News and Events
May Play-It-Safe: National Electric Safety Month
May 15, 2012
May is National Electrical Safety Month and to recognize and celebrate this month, Randolph EMC is encouraging every family to hunt for electrical hazards in the home. We encourage you to identify potential electrical safety hazards and make necessary changes and repairs to ensure your family is safe. Use the following list to identify potential hazards:
Cords:
- Avoid running extension cords across doorways or under carpets as a spark could start an electrical fire.
- Electrical cords should be discarded if they are cracked or frayed and only used according to their ratings for indoor or outdoor use and power needs.
- Three-prong plugs should NEVER be altered to fit into a two-prong extension cord or other receptacle.
- Never nail or staple cords.
- Always unplug cords by pulling on the plug instead of the cord.
Outlets:
- In homes with small children, put safety covers on unused wall outlets.
- Avoid overloading outlets. Plug only one high-wattage appliance into each outlet at a time as not to stress the system.
- If outlets or switches feel warm, shut off the circuit and have them checked by an electrician.
- Listen for sparks or sizzling sounds in outlets or walls, and have them checked by an electrician.
- If you feel a mild shock or tingle when you plug in an appliance, shut off the circuit and call an electrician.
Lights and Lamps:
- Make sure when replacing light bulbs that the lamp’s wattage is appropriate. If you smell a burning or rubbery smell, this may be a sign that the wattage level of the light bulb is too high for the lamp.
- Fluorescent bulbs are cooler and use less electricity, and replacing your incandescent bulbs can help prevent fires.
- Check to be sure that light bulbs are screwed in securely, but not too tight, to prevent overheating.
- Check to see that lamps are placed on level surfaces, away from curtains, carpet and other materials that burn easily.
- Dim or flickering lights may indicate an issue with home wiring or a discrepancy between lamp and light bulb wattage. Check to make sure the bulb wattage is right for that lamp. If it is and lights are still flickering, contact an electrician who will inspect your home’s wiring.
Appliances:
- Make sure all appliances have been tested by a certified product safety organization (like Underwriters Laboratories) and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
- Appliances that take a lot of power to operate, like space heaters, should be plugged directly into an outlet rather than an extension cord. These appliances may draw more current than the cord can carry; it’s best to be cautious.
- NEVER leave appliances plugged in where they may come into contact with water.
- If an appliance falls into water, DO NOT reach in to pull it out. Turn off the power circuit then unplug the appliance.
- Do not use electric appliances during a thunderstorm. Doing so not only increases your risk of shock, but many appliances are also susceptible to power surges, so unplug them if possible.
If you experience frequent tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses, contact a licensed electrician who can identify the problem.
Please take the time to survey your home for potential electrical hazards as we recognize National Electrical Safety Month, and contact Randolph EMC with questions or concerns.
Randolph EMC Awards Sports Camp Scholarships to Deserving Students
May 11, 2012
Congratulations to Mary “Faith” Latham of Randleman Middle School and Lauren Gardner of Southwestern Randolph Middle School, who will both attend the Kellie Harper Wolfpack Basketball Academy, and Jared Reeder of Faith Christian School, who will attend the Roy Williams Carolina Basketball Camp, on scholarships from Randolph Electric Membership Corp. Faith is the daughter of Brian and Jessica Latham of Asheboro, and Lauren is the daughter of Andy and Jennifer Garner of Pleasant Garden. Jared is the son of Johnny and Tina Reeder of Asheboro.
Winners were selected by a panel of judges based on an application that included academic achievements, extracurricular activities, a creative essay and a short-answer question. The Kellie Harper Wolfpack Basketball Academy will be held June 24-27 in Raleigh, and the Roy Williams Carolina Basketball Camp will be held June 16-20 in Chapel Hill. Scholarship recipients will have the chance to stay on campus at North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina and receive instruction from the schools’ coaching staff and players.
“Randolph Electric is pleased to give these outstanding students the opportunity to experience life on a college campus and the chance to learn from winning collegiate coaches and student athletes,” said Jill Vanness, PR Coordinator for REMC. “These camps teach valuable lessons that students can apply in their lives both on and off the court.”
This is the ninth year that Touchstone Energy has awarded young women scholarships to attend an N.C. State women’s basketball camp and the seventh year that the cooperatives have sent young men to the Roy Williams camp.
