North Carolina was blessed with a quiet hurricane season in 2025, a welcome reprieve from the devastation and heartbreak experienced last fall. Sept. 27, 2024, when Hurricane Helene’s wind and rain reached Western North Carolina, will forever stand out in our state’s history. But the date we recently marked at my electric co-op, Blue Ridge Energy, is Oct. 14: the day in 2024 that full power was restored to our members after more than two weeks of battling the effects of the most devastating storm to ever impact our region.

More than one year later, we continue to reflect on the extraordinary strength, grit and teamwork shown by our employees, community partners and fellow cooperatives. From line technicians and operations staff to sister co-ops and contractors from across North Carolina and 10 other states, every person played a vital role. Whether restoring lines, managing logistics, preparing meals, doing laundry or securing local lodging for crews from other co-ops — everyone stepped up.

The dedication and resilience shown during those long days and nights demonstrated the very best of the cooperative spirit. Simply saying “thank you” doesn’t fully capture the depth of our appreciation.

We are also deeply grateful to our members — 
the encouragement, patience and kindness during the restoration meant more than words can express. So many reached out with messages of support, offered help to neighbors and reminded us why we do what we do. Your spirit lifted ours and helped carry us through.

Electric co-ops are your locally owned, community-driven partners with one guiding purpose: to make life better for our members and communities

While power has long been restored, the effects of Helene are still with us in Western North Carolina. Some roads remain washed out, some communities continue to sift through ruin. And of course, lost loved ones will forever be missed. But there are glimmers of hope. Businesses are reopening, several roads and bridges have been rebuilt, and homes are being repaired. Even Santa is returning to Chimney Rock this year (see page 20), a tradition put on hold last year as the village struggled to get back on its feet.

Electric co-ops continue to help, funding recovery efforts through resources like the USDA Rural Economic Development Loan & Grant program, in some cases replacing first responder equipment lost to flooding. Other programs channel donations to where resources are needed, like Blue Ridge Energy’s Mountain Strong Helene Relief Fund and North Carolina’s Electric Cooperative’s Human Connections Fund, which raised a record-setting $300,000 to assist co-op employees affected by the storm.

During this season of giving, it’s the perfect time to reflect on what makes your local electric cooperative unique. We’re not just utilities — we’re your locally owned, community-driven partners with one guiding purpose: to make life better for our members and communities. That purpose has carried us through challenges and triumphs alike, and it will continue to guide us — because serving our members will always remain at the heart of who we are