Blue Ridge Energy Mourns the Passing of Longtime Board President, Jeff Joines
It is with great sadness that Blue Ridge Energy announces the passing of the electric cooperative’s President of the Board of Directors, Jeff Joines of Lenoir.
“Jeff led Blue Ridge Energy with integrity, humility and an unwavering commitment to the members and customers we serve,” said Katie Woodle, Chief Executive Officer of Blue Ridge Energy. “Through seasons of growth and challenge alike, his steady leadership and thoughtful counsel shaped our cooperative in lasting ways,” she said. “His legacy of service will continue to guide us in the years to come,” Woodle said.
Joines joined the Board of Directors in 1998 and leaves behind a distinguished legacy that is highlighted by his commitment to service for the cooperative, its members and the employees.
Joines was elected as Board President in 2018 and had served in that role since then. Before that, Joines also served as Board Vice-President, assistantSecretary Treasurer, and Chairman of the Corporate Officers’ Group. He was also Chairman of Blue Ridge Energy’s Caldwell Member Advisory Committee. As a director dedicated to ongoing education and coursework in the areas of governance, technology, fiduciary accountability and the cooperative and energy industry in general, Joines had earned certifications in Gold Board Leadership, Credentialed Cooperative Director and Board Leadership from NRECA (the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association).
Joines’ dedication to the members of Blue Ridge Energy extends across the state of North Carolina. He proudly served as a President and Board Member for the North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives (NCAEC).
Joines’ legacy will be one that’s highlighted not only by his commitment to service at Blue Ridge Energy, but to his commitment in his local community as well. Joines was a Retired, Judicial Division Administrator of North Carolina Department of Correction, a recipient of the Long Leaf Pine - North Carolina’s Highest Civilian Honor, a charter member of the Caldwell Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow – the highest recognition for service in a Rotary Club.
Perspective
Shining
a Light on Our Line Technicians
When you think of your electric cooperative, what comes to mind? For many, it’s our lineworkers—the employees whose tireless work keeps power reliable and whose quick response restores service when the lights go out. Each April, we take time to honor them during Lineworker Appreciation Month, and we hope you’ll join us in recognizing the essential role they play.
There’s far more to this work than what most people see. Boots come home muddy, phones ring in the middle of the night, and family events are often missed. Holidays are planned around the weather, not the calendar. Lineworkers prepare, respond, and serve with a level of dedication that reflects their deep commitment to their cooperative and their community. They put others first because they’re driven by a simple purpose: making life better in the place they call home.
Convenience is not part of the job description. Conditions can be treacherous, the work demands many hours of training, competency learning, technical skill and quick problem-solving, and the toughest assignments often come when the rest of us are sheltering from the storm. Few people choose this career path, which makes the sacrifices of those who do, even more worthy of appreciation.
It takes a lot to keep the lights on
As we celebrate Lineworker Appreciation Month, we also recognize the scale of the system they maintain. Blue Ridge Energy’s grid stretches across northwest North Carolina, with more than 8,000 miles of line
From Blue Ridge Energy CEO Katie Woodle
crossing ridges and valleys at elevations ranging from 1,000 to over 4,000 feet. Keeping this system reliable requires not only the dedication of lineworkers in the field, but also careful planning behind the scenes.
Across the country, conversations continue about the future of the energy grid, how to modernize aging infrastructure, strengthen reliability, and navigate an increasingly complex energy landscape. Addressing these challenges remains a top priority for your cooperative. Investing in the grid isn’t just about equipment; it’s about ensuring our lineworkers have what they need to work safely and effectively, and about keeping our promise to deliver reliable electricity at an affordable cost.
At the same time, we’re operating in an economic environment unlike anything the industry has seen in its existence. While inflation has begun to level off, prices have not returned to where they once were. Nearly every piece of equipment—from transformers to poles to the tools lineworkers rely on—has doubled or tripled in cost, and in some cases more. Through careful planning and responsible management, we continue working to mitigate these cost pressures while strengthening the system our communities depend on
Despite these challenges, one thing remains constant: our commitment to making life better for those we serve. Your cooperative will continue seeking solutions that improve reliability, support our Blue Ridge Energy family, and uphold the values that define our service to this region.
Educators: Get Your Bright Ideas Ready!
It’s that time again! Blue Ridge Energy kicks off its Bright Ideas Education Grant program and begins accepting applications from innovative educators for the 2026-27 school year on April 1. Teachers with ideas for creative classroom projects that bring learning to life can learn more and apply online at ncbrightideas.com
Grants are available for projects across all grade levels and subject areas, and educators can apply for grant funding individually or as a team. This program has supported projects focused on improving classroom instruction using innovative and creative teaching methods.
Applications will be accepted until Sept. 15. As an added incentive to apply early, educators who submit their applications by Aug. 15 will be entered into a drawing to receive a Visa gift card.
Since 1994, electric cooperatives in North Carolina, including Blue Ridge Energy, have partnered with K-12 teachers statewide to provide Bright Ideas grants for unique classroom projects that would not otherwise be
funded. Over the program’s history, over 3.65 million students across North Carolina have benefited from 14,700 Bright Ideas-funded projects totaling over $15.8 million. The Bright Ideas grant program is part of our continued commitment to building a brighter future for the people, businesses and communities we serve. In addition to ensuring the delivery of reliable, affordable and sustainable power, this vision emphasizes the importance of innovation and ongoing community support. Learn more at BlueRidgeEnergy.com/BrightIdeas
Blue Ridge Energy is celebrating its 32nd year of offering Bright Ideas grants as part of our support and commitment to education. To date, Blue Ridge Energy has awarded more than $674,000 in its service area and provided direct funding assistance that has impacted over 150,000 students.
Make voting for your directors easy: Sign up to receive your director election kit by email and you’re automatically entered to win a $250 VISA gift card! (If you already receive your kit by email, there is no need to sign up again. You will continue to receive your kit electronically and are already entered for a chance to win!)
By choosing to receive your director election kit by email, you are helping hold down costs in printing and postage. Plus, receiving your director election kit and voting online is the easiest way to participate.
• Go to BlueRidgeEnergy.com/ OnlineVoteSignup
• Follow the instructions
• Be sure to sign up by the deadline of April 10, 2026!
Watch your inbox on May 27. That’s when the director election kit will be sent to all members by email or regular mail. Both include candidate biographies and voting instructions. Members may vote for Board candidates in all districts, not just the district in which they live. Thank you for being active in your cooperative’s annual Director Elections! Get Your Director Election Kit By Email
Here’s how to sign up to receive your cooperative’s Board of Directors election kit by email:
Katie Woodle
EDITOR
Renée R. Walker
Jacob Puckett
(PowerLine* is an