The staff of the Kellie Harper Basketball Academy includes championship-winning head coach Kellie Harper, who joined the Wolfpack Women three years ago from Western Carolina University, and current N.C. State women’s basketball players. The Roy Williams camp is led by two-time NCAA national championship coach Roy Williams and current and past Tar Heel basketball players. Staff at both camps will work closely with each camper to develop fundamental basketball skills and motivate students to set and achieve goals.
The Touchstone Energy Sports Camp Scholarship program is part of the electric cooperatives’ ongoing commitment to local communities in North Carolina.
April Play-It-Safe: Power tool safety for spring projects
April 16, 2012
We’re getting close to the time of year when weekend projects requiring power tools become popular. These tools, which often include drills, saws, pressure washers, nail guns and sanders, can be hazardous if handled improperly.
The chief hazards of electric-powered tools are burns and shock that can lead to injuries and even heart failure. A shock could also cause a power tool user to fall from an elevated surface, like a ladder or roof. Consider the following best practices when tackling your home improvement jobs using power tools.
- To prevent shock, tools must have a double insulated cord and a three pronged plug.
- Always operate power tools within their design limitations and use them in the way intended.
- Know the right tools for the job and keep the tools in proper operating condition.
- Read the safety manual to understand safety precautions and potential hazards.
- If you do plan to use power tools while on a ladder, be sure not to use the top step/rung of that ladder.
- Wear the right personal protective equipment, including gloves, safety glasses and safety footwear to prevent injury.
- Long hair should be tied back and avoid wearing loose clothing.
- When not in use, tools should be stored in a dry, safe place away from children.
- Electric tools should not be used in damp or wet locations, including in the rain or near puddles.
- Work areas should be well-lit and clean. Dust particles can ignite with a spark and it is necessary to keep the work space clean to prevent cords from tangling.
- Proper lighting is necessary and something to take note of considering many home improvement projects take place in dark garages or basements.
- Check tools before each use for exposed wires, lose plugs and nicked cords.
Power tools are most often misused as a result of overconfidence or negligence. Be alert and heed these safety warnings to make sure power tools help you get the job done safely and efficiently.
March Play-It-Safe: Tornado Safety
March 7, 2012
It’s hard to believe it has been almost a year since devastating tornadoes ripped through our state, killing more than 20 people, injuring hundreds of others and damaging homes and businesses. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, tornado occurrences peak in the southeast between March and May, so it’s important that we all know what to look for and how to prepare as we enter this season of uncertainty.
Tornadoes, known as nature’s most dangerous storms, can be more than a mile wide and create winds that reach up to 300 miles per hour. Tornadoes can develop quickly in the right conditions, which is one of the reasons these storms are so dangerous. Look for these signs that a tornado may form.
Signs a tornado may be coming:
- Tornadoes typically occur in the late afternoon and evening.
- Often there is calm before the storm, and it is not uncommon for a tornado to take place under sunny skies, however, they generally occur at the trailing edge of a thunderstorm.
- Watch for a dark, often greenish sky, large hail and a loud roar that sounds similar to a freight train.
- A tornado WATCH means that a tornado is possible, and to stay tuned as storm conditions develop.
- A tornado WARNING means that a tornado has been spotted or indicated on weather radar and you should take shelter immediately.
Things to do before a storm:
- Develop a plan and determine the safest place to take shelter in your home. The safest rooms are those in the middle of a house, with no windows, such as a lower-level bathroom or basement.
- Prior to peak tornado season, make sure to trim any tree limbs and branches that could be a hazard to your home. Do not trim trees close to overhead power lines; call your electric cooperative instead.
- Remove any debris from around your lawn. Be sure all lawn tools and yard ornaments are put away and secure patio furniture; checking for these hazards may help keep you and your home safe in the event of a tornado.
Knowing what to look for and preparing for a tornado can help keep your family safe this spring.
Power Restored Following Progress Energy Transmission Line Outage
February 20, 2012
A damaged transmission line caused nearly 2,425 Randolph Electric members to be without power overnight in areas of near Franklinville, the Gray’s Chapel community the Randleman area just south of Pleasant Garden.
