matters MEMBERSHIP
A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FROM BLUE RIDGE ENERGY
NOVEMBER 2018 Did you know...
Free to members: Usage Tracker! This daily tracker tool alerts you to high electricity usage, which can help you avoid a high bill. Sign up under "My Account" at BlueRidgeEnergy.com.
Managing winter bills Cold weather is coming! Higher bills can result from heating and increased use of lighting, appliances and electronics since the days are shorter and more time is spent indoors. To manage your winter electric bills, Blue Ridge Energy offers the following: Be energy efficient Simple steps help! Set thermostats to the lowest comfortable level (try 68 degrees for winter). Open curtains to let in the sun’s heat; close them at night. Only run full loads in dishwashers and use cold water when washing clothes. Limit shower times to reduce hot water usage. Turn off unnecessary lights.
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FlexPay You control your payment schedule and amounts with FlexPay! Pay as you use: by phone, kiosk or online. No late fees or deposits, but you must maintain a positive account balance to keep electricity flowing. Budget Billing Equalize your payments for 11 months. In the 12th month, your account is “evened up” with a final payment or credit applied to your account.
mobile app or online under “My Account” at BlueRidgeEnergy. com. For $10, you can avoid late or reconnection fees. •
If you need more time, call us to discuss a payment arrangement plan.
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For more help, call your local social services agency to see if you qualify for special assistance such as Operation Round Up® or state and federal crisis assistance programs.
Help paying your bill •
Get a 3-day extension with our self-help telephone service,
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the
perspective From Blue Ridge CEO Doug Johnson
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Get ready for electric vehicles Planning ahead to meet the needs of our members and communities is taking exciting directions as we monitor and prepare for the growing adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs). This clean energy trend has been somewhat quiet until recently. Now, predictions are for EVs to play a large role in the near future for several reasons. As the government increases emission standards, vehicle manufacturers are increasing investment in EVs and less in combustible engine vehicles. EVs also lower maintenance and operating costs appeal to consumers and range anxiety is improving as newer EV models can drive 200 miles or more on a single charge. Tax credits and manufacturer rebates are also helping drive down costs for consumers. You can check out a current listing of the many available on www.fueleconomy.gov. Improving charging infrastructure is also aiding adoption. One contributing factor that can help that effort in the future is North Carolina’s share of the Volkswagen Settlement, a $92 million allocation that will be used to support EV adoption in a variety of ways. Blue Ridge Energy is involved in an effort to ensure some of the funding is used for areas
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served by electric cooperatives. Doing our part for a smarter, cleaner environment is one reason your electric cooperative supports the EV trend. We’re also involved because it can help members in another way by helping keep your rates down. Here’s how. Charging vehicles during off-peak periods can help manage your cooperative’s load demands, which in turn helps reduce the cost we pay for wholesale power. And that benefits members. Wholesale power we distribute to members is the largest expense of your cooperative. Anything that helps control wholesale power cost will benefit members with more stable rates for years to come. As electric vehicles grow in popularity, the value of encouraging charging in off-peak periods can be significant for members and your cooperative. As we support the growing EV trend and find innovative ways to hold down your rates while providing cleaner reliable electricity, we hope you agree: we’re making life better in the Blue Ridge area!
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Have an EV? Or buying one soon? We now offer an EV Home Charger rebate! Call us today to learn more about this new rebate offer!
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Staying Safe:
Portable Generators Portable generators are useful when temporary or remote electric power is needed, but they can be hazardous.
The primary hazards? Carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock or electrocution, and fire.
These rules of thumb will help keep you and your family safe around portable generators: CARBON MONOXIDE HAZARDS:
Always use generators outdoors. NEVER use generators in homes, garages, basements, or any enclosed areas, even with ventilation. Install battery-operated or plug-in (with battery backup) carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in your home, and follow manufacturer's instructions. Test alarms often and replace batteries when needed.
ELECTRICAL HAZARDS:
If you connect a portable electric generator improperly, it could be fatal for you and for line technicians! Have a qualified, licensed electrician install a double-pole, double-throw transfer switch between the generator and utility power in compliance with all state and local electrical codes. Do not damage your appliances or generator by operating more appliances and equipment than the generator can handle according to its operating instructions.
For more information, go to BlueRidgeEnergy.com/generators
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STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION BLUE RIDGE ELECTRIC MEMBERSHIP CORPORATION Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation (d/b/a Blue Ridge Energy) is an equal opportunity provider. In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www. ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
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(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.
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the Cooperative Difference
Blue Ridge answers the call to help After restoring power to over 8,000 Blue Ridge Energy members impacted by the remnants of Hurricane Florence, Blue Ridge line crews headed to the most devastated area in eastern North Carolina to help sister co-op CarteretCraven Electric Cooperative. All of Carteret-Craven’s 40,000 members in Carteret, Craven, Jones and Onslow counties were left without power when the storm hit in late September. Restoration efforts went well over a week as crews from 17 different cooperatives, tree and line technician contractors worked from sunrise to sunset every day. Blue Ridge Energy sent 20 line technicians, along with nine bucket trucks in response.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Doug Johnson
New officers announced
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 one of the numbers listed above. OFFICE HOURS: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm, Monday-Friday Kiosk available 24/7 + Night deposit Visit us on the web: BlueRidgeEnergy.com +
Kenneth Greene of Ashe District has retired from the Board of Directors of Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation after 30 years of service, with the past 11 years as President. The cooperative’s Bylaws require the Board of Directors to appoint a replacement director for the seat Greene held in Ashe District. An announcement will be made upon selection. The Board of Directors conducted an officer election at their regular September Board meeting and elected the following new officers: President: Jeff Joines, Caldwell District Vice President: David Eggers, Caldwell District Secretary-Treasurer: Joy Coffey, Watauga District Assistant Secretary-Treasurer: John F. Wishon Jr., Alleghany District The Secretary-Treasurer officer did not change. Joy Coffey, Watauga District, continues serving in this officer role.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
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