In keeping with our cooperative bylaws while adapting to the unusual circumstances presented by COVID-19, Tideland EMC successfully conducted our Annual Meeting of Members via teleconference on Thursday, October 8. We appreciate all who dialed in to participate in the meeting.
Vice-president Doug Brinson opened the meeting with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance before recognizing the cooperative’s legal counsel, attorney Robert Page, for approval of the 2019 Annual Meeting minutes and the election of directors. (See story on page B). Election of cooperative officers will take place at the board’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
The annual report to members primarily focused on the extensive capital improvement projects we have undertaken since 2019 along with storm restoration work.
Members had an opportunity to submit questions during the meeting. That interaction gave us an opportunity to talk in greater detail about our statewide association’s goal to achieve a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 and net zero by 2050.
North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have spent the past decade reducing our dependence on carbon-intensive power generation, and as a result, our current fuel mix is more than 50 percent carbon free. Coal-fired generation makes up only 5 percent of North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation’s (NCEMC) portfolio, compared with the national average of 13 percent.
Coal-fired generation makes up only 5 percent of North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation’s (NCEMC) portfolio, compared with the national average of 13 percent.
More than half of our power comes from emissions-free nuclear generation, an extremely reliable, safe and affordable source of electricity. NCEMC’s early investment in nuclear energy has allowed electric cooperative members and communities to benefit from the lowest carbon electricity in the Southeast. In addition, we are increasingly integrating renewables into our already diverse array of power sources as new technology, such as battery storage, making renewable energy a more accessible option.
Looking to the decade ahead and beyond, North Carolina’s electric cooperatives remain focused on providing electricity that is reliable, affordable and environmentally responsible.
The board of directors and I look forward to 2021 when we fully expect to return to an in-person Annual Meeting. Like you, we miss the personal interaction and the prize drawings too.
Take care and I wish you and your family a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday. We remain grateful for the opportunity to serve your household.
Read the Tideland EMC Annual Report.