Everyone wins when we work together to Beat The Peak!
Did you know that WHEN you use electricity matters? Blue Ridge Energy members can keep energy costs low for everyone by avoiding using energy during certain times. We call this working together to Beat The Peak!
Peak demand is when lots of people use electricity at the same time. On winter mornings, when we get ready for work and school and on summer afternoons when everyone comes home. Utilities must generate enough electricity to meet these peaks of demand or ask for help in reducing energy usage.
Summer peaks typically occur on the hottest afternoons, from 2–6 p.m. when people get home, turn up air conditioning and cook dinner. Winter peaks tend to occur on the coldest winter mornings, from 5-9 a.m. when we wake up, turn up the heat and take showers to get ready for work, school and daily activities.
Want to help? Sign up to receive Beat The Peak alerts by text or email.
When you receive an alert, plan steps to reduce your electricity usage during the times specified in the message.
Easy but helpful tips include:
• Set your thermostat as high as comfortable in the summer & as low as possible in the winter.
• Shift the time you wash and dry clothes.
• Wait to run the dishwasher.
• Turn off unnecessary lights.
• Grill outdoors or use the microwave instead of the oven or stove.
• Save showers and baths until after the peak.
Every small action adds up when we work together!
Join our Beat The Peak movement today to start saving by signing up at BlueRidgeEnergy.com/BTP, or text “BTP” to 70216.
Perspective
Shining a Light on Our Line Technicians
When you think of Blue Ridge Energy, chances are the first image that comes to mind is that of a line technician—working tirelessly to ensure power flows seamlessly to homes and businesses across our community, day and night, and through all kinds of weather.
It’s no surprise that “lineworker” is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 most dangerous jobs in the United States. Their work demands extraordinary skill, precision, and resilience— often performed under high-stakes conditions near high-voltage power lines. For many of us, the memories of Hurricane Helene or the February ice storm are fresh reminders of just how critical and challenging their work can be.
Whether climbing poles 40 to 90 feet high while carrying up to 30 pounds of gear or navigating rugged, mountainous terrain to restore power to our most remote members, line technicians face challenges few others encounter. Their work doesn’t stop there; it extends to maintaining high-voltage substations and responding to power outages caused by the fiercest of storms—all while prioritizing safety and efficiency. After all, these men and women are not just line technicians; they are fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters, dedicated to returning home safely to their families at the end of each day.
From Blue Ridge Energy CEO Katie Woodle
Becoming a line technician is no small feat. It requires years of rigorous training, continuous education, and most importantly, a steadfast commitment to serving others. Imagine s tepping away from the comfort and safety of your home during a storm while others are sheltering in place—this is the reality for our line technicians, who brave the elements to keep our community connected and thriving. It is a role defined by skill, perseverance and a heart for service.
That’s why we set aside the second Monday in April as Lineworker Appreciation Day: a time to recognize these unsung heroes for their tireless efforts and unwavering dedication. Their work is essential not only to keeping the lights on but also to maintaining the reliability and resilience of our community.
On April 14—and every day—I encourage you to take a moment to thank a line technician for their exceptional service. They are part of a larger team of professionals at Blue Ridge Energy who share a common mission: to serve you, our members, with pride and purpose. Together, they exemplify what it means to power our community with excellence and care.
Educators, Get Your Bright Ideas Ready!
It’s that time again! Blue Ridge Energy kicks off its Bright Ideas Education Grant program and begins accepting applications from innovative educators for the 2025-26 school year on April 1. Teachers with ideas for creative classroom projects that bring learning to life can learn more and apply online at ncbrightideas.com
Grants are available for projects across all grade levels and subject areas, and educators can apply for grant funding individually or as a team. This program has supported projects focused on improving classroom instruction using innovative and creative teaching methods.
Applications will be accepted until Sept. 15. As an added incentive to apply early, educators who submit their applications by Aug. 15 will be entered into a drawing to receive a Visa gift card.
Since 1994, electric cooperatives in North Carolina, including Blue Ridge Energy, have partnered with K-12 teachers statewide to provide Bright Ideas grants for unique classroom projects that would not otherwise be
funded. Over the program’s history, over 3.65 million students across North Carolina have benefited from 15,400 Bright Ideas-funded projects totaling over $16.5 million. The Bright Ideas grant program is part of our continued commitment to building a brighter future for the people, businesses and communities we serve. In addition to ensuring the delivery of reliable, affordable and sustainable power, this vision emphasizes the importance of innovation and ongoing community support. Learn more at BlueRidgeEnergy.com/BrightIdeas
Blue Ridge Energy is celebrating its 31st year of offering Bright Ideas grants as part of our support and commitment to education. To date, Blue Ridge Energy has awarded more than $649,000 in its service area and provided direct funding assistance that has impacted over 146,000 students.
Make voting for your directors easy: Sign up to receive your director election kit by email and you’re automatically entered to win a $250 VISA gift card! (If you already receive your kit by email, there is no need to sign up again. You will continue to receive your kit electronically and are already entered for a chance to win!)
By choosing to receive your director election kit by email, you are helping hold down costs in printing and postage. Plus, receiving your director election kit and voting online is the easiest way to participate.
Here’s how to sign up to receive your cooperative’s Board of Directors election kit by email:
CHIEF
Katie Woodle
EDITOR
Renée R. Walker
PRODUCTION
Jacob Puckett
(PowerLine* is an
• Go to BlueRidgeEnergy.com/Online VoteSignup
• Follow the instructions
• Be sure to sign up by the deadline of April 15, 2025!
Watch your inbox on May 29. That’s when the director election kit will be sent to all members by email or regular mail. Both include candidate biographies and voting instructions. Members may vote for Board candidates in all districts, not just the district in which they live. Thank you for being active in your cooperative’s annual Director Elections!
