Together, We Build a Brighter Future
At EnergyUnited, everything we do starts with you—our members. You depend on safe, reliable and affordable energy, and you deserve a cooperative that plans responsibly for today while building a brighter future for tomorrow. That’s why sustainability, strong governance and community commitment are built into how we serve, invest and grow—always with your best interests at the center.
The 2025 Cooperative Responsibility and Sustainability Report highlights the measurable progress we’re making to support the communities we serve, be good stewards of the environment and operate with transparency and accountability top of mind.
A word from OUr CEO:THOMAS GOLDEN
Responsibility and sustainability are guided by our cooperative values and commitment to our members. We work every day to balance safety, affordability, reliability and long-term sustainability while building a brighter energy future.
This report highlights how those commitments take shape through environmental stewardship, community investment and responsible governance—reflecting our dedication to serving members and strengthening the communities we call home.
ENVIRONMENT
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COMMUNITYClick to read more
GOVERNANCE
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VEGETAtion management
Considering the expansive territory that EnergyUnited maintains—including more than 12,000 miles of energized power lines—we made significant progress in our efforts to improve sustainability and reliability through our Vegetation Management Program.
In 2025, we continued the use of drone technology to conduct more efficient right-of-way inspections. This process is used to inspect hard to reach areas safely and efficiently.
Additionally, since our Yard Tree Program was implemented in 2023, EnergyUnited has reduced the number of tree-related outages in our rights-of-way by 75 percent as well as a 10 percent reduction in the average frequency of outages on our system.
To review our right-of-way trimming schedule for the year, please visit the Vegetation Management page.
DeliveringReliable power
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2025 Highlights
fleet services
Building A Fleet ReadyFor What’s next
You rely on our crews to respond quickly and work safely—and that starts with dependable equipment. In 2025, we focused on key fleet improvements to reduce downtime, enhance safety and ensure reliable service for you. These improvements include:
Together, these initiatives create a stronger, more capable fleet that is safer and ready to serve you whenever and wherever needed. By shifting from reactive fixes to proactive performance maintenance, we’re building a fleet that supports your energy needs today while preparing for a more resilient and dependable future.
ENERGY SUPPLY MIX
ENERGY
MIX
GAS
59.8%Natural gas is an economical
generation resource that
emits less carbon dioxide in
comparison to coal.
Additionally, natural gas is
available on demand, 24/7,
making it a reliable energy
source for members.
NUCLEAR
29.7%Nuclear power reactors do not
produce any carbon emissions,
which offers a huge advantage
over more traditional energy
sources. Plus, nuclear energy is
incredibly reliable and has the
ability to produce energy nonstop.
produce any carbon emissions,
which offers a huge advantage
over more traditional energy
sources. Plus, nuclear energy is
incredibly reliable and has the
ability to produce energy nonstop.
Coal
8%Coal is a highly abundant and
affordable energy resource but
also carries a greater environmental
impact. Coal accounts for roughly
a quarter of all energy-related
carbon emissions, which is why we
plan to phase out our use of coal
in 2026.
affordable energy resource but
also carries a greater environmental
impact. Coal accounts for roughly
a quarter of all energy-related
carbon emissions, which is why we
plan to phase out our use of coal
in 2026.
Renewables
2.5%There are many environmental
and economic benefits of using
renewable energy. Like generating
energy that produces no
greenhouse gas emissions, reduces
air pollution, diversifies energy
supply and minimizes dependence
on imported fuels.
and economic benefits of using
renewable energy. Like generating
energy that produces no
greenhouse gas emissions, reduces
air pollution, diversifies energy
supply and minimizes dependence
on imported fuels.
Reliability, Resiliency & Grid modernization
We are making strategic investments across our electric system to strengthen reliability, enhance resiliency and modernize the grid for the future. These upgrades are designed to reduce environmental risk, improve outage response and ensure our infrastructure can support continued growth in the communities we serve.
These investments enhance system resiliency, improve operational performance and position the cooperative to meet rising demand safely and sustainably.
Energyunited foundation
Celebrating $10 MillionIn charitable giving
Thanks to the generosity of EnergyUnited members, the EnergyUnited Foundation reached a major milestone in 2025: $10 million in total charitable giving. For more than 30 years, the Foundation—funded entirely through members’ voluntary participation in Operation Round-Up—has helped meet essential needs such as housing assistance, utility support and critical home repairs for individuals, families and local nonprofits. In 2025 alone, $717,199.81 was distributed, including more than $505,000 in direct support to individuals and families.
One recent partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Davie County provided critical home improvements for Ruby and her son, Freddy, making their home safer and more accessible. “This truly has been a blessing for our family,” Ruby shared. Stories like theirs reflect the true impact behind the $10 million milestone—neighbors helping neighbors through small monthly contributions that grow into meaningful, life-changing support across EnergyUnited’s service area.
Community outreach & Engagement
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StemDAY
In 2025, EnergyUnited visited West Iredell Middle School as part of our STEM Day initiative, designed to inspire students to explore careers in science, technology, engineering and math—including opportunities within the energy industry. During the visit, we collaborated with one of our Bright Ideas Teacher Grant winners, Olivia, and provided STEM robotic cars for her class. This special event highlighted how our cooperative not only delivers safe and reliable energy but also invests in educators and supports youth development, helping spark curiosity about STEM careers and the role of energy professionals in building the communities of tomorrow.
