Guest Editorial for the Jefferson Post (June 2008):

Working to Impact NC’s Environment and Energy Future

By Doug Johnson, Chief Executive Officer, Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation

The year 2018 may seem like a long time away, but Blue Ridge Electric is working now to implement measures to meet a new State law designed to impact North Carolina’s environment and energy future. Our goal is to implement effective ideas while providing our members with the best value.

Doug Johnson North Carolina was the first in the Southeast to enact a Renewable Energy and Energy Portfolio Standard (REPS) last August. Since a final explanation of the rules was issued by the Public Utilities Commission in February, utilities have been developing plans to meet the mandates, which include requiring cooperatives to have 10 percent of our energy needs met through renewable energy resources or energy efficiency measures by 2018. For larger investor-owned utilities, that requirement is 12.5 percent.

Part of our strategy includes coordinating with our wholesale power supplier, Duke Energy, to ensure our power supply portfolio includes a certain percentage of renewable energy. Our contract for federal hydropower with Southeastern Power Administration also helps add renewable energy to our power supply.

Another leg of our strategy was joining GreenCo Solutions, a not-for-profit cooperative formed by 24 of the state’s electric cooperatives as a way to pool resources and efforts for energy efficiency initiatives and renewable resources that are a good fit for each individual cooperative. GreenCo will also provide compliance reporting and tracking as required by the new law.

Energy efficiency measures will play a large role in helping us meet the new mandate. Blue Ridge Electric has always encouraged good stewardship of energy resources so I’m excited to tell you about several energy efficiency projects we’re planning to offer. Some will be available in 2009 and others will take longer to develop.

Energy Efficient Lighting: Replacing traditional incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) is one of the easiest and most economical changes every consumer can make. CFLs use 75 percent less energy, put out less heat, and last 10 times longer. We’ve distributed thousands of free CFLs to assist in this effort. We’re also keeping abreast of other emerging lighting technology such as LEDs (Light Emitting Diode).
Water Heating Efficiency Programs: Water heating reflects a large portion of an electric bill. Furthermore, electric water heaters are used by the majority of residential members in North Carolina, so this is also an area that can provide value through energy and power bill savings. Simple devices to increase heating efficiency and reduce water consumption will be utilized such as low-flow shower heads and water heater insulation.
Community Energy Efficiency Campaign: Heating and cooling costs make up a significant portion of a power bill so a properly insulated home is a key to saving energy and energy costs. Unfortunately, those least financially able to make these investments often live in homes that could benefit the most from weatherization. For that reason, Blue Ridge Electric is planning a program to assist members with targeted weatherization efforts such as duct sealing and attic insulation.
Promoting Solar Energy: We are studying a solar program that would include photovoltaics and commercial and residential water heating. Contractor infrastructure as well as financing and education would be part of the program.
Energy Cost Monitor: Providing real-time feedback to members about the energy use and its cost in their home can be a powerful tool. The goal of this small countertop display is to educate about how to manage energy costs by reducing waste and installing energy efficient devices. This tool works with our automated meters and therefore a pilot will be implemented in targeted homes where these meters are installed.

Blue Ridge Electric is working in these and other ways to meet the state’s new REPS law and do our part for a cleaner environment and a sustainable energy future. However, achieving the REPS standards will be expensive for all utilities. We’re pleased legislators listened to us and included cost caps to help protect consumers from extreme increases on their power bills. For residential consumers, the annual cost cap is $10 through 2012, and gradually increases up to an annual $34 in 2015.

As a member-owned electric cooperative, our responsibility is to ensure that electricity is delivered to our members in a highly reliable manner, at the most affordable price possible. We are also committed to being good environmental stewards and offering programs to our members that encourage you to join in this effort.