matters MEMBERSHIP
A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FROM BLUE RIDGE ENERGY
January 2021
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.
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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 via the mobile app, by calling 1-800-448-2383, or by using outage texting.
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perspective From Blue Ridge CEO Doug Johnson
Defining a Brighter Future for our members & communities As we begin this new year, Blue Ridge Energy is pursuing efforts to build a brighter future for our members and the communities we all share – a brighter future that continues our commitment to delivering reliable electricity at the lowest possible cost while also advancing responsible sustainability goals. Along with the rest of North Carolina’s electric cooperative network, last year we announced our new Brighter Future vision, a long-term roadmap for providing sustainable, affordable energy; reliability and innovation; and continued local community support to enrich the people and communities we serve. Our vision centers on achieving two voluntary sustainability goals: a 50 percent reduction in carbon emissions from 2005 levels by 2030, and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. To reach these goals, we will continue to rely on emissions-free nuclear, an extremely reliable, safe and affordable source of electricity that currently fuels almost half our power, along with natural gas, which can be dispatched quickly when needed. We are bringing more renewable energy resources online, including our utility scale solar unit planned for completion in Caldwell County by mid-2021. We’re also developing plans to invest in new technology, such as battery storage, to make renewables like solar power more versatile and reliable. Our carbon reduction goals also rely on the advanced
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coordination of resources across the electric grid, as well as innovative solutions and technologies to make the grid as flexible and efficient as possible. In addition, they encompass our efforts to electrify devices and processes as an alternative to fossil fuels and use electricity in new and exciting ways. We’ll be sharing more about all our efforts throughout this year! As a locally based cooperative, Blue Ridge Energy remains committed to not only powering, but also empowering our local communities. That’s why our Brighter Future vision extends far beyond delivering reliable, affordable, sustainable electricity to include community support efforts like education initiatives and economic development activities that truly demonstrate the cooperative difference. Our structure affords us unique opportunities to make local investments and engage with local people, businesses, and community leaders to work together to meet changing needs. The brightest part of our future will always be members, just like you. We look forward to continuing to serve you and to building a brighter future, now and in the years to come.
For more info on how we’re Powering a Brighter Future, head to
BlueRidgeEnergy.com/BrighterFuture MEMBERSHIP matters
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Mother Nature can present all kinds of challenges to the power delivery system. Be prepared by downloading our app and keeping basic necessities on hand. Remember that through it all, Blue Ridge is on call for you.
outage reporting options •
Call PowerLine at 1-800-448-2383
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to report an outage. 1-800-448-2383
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Use the Blue Ridge mobile app
Search for “Blue Ridge Mobile App” in your app store and download it for free on your smartphone or tablet!
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Sign up for Outage Texting - Text “START” to 70216
- Text “OUT” to 70216 to report an outage and receive updates until final restoration * Your mobile number must be listed on your Blue Ridge Energy account to enroll for Outage Texting. Go to BlueRidgeEnergy.com/ outagetexting to learn more.
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Vegetation management helps ensure reliable, safe electricity Severe weather that involves ice, wind and lightning, which can result in damage to trees and power lines, is the major cause of outages. With more than 8,000 miles of power lines to protect, and because over half of our outages are caused by trees, limbs and other plant life, your electric cooperative works yearround 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. 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 Visit us on the web: BlueRidgeEnergy.com +
This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
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Vegetation management occurs in our rights-of way. What is a right-ofway? It’s a corridor or strip of land along either side of power lines that allows our linemen a
safety zone while building and maintaining 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-ofway for this type of 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 reach 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.
Many people don’t know that power lines carrying electricity can energize anything or anyone that gets too close to the line, including a tree or tree limb, ladder, or even a wet kite string. Maintained rights-of-way help ensure that trees don’t get close enough to power lines to energize them. While this helps keep electricity reliable, it also helps keep people and even animals from being electrocuted or severely injured. Our vegetation management program combines several methods to control growth — all with the goal of balancing the beauty of our area while ensuring safe, reliable electricity.
2021 director candidate nominee options Members wishing to be considered as a candidate for the Board of Directors have two application options: the Nominating Committee process or the nomination by petition process. Interested members must complete and submit a director application packet by contacting Julie O’Dell, chief administrative officer, at jodell@blueridgeenergy.com or 1-800-451-5474, ext. 3202. All application information is due by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 1, 2021 when going through the Nominating Committee process and by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 1, 2021 for those seeking nomination by petition. Nominations by petition must include signatures of 20 or more members with a minimum of five from each of the four directorate districts with a requirement that each signature is the name that appears on their electric service bill. For a complete list of qualifications to serve as a director of Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation, please refer to the cooperative’s Bylaws available at any district office or online at BlueRidgeEnergy.com. MEMBERSHIP matters
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