In honor of Co-op Month, we asked our readers to tell us why they love their North Carolina electric cooperative. From the response we received, it’s clear there is no lack of love for co-ops out there. Here are a few of our favorites.
‘They got Us Up and Running’
I grew up in Northern Alberta, Canada, and we had no running water or heat — so I take nothing for granted. I moved here 13 years ago when I married. I had no experience with hurricanes at all. One of my first hurricanes was Ophelia, and of course she knocked out our power. We had no heat and no power for two days, I think it was. But rest assured the hard‑working guys at Carteret‑Craven Electric were on the job and hard at it trying to restore power. I deeply appreciate all they do — they got us up and running.
I’ve had to report a couple other issues and they were there in no time. I told my husband the difference between a city girl and a country girl is, the city girl would have got a hotel! I’m grateful for my childhood. It keeps me humble and taught me to respect and appreciate my “power guys.”
Shirl Parsons, Cape Carteret, a member of Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative
A Caring Philosophy
I am a proud member of Blue Ridge Energy, and I love my co-op for so many reasons! First, any time I have a question about my service, I can count on the kind, courteous, and knowledgeable Blue Ridge Energy family to help me.
I also appreciate how my co-op offers programs to help its members give back to their community. One such program is the NC GreenPower program, which allows members to support sustainable energy sources. Additionally, I participate in the Operation Round Up program, in which my monthly bill is rounded up to the next highest dollar amount, and the extra amount goes toward outreach for families in need. My co-op has a caring philosophy, and it shows.
Finally, I love receiving Carolina Country magazine every month, where I read heartwarming stories, see amazing pictures, collect delicious recipes, and learn of ways my co-op is working hard to provide excellent service at affordable costs.
Sharon Mitchell, Fleetwood, a member of Blue Ridge Energy
A Grateful Employee
What I love most about my cooperative is working with a great group of coworkers who live, eat and share most things together; we are pretty much a family. Our co-op keeps up-to-date with the latest technology and energy-efficiency concepts by attending hands-on workshops and training offered throughout the year and this technology our advisors are able to use in the field. They have information at their fingertips and can give answers right away on the site, which is so awesome. They also offer advice to members considering changes to their heating and cooling systems, upgrading insulation, adding solar panels or any kind of improvement for energy efficiency at their home or business.
I love the community I live in and understand that small, local businesses need our support. I am very happy to help when I can. Our co-op reaches out to the community to help make our communities a better place.
Throughout all the industry changes that have occurred, one thing will never change: Our members depend on us more and more to provide safe, reliable and economical energy, as well as services to improve our quality of life.
Diane Puca, GIS Specialist at Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative
A Monthly Gift
I love Rutherford EMC because they provide myself and a lot of others that live in rural areas with the wonderful service of electricity, and they work to keep our rates as low as possible. They also work to keep our lines clear, and once they are notified of a power outage they work hard to get it restored as quickly as possible.
The monthly gift of Carolina Country magazine has been one of the nicest gifts I’ve ever been given, and I look forward to receiving it every month. It has been like a special class providing an education in so many areas of interest to me: home repairs and maintenance, gardening, herbs, nature, food preservation, cooking and sharing of recipes, and recognition of the exceptional creative talents our co-op members possess. Its monthly events section, as well as special articles, educate us about many places and events of interest in our state to go see and enjoy.
Brenda Bjorklund, Morganton, a member of Rutherford EMC
Always Keeps ‘the Juice Flowing’
I believe my love for my co-op started many years ago, when we first got electricity put in our house. It was the year of 1955 (or maybe 1956).
Can you imagine what my older brothers said to me (because I was the youngest and gullible)? All kinds of tales referring to all the bad things that would happen. They had me convinced the house might explode or burn down. Oh, kids.
I was really wound up by the time they flipped the switch. But nothing happened, except we had light and didn’t need an oil lamp anymore.
So when my dad moved down the river from the house, do you know who put the power lines across the river to him? That’s right, Surry-Yadkin Electric Co-op. He loved them, too.
Surry-Yadkin EMC has always kept the juice flowing, or had it back on in a short time. Thanks, Surry-Yadkin.
Nancy Stanley, a member of Surry-Yadkin EMC
Bringing Comfort to the Home
As a member of Pee Dee Electric in Anson County, I would like to say thank you for the service! My family loves the night light in my yard. I love my new energy saving refrigerator and new stove in my kitchen. Without power from my co-op, I wouldn’t be able to cook and keep my food cold.
I love Carolina Country magazine. The recipes are really good. (I check that page out first.) Thanks, Pee Dee Electric, for sending me that magazine.
Dorothy Steele, Lilesville, a member of Pee Dee Electric
Friendly and Efficient
It was about 8 p.m. on a Wednesday night. I could hear the rumbling of thunder and see the flashes of lightening. Suddenly the lights flickered, and then I was in total darkness, and believe me, when that security light goes out, it is dark! So much for reading or watching TV; everything stops when the power goes off.
I got my cell phone and reported the outage to Central Electric. Within an hour, the electricity was back on! Sadly, we take the great blessing of electricity for granted, as well as those who keep it flowing through the lines into our homes and businesses. The automated system for calling in outages is so easy and convenient, and the employees respond quickly. Everyone I’ve dealt with is very friendly and efficient, whether those in the office or in the field. I’m glad to have an opportunity to thank my co-op, especially those individuals who get out in all kinds of weather and dangerous situations to restore power while we’re inside, safe and sound.
