Connect
November
‘26
November is a time to slow down, gather with family and friends and reflect on the people, places and experiences for which we are grateful.
At EnergyUnited, I am especially thankful for our members. You are the reason we are here, and your continued trust and support allow us to do what we do every day: provide reliable service and invest in the communities we are proud to call home.
I am also grateful for the employees who work behind the scenes and in the field every day to serve our members. Their dedication, professionalism and commitment to safety help make our cooperative strong. It is a privilege to lead an organization so deeply connected to the people and communities we serve.
This spirit of service extends beyond our cooperative, and in this issue of Connect, we are proud to recognize the Hometown Heroes who were nominated for going above and beyond to make a difference in their communities. These everyday heroes remind us of the many ways people step up to serve and make their communities stronger. Read more about this year’s Hometown Heroes.
That commitment to serving others is at the heart of Veterans Day, when we recognize the men and women who have served our country in the military. Veterans Day holds particularly personal meaning for me as a Navy veteran. I know firsthand that military service requires sacrifice, not only from those who wear the uniform but also from their families and loved ones.
That connection is especially significant to me as my son also serves in the Navy as an intelligence specialist, currently stationed in Italy. Veterans have answered a call to serve something larger than themselves, and that commitment deserves our sincere gratitude and respect. To our members, employees and neighbors who have served in the United States Armed Forces, and to the families who have supported them: thank you for your service, your sacrifice and the example you have set for all of us.
As the holiday season approaches, I hope each of you has an opportunity to slow down and spend time with the people who matter most. Whether you are gathering around a Thanksgiving table, traveling to see loved ones or simply enjoying a quiet day at home, I hope the season brings you an opportunity to reflect on all that we have to be grateful for.
From our cooperative family to yours, thank you for allowing us to serve you. We are proud to be your cooperative and grateful for the trust you place in us each day.
Warmly,
Thomas Golden
Winter peak demand hours are in effect from November 1 through March 31
Beginning Nov. 1 and continuing through March 31, peak demand hours will change to 6 – 10 a.m. As you settle into your winter routine, simple steps like spreading out the use of large appliances can help you manage peak demand while keeping your home comfortable. When possible, members can also reduce energy costs by using more energy during off-peak hours to take advantage of the cooperative’s reduced energy rate of 4.87 cents per kWh.
EnergyUnited recently joined project partners to celebrate the completion of the 2.6-megawatt McDowell Creek Solar Facility in Huntersville, adding another renewable energy resource to the cooperative’s growing portfolio.
Located at Charlotte Water’s McDowell Creek Water Resource Recovery Facility, the 10.7-acre solar facility features 4,576 bifacial solar panels and is expected to generate approximately 4,080 megawatt-hours of clean energy each year—enough to power an estimated 380 homes.
The project was designed with the surrounding environment in mind. No grading was required, allowing existing hardwood stands and vegetation to remain in place. Wildlife-friendly fencing also allows small animals to move through the site.
EnergyUnited serves as the project’s electric utility partner and power purchaser, working alongside Charlotte Water, EnerWealth and hep solar.
The new facility is part of EnergyUnited’s continued expansion of renewable energy resources. With additional solar projects planned, the cooperative continues to diversify its energy supply while preparing to meet the future needs of its members and communities.
“The McDowell Creek Solar Facility shows what is possible when strong partnerships turn shared goals into lasting community benefits.” — Thomas Golden, CEO
Nearly seven miles of EnergyUnited’s transmission system between Welcome and Wallburg have been rebuilt, creating a stronger connection that will help support reliability and future growth in the communities we serve.
This year, EnergyUnited completed a major rebuild of the transmission line connecting the Welcome and Wallburg substations. The existing line had reached the end of its useful life, making the project an important investment in the long-term strength of the electric grid.
The project increased the line’s capacity from 69 kV to 100 kV, replacing aging wooden poles with taller, weathered steel poles and installing larger conductors. Approximately 100 poles and 114,000 feet of new conductor were installed along the nearly seven-mile route.
But the real benefit of the project goes beyond the new equipment.
The completed line strengthens the connection between EnergyUnited’s Huffman Creek and Triad delivery points, giving the cooperative greater flexibility to move power through the system. If one delivery point becomes unavailable during an outage or emergency, power can be rerouted through the other, helping keep electricity flowing to members.
