This month, electric cooperatives across the country take time to celebrate National Co-op Month and reflect on the unique advantages of being part of a cooperative. It’s also the perfect time to thank you—the members who make it all possible. For us, it’s not just a celebration. It’s a chance to reaffirm the values that
guide everything we do.

As the CEO of Halifax EMC, I see purpose in action every single day. Unlike investor-owned utilities, our co-op doesn’t exist to make profits for distant shareholders. We exist to serve you —our members, our neighbors and our communities. That purpose is what sets us apart. It’s why we were founded, and it’s what continues to drive every decision we make.

At its core, being a cooperative means we are member-owned and locally controlled. That’s not just a tagline; it’s the very heart of our business model. Members have a voice in how our co-op operates. You elect board members who live right here in our service area and understand the unique challenges and opportunities our communities face. Decisions aren’t made in corporate boardrooms hundreds of miles away; they’re made here at home, by people who care about the same things you do.

This local accountability means we can stay focused on what matters most: delivering reliable, affordable electricity and providing real value to the people we serve.

We do that by investing in essential infrastructure upgrades and technologies that strengthen our local grid and improve electric service. We work hard to manage costs and keep rates affordable—because we know how much rising prices affect families and small businesses in our area. And when storms hit or outages occur, Halifax EMC crews are here and ready to respond quickly, because we live here too.

But our commitment doesn’t end at the power lines.

Co-ops were built to meet community needs, and that purpose extends well beyond delivering electricity. Whether we’re supporting local schools, sponsoring youth programs or partnering with volunteer organizations, we are always looking for ways to improve the quality of life in the places we serve. Community support isn’t an afterthought—it’s part of our mission.

We’re also planning for the future. As electricity demand grows due to new technologies and economic development, electric co-ops are working to ensure we continue to meet those needs with a balanced, reliable energy mix. We know our members care about affordability and dependability, and we’re committed to delivering both.

That’s the power of the cooperative difference. That’s what it means to be powered by purpose.

This National Co-op Month, I encourage you to take pride in your cooperative membership. You’re not just a customer—you’re an owner, a stakeholder, and a vital part of a larger effort to keep our community strong, connected and energized.

Thank you for the trust you place in us. We’re proud to be your local electric cooperative.

As a member of an electric cooperative, you’re more than just a customer—you’re an owner. That’s why we operate differently from investor-owned utilities. One of the key benefits of cooperative membership is receiving capital credits, which represent your share of the cooperative’s margins.

What Are Capital Credits?
Capital credits are a unique feature of electric cooperatives. When Halifax EMC collects more revenue than we spend on operating costs, those margins are allocated back to members based on how much electricity they purchased during the year. Instead of paying profits to outside shareholders, we return them to you.

How Are They Calculated?
Each year, we calculate how much electricity you used and how much you contributed to the cooperative’s revenue. Based on that, we assign you a portion of the margins as capital
credits. These are recorded in your account and may be returned to you in future years as the cooperative’s financial condition allows. A notice of allocation is noted on your September bill.

When Do You Receive Them?
Capital credits aren’t paid out immediately. They’re retained for a period to help fund operations and infrastructure—keeping rates stable and reducing the need for borrowing. Over time, as finances permit, the board of directors may authorize a retirement of capital credits, meaning a portion is returned to members as a check or bill credit.

Over the last 10 years, Halifax EMC has returned $8,934,540 in capital credits.

What Happens If You Move Away?
Even if you move out of our service area, your capital credits remain yours. That’s why it’s important to keep your contact information up to date. If we can’t locate you when credits are retired, they may go unclaimed.

Capital Credits and Deceased Members
Halifax EMC also continues to retire capital credits to the estates of deceased members. If an application has not been submitted on behalf of a deceased member, the executor or executrix of the estate may apply in person at our office to request a refund of any accumulated capital credits. It’s one more way the cooperative ensures every member receives their rightful share.

Check for Unclaimed Capital Credits
We want every member to receive what they’re owed. If you or someone you know was once a member of our cooperative, there may be unclaimed capital credits waiting. A list of unclaimed capital credits is posted on our here—take a moment to check and see if your name is there! If you know any of these people, please pass the word to them to contact Halifax EMC at 252-445-5111 to claim their refund.

