CEO’s/President’s Message

Free energy from the sun and lower electric bills…Where do I sign up? The benefits of installing rooftop solar panels may seem like a no-brainer, but the reality is, not every home (and homeowner’s situation) is always right for solar.

There are several factors to consider before pulling the trigger on a rooftop solar system, like determining if your home will receive enough sun to achieve your goals, finding the right contractor, negotiating contracts and other important details. Investing in solar for your home is a major decision. If you’re considering rooftop solar, Halifax EMC can help.

Here are eight questions to consider before installing rooftop solar panels.

1. What are my goals? If your primary goal is to save money on electric bills, you may be able to achieve this through our free energy audit program, which can identify areas of the home for maximum energy savings. There are many simple and affordable improvements that can help you reduce your current demand for energy:
• Checking for and repairing leaky duct work
• Adding insulation
• Purchasing ENERGY STAR® appliances and electronics
• Changing your water heater temperature setting by reducing the temperature little by little until you find it getting too cool
• Resetting your thermostats and setting your fan to “auto” mode (setting the heat at 68°F and cooling at 76°F can significantly reduce your energy costs)
• Caulking around windows and door frames
2. Is my roof suitable for solar? Your roof should be in good condition before installing solar panels. If your roof is old and in poor shape, it may need to be replaced before panels can be mounted. Additionally, your roof should receive a lot of sun to make the most of a rooftop system. Consider how much sun (and shade) the roof receives and if any trees will need to be removed. Solar panels perform best when facing south, so keep this in mind as you think about where the panels will be mounted.
3. How long will I own the home? If you’re considering rooftop solar, you’re likely planning to stay in the home for several years. But if you plan to sell the home at some point down the road, consider that not all potential buyers will want to maintain a rooftop solar system. If you enter a contract to lease the system, carefully review the terms and what those mean if you decide to sell the property.
4. Lease or purchase? Purchasing a rooftop solar system outright is expensive, which is why many homeowners opt to lease their solar panels. However, federal tax credits can help cover some of the costs for a new system, up to 30%. Visit dsireusa.org for current incentives. Regardless of how you decide to finance the solar system, make sure you get several quotes from qualified contractors.

Speaking of contractors, there are several factors you’ll want to discuss with them upfront.

5. Can the contractor provide up-to-date documentation? It may seem obvious but be sure to request proof and documentation of the contractor’s licensing, permitting and other credentials. Comb through company reviews, check the contractor’s status with Better Business Bureau, etc. — do your homework on the front end before signing a contract.
6. Does the contract seem reasonable and fair? If you decide to hire a contractor to install rooftop solar, carefully read the fine print of the contract. Do the system performance calculations seem realistic? Does the project timeframe sound reasonable? Negotiate the contract terms to fit your goals and needs.
7. Who will maintain the solar panels? Determining who is responsible for maintaining the solar panels will depend on who owns the system. If you lease the system from a solar installer, it may be their responsibility. Periodically, solar panels need to be cleaned as dirt and debris can impact panel productivity. Parts may also need to be replaced, so it’s important to know who will take on these responsibilities.
8. How will I work with Halifax EMC? Finally, but equally important, you should contact Halifax EMC if you decide to install solar. The system must be connected to the electric grid, so you’ll need to sign an interconnection agreement. We can walk you through the steps, including how our solar rates and fees work. Visit our renewable energy page for a general overview of how you can work with us on connecting your new rooftop solar system.

For many homeowners, solar panels are a great way to help the environment and save on electric bills — but there
are many factors to consider before diving in and installing a system. As with any major home project, do plenty of research upfront, and contact Halifax EMC if you have questions or decide to move forward with installation. We’re your local energy partner and can serve as a helpful resource throughout the process.

“We’re here to serve you.” We’ve all heard this phrase countless times. These words may sound generic, but to us — your local electric cooperative — they mean everything.

Halifax EMC was created to serve our community 85 years ago when neighbors banded together to form our co-op for the common good. In our case, it was the only way the community could bring electricity to the area where there was none. In doing so, Halifax EMC helped the community thrive. That mission-focused culture is the golden thread that is woven throughout our history.

Today, we are continuing to power the community. While our focus has remained steady on providing reliable energy to our members, today’s energy landscape and member expectations are far different than they were decades ago. That’s why we continue to adapt, to keep pace with changing technology, evolving needs, and new expectations.

