Right-of-Way Program Receives National Recognition

For Immediate Release

Contact: Renee Whitener, Director of Corporate Communications, Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation, (828) 758-2383 ext. 3213; Pager:1-800-471-1323; or E-mail: Renee Whitener

Boone, North Carolina (March 11, 2002) - A national organization has recognized Blue Ridge Electric for excellence in environmental preservation efforts while maintaining a systematic rights-of-way program designed to provide members with the highest in power reliability.

The cooperative was one of only five United States electric utilities to receive the “Lines of Distinction Award” sponsored by Dow AgroSciences, LLC, of Indianapolis, Ind. The Lines of Distinction Awards program recognizes companies that provide utility customers with reliable electrical service through the help of well-rounded vegetation control efforts.

“This award recognizes the extra work and planning that goes into a rights-of-way program that puts equal value on power reliability and scenic beauty, said Roger Reid, Operations Assistant. Reid, who recently accepted the award at a ceremony in Nebraska, added that on a recent statewide study of all electric utilities, said Blue Ridge Electric is committed to enhancing reliability by reducing trees near power lines in rights-of-way while encouraging low growing plants and shrubs to thrive and provide scenic beauty and erosion control in these areas.

Judges for the Lines of Distinction award gave top rankings to Blue Ridge Electric in the following categories:

Biodiversity – Improving plant and wildlife habitat, as well as aesthetics, on company rights-of-way.
Stewardship – Attaining high standards for product stewardship, regulatory/environmental guidelines, employee training, public education, landowner communications and cooperative efforts with cities, municipalities, wildlife groups, garden clubs, commissions, etc.
Operational integrity – Promoting worker safety and service reliability.
Meeting objectives – Achieving business objectives through consistent efforts to deliver uninterrupted power.
Innovation – Implementing innovative vegetation control technologies, as well as labor practices and public relations efforts.

“Blue Ridge Electric’s philosophy represents the dedication and vision that will continue reinforcing the critical role vegetation managers play in keeping the power on nationwide,” says Bob Wesolowski, marketing specialist at Dow AgroSciences. “We are proud to be associated with such outstanding work.”

Dow AgroSciences is a global leader in providing pest management and biotechnology products that improve the quality and quantity of the earth’s food supply, and contribute to the safety, health and quality of life for the world’s growing population.

Blue Ridge Electric manages approximately 5,500 miles of distribution and 250 miles of transmission power lines in Caldwell, Watauga, Ashe, Allegheny, and Wilkes Counties. The cooperative serves over 63,000 members.