On Saturday, May 17, Halifax EMC hosted its 84th Annual Meeting with a strong turnout—225 members registered and more than 300 total attendees joined us for a morning of fellowship,
information, and celebration.

This year’s event was filled with vibrant community spirit, starting with musical entertainment from the Mills Family and a lively appearance by Deacon Cornbread, who had the crowd laughing. A light breakfast, generously provided by the Halifax Volunteers in Action, kicked off the day, leading into the business portion of the meeting.

I’d like to highlight the message that I shared with members and guests which focused on reliability, technological progress, energy policy, and community investment.

Reliability
Halifax EMC’s top goal is simple: to make sure you have electricity when you need it. The cooperative made major reliability improvements in 2024, including the inspection of over 4,400 poles resulting in 140 replacements. There were substantial upgrades and replacements to underground cable infrastructure in neighborhoods like River Forest, and we continue that investment across the system including work now being done in Spinnaker Point. Trees and animals accounted for 60% of outages last year, that is why we continue to invest heavily in vegetation management resulting in 350 miles trimmed in 2024 with a plan for 430 miles of trimming in 2025.

Technological advancements are also playing a major role in providing you with reliable power. Halifax EMC is continuing to install smart grid devices like electronic reclosers and remote
monitoring tools, helping reduce average outage durations by 16%.

On the policy front, we shared encouraging news about efforts to protect energy affordability. The EPA’s power plant rule, which threatened to raise costs and reduce reliability, is now being reviewed for repeal or significant modification thanks to persistent legislative advocacy. The cooperative also continues to explore innovative solutions with its wholesale partner NC Electric
Cooperatives; like battery storage to manage energy demand efficiently.

2024 Financial Highlights
Halifax EMC grew by 130 new accounts in 2024. Despite a slight 2% decline in energy sales due to mild weather, the cooperative also remained financially strong and met all necessary benchmarks. In November 2024, $170,000 in capital credits from 2003 were returned to members totaling $17.6 million returned since the cooperative’s founding.

Enhanced Member Services
In late 2024 and early 2025, Halifax EMC rolled out a new billing and member services platform to improve member experience. Members can now view detailed usage information, sign up for service online, receive alerts, and use the mobile app for easier account management. I invite you to visit the cooperative’s website for helpful tutorials and more information on this great new service.

Community Impact
Halifax EMC remains dedicated to its community. Thanks to member participation in the Halifax Helps Operation RoundUp program, critical grants were awarded to local nonprofits that serve youth and safety needs. Halifax Helps Board President Debbie Hardy and I presented $19,000 in grant monies to 10 non-profit organizations during the meeting. Grants were awarded to Norlina Volunteer Fire Department, Dawson Baptist Church, the Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas, Arcola Rural Volunteer Fire Department, Churchill Five Forks Volunteer Fire Department, Lakeland Cultural Arts, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, Inez Volunteer Fire Department, and Chapel Hill Baptist Church.

Board Election Results
Attorney Larry Armstrong announced the results of the Board of Directors election, with incumbents re-elected in the three districts on the ballot:
• District 4: Harry Williams
• District 6: Stan Brothers
• District 8: Macon Robertson

The meeting concluded with prize drawings, lunch, and a favorite tradition — ice cream for all. Thank you to everyone who attended and your continued support of
Halifax EMC. We look forward to many more years of progress and partnership.

American families expect the lights to stay on at a cost they can afford. But with the demand for electricity skyrocketing and the supply of always-available power sources at risk because of previously passed bad energy policy, the need for new and smart energy policies that bolster reliability and affordability are more critical than ever before.

As your locally owned not-for-profit electric provider, Halifax EMC is committed to reliably powering our local communities. Beyond routine maintenance and updates that improve the reliability of the grid, we work in other ways to ensure our members’ needs are addressed. One of the ways we do this is through proactively engaging elected officials to ensure our members are well represented in Washington, D.C.

This past April, hundreds of electric cooperative leaders from across the country, including North Carolina, traveled to Washington, D.C., for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s Legislative Conference.