And of course, it’s a wonderful surprise to occasionally receive a check for the capital credits payout! Thank you, CEMC, for a superior job!
Debbie Brady, Bear Creek, a member of Central Electric
Hard Work and Little Sleep
After ice storms, thunder storms, and even hurricanes, my co-op, Tri-County EMC, manages to keep our power running, which is a major task since our house is literally at the end of Wayne County’s line. What is most important is they do this in an area that is constantly hit by hurricanes. Our house has survived Hazel (a big hurricane back in the day), Fran, Floyd and most recently Matthew.
Each time disaster hits, our co-op works to overcome obstacles like fallen trees, broken power lines and major flooding. With hard work and little sleep, they restore power. Even though we are at the end of the line, my co-op takes care of my power as carefully as if it were the beginning. No matter what nature throws Tri-County, it is ready to face the challenge.
Paula Sauls, Fremont, a member of Tri-County EMC
Helpful and Nice Employees
I have been a member of Edgecombe-Martin County EMC since around 1997. One thing I love is how all the workers at the office, if you call or go in, are so helpful and nice – and that goes a long way. If I have a power outage for any reason, they are on top of it to fix the problem. And I can say for me, we haven’t been without lights for more than a day or less. And that means a lot.
I had a light put in my yard on a pole, and they came to fix it in less than two days. Yes, I like to brag about my electric company. They are the best.
I hope I will always have Edgecombe-Martin – if I see their workers around, I always tell them they’re number one in my book. Keep up the good work and God bless you all as y’all continue to work.
Patricia Whitely, Rocky Mount, a member of Edgecombe-Martin County EMC
Innovation and Outreach
Making changes one consumer at a time is what I love about our electric co-op. Last summer, I read about the enrollment for the Time of Use program (TOU). It sounded like a good way to save money and help reduce our co-op’s electric load during peak use hours—a win-win situation! As I asked many questions, the customer service representative was eager to explain the program and encouraged me to check out the Wake Electric SmartHub. I discovered how useful the usage explorer is in analyzing my energy use patterns and determining the energy hogs in my home.
The TOU plan allows me to be a part of the consumption solution while saving money. My household has made a concerted effort to use as little energy as possible during peak hours, which benefits everyone. (Maybe you will want to be a part of the solution, too?) The SmartHub has helped me become a smarter consumer of energy, while the TOU program has helped me save money. Innovative ideas, education and member outreach to effect change are all things I love about our electric co-op.
Susan Bateman, Wake Forest, a member of Wake Electric
Making the Very Best Better
Oh, what an opportunity to say to all the co-ops and the great state of North Carolina what I have felt for a long time. I was taught from birth to love the Pitt & Greene co-op. My daddy told me how they went off the main roads clearing the way to carry electricity to everyone who wanted it. It did not matter who you were. This wonderful service was taken to everyone on an equal basis. It brought such a joy to so many farm families and especially the elderly, whose eyesight had grown dim.
When my husband and I built our house at Lizzie, North Carolina, in 1964, it was situated at a point where we had a choice. Even though the other electric utility’s service was cheaper at the time, we chose our wonderful Pitt & Greene EMC, because we knew they were a fair and great service, and always would be. It still is! During Hurricane Matthew, our neighbor’s power [from a different utility] was out for almost a week, while ours was out for less than a day. They continue at all times to make the very best better.
Nolah Ann Murphrey Dail, Snow Hill, a member of Pitt & Greene EMC
Opportunities to Save
Why I love my South River EMC membership:
- Customer service is outstanding. The customer service people answer my questions and concerns very quick and professional.
- I like the text messages when there will be an outage at a certain time on a certain day.
- I like Carolina Country magazine. It is very interesting and has lots of knowledge on energy savings tips. It has all the events of interest listed and the dates being held for each month. Great recipes, also.
- SREMC even offers rebates on energy saving appliances and water heaters, etc.
- The most important thing I like are the savings we get on our electric bill—the savings are passed on to us, the customer.
And that is why I love my co-op.
Karen Micros, Dunn, a member of South River EMC.
Respectful Service
I love Tri-County EMC for several reasons. First and foremost is that I am a member. I feel appreciated, valued and experience a sense of belonging. The yearly membership meeting provides me with information, motivation, prizes, and it’s fun. It is near my home. It was something my mother looked forward to for many years.
I am an elderly woman who lives alone. I am on an extremely tight budget. My co-op has worked with me during my most trying times.
Several years ago, I got frustrated because I could not pay my bill online. I went to the office near me. Two young men took me to a private office and proceeded to find the problem. It took a while, but they discovered it was the server I was using. It was not compatible.
They did not cause me to feel stupid nor ignorant.
I remember once they had to send someone out to disconnect due to non-payment. He was very courteous. After I paid my bill, he presented me with energy-saving light bulbs. I cried after he left. They could have caused me great embarrassment, but chose to gift me.
Sharon Godwin, Mount Olive, a member of Tri-County EMC
Share Your Thoughts
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