A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FROM BLUE RIDGE ENERGY
matters MEMBERSHIP
Photo by Todd Bush
February 2017
Temporary rate reduction continues through March Members are receiving savings through a temporary rate reduction that began in 2014 and continues through March 2017. Rates will return to 2013 levels after March.
costs during this period did not occur. One factor was the effect lower electric generation fuels prices have had on the market. Another factor was reduced operating costs achieved by the cooperative.
On January, February and March bills in 2017, members will receive a savings of $9 per 1,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity used, which is the typical monthly usage of a Blue Ridge residential member.
Member rates are expected to remain stable until 2018 with only modest increases for later years forecasted in our wholesale power cost.
Member savings will total $26.8 million from the temporary rate reduction implemented over the past three years and into 2017. “As a cooperative, we’re not in business to make a profit — we’re here to provide service at the lowest possible cost to our members,” said Blue Ridge Energy Chief Executive Officer Doug Johnson. Blue Ridge was able to provide members the rate reduction after industry forecasts for rising wholesale power
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the
perspective From Blue Ridge CEO Doug Johnson
Thank YOU! There’s no better feeling than helping someone! Hundreds of local people in need of a helping hand are staying warm this winter thanks to the Blue Ridge members who participate in our Operation Round Up® programs. Operation Round Up and the power of members joining together has made a big impact in our communities over the years. To date, almost $3 million has gone to help families stay warm as well as to help support other not-for-profit services that fill critical needs in local communities. You can rest assured that 100 percent of all donations go directly to those in need. Blue Ridge covers all administrative costs so that your donations go directly to lend a helping hand. We offer several easy ways members can choose to give to Operation Round Up. You can also stop your participation at any time. First, you can request we round up your electric bill to the next dollar amount. The difference — which amounts to no more than $6 a year for the average member — is donated automatically to Operation Round Up. Page 22
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Secondly, many members said they’d like to donate more on a monthly automatic plan on their monthly bill and this is why we created Operation Round Up Plus. Simply let us know the monthly amount you’d like to donate and we’ll add it to your bill. Finally, we heard your requests for even easier ways to give and created the opportunity for you to donate all or part of your annual capital credits refund. While capital credits refunds are determined and approved annually by the cooperative’s Board of Directors, members may sign up to donate their annual refunds by filling out this option on your February bill. Or, you’ll find an insert in this issue of Carolina Country to fill out and return to us. In 2016, members donated $40,000 in capital credits refunds!
An EASY way to help! In 2016, members who chose to donate their capital credits refunds to Operation Round Up gave $40,000 to help others in our communities! We hope even more will consider this easy way to give by marking your selection on your February bill, using the insert in Carolina Country or by simply calling us. Thank you for your generosity!
Donating your capital credits refund is money you may never miss, but it will make a huge difference in the lives of local people who may be hurting from the loss of a job or other critical circumstances. On behalf of all those in our communities who will be touched by your graciousness and generosity, let me say a sincere and heartfelt “thank you!” MEMBERSHIP matters
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For more information or to sign up online, go to BlueRidgeEMC.com/Share. You can also read the article on page 22 for details about the effort.
Signature Date
Please check appropriate option below:
____ Donate 100% of my capital credits refund ____ Donate 50% of my capital credits refund ____ Donate 25% of my capital credits refund ____ Donate ____% of my capital credits refund (write in the desired percentage) ____ While I’m not yet ready to donate my capital credits refund, I would like my bill rounded up each month for Operation Round Up.® I understand that I can stop any time by contacting Blue Ridge Energy.
Zip
Donate your capital credits to help keep someone warm this winter. Doing so won’t cost you anything out of pocket, but will mean everything to a neighbor who needs your help.
State
Donate your capital credits to help keep someone warm this winter. Doing so won’t cost you anything out of pocket, but will mean everything to a neighbor who needs your help.
City
Simply indicate in the space provided on your bill’s payment stub that you are donating your capital credits refund — or a portion of it — and that money will be used to help your neighbors. Or, use the attached reply card to contribute.
Home Address
Simply indicate in the space provided on your bill’s payment stub that you are donating your capital credits refund — or a portion of it — and that money will be used to help your neighbors. Or, use the attached reply card to contribute.
Last Name
By donating the projected capital credits amount shown on your February bill to Operation Round Up®, you’ll help local residents with crisis heating assistance and community support.
First Name (Please Print)
By donating the projected capital credits amount shown on your February bill to Operation Round Up®, you’ll help local residents with crisis heating assistance and community support.
I would like to share my capital credits refund!
SHARING TO BUILD A BETTER COMMUNITY
See the newsletter on page 22 for more information.
Zip
See the newsletter on page 22 for more information.
Last Name
State
I would like to share my capital credits refund!
First Name (Please Print)
Home Address
City
Please check appropriate option below:
____ Donate 100% of my capital credits refund ____ Donate 50% of my capital credits refund ____ Donate 25% of my capital credits refund ____ Donate ____% of my capital credits refund (write in the desired percentage) ____ While I’m not yet ready to donate my capital credits refund, I would like my bill rounded up each month for Operation Round Up.® I understand that I can stop any time by contacting Blue Ridge Energy.
