This year’s event was filled with vibrant community spirit, starting with musical entertainment from the Mills Family and a lively appearance by Deacon Cornbread, who had the crowd laughing. A light breakfast, generously provided by the Halifax Volunteers in Action, kicked off the day, leading into the business portion of the meeting.

I’d like to highlight the message that I shared with members and guests which focused on reliability, technological progress, energy policy, and community investment.

Reliability

Halifax EMC’s top goal is simple: to make sure you have electricity when you need it. The cooperative made major reliability improvements in 2024, including the inspection of over 4,400 poles resulting in 140 replacements. There were substantial upgrades and replacements to underground cable infrastructure in neighborhoods like River Forest, and we continue that investment across the system including work now being done in Spinnaker Point. Trees and animals accounted for 60% of outages last year, that is why we continue to invest heavily in vegetation management resulting in 350 miles trimmed in 2024 with a plan for 430 miles of trimming in 2025.

In November 2024, $170,000 in capital credits from 2003 were returned to members totaling $17.6 million returned since the cooperative’s founding.

Technological advancements are also playing a major role in providing you with reliable power. Halifax EMC is continuing to install smart grid devices like electronic reclosers and remote monitoring tools, helping reduce average outage durations by 16%.

On the policy front, we shared encouraging news about efforts to protect energy affordability. The EPA’s power plant rule, which threatened to raise costs and reduce reliability, is now being reviewed for repeal or significant modification thanks to persistent legislative advocacy. The cooperative also continues to explore innovative solutions with its wholesale partner NC Electric Cooperatives; like battery storage to manage energy demand efficiently.

2024 Financial Highlights

Halifax EMC grew by 130 new accounts in 2024. Despite a slight 2% decline in energy sales due to mild weather, the cooperative also remained financially strong and met all necessary benchmarks. In November 2024, $170,000 in capital credits from 2003 were returned to members totaling $17.6 million returned since the cooperative’s founding.

Enhanced Member Services

In late 2024 and early 2025, Halifax EMC rolled out a new billing and member services platform to improve member experience. Members can now view detailed usage information, sign up for service online, receive alerts, and use the mobile app for easier account management. I invite you to visit the cooperative’s website for helpful tutorials and more information on this great new service.

Community Impact

Halifax EMC remains dedicated to its community. Thanks to member participation in the Halifax Helps Operation RoundUp program, critical grants were awarded to local nonprofits that serve youth and safety needs. Halifax Helps Board President Debbie Hardy and I presented $19,000 in grant monies to 10 non-profit organizations during the meeting. Grants were awarded to Norlina Volunteer Fire Department, Dawson Baptist Church, the Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas, Arcola Rural Volunteer Fire Department, Churchill Five Forks Volunteer Fire Department, Lakeland Cultural Arts, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, Inez Volunteer Fire Department, and Chapel Hill Baptist Church.

Board Election Results

Attorney Larry Armstrong announced the results of the Board of Directors election, with incumbents re-elected in the three districts on the ballot:

• District 4: Harry Williams
• District 6: Stan Brothers
• District 8: Macon Robertson

The meeting concluded with prize drawings, lunch, and a favorite tradition — ice cream for all. Thank you to everyone who attended and your continued support of Halifax EMC. We look forward to many more years of progress and partnership.