The improved connection also strengthens service to several substations throughout the area and provides additional capacity to support continued growth in Welcome, Wallburg and surrounding communities.
This project is another step toward building a stronger, more flexible grid that can reliably serve EnergyUnited members today while preparing for the needs of tomorrow.
Online shopping makes holiday gift-buying easier, but artificial intelligence is also making it easier for scammers to create convincing fake ads, websites, product images and messages.
AI-generated content can look polished and professional, making some scams harder to spot at first glance. As you shop this holiday season, a little extra caution can help protect your personal and financial information.
KEEP THESE TIPS IN MIND
Be skeptical of unbelievable deals.
An unusually low price on a popular item could lead to a fake website designed to collect your payment information.
Look closely at online stores.
Before buying from an unfamiliar retailer, check the website address, contact information and independent customer reviews.
Don’t trust an image alone.
AI can create realistic product photos that may not represent an actual product. Look for multiple photos, detailed descriptions and reviews from other sources.
Watch for fake customer service messages.
Scammers can use AI to create convincing emails, texts or chat messages about orders, refunds or delivery problems.
Avoid acting on urgency.
Messages like “only one left” or “your account will be locked” may be designed to pressure you into clicking or sharing information.
AI may make online scams more convincing, but the basics for spotting scams are still effective: slow down, verify the seller and think before you click or buy. When in doubt, visit a retailer’s official website directly rather than following a link in an ad, email or text.
This Thanksgiving, we’re especially thankful for you, our members and the communities we serve. We hope your holiday is filled with good food, meaningful moments and time spent with the people who matter most. To help you celebrate, we’ve gathered some of our favorite seasonal dishes in our online Recipe Collection that are perfect for your holiday table.
From all of us at EnergyUnited, we wish you and your family a safe and happy Thanksgiving!
In September, we asked members to help us recognize the everyday heroes who make our communities better places to live—people who give their time, talents and care to make a difference in the lives of those around them. We received nominations highlighting people who serve their communities in many different ways. Several of the submissions recognized first responders, including firefighters, paramedics and other emergency personnel who dedicate their time to helping others, often during some of life’s most difficult moments.
We’re proud to share this year’s Hometown Heroes and their stories submitted by the EnergyUnited members who know their impact firsthand. Each nomination is a reminder that making a difference doesn’t always require a grand gesture. Sometimes, it simply means showing up, caring for others and being there when your community needs you most.
Join us in celebrating our Hometown Heroes and thanking them for all they do to make our communities better places to live.
On Veterans Day, EnergyUnited proudly honors the men and women who have served our country. We are grateful for their service and sacrifice, and for the families who have supported them along the way.
To the veterans within our cooperative and throughout the communities we serve, thank you for your service.
Cooler weather has arrived, and many of us are spending more time indoors. As the seasons change, consider these helpful tips to stay comfortable and energy efficient.
Adjust your
thermostat
Heating accounts for the largest portion of most winter energy usage. Lower your thermostat a few degrees when you’re asleep or away from home.
Seal Drafts
& Leaks
Cool air can sneak in through gaps around windows, doors and even electrical outlets. Simple fixes like weatherstripping, caulking and using draft stoppers can help keep warm air inside and reduce the strain on your heating system.
Maximize Natural
Warmth
Take advantage of sunny days by opening blinds or curtains to let in natural heat, then close them at night to trap warmth. This no-cost step makes a noticeable difference.
Use Energy-Efficient
Lighting
With shorter days in November, you may find yourself using lights more often. Switching to LED bulbs can use up to 80% less energy.
Think Efficient for
the holidays
The holiday season is just around the corner. When decorating, choose LED holiday lights, which use far less energy and stay cool to the touch. Consider putting them on a timer so they’re only on during evening hours.
EnergyUnited has partnered with HomeServe, an independent company separate from EnergyUnited, to introduce easy-to-use, optional protection plans for the systems that help keep homes 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 HomeServe 1-833-397-0315 or click the link below to learn more about available plans.
High school sophomores and juniors still have time to apply to become a junior member ambassador. As part of our Junior Member Ambassador program, eligible students will be considered for two different community engagement opportunities: Junior MAC or Youth Tour.
Junior MAC members will attend three meetings where they’ll learn about the cooperative and energy industry while building valuable leadership skills.
Students selected for Youth Tour will travel to Washington, D.C., for an educational experience exploring electric cooperatives, American history and government while visiting the nation’s historic landmarks.
