State and Federal Grants

We are actively securing state and federal funding to support long-term infrastructure investments that strengthen the grid and meet rising demand. One example is our STEEL project, made possible by a $2.9 million grant from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ). This initiative involves replacing wooden poles with engineered steel poles, designed to withstand high winds and severe weather. These upgrades help reduce outages, speed up restoration times, and ensure our system is prepared for future growth. These grants help reduce the overall cost of system improvements, keeping infrastructure investments more affordable for our members.

Returning Value to Our Members

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, we operate differently from investor-owned utilities. Instead of generating profits for shareholders, we return excess revenue, called margins, to our members in the form of Capital Credits. Each year, we allocate margins based on how much electricity you use. These funds help us improve the system and reduce borrowing. When our financial position allows, we return those credits to the members who earned them.

In December 2024, Four County EMC returned more than $1.3 million in Capital Credits to members who received power from the co-op in 2002. Many saw this refund as a credit on their electric bill, just in time for the holidays.

Making an Impact in Our Communities

Since 1994, the Four County Electric Care TRUST has donated more than $4 million through Operation Round Up® to help families and nonprofits across our service area. By rounding up their electric bills to the nearest dollar, members are supporting neighbors facing illness, fires, job loss, and other hardships. It’s a powerful way to live out the cooperative spirit of caring for our community.

Supporting Local Teachers

In 2024, Four County awarded over $35,000 in Bright Ideas grants to 22 teachers. These funds brought creative classroom projects to life for more than 2,500 students in Bladen, Duplin, Pender, and Sampson counties. Now celebrating 30 years, Bright Ideas continues to inspire teachers and students across our communities.

Innovation in Action

We’re also helping grow the next generation of farmers through programs like Box to Bowl: Hydroponic Smart Container. This partnership with James Sprunt Community College gives students hands-on experience with sustainable agriculture and energy-efficient systems, skills that prepare them for high-demand careers.

Bringing Solar to More Members

In 2024, Four County EMC unveiled its first Community Solar Garden, giving members an easy, affordable way to benefit from solar energy without the need to install panels on their own homes. Designed for those with shaded rooftops, property restrictions, or other barriers to rooftop solar, this innovative program allows members to subscribe to solar shares and receive credits on their electric bills for the energy produced.

The project was made possible through partnerships with the North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation (NCEMC), Cape Fear Solar Systems, and a USDA Rural Development REAP Grant, reflecting our ongoing commitment to innovation and sustainability. With the Community Solar Garden, we’re providing more options for members to participate in clean energy while supporting a brighter energy future for our communities.

Safety First

Safety is, and always will be, our top priority. From keeping utility corridors clear through our Right-of-Way program, to teaching kids about electrical safety during Live Line demonstrations, and providing our crews with the best training and equipment for faster response during outages, we’re working hard every day to protect both members and employees.

A New Way to Connect

In the Fall of 2025 we are innovating the way we share information. We plan to launch our first virtual community meeting, giving you the chance to learn about cooperative initiatives, ask questions, and share feedback from the comfort of home.

On behalf of the Four County EMC Board of Directors, we sincerely appreciate the opportunity to serve and look forward to another year of progress and delivering exceptional value to the communities we serve.