Co-op CEO Appointed to NC Board Overseeing Safe Digging

Jake Joplin

Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative CEO and General Manager Jake Joplin was recently appointed by Gov. Roy Cooper to the NC Underground Damage Prevention Review Board. The 15-person board, working with NC Utilities Commission, is responsible for enforcement of the Underground Utility Safety and Damage Prevention Act.

Joplin steps into the role following a tenure served by Surry-Yadkin EMC Executive Vice President and General Manager Greg Puckett, who was first appointed to the board at its creation by Gov. Pat McCrory, later reappointed by Gov. Cooper.

“I’m honored to represent North Carolina’s electric cooperatives and follow Greg, who served on the board since it was created in 2014,” Joplin said. “I look forward to helping communicate the importance of notifying 811 before you dig and performing safe excavation.”

What is known today as NC811 was founded in 1978 as ULOCO (Underground Utilities Location Request) and is recognized nationally as the number to “call before you dig.” Electric cooperatives and other utilities fund the nonprofit organization, making it a free service.

Excavators are required by law to report any damages to the affected utility and NC811. Visit nc811.org to learn more.