Serving as your trusted energy advisor means we want to help you save energy (and money) and provide advice and information on a broad range of energy topics. For example, if you’re looking for ways to save energy, check out the energy efficiency section of our website, halifaxemc.com, for ideas to increase the energy efficiency of your home. Consider scheduling a free energy assessment with our energy experts to identify ways you can save energy at home. Understanding how your home uses energy can help determine the best ways to modify energy use and thereby keep more money in your wallet.

If you’re considering a rooftop solar installation, our energy advisors would be happy to give you an unbiased view of the pros and cons. Investing in a solar system is a major decision, and it’s important to fully understand the costs, responsibilities, and potential energy savings prior to committing to a contract. Unlike a solar company that has one objective — to sell their products and services — we will look at the total energy picture and help you determine the best options for your home. We understand that homeowners must undertake their due diligence, and we’re here to help you through that process.

We recognize that many members are considering electric vehicle options. Halifax EMC provides information about EV charging and electrical requirements to our members so you can make informed decisions about EVs. We can provide a candid assessment of residential and business charging requirements for all types of EVs. No matter what our members drive, we want to help you achieve energy savings.

So, the next time you hear Halifax EMC use the phrase “we’re here to serve you,” we hope you know that we mean it. Service is deeply ingrained into who we are. We continue to evolve with the times, and in return, we’ve found additional ways to serve you and provide more options for you to power your life.

We’re here whenever you need us. Connect with us online, in person, through the HEMC Mobile app, or find us on Facebook. However you choose to connect, please let us know how we can serve you better.

Several months ago, Halifax EMC retained Booth & Associates, LLC to conduct a formal cost-of-service study in order to examine the cooperative’s true cost to deliver energy to your home or business. It has been a number of years since this type of study has been conducted and as the cooperative continues to face rising wholesale power costs, as well as rising cost of materials, we knew it was time to take a look.

There are two main components that make up your electric bill: the cost to generate energy you use and the cost to deliver energy to your home or business. Let’s discuss the first component, rising wholesale power (generation) costs. This cost makes up 54% of your electric bill and is increasing due to new generation and transmission infrastructure and fuel costs. We purchase wholesale electricity from our statewide electric cooperative which has a diverse portfolio of nuclear (56%), natural gas (20%), and a mix of purchases, renewables, coal and hydro (24%).

The second component is the cost to deliver energy to you. These costs are made up of transmission and distribution system improvements, operations, maintenance and administration. Typically, these costs are recovered through a basic facilities charge, which is a fixed cost. Halifax EMC recovers approximately half of those costs through its basic facilities charge and the other half is recovered through the energy charge. Regardless of how much power is used each month by a member, the cooperative must pay operating expenses to maintain the infrastructure that connects homes or businesses to the grid and powers you year-round. A facilities charge ensures that each member is paying their “fair share” to cover these operating expenses for the infrastructure that serves them. This fee was last increased in 2016.

Booth & Associates completed the study and presented it to the Halifax EMC Board of Directors this past February. In the following month of March, per the consultant’s recommendation, the Board approved a 1.61% overall rate increase that takes effect April 1, 2023.

I’m sure we’ve all noticed that we are paying more at the gas pump and the grocery store these days. Just like you, the cooperative is paying more to fuel our vehicles as well as paying more for materials such as utility poles and transformers.
Halifax EMC is a not-for-profit, member-owned cooperative and we strive every day to hold down costs while still providing the reliable, quality service you expect.

So, how will the rate change affect you? The monthly impact of the new electric rates for a Halifax EMC household using an average of 1,000 kWh each month equals $3.41.

Outdoor lighting monthly rates will also increase slightly.

Lastly, the NC Renewable Energy Mandate will now appear on your bill as a monthly credit. Residential accounts will receive a credit of $0.64 and commercial will receive a $2.15 credit.

Your board of directors and staff have worked diligently over recent years to mitigate rising costs while maintaining an excellent level of service and reliability. You can also take an active role in lowering your electric bill. Visit our Energy Tips page for ways to save. If you have questions or comments regarding the rate study, you may contact us at 252-445-5111 or
tellus@halifaxemc.com.

You’ve likely heard or read that most automakers are transitioning many or all of their new vehicles to electric-only models over the next 10 years. Regardless of the type of car you drive today, the electrification of the transportation sector is underway.

We regularly receive inquiries about electric vehicles from Halifax EMC members, so I thought it would be helpful to respond to some of those frequently-asked questions in this month’s issue of Hali-facts.