At approximately 9:15 p.m. on Sunday, February 19, a large tree fell over a Progress Energy transmission line, breaking the two-pole transmission structure. The damaged line feeds Randolph EMC’s Grays Chapel substation, and shut down power to all members served by that station. Materials had to be brought in to repair the line, and due to the type of construction, the time to complete the repair was much longer that of a conventional distribution line. Power was restored at approximately 9:00 a.m. February 20.
February Play-It-Safe: Making Your Home Safe for Inside Play
February 8, 2012
It may be a little too cold for your children to play outside right now, but restless children who have been cooped up all winter are probably desperate to burn off some energy. It’s up to the adults in your household to create a safe place for kids to play inside. Children are fascinated by electronics and the outlets used to power electronic devices, so it’s important to include electric safety in your indoor play rules. Share these guidelines with your children so they can play safely indoors.
- If you have young children in the home, make sure every outlet is covered with a safety cap. Safety caps are available at many discount stores, drug stores and even some grocery stores .These caps should be placed in unused outlets so young children can’t stick their fingers or other objects into outlets.
- Be sure that older children know to NEVER put anything other than an electric plug into an electric socket. Outlets should be covered until children are mature enough to understand that fingers, pencils, toys and other objects must be kept away.
- Do not allow children to overload outlets or power strips. Plugging too many electrical devices, like several video gaming systems, into one outlet can cause it to overload and catch on fire. It’s important to check outlets and power strips in your children’s rooms to make sure they’re not overloaded.
- Always unplug electrical appliances and toys when not in use.
- Teach your children to always remove electrical devices from outlets by grasping the plug and not the cord. Tugging or pulling can damage the cords and create a safety hazard.
- Check electrical cords for any damage and wear.
- Arrange cords so that children don’t walk on them or pull them.
- Electrical cords are not toys and children should not play with them or allow pets to play with them.
- Never allow children to insert any metal objects into an appliance without first checking to make sure that the appliance is unplugged, for example using a knife to remove food from a toaster.
- Do not use any electrical appliance or device when wet, with wet hands or while standing in water. Ensure that children dry their bodies and hands after taking a bath before touching any electrical items, including hair dryers and light switches. Never take plug-in electrical items, such as a radio, into the bathroom.
- Make sure children keep drinks away from electrical items in case they spill.
By following these safety tips, you can be sure your kids have a fun and safe time playing inside for the rest of the winter.
Apply Now for Touchstone Energy Sports Camp Scholarships
January 16, 2012
Randolph Electric Membership Corp. and North Carolina’s Touchstone Energy cooperatives are offering all-expense paid scholarships for middle school students from across the state to attend basketball camps this summer at two of North Carolina’s largest college campuses.
Young women can apply to attend the Kellie Harper Wolfpack Basketball Academy at N.C. State University in Raleigh, and young men can apply to attend the Roy Williams Carolina Basketball Camp at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Randolph EMC will award scholarships to one boy and one girl and is accepting applications through March 30.
“Randolph Electric is thrilled to continue our tradition of awarding these scholarships to outstanding students,” said Jill Vanness, Public Relations Coordinator at Randolph EMC. “This program provides kids with an unforgettable opportunity to work with collegiate coaches, experience life on a college campus and develop fundamental skills that will help them excel both on and off the court.”
Students entering sixth, seventh and eighth grade are eligible to apply. More information and applications, which are judged on academics, extracurricular activities and an essay, can be found here or by contacting Jill Vanness at (800) 672-8212.
More than 50 students across the state will attend basketball camps this summer through the Touchstone Energy Sports Camp program, a reflection of the electric cooperatives’ commitment to community.
January Play-It-Safe: Electrical Fires—Where they occur, how they start, how to prevent them.
January 4, 2012
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, there are approximately 28,600 home electrical fires each year. Winter months are the most dangerous for electrical fires because indoor activities require additional lighting, heating and appliance use.
Most electrical fires are the result of faulty outlets and old electrical systems, but cords, plugs, receptacles, switches, light fixtures and bulbs are also likely causes. The bedroom is the leading area for electrical fire origin.
Routinely follow these safety precautions in order to avoid an electrical fire in your home:
- Check electrical appliances and wiring often.
- Replace all worn, old or damaged cords immediately.
- Replace any electrical tool or appliance if it causes even small electrical shocks, overheats, shorts out or gives off smoke or sparks. This is a sign that the tool is faulty and could cause a fire.
- Keep electrical appliances away from wet floors and wet counters.
- Make sure to only buy electrical products evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratory (UL).