Signature Date
For more information or to sign up online, go to BlueRidgeEMC.com/Share. You can also read the article on page 22 for details about the effort.
BlueRidge-0217-insert.indd 1
SHARING TO BUILD A BETTER COMMUNITY
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BLUE RIDGE ENERGY PO BOX 112 LENOIR NC 28645-9969 PERMIT NO. 116
POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE FIRST-CLASS MAIL
LENOIR NC
BUSINESS REPLY MAIL
NO POSTAGE NECESSARY IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES IMPORTANT: DO NOT ENLARGE, REDUCE OR MOVE the FIM and POSTNET barcodes. They are only valid as Special care must be taken to ensure FIM and POSTNET barcode are actual size AND placed properly on the mai to meet both USPS regulations and automation compatibility standards. PERMIT NO. 116
LENOIR NC
BUSINESS REPLY MAIL BLUE RIDGE ENERGY PO BOX 112 LENOIR NC 28645-9969
POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE
FIRST-CLASS MAIL
NO POSTAGE NECESSARY IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES
IMPORTANT: DO NOT ENLARGE, REDUCE OR MOVE the FIM and POSTNET barcodes. They are only valid as p Special care must be taken to ensure FIM and POSTNET barcode are actual size AND placed properly on the mail to meet both USPS regulations and automation compatibility standards.
1/10/17 4:55 PM BlueRidge-0217-insert.indd 2
BLUE RIDGE ENERGY PO BOX 112 LENOIR NC 28645-9969 PERMIT NO. 116
POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE FIRST-CLASS MAIL
LENOIR NC
BUSINESS REPLY MAIL
NO POSTAGE NECESSARY IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES IMPORTANT: DO NOT ENLARGE, REDUCE OR MOVE the FIM and POSTNET barcodes. They are only valid as Special care must be taken to ensure FIM and POSTNET barcode are actual size AND placed properly on the mai to meet both USPS regulations and automation compatibility standards. PERMIT NO. 116
LENOIR NC
BUSINESS REPLY MAIL BLUE RIDGE ENERGY PO BOX 112 LENOIR NC 28645-9969
POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE
FIRST-CLASS MAIL
NO POSTAGE NECESSARY IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES
IMPORTANT: DO NOT ENLARGE, REDUCE OR MOVE the FIM and POSTNET barcodes. They are only valid as p Special care must be taken to ensure FIM and POSTNET barcode are actual size AND placed properly on the mail to meet both USPS regulations and automation compatibility standards.
1/10/17 4:55 PM BlueRidge-0217-insert.indd 2
For more information or to sign up online, go to BlueRidgeEMC.com/Share. You can also read the article on page 22 for details about the effort.
Signature Date
Please check appropriate option below:
____ Donate 100% of my capital credits refund ____ Donate 50% of my capital credits refund ____ Donate 25% of my capital credits refund ____ Donate ____% of my capital credits refund (write in the desired percentage) ____ While I’m not yet ready to donate my capital credits refund, I would like my bill rounded up each month for Operation Round Up.® I understand that I can stop any time by contacting Blue Ridge Energy.
Zip
Donate your capital credits to help keep someone warm this winter. Doing so won’t cost you anything out of pocket, but will mean everything to a neighbor who needs your help.
State
Donate your capital credits to help keep someone warm this winter. Doing so won’t cost you anything out of pocket, but will mean everything to a neighbor who needs your help.
City
Simply indicate in the space provided on your bill’s payment stub that you are donating your capital credits refund — or a portion of it — and that money will be used to help your neighbors. Or, use the attached reply card to contribute.
Home Address
Simply indicate in the space provided on your bill’s payment stub that you are donating your capital credits refund — or a portion of it — and that money will be used to help your neighbors. Or, use the attached reply card to contribute.
Last Name
By donating the projected capital credits amount shown on your February bill to Operation Round Up®, you’ll help local residents with crisis heating assistance and community support.
First Name (Please Print)
By donating the projected capital credits amount shown on your February bill to Operation Round Up®, you’ll help local residents with crisis heating assistance and community support.
I would like to share my capital credits refund!
SHARING TO BUILD A BETTER COMMUNITY
See the newsletter on page 22 for more information.
Zip
See the newsletter on page 22 for more information.
Last Name
State
I would like to share my capital credits refund!
First Name (Please Print)
Home Address
City
Please check appropriate option below:
____ Donate 100% of my capital credits refund ____ Donate 50% of my capital credits refund ____ Donate 25% of my capital credits refund ____ Donate ____% of my capital credits refund (write in the desired percentage) ____ While I’m not yet ready to donate my capital credits refund, I would like my bill rounded up each month for Operation Round Up.® I understand that I can stop any time by contacting Blue Ridge Energy.
Signature Date
For more information or to sign up online, go to BlueRidgeEMC.com/Share. You can also read the article on page 22 for details about the effort.