Bright ideasPROGRAM
Through the Bright Ideas education grant program, EnergyUnited awarded $51,000 to 41 local teachers to help bring creative classroom projects to life. The grants fund innovative, hands-on learning experiences that go beyond traditional instruction, helping educators spark curiosity and deepen student engagement across a variety of subjects.
For more than three decades, Bright Ideas has supported teachers and strengthened local schools—reflecting EnergyUnited’s ongoing commitment to empowering students and investing in the future of our communities.
ConnectedTo Communtity
EnergyUnited is proud to stay connected to the communities we serve through local events and volunteer efforts. From serving up smiles at the Lexington BBQ Festival to celebrating the holidays at the Cornelius Tree Lighting, our team enjoys connecting with members in the communities we serve.
We also invest in hands-on career education through initiatives like Career on Wheels and our Day in the Life Lineman Camp, giving students an inside look at the electric cooperative industry. These events reflect our commitment to service, education and community engagement.
Community Programs
EnergyUnited supports the next generation through a variety of community programs. Our Sports Camp Scholarship provides student-athletes the opportunity to develop leadership skills while experiencing a collegiate-style camp environment. The Empowering the Future Scholarship helps local students pursue higher education and achieve their academic goals.
Recipients
Through the Junior Member Ambassador Program, students gain valuable insight into the cooperative business model, leadership development and community involvement. Together, these programs help prepare young leaders for bright futures while strengthening the communities we serve.
Junior Member
Ambassadors
Workplace culture & Recognition
EnergyUnited was named a 2025 Top Workplace by Charlotte Magazine—marking the third consecutive year the cooperative has earned this distinction. This recognition reflects a strong workplace culture built on collaboration, integrity and a shared commitment to serving members.
Being honored three years in a row highlights the dedication of our employees and reinforces EnergyUnited’s focus on creating a supportive environment where team members feel valued, empowered and inspired to make a difference.
About energyunited
over
144,000
member connections
over
260
employees
99.9
energy reliability
19
counties
KEY STATS
Spanning 19 counties, over 144,000 member connections and more than 260 employees, EnergyUnited is proud to be North Carolina’s largest electric cooperative. With roots reaching back over 80 years, EnergyUnited is your local connection to safe, affordable, reliable and sustainable energy.
EnergyUnited provides electric service in portions of 19 counties in west central North Carolina which include Alexander, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Catawba, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Gaston, Guilford, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Stokes, Wilkes and Yadkin.
EnergyUnited is a member-owned and democratically governed cooperative that is directed by a nine-member Board of Directors. These board directors are elected by you, our members. Get to know the board below.
Our Board
District 1
Brad
Blackwelder
Edgar
Cartner
Lisa
Campbell
Pullis
District 2
Jill
Doss-Raines
Ronnie
Harrison
Secretary
Zolee
Riggs
District 3
Craig
Black
Treasurer
Brian
Sisson
President
Cheryl
Wright
Vice President
OUR
SERVICE AREA
District 1
District 2
District 3
Member advisory committee
As your energy service provider, we value the opinions of our members. MAC members act as sounding boards for changes in service processes and the development of new programs. In addition, they learn more about the activities of EnergyUnited and then share this information with other members. Our consistent meetings and ongoing interactions serve as a communication link between the members and the leadership of EnergyUnited.
We deeply value and rely on your feedback as it helps inform the future of our cooperative.
SAFETY
Be Alert,Be alive
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Our Be Alert, Be Alive campaign launched in the summer of 2025 and was focused on increasing public awareness of essential electrical safety practices. Our goal was for members to feel empowered to have conversations with loved ones about safety and test their safety smarts with an online quiz.
Cybersecurity & Information technology
The Co-op cyberGOALS PROGRAM
EnergyUnited continues to strengthen its cybersecurity readiness through active participation in the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Co-op Cyber Goals Program — a voluntary, industry-recognized framework designed to help electric cooperatives build foundational cybersecurity capabilities and reduce operational risk.
To date, EnergyUnited has seen measurable progress in employee training, access controls and incident readiness. Planning is currently underway to review 2026 goals, reinforcing the cooperative’s commitment to protecting critical infrastructure, member data and long-term system reliability.
The NRECA CyberGuardian program
EnergyUnited was selected as one of only 12 electric cooperatives nationwide to participate in the inaugural Cybersecurity Ambassadors Program led by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). Chosen through a competitive national selection process, EnergyUnited serves as a cybersecurity ambassador by sharing best practices, lessons learned and practical guidance with other cooperatives. This role underscores EnergyUnited’s leadership in cybersecurity readiness and its commitment to strengthening cyber resilience across the cooperative network.
Legislative involvement
EnergyUnited advocates for our members by speaking out for safe, reliable, affordable and sustainable energy. Our team meets with state lawmakers and members of Congress to share your voice and support smart energy policies that keep the lights on and costs fair. We also support legislation that protect the people who serve you every day—like SB 311, passed in 2025, which increases penalties for anyone who harasses or threatens utility workers. Together, we’re working to keep our communities strong and our energy future bright.
