Halifax, Hertford, Northampton and Perquimans counties are eligible to apply. Visit ncbrightideas. com to determine which electric co-op is offering a Bright Ideas grant in your district. These grants will go to local teachers for the 2023-24 school year. Over the past 29 years, REC has issued more than $250,000 projects that have benefited hundreds of students in the counties it serves.

Bright Ideas grant applications will be accepted through Sept. 15, but teachers are encouraged to apply early. Those who submit their application by the early bird deadline of Aug. 15 will be entered to win one of five $100 Visa gift cards. To learn more, go to roanokeelectric.com/brightideas.

Supported by all 26 electric cooperatives in North Carolina, Bright Ideas grants have contributed $15 million to N.C. classrooms, funding a total of 14,200 projects that have benefited well over 3.5 million students statewide since 1994. Support for youth and education is part of our continued commitment to building a brighter future for the communities we serve.

National Lineman Appreciation Day: Your Power Works Because They Do!

National Lineman Appreciation Day is celebrated each year on April 18 and honors the hard work, innovation, and dedication of America’s electrical lineworkers. Roanoke Electric Cooperative (REC) celebrates the hardworking people who often work in challenging conditions to keep the lights on. We proudly recognize the services they perform around the clock in dangerous conditions to keep power flowing and protect the public’s safety.

To honor REC’s lineman, we invite members to take a moment to thank a lineman for the work they do. Use #ThankALineman on social media to show your support for the men and women who light our lives, or take a moment to send a note of thanks to info@roanokeelectric.com or to:

Roanoke Electric Cooperative

P.O. Drawer 1326

Ahoskie, NC 27910

Holiday closing

Roanoke Electric offices will be closed on April 7 in observance of Good Friday.