BlueRidge-0217-insert.indd 1
SHARING TO BUILD A BETTER COMMUNITY
1/10/17 4:55 PM
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22
For your convenience . . . Did you know you have several convenient ways to pay or check your balance and due date? • Pay online, anytime, 24/7 at www.BlueRidgeEMC.com. Simply log into “My Account” and click on “Billing and Payments” to securely pay by check, credit or debit card. • Pay securely with our new app! Available for free in the App Store and Google Play. • Or, pay by phone by calling 1-800-451-5474 and listen for the option to pay.
Remember! Update Blue Ridge Energy any time your telephone number or address changes so we can better serve you!
Attention youth! As part of our support of our local communities, Blue Ridge Energy is proud to continue our leadership development and scholarship opportunities to local high school seniors. This year, as part of the Blue Ridge Energy Leadership Track, qualifying seniors will be eligible for up to eight $4,000 renewable scholarships for students seeking a four-year degree based on leadership performance, resume development and a personal interview. Applications for these scholarships are by invitation only. Qualifying Leadership Track students will receive an invitation to apply for these scholarships in February. Additionally, for students in Caldwell County, Blue Ridge Energy continues to help administer the Charles and Lucille Suddreth scholarship worth $800 for a student interested in attaining a two-year degree. Financial need and academic performance are the primary criteria for this scholarship opportunity, and the deadline for applications is March 31, 2017. An application is available at www.BlueRidgeEMC.com/scholarship-applications. High school sophomores and juniors are encouraged to join the Blue Ridge Energy Leadership Track and take advantage of several leadership camp opportunities and various college bound workshops offered throughout the year. Visit the Leadership Track website at www.BlueRidgeEMC.com/youth-leadership-track to learn more.
a special message for our disabled veterans. . .
No Barriers Warriors Expeditions Blue Ridge Energy is seeking disabled veterans to participate in the No Barriers Warriors Expeditions this summer, a five-day program in Colorado designed to help disabled veterans transform their lives through curriculumbased experiences in challenging environments. The expeditions are described as “one-part adventure, one-part curriculum, and one-part physical challenge” and are designed to push participants mentally and physically to help them connect with fellow disabled veterans and break through barriers in their lives. Blue Ridge Energy will take care of all the expenses. Nominate yourself or someone you think deserves this special opportunity. For an application and to learn more about this exciting opportunity visit www.BlueRidgeEMC.com/ No-barriers.
MEMBERSHIP matters
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Vegetation management Severe weather that involves ice, wind and lightning resulting in damage to trees and power lines - is the major cause of outages. With more than 8,000 miles of power lines to protect, your electric cooperative works year round on our vegetation management program to ensure members enjoy the most reliable electricity possible. This effort has also placed Blue Ridge among the best performing utilities in the nation for reliability.
Our vegetation management program balances reliability with scenic beauty.
Vegetation management occurs in our rights-of-way. A right-of-way is a corridor, or strip of land, along either side of power lines. It helps protect the lines and allows linemen to work safely to build and maintain the power system to ensure you receive reliable electricity. The majority of our system is made up of distribution lines, which carry power from substations to homes and businesses. The right-of-way for this type of
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Doug Johnson
EDITOR Renée R. Whitener
PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR Susan Simmons
DISTRICT OFFICES Caldwell Watauga Ashe Alleghany Wilkes PowerLine®
(828) 754-9071 (828) 264-8894 (336) 846-7138 (336) 372-4646 (800) 451-5474 (800) 448-2383
Toll Free
(800) 451-5474
(PowerLine® is an automated account information and outage reporting system.)
(for members outside of the service area.)
To report an outage at any time, call PowerLine at (800) 448-2383. OFFICE HOURS: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm, Monday-Friday Kiosk available 24/7 + Night deposit Visit us on the web: BlueRidgeEMC.com +
This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
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line is a total of 30 feet (15 feet on each side). Blue Ridge Energy is a unique cooperative in that we must also build and maintain our own transmission system. These high voltage power lines deliver electricity from our supplier in the foothills to our mountain district members. The right-of-way for these lines ranges from a total of 100 to 250 feet, depending on the voltage of the line. A 30' herbicide cleared Our vegetation management proright-of-way. gram combines several growth control methods that balance the beauty of our area with ensuring safe, reliable electricity.
Steps to restoring power Restoring power after a major outage involves steps for safely getting the most members restored in the shortest amount of time. Our plan is based on these priorities: Step 1: Transmission structures and lines that supply power to one or more transmission substations are restored first. These main delivery lines receive first priority because they serve tens of thousands of people. Step 2: Next are distribution substations, which “step down” (reduce) voltage from transmission lines so it can be distributed to thousands of members.
Did you know. . .
You can report an outage on our new app available for free in the App Store and Google Play?
Step 3: Main distribution supply lines (the ones you see on poles along roads) are targeted next. Step 4: The final power supply lines, called "tap lines," are restored next. These are lines coming off main distribution lines. Step 5: Damage can also occur on the service line leading from the transformer pole into your home. This could be why your neighbors have power and you don’t. Outages can be reported 24/7 by calling PowerLine at 1-800-448-2383 or by using our new Blue Ridge mobile app. MEMBERSHIP matters
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