ConnectFebruary 2025
Connect
Feb
'25
Connect February‘25
In this issue:
Connecting Communities
February stands for many things, but above all, it serves as a reminder of the importance of connection — whether with loved ones, friends or neighbors. It’s a chance to express gratitude and appreciation for the relationships that make life richer. As a cooperative, we are built on the same principles of connection and mutual support. Each of you, as a member, plays a vital role in the strength and success of this cooperative, and I am grateful for each and every one of you.
This time of year brings its unique challenges, particularly with colder temperatures that often lead to higher energy usage. I understand that some can feel energy costs more critically, and I want to remind you that our Heating Assistance Program is here to help. If you have difficulty keeping up with your energy bills or know someone who could use the assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out or spread the word. Our team is here to assist you in accessing the support you need to stay warm and comfortable.
February is also Black History Month, a time to honor the incredible contributions of African Americans throughout history. It also allows us a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come and acknowledge the work still to be done. This month, I encourage you to engage with the rich history and cultural achievements of the African-American and Black community. We take pride in celebrating these achievements, as they are key to our growth and success as a cooperative.
Here in North Carolina, February is often marked by unpredictable weather. Snow, sleet and freezing rain can catch us off guard, and it’s essential to be prepared. Our team is ready to respond to emergencies and outages, and we encourage you to take some time to ensure your home is winter-ready. If you need assistance during an outage or want tips on staying safe and conserving energy during the winter months, our website is an excellent resource.
Lastly, I want to remind everyone that this cooperative is about more than just providing electricity and services — it’s about community. It’s about working together to support one another through difficult times, sharing in our successes and honoring the values that keep us strong. As we continue to grow, I am committed to ensuring that we provide reliable services, resources, programs and support that will help each of us. Thank you for being part of this cooperative. Your participation makes a difference; together we can continue to make our communities a better place for everyone.
Wishing you warmth, connection and a meaningful month ahead.
Sincerely,
Thomas Golden, CEO
EnergyUnited is offering two $5,000 scholarships to qualified students currently enrolled in their senior year of high school and planning to attend a college, university or technical school. Applications will be accepted through March 31, 2025.
Students currently enrolled in fifth and sixth grade and attending a qualifying school within EnergyUnited’s service area are eligible to apply for our Touchstone Energy Sports Camp Scholarship Program. Each year, one girl and one boy are selected to attend basketball camp at two prestigious North Carolina college campuses. Applications will be accepted through March 31, 2025
We’re celebrating American Heart Month by sharing these helpful tips:
- Make heart-healthy choices by choosing meals low in sodium and saturated fat.
- Aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day, like going for a walk.
- Reduce stress through yoga and meditation.
Maintaining 99.9% Reliability in the blink of an eye
EnergyUnited is proud to deliver reliable electricity to its members, maintaining a 99.9% reliability rating. To maintain our commitment to this standard, we are continuing to leverage new technologies. Starting in 2025, we will use acoustic imaging technology to help reduce momentary power interruptions, also known as “blinks.”
Blinks happen when something temporarily disrupts a power line, such as a tree branch brushing against it or a small animal coming into contact with equipment. These interruptions are usually brief but can still be frustrating for members and affect electronic devices.
Acoustic imaging is a tool that helps EnergyUnited crews find and address certain service quality issues. The technology uses an array of microphones to detect high frequency radio signals and pinpoints the source of the signals.
…it’s about powering progress and delivering peace of mind.
This will allow EnergyUnited to identify and locate the source of problems in situations where a visual inspection may not be effective. This technology will help provide a quicker and more effective response to address blinking lights and other service concerns.
EnergyUnited’s investment in this technology is not just about preventing service interruptions — it’s about powering progress and delivering peace of mind. By staying ahead of challenges and embracing innovation, EnergyUnited can deliver the reliable energy needed to keep every day empowered.
“Why is celebrating Black History Month important to you?”
Zolee Riggs, EnergyUnited Board Member
“Celebrating Black History is important because it recognizes the profound contributions, achievements and cultural impact of Black individuals throughout history. It highlights the struggles and resilience of Black communities in the face of systemic racism, oppression and marginalization. By honoring Black history, we not only acknowledge past injustices but also inspire future generations to continue the fight for equality and social justice. This celebration fosters greater understanding, empathy and unity, helping to combat stereotypes and misconceptions. It reinforces the idea that Black history is American history, promoting a more inclusive society for all.”
Keesha Snead, EnergyUnited MAC Member
“Celebrating Black History Month is important to me because it honors the resilience, achievements and contributions of Black individuals throughout history. As someone who values education and cultural awareness, I see it as an opportunity to reflect on the struggles and triumphs that have shaped our society while acknowledging the ongoing fight for equity and justice. It’s a time to celebrate the richness of Black culture and to inspire future generations, including my own children, by teaching them about the power of perseverance and the importance of inclusivity. Recognizing Black History Month allows us to collectively embrace diversity and the impact it has on creating a better, more united world.”
LaQuisha Parks, Vice President, Energy Services and Corporate Communications
“February is a reminder that the realities of my ancestors, the victories of my predecessors and the accomplishments of today’s trailblazers are not merely things of the past — they are the foundation upon which we build our present and future. Every moment that I celebrate Black history is a reaffirmation of our agency, a declaration that we are not passive recipients of history, but active architects of it. Embracing our history, we empower ourselves to write the next chapter with pride and purpose. We pass down not just factoids, but wisdom to navigate obstacles, and strength to create opportunities from adversity.
Black History Month is not just about celebrating the past — it is about committing ourselves to the ongoing work of justice, liberation and empowerment. It is a call to every person, everywhere, to continue the work of those who fought before us and to use the power of our differences and our history to fuel the necessary work that remains to be done together, unified as one people.”
Jean Little (left) & John Little (right)
Meet Jean and John Little, who needed a replacement wheelchair ramp and some retrofitting in their bathroom to meet mobility needs. Jean Little discussed how maneuvering John’s motorized chair down their previous ramp was very scary. The new ramp has rails and is not as steep, so it is much safer for him to navigate.
She also stated that the updated bathroom made life much easier and provided more independence. She mentioned how grateful she was for this assistance and said they were not sure how they would have been able to have these needed changes without the assistance of the EnergyUnited Foundation grant.
As part of assisting the communities served by EnergyUnited EMC, the EnergyUnited Foundation seeks to assist applicants who need to be able to safely live in their own homes. The EnergyUnited Foundation uses dollars that members donate through Operation Round-Up to fund grants for housing, utilities and humane needs.
Since its inception, the EnergyUnited Foundation has granted over $9 million to nearly 5,100 individuals, households and nonprofit organizations in need of financial assistance. The Foundation is funded solely by member donations from Operation Round-Up. Call 1-800-522-3793 to enroll today!
It’s been a little over a month since we launched our newly redesigned website. We hope you are enjoying the functionality and improvements we have made! If you’re still getting the hang of the new site and the consolidated web pages, we encourage you to watch our video outlining the basics of the site.
Watch the Tour at the link below
Pink And Red (And Green)
Have a sustainable Valentine’s Day! Celebrate love while caring for the planet. Here are a few tips:
- Use recycled paper for a homemade Valentine or send an e-card.
- Set the mood with candlelight instead of using electric lights. Not only does it add to the ambience but it also cuts down on electricity!
- Skip the overpriced menu and consider dining out the day before or cooking a romantic dinner for two at home.
- Think ahead: Schedule your floral orders ahead of time to save the upcharge on day-of delivery.
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