- Keep clothes, curtains and any other potentially combustible items and liquids at least three feet from all heaters.
- Never force a three-prong plug into a two-slot outlet or extension cord.
- Do not allow children to play with or around electrical appliances like space heaters, irons or hair dryers.
- Use electrical extension cords wisely being careful not to overload sockets or cords.
- Never run electrical cords under rugs.
If an electrical fire does occur in your home, remember to NEVER use water to put it out. By the time you see smoke coming out of the outlet, a fire has most likely already begun and is spreading within the walls and up to the attic. Always have a class ABC fire extinguisher, which uses dry chemicals to put out fires, ready for this type of situation.
If it is safe to do so, turn off all power in the house, exit and call 911 be sure to tell them it is an electrical fire. After having an electrical fire, call a certified electrician to determine what needs to be replaced or what you can do to avoid another occurrence.
Play It Safe: What’s Safe in Outdoor Decorating
December 12, 2011
For many of us, putting up holiday decorations can sometimes turn into a friendly competition among neighbors. Determined to have the best looking house in the neighborhood, some people are willing to hang miles of icicle lights and plug in scores of inflatable snowmen just to out-do the neighbors. However festive, these embellishments also add electrical strain to your home, and safety must be a priority when decorating. Follow these tips to ensure a safe, joyful holiday season:
- Only use outdoor lights that have been tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory, which indicates conformance with safety standards. Be sure to check to see if the lights you’re using are certified for outdoor use.
- Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, house walls, or other firm supports to protect the lights from wind damage.
- Use only insulated staples to hold strings in place, not nails or tracks when hanging lights.
- Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires or loose connections, and throw out damaged sets.
- Always replace burned-out bulbs promptly with the same wattage bulbs.
- Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord.
- Stay away from power or feeder lines leading from utility poles into older homes.
- Outdoor electric lights and decorations should be plugged into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). Portable outdoor GFCIs can be purchased where electrical supplies are sold and installed permanently to household circuits by a qualified electrician.
- Use caution when removing outdoor holiday lights. Never pull or tug on lights- they could unravel and inadvertently wrap around power lines.
There are also a few tips to remember when purchasing a Christmas tree. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, Christmas trees account for 250 fires annually, resulting in 14 deaths, 26 injuries and millions of dollars in property damage, so take heed.
- Keep your tree well hydrated. Dry branches can ignite when they come in contact with lights.
- Never use electric decorations on an aluminum tree.
- If your tree is artificial, make sure it is fire retardant.
- Do not place your tree close to a heat source, such as a heater, vent or fireplace.
- When disposing of your tree, never put the branches in the fireplace. Rather, take your tree to a recycling facility or have it discarded by a community pick-up service
- Turn off all holiday lights when you go to bed or leave the house. The lights could short out and start a fire.
Plan accordingly this season to guarantee a merry holiday!
RANDOLPH EMC AWARDS $10,000 TO LOCAL TEACHERS FOR “BRIGHT IDEAS”
December 1, 2011
Randolph Electric Membership Corporation awarded $10,000 in grants to eight teachers across Randolph County as part of its Bright Ideas grant program. Sponsored by North Carolina’s Touchstone Energy cooperatives, Bright Ideas honors deserving educators who put great thought and effort into designing innovative, creative projects that enhance their students’ learning experience.
A panel of retired educators representing Asheboro City, Randolph, Moore and Montgomery County Schools carefully reviewed and discussed each application before deciding on these final awards:
Mrs. Tammy Applegate, Asheboro High School, $1300
“Roller Coaster Calculus” uses motion detectors, toys and models—such as roller coasters, remote control vehicles, and Hot Wheels cars—that interface with their graphing calculators, and simulation software to conduct experiments on velocity and acceleration. Students will experience a real-life context for many of the calculus concepts we studied in calculus classes.
Mr. Barry Richard Barber, South Asheboro Middle School, $1,600
“Building Robots to Bring Out the Best in Every Student” will provide students the opportunity to design, program, and build their own robots. Through authentic, project-based activities requiring problem solving and collaboration, this robotics program will enhance education in technology, mathematics, and science school-wide.
Mrs. Lori Columbia, Eastern Randolph High School, $435
“Hip Hop Write” motivates students to write and develop critical thinking skills by incorporating music with writing. Students will be introduced to new musical styles, critique lyrics and brainstorm their meanings, and then compose pieces of their own.
