ConnectApril 2025
Connect
Apr
'25
Connect April‘25
In this issue:
Lineman
Appreciation
Month
Appreciation
Month
April marks an important time for reflection and appreciation within the electric cooperative world. This month, we honor Lineman Appreciation Month, dedicated to the tireless, often unseen efforts of our lineworkers.
With nearly 80 EnergyUnited linemen and eight crews from ULCS covering our 19-county service area, our line crews are more than just a team—they are a community dedicated to keeping our members’ lives empowered. Their work, often in the harshest conditions, is a true testament to resilience and dedication.
In honor of North Carolina’s Lineman Appreciation Day on April 14, we thank the individuals whose hands and hearts make it possible for us to stay connected. They brave the elements, they work through the night and they endure hardships for the benefit of us all. It’s a profound honor to dedicate this issue to their selfless work.
As we express our gratitude to our linemen, I invite you to join me in acknowledging their incredible efforts. Whether through a simple thank you on social media or a nod of appreciation when you see them around, it’s a small but meaningful way to honor their unwavering commitment.
Our work extends beyond the delivery of safe, reliable energy. In our ongoing commitment to transparency and responsibility, we are also proud to share our Cooperative Responsibility & Sustainability Report this month, which highlights key moments from the past year. This report, including a commitment to leaving things better than you found them, reflects our core values.
Thank you for being an essential part of our cooperative family. In a world that increasingly values connectivity, we are reminded that it is not just electricity that connects us but the shared ideals of cooperation, community and mutual support that make us stronger together.
Sincerely,
Thomas Golden, CEO
Application PeriodOpens April 1
Sponsored by EnergyUnited and North Carolina’s electric cooperatives, Bright Ideas Education Grants support teachers who believe enhanced education inspires young minds, which corresponds to EnergyUnited’s core value to create a brighter tomorrow within our communities. Bright Ideas grants support innovative, K-12 classroom-based projects that wouldn’t typically be funded by schools.
Apr 1
Application period opens.
Aug 15
Early Bird DeadlineEarly birds will be entered for a chance to win one of five $100 Visa gift cards!
Sept 15
Final deadline to submit applications.
To start your application
Earth Day is April 22 and serves as a reminder to make greener choices where you can. This can look like bringing a reusable bag to the grocery store, recycling where possible and of course our favorite, energy efficiency. Take a look at these helpful tips as we transition into spring and summer.
This month, EnergyUnited is celebrating the incredible impact that our linemen have on the communities we serve. As our co-op honors Lineman Appreciation Day in North Carolina on April 14 and National Lineman Appreciation Day on April 18, we are highlighting three linemen who go the extra mile each day to provide exceptional service to our members.
Ethan Jones
Resides in Statesville, 6 years at EnergyUnited
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job as a lineman?
“I feel most rewarded at EnergyUnited when members are happy to see us, whether we are restoring power after an outage or setting a meter for a new home. Being a lineman isn’t easy, but helping people every day makes it all worthwhile.”
Zack Hendley
Resides in Concord, 5 years at EnergyUnited
How do you reinforce and strengthen EnergyUnited’s commitment to safety and what motivates you to keep safety top of mind each day?
“Safety is a team effort built on accountability. It’s not just my job to keep others safe—they look out for me too. I teach safe practices the same way I was taught, so I know the person behind me is double-checking my next move. My family and work family are my priorities, which is why safety always comes first.”
David Beck
Resides in Lexington, 30 years at EnergyUnited
What is the most challenging situation you have faced during your career with EnergyUnited?
“Every major storm that I have worked—whether in the mountains or down east—has brought many unique challenges, from downed wires and broken poles to icy conditions and strong winds undoing our work. Despite the obstacles, it’s all worth it when the power is restored, and we hear a heartfelt thank you from the members.”
Watch the History of Cooperatives
CRSR LIVE ON APRIL 1
The 2024 Cooperative Responsibility & Sustainability Report focuses on our cooperative’s efforts to deliver safe, reliable, affordable and sustainable energy to members. The report is a fully digital and eco-friendly experience that dives into sustainability initiatives, economic choices and conscious cultural initiatives we’ve put into place to make our communities even better. We encourage you to take a look to learn all about what Cooperative Responsibility & Sustainability means to us.
To read the CRSR,
Spring is a great time to get out in the yard and do some seasonal plantings. But first, make sure you call 811 or visit Call811.com before you dig to avoid injury, fines and disrupted service for your neighborhood.
For some planting inspiration, please check our planting guide.
EnergyUnited members enrolled in paperless billing will notice a fresh, new look when their bill becomes available. This update includes Popular Support Topics and a prominently featured 1-800-EUNITED number, making it easier than ever to find the help you need. And with Earth Day in April, it’s a great reminder that choosing paperless billing isn’t just convenient—it’s a simple way to reduce paper waste and support sustainability. At EnergyUnited, we’re always looking for ways to improve while staying member-focused. That’s the EnergyUnited Way!
To sign up for paperless billing
Our April 30 deadline for heating assistance is coming up. If you are struggling with higher energy usage and are searching for financial assistance, Please click to see if you qualify.
Happy National Pet Day from EnergyUnited! We’d like to say a huge thank you to all of our members who shared their furry friends and pet pals with us. We loved seeing all the adorable animals and the special bonds they share with their families. Check out all the entries on our landing page.
For more member pets,
Each year, we return over $3 million in capital credits. Active members get this as a bill credit in December. But since the credits depend on past payments, some members may have moved. If a check is returned to us, we do our best to locate the person, but after three years, the money goes to the state.
If you know someone who’s moved out of our service area, help us spread the word. Check the list of unclaimed credits using the QR code to the right. If you recognize a name, have them call us at 1-800-EUNITED. Thanks for helping us make sure everyone gets their capital credits!
Back to Top
