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Aug '24
In this issue:

A Letter from Our CEO

Thomas Golden

I hope this letter finds you well as we navigate the height of summer and look forward to the new season ahead. Though our temperatures may indicate otherwise, autumn is just around the corner and brings the promise of fresh starts, new leadership and even cooler climates.

As a member-owned cooperative, the election of our Board of Directors is a pivotal event. It gives you, our members, the opportunity to have a direct impact on how EnergyUnited is governed. I encourage you all to participate in this democratic process by casting your vote. Your voice matters, and your participation ensures that our cooperative reflects the values and priorities of our community. You can find more information on our website and in this month’s newsletter.

Our commitment to innovation and community support is showcased through our Bright Ideas education grant program. This initiative funds creative projects proposed by local educators, enriching the learning experience for students across our service area. We are proud to continue supporting our teachers who make meaningful differences in the lives of our youth.

For those of us still feeling the summer heat, I want to remind you of our energy saving tips. Simple steps like adjusting your thermostat, using energy-efficient appliances and properly sealing windows and doors can significantly impact your energy consumption. Visit our website for more energy saving information, like our two demand response programs (Beat the Peak and Peak Time Perks) that are available to you.

We understand that some members may face challenges, which is why we offer our Energy Assistance Program. This program is designed to provide support to those who qualify. If you or someone you know could benefit, visit our website and find out more under the “EnergyUnited Foundation” tab. We are here to help ensure everyone in our community has access to safe, affordable, reliable energy.

Summer may be ending, but the promise of newness is just beginning. We want to wish all students, teachers and staff a successful and fulfilling academic year ahead.

As always, I want to thank each of you for being a valued member of EnergyUnited. Your continued support and involvement strengthen our cooperative and our community. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact us. We are always here for you.

Sincerely,
Thomas Golden, CEO

BRIGHT IDEAS
EARLY BIRD DEADLINE: AUGUST 15

Educators who are interested in bringing creative and innovative classroom projects to their schools should submit their grant application for the cooperative’s Bright Ideas education grant program. Those who apply by August 15 will be entered for a chance to win one of five $100 Visa gift cards in a statewide drawing.

K-12 teachers can find the application, grant-writing tips and program information at EnergyUnited.com/bright-ideas.

Save the date
Energyunited’s 26th annual meeting

EnergyUnited will host its Annual Meeting on Thursday, September 19, at 4:00 p.m. at the Statesville office. During this time, EnergyUnited will present the cooperative’s progress and plans and announce the Board of Directors election results. We invite you to join us as valued members of our cooperative.

WHERE:

Statesville Office Conference Room, 567 Mocksville Hwy., Statesville, NC 28625

Thursday,
9/19 @ 4:00p.m.

EVERY DAY EMPOWERED: NEW VEGeTATION MAP AVAILABLE ON our website

EnergyUnited recently launched an interactive vegetation management map on our website, providing members with detailed information about the cooperative’s right-of-way maintenance schedule for the remainder of the year. This innovative tool is designed to enhance transparency and communication between EnergyUnited and its members, ensuring that everyone stays informed about ongoing and upcoming vegetation management activities.

Members can access the vegetation management map directly from the EnergyUnited website from a computer or mobile device. This initiative is part of EnergyUnited’s efforts to leverage technology to enhance service quality and member satisfaction.

With this new vegetation management map, EnergyUnited continues to demonstrate our dedication to operational excellence and community engagement.

To view the map and the latest information on our vegetation management program,

click here

Q & A on advanced metering infrastructure

with Manager of Grid Modernization,
Ben Godsell

Our Advanced Metering Infrastructure, or AMI system, offers many benefits for EnergyUnited members. Read on to learn more about how AMI has improved our cooperative.

Q. Why did EnergyUnited invest in a new AMI system?

A. EnergyUnited introduced the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system six years ago to improve service standards and ensure member safety, security and satisfaction.

Q. How does the AMI system enhance member safety and data security?

A. Our AMI system notifies the Dispatch Center of outages within minutes, enabling swift responses by our crews, minimizing potential dangers and safeguarding members. The system also uses state-of-the-art technology to protect meter data, ensuring member information remains confidential and secure against cyber threats.