Ms. Ella Kern, Donna L. Loflin Elementary School, $1,100
“A Year in North Carolina” uses reading, writing, researching, science, social studies, math, and technology to make a calendar about the yearlong social studies focus of North Carolina.
Mrs. Jennifer Matthews, Archdale Elementary School, $1,200
“Integrating Literacy and Social Studies Through Inquiry Circles” integrates Language Arts and Social Studies by using a variety of resources to investigate answers to common questions. Students then make creative presentations and present to their peers.
Mr. Jeff Perry, Southwestern Randolph High School, $2,000
“Forestry Resources Maximized” will allow students in the Carpentry and Natural Resources Departments to have a more complete understanding of how to use timber to their advantageby purchasing and using a portable sawmill. Students will work with different species of trees and use the lumber processed at the school to learn more about their characteristics and make better choices when building different structures, furniture and projects.
Ms. Anne Shirk, Randleman High School, $765
“Musical Webcams” will allow the high school choral teachers of Randolph County Schools to use webcams to collaborate with each other and each school's students by sharing musicianship skills and experiences. Classes across the county will be able to rehearse music between schools and experience classes with composers and guest artists from across the nation.
Mr. Thomas Soja, Southwestern Randolph High School, $1,600
“Recycling Made Easy: A Campus Recycling Center”will utilize students’ carpentry skills to build a center for a campus-wide recycling program. This project promotes interaction between all students, with a special emphasis on providing meaningful service hours and peer mentoring for mentally and physically challengedstudents.
Any certified K-12 North Carolina teacher may apply for a grant of up to $2,000 to be used for creative projects in their classroom. The Bright Ideas program began 17 years ago to help teachers who were funding classroom-based projects out of their own pockets and has since provided funding for more than 6,500 projects. In total, North Carolina’s Touchstone Energy cooperatives collectively contributed nearly $600,000 to fund more than 550 Bright Ideas projects this year.
“Randolph Electric is committed to bettering the communities we serve, and we believe there is no better way than through educating our youth,” said Dale Lambert, Randolph EMC’s CEO.. “Bright Ideas is the only grant program in our state exclusively for North Carolina teachers, and we are proud to support this worthy cause.”
Since the program’s inception in 1994, REMC has contributed more than $170,000, and North Carolina’s Touchstone Energy cooperatives have awarded more than $7.1 million to N.C. teachers across the state. The Bright Ideas program has reached more than 1.2 million North Carolina students in all subjects including math, reading, science and technology, music and the arts.
To find out more information about the Bright Ideas grant program, click here or visit www.NCBrightIdeas.com. Become a fan of “Bright Ideas Education” on Facebook to receive regularly updated news about the program.
REMC Celebrates the Cooperative Difference
October 6, 2011
Every October since 1930, not-for-profit cooperatives of all stripes have celebrated Cooperative Month. During this time, it makes sense to highlight the qualities that make electric cooperatives different from other types of utilities and businesses.
For starters, electric co-ops are owned by those they serve. That’s why those who receive electric service from us are called members, not customers. Without members, there would be no Randolph EMC.
Members maintain democratic control of our co-op, which means they elect fellow members to represent them on the board of directors/trustees every June at our annual meeting. As a bonus, co-op members receive special benefits through programs like our free energy audits and agricultural and commercial lighting efficiency rebates. We also return margins to our members each year in the form of capital credits.
One principle that sets us apart from other businesses is our concern for community. As a cooperative, we have a special responsibility to support the areas in which our members live and work. From sponsoring a local school’s baseball team to supporting new jobs and industry through our economic development efforts, we stand as a driving force in our community
Of course, co-ops span all industries, including credit unions, dairy operations, health care, housing, and much more. There are more than 29,000 co-ops across the nation. And not all are small or rural. Just look at nationally known co-ops like Sunkist, Ace Hardware, and Land O’ Lakes.
Overall, co-ops are more accessible than other types of businesses. We give our members a voice, and we are local—living and working alongside those we serve.
That’s the cooperative difference.
