The single major cause of power outages is damage to power lines from trees and limbs during severe weather such as high winds, heavy snow, ice or lightning.
With over 8,000 miles of power lines to protect, Blue Ridge Energy works year-round on vegetation management to ensure members have the most reliable electricity possible. Blue Ridge ranks among the most reliable electric providers in the nation and in recent years has added another method to help achieve reliability in a safe, environmentally friendly manner — aerial tree pruning.
This method utilizes specially trained helicopter pilots who carefully conduct pruning along rights-of-ways. Trained “spotters” are located on ground level and are in constant communication with the pilot.
Used by utilities across the nation for years, aerial tree pruning is approved by the American National Standards Institute. The process is less intrusive to member property and the environment than traditional methods.
As with all vegetation management, members are notified in advance of pruning. Debris is removed from maintained areas, while in non-maintained areas, debris is either left or bush hogged to the ground.
Our vegetation management program combines several growth control methods that balance scenic beauty with safe, reliable power. For more information, visit BlueRidgeEnergy.com/ROW
Perspective
A Farewell to Our Members
Serving the Blue Ridge Energy community for 47 years has been one of the greatest honors of my life. And with 36 of those years serving as the Chief Executive Officer, I have to say the incredible bond I’ve shared with our employees, members and customers has been like that of family — a family united by a shared mission to serve, grow and thrive together.
In every step of the way, my goal has been to lead with your best interests at heart and to ensure this cooperative organization continues to make life better for those we serve and the communities we all call home.
I’m especially proud that Blue Ridge Energy is recognized as one of the top three utilities in the country for customer satisfaction. You — the members — are why we exist, and your satisfaction should always be the top priority.
Over the past 36 years, we’ve diversified with two subsidiary companies that contribute significantly in helping to keep your rates low while providing local jobs and offering additional energy and broadband services that add to the local quality of life.
From Blue Ridge Energy CEO Doug Johnson
Our Member’s Foundation has helped thousands of members with crisis energy bill assistance and grants to other local not-forprofit organizations that support members and our communities.
I’m also proud that we’ve kept your electric grid modernized and well-maintained to provide the most reliable electricity possible now and for future generations.
As I prepare to pass the torch at the end of March to Katie Woodle, your next CEO, I do so with a deep sense of gratitude and confidence that members, customers and employees are all in good hands. Blue Ridge Energy is wellpositioned to continue its legacy of excellence, serving members and customers with unwavering dedication for many years to come. The future is bright, and I am proud to have played a part in shaping it.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Board Search Committee appointed
Jeff Joines, President of the Board of Directors of Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation, has appointed a committee to replace Watauga District Director Tom Trexler, who recently resigned from the Board. The Cooperative’s Bylaws require the Board to appoint a replacement and the committee will identify potential Board candidates who meet qualifications as listed in the Cooperative’s Bylaws. An announcement will be made upon approval of the Board’s selection.
Bylaws, Service Rules and Regulations Updated
At its regular board meeting held on Sept. 26, 2024, Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation’s Board of Directors approved several updates to the Cooperative’s Bylaws and Service Rules and Regulations.
Redline versions indicating changes as well as final documents can be found online at BlueRidgeEnergy.com/CorpDocs or by contacting the Cooperative for a hard copy. A more complete summary of the amendment to the Bylaws will also be provided in the March Carolina Country.
A summary of key changes follows:
Bylaws:
• Added Governing Documents language to Sections 1.01 and 1.04
• Renumbered and inserted new Sections in 1.09 and 1.10
• New Section 1.09 sets forth requirements of Member compliance with Governing
EDITOR
Renée R. Walker
Puckett
(PowerLine* is
Documents and Membership Agreement as well as the impact of non-compliance
• New Section 1.10 sets forth Indemnification obligations and Liability of Members to Cooperative and its directors, officers, employees, agents and representatives as well as the extent of the Cooperative’s liability to Members
• Added Membership Agreement language in Sections 1.10, 1.11, 1.12
• Added compliance with the Cooperative’s Non-Discrimination Policy in Section 3.02 regarding Director Qualifications
Service Rules and Regulations:
• Added new Member Responsibilities and Updated Appendix A
• Membership Agreement was updated to align with Bylaws and Service Rules and Regulations
