President’s Message
Once again, I have the pleasure of providing you an update on the many accomplishments your Cooperative
has made over the past year. At this time, I would like to highlight just a few of these accomplishments:
Halifax EMC had the pleasure of honoring teachers in several counties last year with $ 7,278 in Bright Ideas educational grants. Over the past 26 years, the Bright Ideas program has provided funding for projects in all grade levels and subject areas. Since its inception, North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have collectively awarded more than $12.9 million in grants to K–12 teachers for 12,300 projects benefitting 2.5 million students across the state. Teachers (K–12) with creative ideas for hands-on learning projects are encouraged to apply for a grant of up to $2,000. Applications are accepted April 1–September 15, 2021, and teachers can apply individually, or as a team. Visit NCBrightIdeas.com to find the application, grant writing tips, and more information on the Bright Ideas grant program.
In April, Halifax EMC joined other electric cooperatives across our state and nation to celebrate Lineworker Appreciation Day, an annual tribute to the outstanding contributions of our lineworkers. We are proud to honor their skill, dedication, and expertise. They often work long hours in extremely hard conditions and deserve to be recognized for the contributions they make to our Cooperative.
In the challenging times we have experienced the past year due to COVID-19, most of us have spent more time than usual in our homes which means increased use of our electric service. Understanding how you use energy in your home can help you determine the best ways to modify energy use and save
money. An energy audit is one of the best ways to determine the overall efficiency of your home and identify areas for potential savings. Halifax EMC offers free energy audits. However; if you prefer you can conduct an energy audit online by visiting energystar.gov; just enter “home energy yardstick” in the search box to get started. This method will be helpful, but keep in mind that an in-home audit is much better in determining the best ways to save on your home energy use.
Last year Halifax EMC worked with North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives as part of an ongoing effort to expand a statewide cooperative electric vehicle charging network. The co-op partnered locally with New Dixie Oil and Robbie’s gas station on Highway 561 at I-95, Exit 160, to strategically install a DC fast charger for public charging. The station is part of a $ 1 million investment North Carolina’s electric cooperatives are making in rural electric vehicle charging infrastructure across North Carolina. DC Fast Charge stations provide a very quick charge and can charge a depleted electric vehicle’s battery to 80 percent capacity in less than an hour. Driving electric offers significant cost savings, less maintenance, and more convenience. You can find more information concerning the benefits of electric vehicles, by visiting ncdriveelectric.com.
As a member of Halifax EMC, you are an owner of this electric Cooperative. Therefore, all margins are returned to you. Last year $784,201 was returned in the form of capital credits to members who had electric service with us in 1998 and 1999, as well as to the estates of deceased members and inactive members.
At a time when so many things are uncertain, you can rest assured that our mission at Halifax EMC remains to provide YOU reliable service at the
lowest possible cost.