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May ‘26

In honor of National Electrical Safety Month, we encourage you to take a moment to sit down with your family and friends to start an important conversation about staying safe around electricity. Building awareness early can help prevent injuries and create safe, lifelong habits.

Here are five essential electrical safety tips to share with your family:

• Never approach downed lines: Stay far away from downed power lines if you ever encounter them. Always assume they are energized and dangerous.
• Water & Electricity Don’t Mix: Never use electrical devices near water, including sinks, bathtubs or pools.
• Don’t overload outlets: Plugging too many devices into one outlet can cause overheating and increase the risk of fire.
• Check cords for damage: Frayed or cracked cords can be dangerous—replace them immediately and avoid using damaged electronics.
• Use outlets safely: Teach young children not to stick anything into outlets and consider installing tamper-resistant outlet covers.

Source: Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI)

Safety at EnergyUnited isn’t just a priority—it’s a core value that guides our daily decisions and long-term strategic investments. This May, during National Electrical Safety Month, we’re highlighting some of the tools and practices that help our crews deliver reliable power to you, safely.

What Is an Arc Flash?

One of the biggest dangers in electrical work is something called an arc flash. An arc flash happens when electricity suddenly jumps through the air between conductors or to the ground. This releases a huge amount of energy almost instantly, producing extremely high temperatures, bright light and pressure that can cause severe burns and other serious injuries.
To stay protected, EnergyUnited invests in special ARC-rated clothing. This clothing is made from fire-resistant materials and tested to protect against the intense heat of an arc flash.

Protective Clothing

Our crews wear Category 2 ARC-rated clothing, including shirts, pants and outer layers designed to protect them from severe burns. Through EnergyUnited’s uniform program, employees can easily order approved gear, boots and accessories. Each year, EnergyUnited invests more than $200,000 to help ensure crews have the right clothing and protective equipment to work safely.

Tools That Help Crews Stay Alert

Before starting any job, crews check equipment to see if it is energized. Many also wear a personal voltage detector on their hard hats. This device alerts them when electricity is nearby, which is especially helpful during storms and power outages.

Safety Starts Before the Job

Crews inspect each job site and talk through potential hazards before work begins. Employees receive annual training on protective equipment, including hard hats, safety glasses, rubber gloves and fall protection.
From ARC-rated clothing to advanced detection tools and job-site inspections, EnergyUnited’s safety practices protect our crews and our community.

EnergyUnited is excited to kick off the 2026 Bright Ideas Education Grant Program, giving local educators the opportunity to bring innovative classroom projects to life. Each year, Bright Ideas provides funding for creative, hands-on learning experiences that enhance student success across all subject areas, from science and technology to art and reading. Since 1994, North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have collectively awarded more than $16 million in grants, supporting thousands of projects and impacting millions of students statewide.

Submit applications for the upcoming grant cycle from April 1 through September 15. K–12 teachers in EnergyUnited’s service area are encouraged to apply for funding to support engaging, student-centered ideas that might not otherwise be possible.

To learn more or submit an application

EnergyUnited’s new rate structure includes a new component, peak demand, which gives members direct control of their bill.

You can find peak demand on your bill, which is the highest amount of electricity you use at one time during peak demand hours.

Members can use this information to calculate monthly bills and estimate future energy costs with our bill calculator.

Where to find your peak demand

• Go to the second page of your statement.
• Look for the Meter Consumption section.
• Find the line labeled “Peak Demand,” measured in kilowatts (kW).

This value represents your highest amount of energy usage during peak demand hours. In the summer, from April to October, these hours are from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., and in the winter, from November to March, these hours are from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Designed to give members more control

• During off-peak hours, you can continue using electricity at a highly reduced rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
• By spreading out the use of large appliances, you can save money while keeping your home comfortable.
• Understanding when and how you use electricity puts you in control, helping you take full advantage of the new rate structure while keeping energy costs manageable.

Click here to learn more

Summer travel season is right around the corner. While you’re packing bags and planning trips, it’s also a good time to think about protecting your digital identity while on the go.

Public Wi‑Fi networks at airports, hotels and cafés are convenient, but they can also put your personal and work information at risk. When possible, use your mobile hotspot instead of public Wi‑Fi. If you need to connect, avoid accessing sensitive information such as online banking, work systems or confidential emails.

A few simple steps can make a big difference

• Keep your devices updated with the latest software
• Enable multifactor authentication on your accounts
• Turn off automatic Wi‑Fi connections
• Lock your device when it’s not in use

Taking these small precautions can help keep your information secure, so you can focus on enjoying your trip, not dealing with a cybersecurity issue afterward.

For more information, please email
nominating.committee@energyunited.com or contact General Counsel Roy L. McDonald II at 704.450.4671. EnergyUnited members can be nominated to be director candidates by the Nominating Committee. Visit EnergyUnited.com/director-elections to learn more!

High electric bills are often driven by older, inefficient appliances that use more energy than necessary. Here are some tips to consider when debating whether to repair or replace an appliance:

• Replacing an outdated refrigerator with a newer model could save around $80 per year, adding up to over $1,000 across its lifespan.
• Understanding how much energy your appliances use can help you estimate operating costs and decide whether to repair or replace them.
• Newer appliances may cost more upfront but they are often much more efficient, meaning the long-term savings outweigh the initial investment.

Source: SafeElectricity.org

EnergyUnited has partnered with HomeServe, an independent company, to offer homeowners easy-to-use, optional protection plans for the systems that help keep their home running. When a repair is needed, members call 24/7 to schedule a repair. A local, licensed contractor is sent to handle the covered repair, with no bill to pay up to the benefit amount.

Call 1-833-397-0315 or click below to learn more about available plans.

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