Each year the staff of Piedmont Electric works tirelessly to continue to improve service to our members. Check out a few of the ways we continued to improve our exceptional service to you.
Celebrating 10 Years of REDLG
Piedmont Electric marked a significant milestone last year as we commemorated 10 years of collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Rural Economic Development Loan & Grant (REDLG) program. Over the past decade, this invaluable partnership has allowed us to play a pivotal role in advancing community development initiatives, with a special focus on enhancing emergency response services and supporting local schools. Since the inception of our REDLG program, we have facilitated the allocation of over $19.5 million in USDA funding to local organizations for various community improvement projects, including the purchase of 36 fire trucks, 6 ambulances and the construction of 7 fire stations, 2 schools and a public library. Our ongoing commitment to the REDLG program not only reflects our dedication to community development but also our unwavering focus on the well-being of our residents.
Continued Support for Rural Broadband
Piedmont Electric remains steadfast in our commitment to bridging the digital divide by actively supporting initiatives to enhance rural broadband access. Last year, Piedmont Electric’s Helping Hand Foundation donated $25,000 for Caswell County’s Completing Access to Broadband (CAB) program. By investing in broadband expansion projects, we are helping contribute to closing the digital gap, empowering rural communities with improved access to educational resources, telemedicine, business opportunities, and essential services.
Powering Member Communications
We enhanced member communications last year, debuting a new phone system and mobile-friendly website. The implementation of a new phone system facilitates efficient communication and introduced a live chat feature online, providing members with instant support and real-time assistance. Additionally, the upgraded website ensures that members can seamlessly access information and services on the go. Our new website and phone system underscore Piedmont Electric’s dedication to powering not only homes but also the vital communication links that keep members informed and engaged.
Rock-Solid Reliability
Last year the co-op initiated and completed a series of projects aimed at enhancing the resilience and efficiency of our electrical infrastructure. These projects include a circuit upgrade on NC-86 to facilitate Chapel Hill Transit’s EV buses and other fleet vehicles. The co-op also began construction of the new Eubanks Substation in Orange County. Other important projects include preparations for the North Roxboro transformer and protection upgrade and Mebane Oaks substation conversion to 100 kV. These projects strengthen service reliability, ensure the resilience of our infrastructure, and proactively address the challenges and opportunities in a dynamic energy landscape.
Project Success: Full Deployment of New Meters
By the end of 2023, approximately 99 percent of the meters on our system were successfully replaced to deliver the best possible service to our valued members. These enhanced meters help with faster outage responses, provide enhanced information for our members, and optimize the efficiency of our electric grid.