ConnectAugust 2025
Connect
Aug
'25
Connect August‘25
In this issue:
With summer drawing to a close and as we prepare for a new season, we’re also entering an important time for our cooperative—one that brings both opportunities to get involved and responsibilities we share as members. I’d like to share a few key updates to keep you informed and engaged in the work we’re doing together.
First, I would like to highlight the upcoming 2025 Board of Directors Election. As a member-owned cooperative, your voice matters. By voting in the Board Election, you directly influence the leadership that guides our organization. Be on the lookout for your ballot materials as the 2025 Board of Directors Election opens on August 11, and please take a few minutes to cast your vote. The results of the election will be announced during our Annual Meeting next month, which also includes important updates on EnergyUnited’s operations, financial performance and long-term goals. This process reflects our continued commitment to transparency, accountability and member engagement.
Many members are preparing for the back-to-school season. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, educator or student, this time of year brings a renewed focus on growth and learning. We remain committed to supporting education in our communities through programs like Bright Ideas Education Grants. For educators seeking to apply for a Bright Ideas grant, early bird registration closes on August 15, with the final deadline set for September 15.
We’re also keeping a close eye on weather developments as we move deeper into hurricane season. Severe weather can strike quickly and preparation is key. EnergyUnited has comprehensive storm response plans in place—and our crews are trained and ready to respond to outages. We encourage all members to review their own storm preparation plans, from emergency kits to backup power options, so you and your families can stay safe and informed during potential disruptions.
At EnergyUnited, our commitment goes beyond providing electricity; it’s about empowering our members, supporting our communities and working together toward a stronger, more resilient future. Thank you for your continued engagement and for being an essential part of our cooperative’s success.
Warm regards,
Thomas Golden, CEO
Sincerely,
Thomas Golden, CEO
As an EnergyUnited member, your voice 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. Your vote is vital to the fair election of a Board of Directors that understands and reflects EnergyUnited’s diverse membership and its needs. Learn more about your nominees and the EnergyUnited Board of Directors by clicking the link below. Voting begins on August 11 and concludes at 5 p.m. EST on Monday, September 8, 2025.
If we have your email address, you will receive an e-ballot by email on or around August 11.
If we do not have your email address, you will receive a paper ballot by mail on or around August 11.
To learn more about this year’s Board of Directors Election
September 18, 2025
EnergyUnited will host its Annual Meeting on Thursday, September 18, 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 winners. We invite you to join us as valued members of our cooperative.
Where
Statesville Office Conference Room
567 Mocksville Hwy.,
Statesville, NC 28625
The Annual Meeting will also be livestreamed and accessible via EnergyUnited’s website.
As a valued member of EnergyUnited, your safety and security are our top priorities. Recently, we’ve seen an increase in scam attempts targeting our members, including in-person visits from individuals posing as EnergyUnited employees attempting to sell solar panels. These scammers may use high-pressure tactics or request immediate payment through unconventional methods to exploit unsuspecting members. We urge you to stay alert, informed and protect yourself by verifying any suspicious communication and following these simple tips:
1.
EnergyUnited does not sell or contract with any individual or company to sell solar panels. If someone claims this, they are likely a scammer.
2.
EnergyUnited will NEVER come to your door requesting payment of any sort.
3.
EnergyUnited team members consistently wear EnergyUnited-branded shirts and clothing, and they drive EnergyUnited trucks.
4.
If you feel threatened, please call 911 and contact our member support team at 1-800-522-3793 to report this incident.
The Uwharrie Point Project strengthened the main “backbone” power line for the area to reduce outages and improve long-term reliability.
EnergyUnited recently initiated a major power system upgrade in the Uwharrie Point neighborhood near Badin Lake, benefiting residents near the Old North State Club golf course.
The project replaced 2.4 miles of aging underground power lines—some over 30 years old. These upgrades strengthened the system’s main “backbone” line, to reduce outages and improve long-term reliability for current and future members in the area.
To protect existing utility lines, EnergyUnited partnered with 811 utility locators before any digging began. Instead of traditional trenching, crews used a “boring” method that kept yards and roads mostly untouched. Though the team encountered rocky soil, they adapted with stronger equipment to stay on track. Planning also helped minimize any power interruptions during the transition.
Instead of traditional trenching, crews used a “boring” method to proceed with the service upgrade, which kept yards and roads mostly untouched.
Member-Focused Teamwork
The upgrade was led by Garrison Fitzgerald, distribution designer for EnergyUnited, and Mike Manring, region line supervisor for EnergyUnited. Project support was also provided by Arturo Ramos, distribution design manager, and Matt Sharpe, director of operations. Their teamwork and problem-solving skills helped ensure that the work continued to progress smoothly and safely, as the project is expected to be completed in November.
This effort is just one example of how EnergyUnited is investing in its communities to deliver energy that’s not only dependable today but ready for the needs of tomorrow.
Storm Season Readiness Starts Now
Hurricane season in North Carolina runs from June 1 through November 30, with the highest activity typically peaking in August and September. EnergyUnited encourages all members to be prepared—early action is your best defense when severe weather strikes.
Before the storm
Assemble an Emergency Kit: Include flashlights, batteries, bottled water, nonperishable food, first-aid supplies, medications and phone chargers. Don’t forget supplies for pets!
Charge Devices Early: Power up your phones, portable battery packs and emergency radios ahead of time.
Secure Loose Items: High winds can turn branches or outdoor furniture into projectiles.
Know Your Zone: Find out if you live in an evacuation zone and plan your route in advance. Visit readync.gov for tools and maps.
During a Power Outage
Report the Outage: Call 1-800-EUNITED (1-800-386-4833) or use the My EnergyHub mobile app or outage map.
Stay Informed: Use a battery-powered NOAA weather radio for storm updates.
Avoid Downed Lines: Always assume fallen lines are energized and dangerous—stay away and report them immediately.
Use Generators Safely: Never operate a generator indoors or in a garage; place it at least 20 feet from your home to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Together, we weather the storm—and come back stronger.
To read more storm safety tips
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.
For more information about 811 Day and safe digging practices, visit NC811.org.
K-12 teachers who are interested in bringing creative and innovative classroom projects to their schools are invited to submit their grant application for the cooperative’s Bright Ideas Education Grant program by August 15. Those who meet this early bird deadline will be entered for a chance to win one of five $100 Visa gift cards. The final deadline for all interested applicants is September 15.
Teachers can find the application, grant-writing tips and program information on the Bright Ideas web page.
Energy Assistance is here to help
If you or another member needs help paying energy bills during the peak of summer, our Energy Assistance may be able to help. This program is available to members who qualify.
To see if you qualify
EnergyUnited has partnered with Canter Power Systems for home backup generator sales and service. This partnership provides homeowners with peace of mind during unexpected power outages.
In today’s world, power disruptions can happen at any time, but mostly during summer and winter storms. If you lose power, food can spoil, heating and cooling systems can shut down and critical medical devices or electronics may stop working. Are you ready to leave your concerns in the past and protect your home today?
A generator from Canter Power Systems will give you and your family peace of mind during the worst of storms. Let Canter do all the work so you can get all the power when you need it most.
Whether you’re traveling to a local lake or heading international this summer, we want to share your favorite summer vacation photos. Send us your photos, description and the location to be featured on our website at the end of summer. Bon voyage!
Submission deadline: August 31
Nondiscrimination
Statement
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 (AD-3027), found online at usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, 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 by mail to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 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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