As we met with elected officials on Capitol Hill, we discussed key energy issues and priorities that impact our members back home. I, along with CEOs from other North Carolina cooperatives, spoke with North Carolina Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd as well as key staff from Congressman Don Davis’ office and focused on telling our own unique stories of how we are ensuring reliable and affordable power for our communities through a diverse supply of energy resources to meet the growing demand for electricity.

While engaging with members of Congress and the regulatory agencies, we also detailed the need to improve environmental permitting processes and cut costly and burdensome regulations—like the EPA Power Plant Rule—to accelerate deployment and maintenance of essential electric infrastructure. We highlighted the importance of federal hydropower resources as well as the need to pass legislation to facilitate co-op vegetation management efforts and reduce wildfire risks.

An additional focal point of our discussions with policymakers included ensuring federal programs and resources that support electric cooperative energy projects are protected as we invest to meet the unique needs of our communities. This includes tools such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service electric loan program and the New Empowering Rural America co-op loan and grant program, energy tax credits with an elective (direct) pay option for co-ops, and recently funded Department of Energy infrastructure programs.

Despite the challenges that lie ahead, we are encouraged to see the President’s swift actions to address many of these issues. We look forward to working with his administration and members of Congress to implement a pro-energy agenda that prioritizes reliability and affordability and strengthens our nation’s grid. As we continue to communicate our message you can

help make it stronger by joining Voices for Cooperative Power or “VCP,” which is a grassroots effort to make sure our members have a way to amplify our messaging and let elected officials know what matters to their communities. By joining VCP and following us on social media you can be kept informed on what’s going on and be provided easy ways to message your legislators on what’s important.

While you may not consider it on a daily basis, electricity is essential and underpins nearly every aspect of modern life. Understanding today’s evolving energy landscape is important as it shapes how electricity is produced, delivered and consumed.

Advocating for reliable, affordable power on behalf of Halifax EMC’s members is a critical part of our commitment to you and our community.

Spring has arrived and like many of you, I’m looking forward to more opportunities to be outdoors and enjoy warmer weather. Springtime brings many of my favorite activities like cooking out with family and friends, time spent working in the garden and simply slowing down a bit to enjoy life.

Unfortunately, spring and summer can also create the perfect conditions for severe storms. Halifax EMC crews are always prepared and standing by to respond should power outages occur in our area. When severe storms cause power disruptions, our line crews take all necessary precautions before they get to work on any downed lines.

I would encourage you to also practice safety and preparedness to protect your family during storms and outages.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends the items below as a starting point for storm and disaster preparedness, but you can visit ready.gov for additional resources.

• Stock your pantry with a three-day supply of non-perishable food, including canned goods, energy bars, peanut butter, powdered milk, instant coffee, water and other essentials (i.e., diapers and toiletries).
• Confirm that you have adequate sanitation and hygiene supplies including towelettes, soap and hand sanitizer.
• Ensure your First Aid kit is stocked with pain relievers, bandages and other medical essentials, and make sure your prescriptions are current.
• Set aside basic household items you will need, including flashlights, batteries, a manual can opener and portable, battery-powered radio or TV.

Organize emergency supplies so they are easily accessible in one location. In the event of a prolonged power
outage, turn off major appliances, TVs, computers and other sensitive electronics. This will help avert damage from potential power surges and will also help prevent overloading circuits during power restoration. That said, do leave one light on so you will know when power is restored.

If you plan to use a portable generator, make sure it’s rated to handle the amount of power you will need, and always review the manufacturer’s instructions to operate it safely.

Listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio for storm and emergency information, and check Halifax EMC’s Facebook page for outage updates.

Severe storms can occasionally bring down power lines. If you see a downed line, always assume it’s energized and never approach it. If flooding occurs, never walk through areas where power lines could be submerged.

Advance planning for severe storms or other emergencies can reduce stress and anxiety caused by the weather event and lessen the impact of the storm’s effects.

