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January ‘26

EnergyUnited has awarded $51,000 in Bright Ideas education grants to 41 local teachers, supporting innovative classroom projects that will reach more than 13,000 students across the cooperative’s 19-county service area. Since the Bright Ideas program began in 1994, EnergyUnited has contributed more than $1 million to help educators bring creative lessons to life in subjects such as art, music, science, history and math.

Each year, applications are reviewed through a competitive process led by volunteer member-judges. They select projects designed to spark curiosity and expand learning opportunities in K–12 classrooms. The grants reflect EnergyUnited’s ongoing commitment to teachers. The next application cycle will open in April 2026.

EnergyUnited is one of 26 electric cooperatives in North Carolina offering Bright Ideas grants. Together, the state’s cooperatives have awarded more than $16.5 million over the past three decades, funding nearly 15,400 projects and benefiting millions of students. The program is one way EnergyUnited continues to support educators and inspire the next generation of innovators, both in the classroom and throughout the communities it serves.

Learn More About Bright Ideas Education Grants

At EnergyUnited, our mission has always been clear: deliver safe, affordable, reliable and sustainable power to the communities we serve. In 2025, we continued strengthening our system to uphold that promise. Through proactive maintenance, strategic upgrades and a continued commitment to operational excellence, our crews made significant progress in boosting service reliability for EnergyUnited members.
Here are three key highlights from 2025:

1. Replacing Aging Utility Poles

Our crews completed more than 340 pole replacements this year. By replacing older or compromised poles with safer, more durable structures, we are protecting system integrity and maintaining our commitment to delivering 99.9% reliable power to members.

2. Improving Efficiency By Replacing Copper Lines

As part of our ongoing modernization efforts, we replaced about 40 miles of copper line in 2025. Upgrading older conductors enhances efficiency, reduces vulnerabilities and supports long-term system sustainability.

3. Completing Critical Compact Modular Recloser (CMR) Projects Across The System

In 2025, EnergyUnited successfully completed the second year of a six-year program to replace the cooperative’s oil circuit reclosers with new electronic compact modular reclosers. The new reclosers do not require maintenance, which will reduce annual costs, and they can be reprogrammed as needed for varying load conditions. The cooperative installed more than 330 CMRs in 2025.

Powering Forward With Purpose

These operational investments reflect EnergyUnited’s unwavering commitment to service excellence. Looking ahead, EnergyUnited will continue investing in strategic service upgrades across the cooperative’s service area to deliver a brighter energy future for members.

How can you save on heating costs this winter? We’ve compiled a few tips to help you:

• Regularly maintain your heating system and change the filter monthly.
• If you have a fireplace, keep the damper closed when not in use. If you do not use your fireplace, plug and seal the flue.
• According to the Department of Energy, adjusting the temperature by 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours a day can reduce energy costs by up to 10%.
• Let the sun shine in your home during the day to take advantage of natural warmth. Close window coverings after dusk to reduce heat loss
• Bring in moisture with a humidifier or explore other ways to do so. Dry air makes the air feel colder and increasing moisture in the air causes indoor air to retain more heat.

Source: SafeElectricity.org

For 30 years, the EnergyUnited Foundation has quietly and consistently lived out one simple mission: to make life better for our neighbors facing grave needs in the communities we call home. Today, we are excited to share that this mission reached a historic milestone. The Foundation has surpassed $10 million in total charitable giving, a testament to the generosity of EnergyUnited members.

How the Foundation Began

What began as a small fund built through Operation Round-Up — where members voluntarily round up their monthly bills to support neighbors in need — has grown into a powerful force for change in our local communities. Over the years, these contributions have supported housing, utilities and critical home repairs and countless nonprofits across our 19-county service area.

Our “Mission Moments”

Behind every dollar distributed is a story of hope, often made possible because members chose to round up their bills by just a few cents each month. The Foundation regularly receives heartfelt thank-you letters, photos and updates from recipients — many of which have been shared during “Mission Moments” at Foundation board meetings.

Small Change, Big Impact

None of this would be possible without the continued support of EnergyUnited members. With each small act of rounding up, you help create meaningful change for neighbors facing hardship. And in reaching the $10 million target, we are reminded of the power of community working together.

Additionally, we want to celebrate the EnergyUnited Foundation Board, who have volunteered their time and efforts to achieve this goal. The Foundation board consists of nine community volunteers who reside within our service area. Though we have had many types of professionals sit on the Foundation board, individuals with relevant backgrounds that would aid in evaluating applications (such as medical, legal and financial) are prioritized. We think it’s important to recognize and celebrate all that they do for our community.

We want to extend our deepest appreciation to every member who participates in Operation Round-Up. Your generosity has changed lives, strengthened organizations and fostered hope in moments when it was needed most.

Together, we’re lighting the way toward brighter futures — a few cents at a time.

EnergyUnited is now accepting applications for this year’s Cooperative All-Stars Sports Camp Scholarships. This annual program gives rising 6th and 7th grade students the chance to sharpen their basketball skills at elite collegiate camps. EnergyUnited will award two full scholarships: one for a middle school boy to attend the Carolina Basketball School in Chapel Hill, and one for a middle school girl to attend the Wolfpack Women’s Basketball Camp in Raleigh.

These scholarships offer students more than just time on the court — they provide an opportunity to learn from top-tier coaches, build confidence and experience life on a college campus. Eligible students are encouraged to apply for the chance to take part in a fun, competitive and inspiring summer experience.

UNC Sports Camp: June 27-30
NC State Sports Camp: June 14-17