Play-It-Safe: Electrical Fire Prevention
October 1, 2011
October is National Fire Prevention Month, and because electrical fires claim the lives of hundreds of people in the United States each year and injure thousands of others, now is the perfect time to become reacquainted with electrical fire safety basics. According to the United States Fire Administration, more than 28,000 residential electrical fires are reported in the United States each year, and sadly, most could have been prevented if safety measures had been taken. In recognition of National Fire Prevention Month, follow these simple tips and precautions to help prevent electrical fires in your home.
-
Only plug three-prong appliances into three-slot outlets. Never remove the grounding pin or force a three-prong plug into a two-slot outlet or extension cord.
- Replace any appliance or tool immediately if it causes even a small electric shock, overheats, shorts out or gives off sparks or smoke.
- Do not use a light bulb with wattage that is too high for the fixture. If you are using a compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulb, look at the package to determine wattage equivalents.
- Never plug more than two home appliances into an outlet at one time.
- If your light switches are hot to the touch or your lights are flickering, immediately turn them off and have a professional replace them.
- Replace all worn, old or damaged appliance cords immediately.
- Keep all electrical appliances away from wet floors or counters. Be especially aware of this precaution when using appliances in the kitchen or bathroom.
- Place any electric heaters away from all clothes, furniture and curtains.
- When a fuse blows or a breaker is tripped, find out what is causing the overload before replacing or resetting it. Correct the problem, but if you cannot easily find the source or you feel uneasy, call an electrician to correct the problem for you.
In recognition of National Fire Prevention Month, inspect the electrical cords, outlets and appliances in your home to help prevent residential electrical fires.
Randolph EMC Crews Head to N.C. Coast to Help Restore Power
August 27, 2011
Randolph Electric Membership Corporation sent line crews to sister cooperative Jones-Onslow Electric Membership Corp. in Jacksonville, N.C., to help restore power in the wake of Hurricane Irene. Randolph EMC's service territory has been minimally affected by the storm, with a few scattered outages across its five-county service area. As of 2:45 p.m., Jones-Onslow EMC reported more than 32,000 members without power—approximately half of its total membership.
REMC sent a total of 31 crew members to help, including REMC’s staff line technicians and mechanic, as well as contract line technicians from Lee Electric and Pike Electric. Sufficient crews will remain at home to respond to power outages if needed.
“Our crews are eager to help our friends at the coast,” said Dennis Mabe, Randolph EMC’s Vice President of Operations. “We continue to monitor this storm, and expect our crews to arrive in Jacksonville as Irene moves out of the area. As soon as it’s safe to proceed, crews will evaluate the damage and begin repairs.”
Deploying crews is part of a mutual aid agreement shared between the nation’s nearly 1,000 electric cooperatives to help one another in times of emergency, like natural disasters. Electric cooperatives across the country use the same line system engineering standards, which means line crews from any part of the country can quickly help other cooperatives in restoration efforts.
Randolph EMC keeping an eye on Hurricane Irene
August 26, 2011
Randolph Electric Membership Corporation is keeping a close eye on the path of Hurricane Irene as it moves up the Atlantic coast.
Though current models predict that the impact to central North Carolina will be minimal, Randolph EMC has a storm plan in place and line technician crews stand ready to respond should power outages occur as a result of heavy rain and gusty winds.
Randolph EMC personnel have also begun to prepare to assist sister cooperatives in the coastal areas of the state to aid restorations efforts there. “The cooperative way is to pitch in wherever we’re needed in a storm situation,” said Dennis Mabe, vice president of operations. “Cooperatives across the state work together to make plans days in advance so that when the time comes, everyone knows their assignment and no time is wasted getting help where it is needed. So, once we’re confident that our members have been taken care of and we’re in the clear to send a group of our crew members to other areas, our trucks begin moving out.”
Sufficient crews also remain at home to respond to power outages if needed.
Here at home, Randolph EMC encourages members to have the cooperative’s outage reporting number on-hand to report outages as soon as possible. That number is 1-877-REMC-OFF (1-877-736-2633). The co-op’s online outage map is also available at http://outages.randolphemc.comaround the clock. The map is linked to REMC’s internal mapping system and is updated every two minutes to keep members updated on crews’ progress in restoring power.
As a safety reminder, individuals encountering downed power lines should stay well away from affected areas. Never approach power lines that are hanging low or are on the ground; they could still be energized. The cooperative encourages residents to prepare an emergency kit that includes non-perishable food and bottled water, a flashlight, radio, batteries and any other items necessary for enduring a power outage.