Sign up for NOAA emergency alerts and warnings and follow us on Facebook for the latest power restoration updates. If you experience an outage, please don’t report it on Facebook. Call our outage reporting number at 1-800-690-05822, this is the fastest way to let us know if your power is out. You also now have the ability to report an outage via our new
mobile app. Make sure to search “Halifax EMC” in the app store to download our new app available April 7. Even if you used our previous mobile app, you will still need register to begin using the new app.

I hope we don’t experience severe storms over the spring and summer months, but we can never predict Mother Nature’s plans. At Halifax EMC, we recommend that you make a plan today—because storm preparedness is always our best defense.

Electricity is essential for nearly every aspect of daily life—so essential that we rarely think about how it’s produced and delivered to our homes. You might be surprised to learn that behind
the scenes, a network of experts is working daily (and even by the minute) to anticipate how much electricity you need before you even use it.

We’re all connected to the electric grid, so ensuring the right amount of electricity for all involves a complex process of forecasting energy demand, planning for capacity and securing enough supply to meet Americans’ needs.

Powerful sources
First, electricity must be generated at a power plant using either traditional sources, such as coal, natural gas or nuclear energy, or from renewable sources, such as solar, wind or hydropower.

At Halifax EMC, we work closely with North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation (NCEMC), our local wholesale power partner, to secure enough electricity for our communities, using a diverse mix of energy sources to generate the power we deliver to your home or business. By maintaining a diverse energy mix—nuclear, natural gas, renewables, coal, and hydro—Halifax EMC has options to ensure reliable power at a competitive cost.

On a larger scale, across the country, electricity supply and demand are managed through a market that includes long-term planning agreements, where electricity is bought and sold just
like other common goods and services. Because Halifax EMC works with our wholesale power partner, which is also a cooperative, we are able to pool resources and expertise to deliver affordable power to our local communities.

Electricity supply changes throughout the day because demand fluctuates based on consumers’ needs. For example, Halifax EMC knows that we need to ensure more electricity in the mornings when you’re starting your day, and in the evenings when you’re cooking dinner, running appliances and watching TV. Demand also increases when weather patterns change, such as extremely warm or cold temperatures.

Managing supply and demand across the grid
Across the country, other electric utilities are managing the same task of balancing supply and demand, which is why we have a larger network of key players in place to ensure enough power is delivered across the grid.

In most cases, the amount of electricity generated and how much is sent to specific areas are coordinated and monitored by regional transmission organizations (RTOs) and independent system operators (ISOs). In other areas, individual electric utilities perform these tasks.

RTOs, ISOs and electric utilities act as air traffic controllers for the electric grid. They forecast when you, your neighbors and communities across a large region will need more power. These organizations take measured steps to ensure there’s enough supply to meet demand.

Looking ahead
As the energy sector undergoes rapid change, it’s important for all consumers to understand the basics of electricity supply and demand.

Electricity use in the U.S. is expected to rise to record highs this year and next, with the demand for electricity expected to at least double by 2050. At the same time, energy policies are pushing the early retirement of always-available generation sources, which will undoubtedly compromise reliable electricity.

Recently, North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), the nation’s electric reliability watchdog, released its Winter Reliability Assessment. While the U.S. electric grid is positioned to meet normal peak conditions this winter, more than half of the United States is at risk of electricity shortages this winter due to regional generation shortfalls, increased demand for power, and potential fuel delivery challenges during sustained cold weather events.

Halifax EMC remains committed to providing affordable, reliable energy to the members we serve. Our wholesale power partner, NCEMC, assures its members that our power supply is adequate.

Managing the balancing act of electricity supply and demand is a complex job, which is why we have a network of utilities, power plant operators and energy traffic managers in place to direct the electricity we need and keep the electric grid balanced.

Visit NC Electric Cooperatives to learn more about Halifax EMC’s power supply.

Are you interested in shaping the future of Halifax EMC? Nominations for the Board of Directors are now open! Serving on the Board is your chance to lead and contribute to the growth and success of our cooperative.

Why Join the Board?
As a Board member, you will contribute to strategic decision-making and organizational growth, collaborate with a team of leaders, and gain valuable leadership experience. Most importantly, you will represent the voices and interests of Halifax EMC’s members.

