In July, Dobson-based Surry-Yadkin EMC partnered with the NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) State Energy Office to kick off a grid improvement project, which will modernize 80-year-old infrastructure through transmission- and distribution-line upgrades. Months earlier, DEQ joined Burgaw-based Four County EMC to break ground on a similar project, upgrading a 55-year-old section of grid in Sampson County.

These investments will harden the system, enhance reliability and ensure North Carolinians experience fewer and shorter power outages.”

Both Surry-Yadkin EMC’s and Four County EMC’s initiatives — funded in part by $4.5 million and $2.9 million DEQ grants, respectively — will help reduce power outages, harden the grid against severe weather and increase affordability, reliability, resiliency and energy efficiency for local rural communities.

“This grant funding is improving affordability for our member-owners and will aid in future economic and community development in these areas,” explained Surry-Yadkin EMC Assistant General Manager Bryon Kennedy.

“This project is not simply about replacing infrastructure — it is about preparing the electric grid for the future while preserving the cooperative’s mission and North Carolina’s goal to provide affordable, reliable electricity,” said Four County EMC CEO Don Gatton.

In addition to these two projects, DEQ is providing funds for five others through a competitive application process. Included is Pantego-based Tideland EMC’s Project Ocracoke Resiliency, which aims to reduce power outage time by installing underground electrical lines and equipment and relocating some overhead lines. The Tideland EMC project will also support Ocracoke’s existing microgrid to further increase resiliency and reliability.

“Since 2025, DEQ has leveraged nearly $30 million in federal, state and local funds to make grid resilience investments,” said DEQ State Energy Office Director Julie Woosley. “These investments will harden the system, enhance reliability and ensure North Carolinians experience fewer and shorter power outages.”