Manager’s/President’s Message

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.

You’ve likely noticed Halifax EMC’s crews out and about, working on power lines and other electrical equipment in our community. It’s no secret that a lineworker’s job is tough––but it’s a job that’s essential and must be done, often in challenging conditions. This month, as we celebrate Lineworker Appreciation Day on April 11, I thought I’d share some interesting facts about electric lineworkers with you.

The work can be heavy, in more ways than one. Did you know the equipment and tools that a lineworker carries while climbing a utility pole can weigh up to 50 pounds? That’s the same as carrying six gallons of water. Speaking of utility poles, lineworkers are required to climb poles ranging anywhere from 30 to 120 feet tall. Needless to say, if you have a fear of heights, this likely isn’t the career path for you.

Lineworkers must be committed to their career––because it’s not just a job, it’s a lifestyle. The long hours and ever-present danger can truly take a toll. In fact, being a lineworker is listed in the top 10 most dangerous jobs in the U.S. Lineworkers often work nontraditional hours, outdoors in difficult conditions. While the job does not require a college degree, it does require technical skills, years of training, and hands-on learning. Did you know that to become a journeyman lineworker can take more than 7,000 hours of training (or about four years)? That’s because working
with high-voltage equipment requires specialized skills, experience, and an ongoing mental toughness. Shortcuts are not an option, and there is no room for error in this line or work.

Despite the many challenges, Halifax EMC’s lineworkers are committed to powering our local community. During severe weather events that bring major power outages, lineworkers are among the first ones called. They must be ready to leave the comfort of their home and families unexpectedly, and they don’t return until the job is done, often days later. That’s why the lineworker’s family is also dedicated to service. They understand the importance of the job to the community.

Nationwide, there are approximately 120,000 electric lineworkers. Halifax EMC has 17 lineworkers that are responsible for keeping power flowing 24/7, 365 days a year. To do this, they maintain 1716.73 miles of power lines across four counties. In addition to the highly visible tasks lineworkers perform, their job today goes far beyond climbing utility poles to repair a wire. Today’s lineworkers are information experts who can pinpoint power outages from miles away. Line crews now use laptops, tablets, drones and other technologies to map outages, survey damage and troubleshoot problems.

Being a lineworker may not seem like a glamorous job, but it is absolutely essential to the life of our community. Without the exceptional dedication and commitment of these hardworking men and women, we simply would not have the reliable electricity that we need for everyday life.

So, the next time you see a lineworker, please thank them for the work they do to keep power flowing, regardless of the time of day or weather conditions. Afterall, lineworkers are the power behind your power. Please join us as we recognize them on April 11, and follow “#ThankALineworker” on social media to see how others are recognizing lineworkers.

A power surge is an unexpected increase in voltage, and it can occur from a variety of sources. Regardless of the cause, power surges can majorly damage electronic devices and equipment in your home.

Let’s take a look at common causes of power surges and how you can protect your sensitive electronics.

One of the most common causes of a power surge is lightning. Most of us have experienced this during a severe  thunderstorm. When lightning strikes an electrical system, the excess current must be channeled somewhere––unfortunately in many cases, it’s sent through a home. Your best bet is to unplug all unused devices and electronics during severe thunderstorms.

Another common cause of power surges is electrical overload. This happens when devices or appliances are plugged into an outlet that can’t handle the required amount of voltage, or if multiple devices are plugged into one outlet through an extension cord. If you’re experiencing power surges due to electrical overload, it’s time to call a qualified electrician to evaluate your home’s circuits and electrical needs.

Faulty wiring in a home can also cause power surges. Damaged or exposed wires can cause spikes in voltage, creating a potentially dangerous situation. If you notice signs of faulty wiring, like visible burns on outlets, buzzing sounds from
outlets or frequently tripped circuit breakers, your home may be due for electrical wiring repairs and updates.

Surges can also occur after a power outage. Sometimes, when electricity is being restored and reconnected, it’s common to experience a quick surge in current. Similar to advice for a surge caused by lightning, it’s best to unplug sensitive electronics during the outage––then wait to plug them back in after power is fully restored.

Aside from unplugging devices when you suspect a power surge, there are two ways you can take additional precautions to protect electronics in your home.

Point-of-use surge protection devices, like power strips, can protect electronics during most surges. But remember, not all power strips include surge protection, so read the packaging label carefully before you buy, and don’t overload the power strip with too many devices. You can also install specialized electrical outlets that offer additional surge protection. Talk to a trusted electrician to learn more.

Another option is a whole-home surge protector, which can help protect your home from larger, more powerful surges. In most cases, whole-home suppressors are connected to your home’s service panel and include features like thermal fuses and notification capabilities that indicate when a device has been impacted by a surge. Whole-home surge protection prices vary based on the size of the home and suppressor. Whole-home suppressors should always be connected by a licensed electrician, so consider the cost of installation as well.

Occasional power surges are inevitable, but by unplugging devices when you think a surge may occur and using additional levels of protection like power strips or whole-home suppressors, you can better safeguard your sensitive electronics and devices.

As always, please reach out to us if you have questions about ways to protect your home from power surges

February may be the shortest month, but it’s packed with special observances like Presidents’ Day, Black History Month, and Valentine’s Day, in addition to a host of unofficial “national” days you’ve probably never heard of like “National Tater Tot Day.” But they all have something in common. They were created to draw attention to a particular issue or theme.

Valentine’s Day may seem like an observance originally created by a greeting card company, but over time, it’s become a widely celebrated day generating millions of dollars spent on flowers, candy, and of course, greeting cards professing our love. But Valentine’s Day isn’t just for the lovebirds. It’s also the perfect time to let our friends, family, co-workers, and other special people in our lives know we care about them––with or without a storebought greeting card.

So, in that vein, we’ve created our list of top five reasons why we love serving you, the members of Halifax EMC.

1. We love serving our members because, without you, the co-op wouldn’t exist. Our purpose is to provide you with reliable, responsible, and safe electricity. Simply put, Halifax EMC exists to serve you. That’s why we were formed in 1938––to bring power to our local area when for-profit utilities would not.
2. You enable us to complete our mission by supporting our efforts to give back. A major part of our mission is to serve our community and look after the greater good. With your assistance, we’re able to help local nonprofit groups such as volunteer fire departments, churches, and organizations that support our youth through programs like Operation Round-Up.
3. Members of our co-op also serve on the board of directors. They provide guidance for setting co-op priorities and helping make big decisions. Because our board members live in the area, they’re able to serve as the pulse of the larger community and identify immediate and long-term needs. The broader co-op membership provides helpful input through their vote on director elections and by weighing in on co-op and community issues.
4. You help us get it right. Halifax EMC members are great about keeping us in the know. We do our best to avoid power outages, but Mother Nature can occasionally throw us a curveball; our members are quick to report any power disruptions and are patient as our crews work to safely restore power. We know outages are frustrating, and your support as we work through storms means so much to our employees. We also appreciate your feedback on co-op programs and services like pre-pay. Your opinions are critical for the co-op’s success, and we thank you for that.
5. You and other Halifax EMC members make up the community we serve––and for us, it’s all about community. Our employees live and work here too and care about our community the same way you do. We’re invested and work to help it thrive. That’s why Halifax EMC donates to local charities, schools, and provides scholarship funds. It’s also why we invest in economic development, and why you’ll see our employees volunteering at local schools and other charitable and community endeavors.

As a co-op, our mission is to enhance the quality of life in our community and look after its long-term interests.

We love serving our members and our local community, and just like you, want to see it continue to thrive.