Eligibility Criteria
Director qualifications are cited in the cooperative’s bylaws (Section 4.02) and can be found here. Here are a few key points:

• Be a member in good standing.
• Primary residence located in the district for which you are seeking election.
• Not employed by Halifax EMC.
• Must complete a Board Member Candidate Package.

Do You Live Here?
The 2025 director election is for Districts 4, 6, and 8 At-Large (The entire area as described in Districts 1–7). If you live in one of these districts you can run for your district’s director seat:

If you are unsure of your district, simply contact the cooperative office and ask a Member Service Representative for your director district.

How to Run
There are two ways to seek nomination for the director districts up for election. The first is nomination through petition. Nominees must obtain an official Halifax EMC Petition form from the cooperative office. Then collect at least 30 signatures from Halifax EMC members in any district. There may only be one signature per membership and you must also include the member’s name printed legibly, member number, and the listing of nominee(s) and the directorate district(s) they would represent. Finally, submit the petition to the Enfield office by 5 p.m. on March 14.

The second way to seek nomination is to be nominated by a member of the Committee on Nominations. This committee, consisting of nine members, will meet February 12 to nominate candidates for board districts 4, 6, and 8 At-Large. Please contact the office to request the members of the Committee on Nominations.

If you have questions or need assistance with the nomination process, please contact us at tellus@halifaxemc.com or 252-445-5111.

Let your voice and leadership shape the future of Halifax EMC.

How Capital Credits Work

The holiday season brings a spirit of generosity and compassion. It’s a time to reflect on our many blessings and uplift those in need. While this is certainly a special time of year, cooperatives like Halifax EMC are deeply rooted in giving back to their local communities year-round.

Our mission is delivering exceptional value and service to our communities with care. Our purpose is to provide our members with safe and reliable electric services, enriching our diverse communities through education, economic growth, and community involvement. That’s why we organize fundraising events for local non-profits such as 4-H and sponsor kid’s camps, to make a positive, meaningful impact for our community. You help us power that purpose, too. Halifax EMC’s Operation Roundup program is made possible through members’ participation in “rounding up” electric bills the next dollar amount. Your generous contributions support local charitable organizations and community services.

Another way Halifax EMC gives back is by investing in tomorrow’s leaders. Through presentations at local schools, scholarship opportunities and the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour program, we aim to empower students for a brighter future. When we invest in our local youth, we strengthen the fabric of our community.

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, we believe in giving credit where credit is due—to the members who shape our co-op. One of the ways we do this is through capital credits. Because Halifax EMC operates at cost, we give cash back to our members rather than outside investors or shareholders.

Here’s how capital credits work

Halifax EMC members use the electricity we provide and pay their monthly bills, and we track their business with the co-op over time. Halifax EMC pays all operating expenses throughout the year, and if any operating revenue is leftover, we allocate it as capital credits. When financial conditions permit, the coop’s board of directors votes to pay capital credits back to the members. Halifax EMC sends you a check or applies a credit to your energy bill.

We are pleased to announce that your electric cooperative will return $190,000 in capital credits to its members. You should receive capital credits if you were a Halifax EMC member during 2003. If the capital credit amount is more than $99, eligible members will receive them in the form of a check. Capital credit amounts less than $99 will be credited to the member’s account and will be reflected on the December or January bill.

Capital credits are just one of the many benefits of co-op membership. Giving back to our local members instead of outside parties is one of the many aspects that set cooperatives apart from other types of businesses.

Our members guide every decision we make and are the reason our co-op exists. To us, you’re more than a customer. This holiday season, we hope you’re proud to be part of a community-focused co-op that puts people before profits.

As November kicks off, it’s hard to believe we’ll soon be gathering with family and friends to celebrate the holiday season. This festive time of year brings joy and warmth, but as the weather gets cooler and we spend more time indoors, the holidays can also bring increased energy use and a higher risk of electrical and fire hazards.

As your local electric cooperative, our team at Halifax EMC cares about your wellbeing. This month, I’d like to share a few practical tips to help you stay safe and efficient during the holiday season.

