North Carolina's Electric Cooperatives

Recognized for her commitment to serving rural communities, Nelle Hotchkiss, senior vice president and chief operating officer of the North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives (NCAEC) has been named to The Order of the Long Leaf Pine—the state’s highest civilian honor. ? North Carolina Secretary of Commerce Lee Lilley recently presented the award to Hotchkiss, noting her selfless dedication to serving the people of North Carolina. ? This prestigious award caps a 28-year career spent fostering connections, shaping policy and advocating for electric co-op members across our state. Congratulations, Nelle!

For more than four decades, North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have proudly partnered with the Jaycee Burn Center, supporting its life-changing care for burn survivors across our state. This year, we were proud to present the center with a donation of more than $170,000 from our annual golf tournament fundraiser, supporting the dedicated staff and patients in Chapel Hill. ? We also had the honor of touring the facility and delivering this contribution in person—seeing firsthand the incredible work this team does every day.

This week, co-op leaders from across the state met with their local legislators in Raleigh to champion the key issues that impact our members and communities, ensuring that reliable, affordable electricity remains a priority. ? As always, we’re focused on what matters most— powering a brighter future for the 2.8 million North Carolinians we serve.

Part of building a brighter future begins with empowering the next generation?? ? That’s why we’ve created the Smart House—a hands-on tool that teaches young minds about electricity and innovative home technology in a fun, interactive way?? ? Join us at the Future Me Fair this Saturday at the Marbles Kids Museum to explore the Smart House and see how technology is making homes smarter and more energy efficient?Listen below to hear what inspired this project??

Reliability, innovation and collaboration—that’s how North Carolina’s electric cooperatives are powering a brighter future for the communities we serve?? Our CEO, Joe Brannan, was recently featured in Business North Carolina along with leaders from key industries across the state to discuss how the cooperatives are working to manage the energy transition at a pace that enhances grid reliability and upholds affordability for co-op members. Read more about how North Carolina's 26 electric cooperatives are working together to find innovative solutions to strengthen our state's energy future?? https://lnkd.in/da6gJ_qE

For nearly 40 years, Chris Myers has considered EnergyUnited his family, and that feeling became even more special when his son, Zach, followed in his footsteps and joined the co-op? ? Though they work in different roles, Chris and Zach are united by a shared mission: getting the job done safely?? ? Read more about their special bond and dedication to serving their community ?? More: https://lnkd.in/eRTCGa7D

We're #hiring a new Data Scientist in Raleigh, North Carolina. Apply today or share this post with your network.

Before they ever climb a pole or repair a line, every lineworker’s journey begins in the classroom—where hands-on training and a culture of safety are passed down from one generation to the next?? ? For Robbie Easley of Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative, the training he received at Nash Community College’s Lineman Training Academy paved the way for a career that allows him to serve the island where he grew up. ? As we celebrate Career and Technical Education Month, learn more about how North Carolina’s electric cooperatives are investing in education that powers our communities?? More: https://lnkd.in/e9zgz9QM

This Engineers Week, Feb. 16-22, we’re celebrating the dedicated engineers across North Carolina’s 26 electric cooperatives who work every day to power our communities?? ? For Caleb Lowe, a staff engineer at Surry-Yadkin EMC, being an engineer is all about problem-solving, innovating and making a real impact in his hometown community. ? Read more about Lowe’s story and his passion for making a difference—both in the field and in the classroom??? More: https://lnkd.in/ekV4BMHu

Childhood bedlessness affects nearly 3% of the population, and Central Electric Membership Corporation stepped up to help tackle this issue in their local community by partnering with Sleep in Heavenly Peace. ? From cutting lumber to assembling frames, volunteers built beds for children in need—helping make SHP’s mission a reality: 'No kid sleeps on the floor in our town!' Read more below??? https://lnkd.in/dqcgGSzz