Randolph EMC Celebrates 73rd Year
June 17, 2011
Asheboro, N.C.—An estimated 1,200 people attended Randolph EMC’s 73rd Annual Meeting Friday, June 17, 2010. Members enjoyed free homemade icecream, several energy-related informational booths, live gospel music by The Callicutt Family, and a children’s program by the N.C. Zoo and the chance to win more than 100 door prizes. The event also included Line Superintendent Mike Hodges’ account of REMC crews’ recent trip to Alabama to help restore power to cooperative members affected by the tornadoes there.
During the business meeting, three incumbent directors were re-elected: Bob Wright to District 2; Jerry Bowman, District 4; and Tammie Phillips, District 7. Director Steve Harris stepped down from his position as President after serving nineyears in that role. “I thank the membership for the opportunity to be President of this board, and I look forward to continuing to serve as the Director representing District 8,” Harris said.
During the business meeting, Mr. Harris reported that the cooperative is returning $2 million in a general capital credit retirement, and an estimated $275,000 to members’ estates. “Capital credits are a core benefit to cooperative members, as it represents their ownership in the company,” Harris said.
Dale Lambert, Chief Executive Officer of Randolph EMC, reported that the cooperative brought in revenues of $62.6 million and had expenses of $60.5 million, ending the year with a $2.1 million net margin. The largest expense was electricity generation, accounting for over 60 percent of all of the co-op’s expenses for 2010. The cooperative has total assets and liabilities of $136.4 million.
Lambert addressed the cooperative’s plans to deliver more value-added services to members. Randolph EMC has completed installing “smart meters” to more than 30 percent of the membership as part of its Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI). Smart meters allow two-way communication between the member and the cooperative and bring such benefits as remote meter readings, prepaid metering opportunities, more detailed outage information and enhanced monitoring of the electrical system.
Lambert also proudly reported that the cooperative’s New Hope Substation is complete, energized andoperational. This station improves reliability and adds capacity to the western area of Randolph County.
The cooperative continues its commitment to energy efficiency and conservation, and is on track to meet the Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards established in Senate Bill 3 in 2007. Lambert urged members work with the co-op on conservation efforts and encouraged them to visit TogetherWeSave.com, a website that shows how making small changes in energy habits can add up to real savings.
The cooperative’s staff also remains focused on safety, celebrating its 13th Certificate of Excellence Safety Accreditation from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. In addition, Lambert applauded Lineman Danny Lee’s first-place finish at the N.C. Statewide Pole Top Rescue competition.
Lambert closed with a report that the Environmental Protection Agency is continuing to regulate the electric utility industry under the Clean Air Act—legislation that was never intended for that purpose. “It is still important to communicate with your elected officials to encourage them to keep electric bills affordable while meeting environmental policy objectives,” he said.
At the conclusion of the business meeting, the Board of Directors elected new officers for the year. They are Bob Wright, President; Jerry Bowman, Vice President; Sue Spencer, Secretary/Treasurer; and Tammie Phillips, Assistant Secretary/Treasurer.
Upon leaving the event, each registered member received a utility bucket and a package of 18 CFLs as a gift for attending the annual meeting.
REMC TO AWARD $10,000 FOR CLASSROOM-BASED PROJECTS
March 25, 2011
The primary elements of the online application process include an explanation of the project and its creative elements, as well as its potential benefits to students. A sample application and contact information for program coordinators are available on the Bright Ideas website. The program also has a Facebook page, which features notable projects and regularly updated information.
Apply Now for Touchstone Energy Sports Camp Scholarships
February 21, 2011
North Carolina’s Touchstone Energy cooperatives, including Randolph EMC, are providing all-expense paid scholarships for 27 deserving young women to attend the Kellie Harper Basketball Camp at NC State in Raleigh and 27 young men to attend the Roy Williams Basketball Camp at UNC in Chapel Hill this summer. Both camps will be held during the month of June and will work closely with each camper to develop fundamental skills that will help the young athletes excel both on and off the court.
Rising sixth through eighth graders are eligible to apply through March 31, 2010. Applicants will be judged on their academics, extra-curricular activities and accompanying essay.
The Touchstone Energy Sports Camps program provides a unique educational and athletic opportunity for outstanding students across our state and is yet another way the cooperatives are demonstrating their commitment to North Carolina communities.
Download your application now!