Q. How does AMI contribute to grid resilience?

A. AMI provides our Engineering team with extensive data for early detection of system weaknesses, guiding strategic investments to strengthen the grid’s reliability and resilience.

Q. What efficiencies has the AMI system introduced?

A. The AMI system enables 99.9% accurate remote meter reading, reducing service visits and resulting in cost savings for the cooperative.

Q. How can members monitor their energy usage?

A. Through My EnergyHub, members access real-time energy usage data in 15-minute intervals, empowering them to manage consumption effectively.

Q. What are EnergyUnited’s plans for the AMI system?

A. EnergyUnited will continue enhancing a resilient and responsive grid with AMI technology, aiming to deliver a brighter energy future through innovation and service excellence.

Board of Directors
Election

As an EnergyUnited member-owner, what you think matters. You choose who leads your cooperative, and casting your vote in this year’s Board of Directors election is a fundamental way to guide our co-op. To learn more about your nominees – Jill Doss-Raines (Lexington), Travis Phifer (Lexington), * Lisa Campbell-Pullis (Statesville) and *Brian Sisson (Cornelius) – please visit EnergyUnited.com/director-elections.

Make sure to vote by 5 p.m. EST on September 9, 2024.

How to Vote:

BY EMAIL: If we have your email address, you will receive an e-ballot.

BY U.S. MAIL: If we do not have your email address, you will receive a paper ballot.

Click here to read the candidate bios

*These directorships were uncontested; therefore, balloting has been dispensed with and the nominees have been declared duly elected to three-year terms beginning September 19, 2024.

Call before you dig august 11 is 811 day!

This month, EnergyUnited is highlighting the importance of safety and community awareness by celebrating 811 Day. This national observance, held annually on August 11, serves as a crucial reminder for everyone to “Call Before You Dig.”

811 Day, named after the national call-before-you-dig phone number, is dedicated to educating the public about the importance of contacting 811 before starting any digging projects. Whether you’re planning to plant a tree, install a mailbox or undertake a larger construction project, calling 811 helps prevent accidental damage to underground utility lines, ensuring the safety of workers, homeowners and the community.

 

Why Call 811?

Every year, unintentional damage to underground utility lines during digging projects leads to service disruptions, costly repairs and significant safety hazards. By calling 811 at least a few days before digging, professional locators can be dispatched to mark the approximate locations of underground lines with flags, paint or other markers. This simple step prevents accidents and ensures your project proceeds smoothly and safely.

For more information about 811 Day and safe digging practices,

click here

SUSTAINABILITY CORNER: EnergyUnited Invests in Communities

Images of programs from Left to right: Youth tour, Empowering the future, Bright ideas, Sports camp Scholarships

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, EnergyUnited is committed to serving and supporting communities across our 19-county service area through various strategic programs and initiatives.

First, EnergyUnited provides safe, reliable and affordable electricity to homes and businesses. But the co-op doesn’t just lend its support by keeping the lights on. In addition, we actively support numerous Chambers of Commerce through our membership and participation. We also help communities grow and thrive by providing programs for youth, educators and businesses. In addition, the EnergyUnited Foundation uses donations from members enrolled in Operation Round-Up to help with housing, utilities and other humane needs.

Together, we sustain and help our communities grow and thrive.

Thank you Dr. Walser

Board president Dr. Max Walser has announced his retirement from the EnergyUnited Board of Directors after nearly 50 years of service to cooperative members. Dr. Walser represented EnergyUnited members in District 2. He will continue to serve the remainder of his term, which ends in September 2024.

Dr. Walser served on EnergyUnited’s Board of Directors since its inception in 1998 and as board president since 2011. Before that, he served as a board member for Davidson EMC, beginning in 1975. He also served as a director on the EnergyUnited Services Board. In recent years, during his service as president of the EnergyUnited Board of Directors, Walser prioritized board diversity as a guiding principle to support the cooperative’s vision and mission.

“Max’s contributions to EnergyUnited are immeasurable,” said Thomas Golden, chief executive officer of EnergyUnited. “His leadership, vision and dedication have played a crucial role in shaping our strategic direction and in fostering a culture of diversity, excellence and innovation. We are deeply grateful for his years of service and wish him all the best in his retirement.”

non-discrimination
Statement

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at ASCR.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call 1-866-632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax at 1-202-690-7442 or by email at program.intake@usda.gov.

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