As we begin this new year, Randolph EMC is building a brighter future for our members and the community we all share — a brighter future that continues our commitment to delivering reliable electricity at the lowest possible cost while also advancing responsible sustainability goals.

Along with the rest of North Carolina’s electric cooperative network, last July we announced our new Brighter Future vision, a long-term roadmap for providing sustainable, affordable energy; reliability and innovation; and continued local community support to enrich the people and communities we serve.

Our vision centers on two goals: a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030, and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Our vision centers on achieving two voluntary sustainability goals: a 50 percent reduction in carbon emissions from 2005 levels by 2030, and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. To reach these goals, we will continue to rely on emissions-free nuclear and natural gas fuels and will incorporate more renewable energy resources with battery storage.

Both our carbon reduction goals also rely on the advanced coordination of resources across the electric grid, as well as innovative solutions and technologies to make the grid as flexible and efficient as possible. In addition, we will strive to electrify devices and processes as an alternative to using fossil fuels, and and we will harness electricity in new and exciting ways. For more details about how Randolph EMC and the other North Carolina cooperatives are working to meet these goals, read Dale Lambert’s AWARE column.

As a locally based cooperative, Randolph EMC remains committed not only to powering, but also to empowering our communities. That’s why our Brighter Future vision extends far beyond delivering reliable, affordable, sustainable electricity to include community support efforts like education initiatives and economic development activities that truly demonstrate the cooperative difference. Our structure affords us unique opportunities to make local investments and engage with local people, businesses, and community leaders to work together to meet changing needs.

The brightest part of our future will always be our members, like you. We look forward to continuing to serve you and to building a brighter future, now and in the years to come.