Q: Why is Halifax EMC communicating about electric vehicles?
A: It’s no secret that consumer interest in electric vehicles (EVs) is growing, and Halifax EMC is providing information about EV charging requirements so that our members can make informed decisions when considering an EV purchase.

Q: Why does Halifax EMC have an EV(s)?
A: We purchased our first EV in 2019 for research and development purposes. Our EV and charging stations help us access key data and gain insights into how EVs operate and what infrastructure is needed to support them. We have an EV to help raise awareness and promote understanding of EV technologies. We also provide educational tools about EVs on our website and bring our EV to community events so folks have an opportunity to ask questions and form their own opinions.

Q: Why is Halifax EMC involved in EV infrastructure issues?
A: All electric utilities are planning now to ensure they have the necessary electric infrastructure in place to meet future EV charging needs— without jeopardizing the ability to keep reliable power flowing to our local homes and businesses. As your local energy provider, Halifax EMC is best suited to advise and help our members and local businesses plan for the electric vehicle future.

Q: Can I charge my EV using an existing outlet or do I need a special outlet?
A: All EVs come with a 110-volt-compatible (Level 1) charging unit which can be plugged into any standard household outlet. For an eight-hour overnight charge, this will enable traveling around 36 to 40 miles a day. If you typically drive longer distances or are in a hurry, a Level 2 charger takes about half the time and provides about 180 miles of range over an eight-hour charging period. A Level 2 charger must be installed by a licensed electrician.

Q: Does the outside temperature affect the range of an EV?
A: Outside temperatures, particularly colder weather, can impact the range of an EV. Unlike a gas-powered vehicle, where the heat is mostly coming from the engine, an EV must produce cabin heat and manage an optimal battery temperature with energy that comes from the battery, which can reduce battery range.

Q: Will an EV meet my daily driving needs?
A: If you are like most Americans and drive an average of 30 miles a day, an EV can meet your daily needs.

Q: What kind of incentives are available for EVs?
A: There are a variety of tax credits, rebates and other incentives available for EV purchases. Visit here to learn about federal incentives available through the Clean Vehicle Credit program. Visit here to learn about state incentives.

Q: Should I let my co-op know if I purchase an EV?
A: If you purchase an EV, please let us know so we can better serve you. As more Halifax EMC members buy EVs, it’s helpful to know where they’re located in our area so we can ensure we have the necessary infrastructure in place to meet charging needs and provide reliable power to our local homes and businesses. For example, adding a Level 2 charger at 19 kW to your home is the equivalent of adding another major appliance which could stress the utility’s transformer that serves you and your neighbor and potentially cause an outage. This could be avoided by simply contacting us so that we can plan to meet your needs.

We understand making the switch to an EV is a big decision. Whether you’re ready to make an EV purchase or wondering if an EV can meet your daily driving needs, we’re here to help you make an informed decision. Give us a call at 252-445-5111 or contact us at tellus@halifaxemc.com.

Did you know that Halifax County Schools has a farm-to-school program? Greenleaf Farm is an outdoor learning lab for students enrolled in horticulture and agricultural science classes. Students learn Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) as well as business skills related to entrepreneurship and marketing.

The 8-acre farm is student-led but does utilize volunteers during planting and harvest times. In the spirit of community, Halifax EMC partnered with the school system and Greenleaf Farm to provide a portion of the farmland used by the program on Highway 481.

Reginald Cotten, a former Halifax County Schools agricultural teacher, is the farm manager. He believes the contribution these students make to the community not only builds their confidence, self-worth, communication, and critical thinking skills, but also gives them a sense of pride and ownership over their own health.

Greenleaf Farm was recognized as the first North Carolina School District Farm to receive GAP Harmonious Certification which allows produce harvested from this farm to be served to students in all district cafeterias. Students are also authorized to sell harvested fruit and vegetables to local vendors, members of the community, and larger markets such as grocery chains. Greenleaf Farm is self-sustained and the farm budget is based on profits from those sales made to the school district and community.

“Our goal is to not only nourish our children’s bodies, but also their minds, while providing affordable fresh produce to families as we support local economies,” said Cotten.

Personally, I believe our community is so fortunate to have a farm-to-school program where students learn valuable life skills and we as a community have the opportunity to support their efforts. I encourage you to stop and purchase fresh vegetables the next time you see a yellow Halifax County Schools truck parked outside of a business or at a local farmer’s market. Not only are you investing in your own health, but you are investing in our students’ futures.