Safety first
My family truly enjoys decorating our home for the holidays. Before we deck the halls, I always check electrical cords and light strands to make sure they aren’t frayed or damaged. This gives us peace of mind, knowing our holiday lights are ready to safely brighten our home. I also double check the lights we use outside to make sure they’re rated for outdoor use.

Like many households, we also enjoy holiday-scented candles. While festive, candles can create fire hazards and should never be left unattended. One of the best and easiest ways to safeguard your home is to test smoke alarms often. I test mine on the first of each month, so it’s easy to remember. Testing smoke alarms only takes a few seconds and could save lives, so make it a habit.

‘Tis the season for savings
Spending more time indoors with a few more guests in the home can really impact home energy use. By taking a few small steps to save energy during the holiday season, you can lower your bills.

I like to remind my family members to mind the thermostat. Since heating and cooling makes up the majority of home energy consumption, the thermostat is one of the best places for savings. Lower it a few degrees, especially when you have family or friends stopping by. Good company brings additional warmth to your home.

Your family can also save energy by decorating with LED holiday lights. LEDs are the most energy efficient lighting options available, and they last much longer than traditional bulbs.
There’s no denying one of the best parts of the holiday season is the food — not just the meals but the time we spend together in the kitchen. There are many ways to save in the heart of your home, but one of the best approaches is to cook with smaller countertop appliances, such as air fryers, slow cookers and toaster ovens. These handy appliances consume a fraction of the energy used to heat the oven, creating the perfect recipe for mealtime and energy savings.

I hope you will implement some of these energy-saving and safety tips into your holiday plans. For additional advice, visit our website at halifaxemc.com. We’re here to help you with safety
and savings year-round.

From your friends at Halifax EMC: May your holiday season be merry and bright!

Communities come in all shapes and sizes. Some are based on geographical proximity, some are based on shared interests or hobbies, and some communities can even be found in virtual spaces like social media groups. Regardless of where or how they are formed, communities can bring people together and create a sense of belonging.

Halifax EMC is deeply committed to our members, and we’re glad you are part of the electric cooperative community.

This month, more than 30,000 cooperatives across the U.S. are celebrating National Co-op Month. It’s a time to reflect on all the aspects that set cooperatives apart from other types of businesses, but more importantly, it’s a time to celebrate the power of co-op membership.

Electric cooperatives are not-for-profit utilities that are built by the communities they serve. For Halifax EMC our purpose since 1938 has always been to provide you with reliable power. We care about your quality of life, and because we are locally operated, we’re uniquely suited to meet our members’ evolving energy needs.

Beyond the business of electricity, our employees and directors are equally invested in our local community. Why? Because we live here, too. That’s why we work hard to support local economic development projects, youth programs and scholarships, charitable giving initiatives and additional programs that make our community a better place to call home.

All co-ops, including Halifax EMC, are guided by seven cooperative principles that embody the values and spirit of the cooperative movement. These seven principles are a framework to help all co-ops navigate challenges and opportunities while remaining true to our purpose:

1 Open and Voluntary Membership Co-op membership is open to anyone who can use the co-op’s services.
2 Democratic Member Control Members make decisions that shape the cooperative. Why? Because co-ops are created by the members, for the members.
3 Members’ Economic Participation Members contribute money to the co-op to make sure it runs smoothly now and in the future. At Halifax EMC, this happens through paying your energy bills.
4 Autonomy and Independence Co-ops are independent and can operate on their own, which ultimately benefits the members.
5 Education, Training and Information Co-ops continuously focus on education to ensure employees have the training and information they need to make the co-op successful.
6 Cooperation Among Cooperatives Co-ops share with and learn from other cooperatives. We help each other out in times of need because we want other co-ops to thrive.
7 Concern for Community All cooperatives work for the greater good of the local communities they serve. Co-ops give back to their communities to help them thrive and grow.

This October, as we celebrate National Co-op Month and the power of membership, we hope you will recognize the many aspects that set electric cooperatives apart. Halifax EMC’s mission—delivering exceptional value and service to our members with care. Our purpose—to provide our members with safe and reliable electric services, enriching our diverse communities through education, economic growth, and community involvement. Our members are at the heart of it all.