HILLSBOROUGH, N.C. — Piedmont Electric Cooperative has approved a $676,562.40 zero-interest loan to support the Cedar Grove Fire Department’s purchase of a new fire engine, strengthening emergency response capabilities for residents in northern Orange County.
The loan is provided through a partnership between Piedmont Electric and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) program, which offers zero‑interest financing to support essential community services.
The new fire engine will replace a 24‑year‑old engine currently in service. Delivery of the new apparatus is anticipated in December 2026.
“A reliable fire engine is critical to public safety,” said Jordan Overbee, president and general manager of Piedmont Electric. “This project reflects our cooperative commitment to investing in the communities we serve. Through the REDLG program, we are proud to help ensure the Cedar Grove Fire Department has dependable equipment to respond when seconds matter.”
Cedar Grove Fire Chief Jeff Borland said the loan will allow the department to proactively replace aging equipment before it becomes a safety risk.
“Our current engine has served us well, but at more than two decades old, replacement is necessary to maintain reliability on emergency scenes,” Borland said. “This partnership with Piedmont Electric and USDA allows us to make a critical investment without placing additional financial strain on our community. We are grateful for the continued support that helps us protect our residents.”
The Cedar Grove Fire Department serves one of the largest fire district in Orange County and operates two stations staffed by a combination of volunteer firefighters, first responders and career personnel.
The REDLG program enables electric cooperatives like Piedmont Electric to serve as intermediaries for USDA funding, providing zero‑interest loans to local organizations. By eliminating interest costs, the program helps communities stretch limited resources and invest more directly in public safety, infrastructure and economic development.
“This is a strong example of how cooperative partnerships can deliver long‑term value,” Overbee said. “When we support first responders, we are supporting the safety and resilience of the entire community.”
Piedmont Electric is a local, member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative serving more than 35,000 electric accounts in Alamance, Caswell, Durham, Granville, Orange and Person counties. Piedmont Electric exists to serve our members and improve the quality of life in our communities through local employment, economic development, business engagement, youth education, grants to educators, advocacy for energy issues, community involvement and emergency preparedness support. Visit www.pemc.coop for more information.