We all have our favorite season. Some people love crisp, cool weather and bundling up under a favorite blanket, while others prefer the warm temperatures summer brings and all fun outdoor activities that go with it.

But there’s one thing we can all agree on: high winter bills are never fun. Halifax EMC is here to help you find ways to manage your home energy use and keep winter bills in check.

Here are five tips to help increase your home’s energy efficiency this winter:

Mind the thermostat. This is one of the easiest ways to manage your home energy use. We recommend setting your thermostat to 68 degrees (or lower) when you’re home. When you’re sleeping or away for an extended period of time, try setting it between 58 and 62 degrees; there’s no need to heat your home when you’re away or sleeping and less active.

Button up your home. The Department of Energy estimates that air leaks account for 24% to 40% of the energy used for heating and cooling a home. Caulking and weather stripping
around windows and doors is another simple, cost-effective way to increase comfort and save energy. If you can feel drafts while standing near a window or door, it likely needs to be sealed.

Use window coverings wisely. Open blinds, drapes or other window coverings during the day to allow natural sunlight in to warm your home. Close them at night to keep the cold, drafty air out. If you feel cold air around windows, consider hanging curtains or drapes in a thicker material; heavier window coverings can make a significant difference in blocking cold outdoor air.

Consider your approach to appliance use. When combined, appliances and electronics account for a significant chunk of our home energy use, so assess how efficiently you’re using them. For example, if you’re running the dishwasher or clothes washer, only wash full loads. Look for electronic devices that consume energy even when they’re not in use, like phone chargers or game consoles. Every little bit helps, so unplug them to save energy.

Think outside the box. If you’re still feeling chilly at home, think of other ways to warm up––beyond dialing up the thermostat. Add layers of clothing, wear thick socks and bundle up under blankets. You can even add layers to your home! If you have hard-surface flooring, consider purchasing an area rug to block cold air that leaks in through the floor.

Taking steps to save energy but continue to see major increases in your bills? Give us a call at 252- 445-5111. Our energy experts can help identify areas and other factors impacting your home energy use and recommend the next steps for savings.

I don’t know about you, but I consider my four-legged companion part of the family. Cooper, our Labrador, has been part of our family for 13 years and I can’t imagine life without him. I know others feel this way, too. That’s why during the winter months, we make sure our whole family, including our four-legged members, is cozy––without taking a big “bite” out of our budget.

This month, I’d like to share a few simple ways you can make your home more comfortable this winter, which can ultimately help you save on energy bills.

At the onset of the cold weather season, we replace the HVAC filter for better air quality and to help the unit operate more efficiently. You can also keep your home cozier by caulking and weatherstripping windows and doors. If your home is particularly chilly, you can tape or affix heavy, clear plastic to the inside of your window frames to create an additional barrier against the cold. Ensure that the plastic is tightly sealed to the frame to help reduce infiltration.

We know winter can be “ruff”, so we set our thermostat at 68 degrees, a “purr-fect” temperature for people and pets. This is especially important for smaller, short hair and senior dogs––not just for warmth, but for their general health. Puppies, kittens and older pets with arthritis or other ailments may have a harder time controlling their body heat and need the additional warmth when it’s chilly out.

Pets that sleep close to the floor can be subject to cold drafts that enter your home through windows and exterior doors. If your pet’s bed is near a window or door that feels drafty, tightly
roll up a towel and place it near the bottom of the door or window to eliminate the draft. Cutting down on cold drafts helps everyone feel more comfortable during colder months.

If possible, elevate your pet’s bed so it’s not placed directly on a cold floor. An old chair or sofa cushion works well. If you don’t use a dog bed, take some old blankets and create a donut shape on the cushion so the dog can snuggle and “nest” within the blanket. You can do the same for cats but on a smaller scale. Blankets enable pets to nestle into them, even when they aren’t tired, and provide a comfortable place for dogs and cats to curl up.

During the day, open your blinds and curtains to allow sunlight to warm your home. Close window coverings at night for an added layer of insulation.

At Halifax EMC, we want to help you save energy and money. Visit our website at halifaxemc.com for additional energy-saving tips.

We can’t control the weather, but we can provide advice to help you save energy and keep your family and furry friends more comfortable during the winter season.

Fall is a busy time, and October is a particularly eventful month with school, community and sports activities in full swing. It’s also when all cooperatives celebrate National Co-op Month.

When I say Halifax EMC celebrates Co-op Month, it really means we are celebrating you! After all, our co-op wouldn’t exist without you, our members.

