A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FROM BLUE RIDGE ELECTRIC MEMBERSHIP CORPORATION
matters MEMBERSHIP
DECEMBER 2015
Did you know... This is the third consecutive year Blue Ridge Electric has been able to provide a three-month temporary rate reduction? This is due in large part to the cooperative's favorable wholesale power supply agreements. Combined, these reductions have cut what members pay for electricity by more than $9 million.
Enjoy lower winter bills due to temporary rate reduction Lower bills will result from a three-month temporary rate reduction approved by your Board of Directors to begin on December bills.
For each month the rate reduction is in effect, members will save $9 for each 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity used, which is the monthly amount used by the typical member.
“Winter is when our members experience higher bills due to heating needs and higher energy usage, so we’re pleased to be able to announce a rate reduction for December, January and February bills,” said Blue Ridge Electric Chief Executive Officer Doug Johnson.
Overall, the rate reduction is estimated to save members a total of more than $3 million over the three months.
Recent prices for natural gas have declined, which in turn has lowered the price of wholesale electricity Blue Ridge Electric purchases for distribution to its members. That’s why the temporary rate reduction is possible.
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“As a cooperative, we’re not in business to make a profit - we’re here to provide electricity at the lowest possible cost,” explained Johnson. “Our members use more electricity during winter months, so the rate reduction will help lower bills and help members during the most expensive time of year.”
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the
perspective From Blue Ridge CEO Doug Johnson
Rate reduction helps keep bills lower Keeping your monthly electric bill as low as possible — especially during winter months — is an important goal for Blue Ridge Electric. That’s why I’m excited to announce a temporary rate reduction for your December, January and February bills. As a cooperative, our business model is to provide “at cost” service. Prices for natural gas have continued to stay at low price levels, which in turn has decreased the price of wholesale electricity we purchase to distribute to our members. That’s why the Board of Directors agreed to provide this temporary rate reduction. We’re pleased to be able to provide rate reductions during what is typically our most severe winter weather months. Heating needs significantly impact winter energy bills. We’re also spending extended time indoors, using more lighting, hot water, appliances and electronics. Electricity usage increases even more over the holidays as we celebrate and entertain guests. I hope you’ll also check out programs we offer to help you save even more on your monthly electric bills! These include our new “Energy Advisor” energy audit that is customized to your specific home and available on our website at www.BlueRidgeEMC.com.
Rate relief at a glance Your December bill will reflect a rate reduction. For every 1,000 kilowatt hours used, members will see a $9 savings. The typical member uses approximately 1,000 kilowatt hours monthly. The rate reduction is in effect for December, January and February bills.
We also offer FlexPay to enable you to “pay as you use.” This plan has not only made paying for electricity easier for many members, it’s also helping them reduce usage and costs.
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As a member-owned cooperative, we exist to provide value to our members. We hope you enjoy your savings! We’ll be working every day of the year to keep your bill low, keep your power flowing, and ensure your cooperative is here for you when you need us!
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First steps in director elections
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Members have the opportunity to vote for their Board of Directors each June. To keep you informed of election governance processes that take place throughout the year, your cooperative updates you in this newsletter. Two of the first steps in the director election process include appointing a Credentials and Election (C&E) Committee and a Nominating Committee. The board appointed these committees for oneyear terms at their October board meeting.
Nominating Committee This committee of nine cooperative members reviews and nominates qualified candidates to run for all open seats on the Board of Directors in the upcoming election. They may not be employees, agents, officers, directors, close relatives, or known candidates to become directors. The makeup of the committee reflects an equal number of members from each district, in addition to one representative from any district.
Credentials & Election Committee Made up of members from across the cooperative’s service area, this committee ensures director elections are conducted in compliance with Blue Ridge Electric’s Bylaws. Responsibilities include: selection of a professional election administration firm, review of petition candidate qualifications, approval of proxy and ballot forms, validation of all proxies and ballots and certification of election results.
The board appointed the following committee members: Caldwell district: Lynn Pennell, Jason Carpenter and alternates Jeff Roland and Marla Christie; Watauga district: Traci Royster, Gerry Staninger and alternates Jimmy Hodges and Diane Deal; Ashe district: James Young, Joy McClure and alternates Terry Williams and Melanie Miller; Alleghany district: Kaye Royall, Larry Cox and alternates Brett Jarrett and Bob Edwards.
Members of your Board of Directors who are not up for re-election next year appointed the following members: Caldwell district: Trina Rader and alternate Reggie Ford; Watauga district: Nick Lyons, Suzanne Winebarger and alternates Ray Reid and Margaret Pierce, Ashe district: Polly Jones and alternates Cindy Price and Andy Sexton; Alleghany district: Jane Wyatt and alternates Steve Mason and Robert Brant Banks.
Candidates nominated by this committee as well as candidates running by petition will be posted in each Blue Ridge Electric office and on the website. Information about all candidates will be included in director election information mailed or emailed to all members in early May. Information will also be provided in Carolina Country magazine sent to all members.
Give a “HUG” this Holiday: Gift certificates for electricity Looking for a meaningful gift for the person who has everything — or to help the whole family? Consider a HUG (Holiday Utility Gift) certificate! The amount you purchase will be applied to the recipient’s Blue Ridge Electric account.
Somebody Gave You a “HUG” this Christmas “Holiday Utility Gift”
Gift Certificate Presented to __________________________________________________
Simply call or come by your local Blue Ridge Electric office in Lenoir, Boone, West Jefferson or Sparta! MEMBERSHIP matters
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In the amount of $ _____________________ Compliments of
_________________________________________________
The amount listed above has been applied to your account at Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corp.
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Outdoor lighting leaves the light on for you! Provide a safer environment around your home with outdoor security lights. Select from a variety of lights, including NEW LED options. Improve security and curb appeal for an affordable fee added to your electric bill. Call your local district office or visit BlueRidgeEMC.com today.
membership matters . . .
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Doug Johnson
EDITOR
Renée R. Whitener
PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR Susan Simmons
DISTRICT OFFICES
Caldwell (828) 754-9071 Watauga (828) 264-8894 Ashe (336) 846-7138 Alleghany (336) 372-4646 Wilkes (800) 451-5474 PowerLine® (800) 448-2383 (PowerLine® is an automated account information and outage reporting system.) Toll Free
(800) 451-5474
(for members outside of the service area.)
To report an outage at any time, call one of the numbers listed above. OFFICE HOURS: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm, MondayFriday Kiosk available 24/7 + Night deposit Visit us on the web: BlueRidgeEMC.com +
This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Page 20
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Identity theft protection The Co-op Connections® Card program now offers SAFE IDENTITY, an identity theft monitoring and resolution provider. Identity theft is the fastest-growing crime in the United States and affects about 12 million people every year. Protect yourself. Visit connections.coop and sign up for SAFE IDENTITY today. Get exclusive member pricing ($5/month for individuals or $8/month for the entire family) using your Co-op Connections Card membership. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind! Note: If you’ve misplaced your card, drop by any district office or give us a call. We’ll be happy to mail one to you.
STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION BLUE RIDGE ELECTRIC MEMBERSHIP CORPORATION In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay
Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: 1.
mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
2.
fax: (202) 690-7442; or
3.
email: program.intake@usda.gov.
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