Electricity is something most people don’t think about until it is out. But behind the scenes, Four County EMC and our statewide partners are working every day to strike a careful balance between two core priorities: keeping the lights on and keeping your bill affordable.

That is no easy task in a world where growth, weather extremes, shifting regulations, and rising costs all converge. We are meeting that challenge through smart planning, investment in innovation, and a deep commitment to you, our members.

North Carolina’s rapid growth, fueled by residential expansion and large-scale data centers, means increased demand for power. At the same time, building the infrastructure to serve that demand has become more expensive. Supply chain constraints, inflation, and rising costs for materials and labor all contribute to the pressure.

Through careful planning, smart investments, and collaboration with our power providers, Four County EMC is managing these challenges to keep rates as stable as possible. But we need your help!

We all have a role to play in protecting our energy future. Through smart energy habits, thoughtful public policy, and continued investment in infrastructure, we can help keep power reliable and affordable for generations to come.

When You Use Power Matters

During peak times, Four County EMC has paid up to $2.14 per kilowatt-hour for wholesale power, compared to just $0.06 to $0.07 during off-peak hours. That is why we are exploring rate options that give members more control over when and how they use electricity.

By shifting simple tasks, like doing laundry, running the dishwasher, or EV charging devices, to off-peak hours, you help reduce strain on the grid and lower the need for expensive generation.

Instead, we can rely more on our most reliable, affordable, and emissions-free baseload energy option: nuclear power. Thanks largely to the power produced at Catawba Nuclear Station, our current fuel mix is more than 60% carbon free. Early investments by North Carolina’s electric cooperatives in nuclear energy have helped provide members with some of the lowest-carbon electricity in the Southeast. These small shifts benefit all members by lowering bills, reducing outages, and helping keep rates stable.

FEMA a Vital Resource

When major storms strike, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides disaster assistance that helps Four County EMC restore power and rebuild damaged infrastructure—without placing the full burden on our members. That support is increasingly critical as extreme weather events become more frequent and severe.

On July 24, 2025, a bipartisan group of House leaders introduced the Fixing Emergency Management for Americans (FEMA) Act of 2025. This legislation is designed to streamline FEMA’s disaster reimbursements, allow stronger system upgrades, and reduce the financial strain on electric cooperatives.

FEMA funding remains essential to maintaining reliability and keeping power affordable after storms. That’s why we continue to advocate for legislation that would protect FEMA’s core mission and this critical funding.

Investing in a Resilient Grid

One of our biggest investments in infrastructure is the near completion of our new Hampstead Substation, which will strengthen reliability for thousands of members in a fast-growing part of our service area. With major growth near Pender Commerce Park, including the new Amazon Fulfillment Center, we’ve also secured land for a future substation to support rising demand. These investments help us meet today’s needs while preparing for tomorrow.

We’re also moving closer to a major infrastructure upgrade in Sampson County. This initiative will reinforce our electric transmission system between Waycross and Turkey and is designed to enhance reliability for years to come.

Powering Our Energy Future

We have the power to make decisions that protect our energy future. By practicing common-sense energy habits, supporting smart government policies, and investing in a stronger, more reliable grid, we can help keep power affordable for everyone.

At Four County EMC, we’re more than your power provider, we’re your neighbors. Every decision we make is with your family in mind. Now is the time to stand together and build a stronger, brighter energy future for our communities.