Our core business purpose is to serve as your electricity provider, but the larger mission of the co-op is to help make our corner of the world a better place. “Concern for community” is one of seven guiding principles that all co-ops share.

Similar to how our wires run through our service territory, our concern for community flows through all of our decisions–– because being a co-op means being a responsible partner and good neighbor.

Halifax EMC works to help our community thrive through initiatives led by our employees and local board that’s comprised of neighbors who live right here in our community. Because we’re local, we understand our community’s unique needs and strive to help meet them.

We’re proud to support local youth through our Youth Tour and scholarship programs. With your help, we offer Operation Roundup to provide financial assistance to our community’s non-profit organizations. We also distribute grants to teachers for classroom projects through the Bright Ideas Education Grant program.

The word “cooperative” is close to “cooperation,” meaning people working together towards a common goal—mutually benefitting one another and the larger community. That’s the essence of the cooperative spirit. Our employees and member-elected board members are invested in the community in which they live and serve. They coach little league teams, serve as 4-H and scout leaders, and represent the cooperative in community-minded service organizations.

Above all, as a co-op we put our members’ priorities first. As your trusted energy partner, we know that saving energy and money is important to you. We want to empower you to manage energy use at home. If you haven’t already, I encourage you take a moment and download our app, HEMC Mobile. Through the app, you can conveniently monitor and manage your energy use. And we’re of course here to help, so give us a call if you have questions about your energy bills.

Halifax EMC is continuously examining ways to operate more efficiently while continuing to provide the highest level of friendly, reliable service you expect and deserve. After all, we’re your local co-op. We were built by the members we serve.

Finally, as we celebrate Co-op Month, don’t forget that we are celebrating you. Join us Tuesday, October 4, for Member Appreciation Day at the Enfield Operations Center located on Highway 481 in Enfield or at the Macon office. Register at either location and receive your goody bag as well as a hot dog, chips and a drink!

It’s September and summer is winding down, but as I write this article, we’re in the midst of the dog days of summer and are experiencing late afternoon/early evening storms that really pack a punch. To be honest, the end of July and beginning of August were brutal.

Our outage numbers were some of the highest we have recorded in years and it’s all thanks to the weather. While our service area as a whole had scattered outages as a result of these daily weather events, Warren County appeared to catch the brunt. The majority of these late day storms brought heavy rainfall, bursts of wind, and staggering numbers of lightning strikes; the combination of which results in long nights for our line crew. Our own Macon office suffered damage from a lightning hit, which took out computers, credit card machines and the telephones. Many of you may have noticed that office was closed for a time while repairs were made and we waited for new equipment.

We all know that summer storms can lead to power outages and the best we can do is try to reduce the potential problem
areas. Halifax EMC prides itself in its right-of-way maintenance program and has seen a vast improvement in the reduction
of outages caused by tree limbs throughout the years. Our right-of-way contractors clear trees up to the designated right-of-way and clear dead danger trees as needed that could potentially hit the power line. However, the saturated ground created by drenching downpours leaves live trees vulnerable. A tree’s root system can lose grounding in soggy soil and the tree tops may even become top heavy. Add in wind gusts and those trees, well outside of the right-of-way, fall on the power lines.

The timing of these late-day storms slowed restoration efforts as well. While Halifax EMC is on call 24 hours a day, outages after normal working hours require a two-man crew to be dispatched. Once dispatched to the area, the line crew must assess the area to determine the source of the outage and if assistance will be needed to make repairs. Assessment times are often longer at night because crews must drive the area in darkness, using only the lights from their vehicle, or in some cases may even have to patrol lines on foot, to identify the culprit.

During outages that affect a large number of members, we strive to keep you updated on Facebook, if possible. If you use this form of social media, please follow us. We often share pictures which hopefully offer a better understanding of why the lights are out and the damage that crews are facing in their repair efforts.

Your patience is greatly appreciated as we weathered these recent storms and we could use your help in making sure our
outage response times are even quicker. If you have an outage, don’t just assume your neighbor or someone else in your area has reported it. Call 1-800-690-0522 to report an outage at your residence. Make sure we have your up-to-date contact information. If we don’t have your current telephone number (home and cell) in our system, which is linked with your physical address, it may take longer to properly identify the outage location.

Whether facing summer storms or everyday obstacles, know that Halifax EMC is here for you. We strive to provide reliable service to each of our members but rest assured when the lights do go out, we want to get them restored for you as quickly and safely as possible.