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Don’t Forget! Vote for Directors by Oct. 7 & Attend the Virtual Annual Meeting on Oct. 9 The dates are almost here for Randolph EMC’s Director Election and Virtual Annual Meeting. Make a note of these reminders and take an active role in being a member-owner of your electric cooperative!

Virtual Annual Meeting Hear about Randolph EMC’s strategic focus and see the bill credit, gift card & Jeep Liberty winners! Join us online at 10 a.m. on Facebook.com/ RandolphEMC on October 9, 2020 to see the Annual Meeting live. You do NOT need to have a Facebook account to view the meeting and if you’re unable to view the live broadcast, the recording will be available on RandolphEMC.com following the meeting.

2020 Director Election Most members received a ballot in September with instructions for electing Directors for Board Districts 2, 4, and 7. All ballots must be returned to See more photos of the Jeep our election vendor, Survey & Ballot Systems, by Liberty and other details of the 5 p.m. on October 7. Your completed ballot helps upcoming Annual Meeting on us establish a quorum for the Annual Meeting and RandolphEMC.com/2020AnnualMeeting enters you into our prize drawings for bill credits Jeep Liberty prize is awarded “as is” and winner is responsible for and gift cards, as well as our grand prize—a 2004 any DMV and tax costs that may be associated with the vehicle Jeep Liberty retired from REMC’s vehicle fleet!

Celebrate Youth PHP Awards Generator Dale Lambert’s Powering B Co-op Month C Tourist Wins D Community E Safety Tips F AWARE H Up After Scholarship Grants Column an Outage

A newsletter for the member-owners of Power On Concern for community October is National is the essential DNA of Co-op Month Randolph EMC.

By Jerry Bowman, Randolph EMC Board President — Jerry Bowman, Randolph EMC Board President

As an electric cooperative, Randolph would amount to a test of our For our members impacted by EMC’s top priority is always to provide community and our nation? The COVID-19 who needed help with reliable, affordable energy to you, changing circumstances due to their electric bills, we waived the consumer-members we serve. the pandemic have created both late fees and worked with those Because we are a co-op, our mission challenges and opportunities. Over hardest hit to make special is to enrich the lives of our members the past several months, we’ve payment arrangements. We also and serve the long-term interests all been challenged to operate distributed $15,000 in Sharing of our local community — and this differently, and Randolph EMC has Success Community Grants to mission has never been more critical stepped up to help our members support several local nonprofit than in recent months. One of the and strengthen the safety net for organizations in their efforts to seven principles that guides all our more vulnerable neighbors. provide community assistance co-ops is “concern for community.” As an essential service, and to ensure in this increased time of need. To me, this principle is the essential reliability of your power supply, we And while we’ve certainly missed DNA of Randolph EMC, and it sets us modified our operations to safeguard visiting with you in person, apart from other electric utilities. business continuity. Our line crews we’ve found new ways to stay October is National Co-op Month, and other employees began working connected. Our mobile app has and electric cooperatives across on staggered schedules to maintain been a lifeline for members to the country are highlighting separation. Some staff worked manage their accounts while the many ways we “Power On.” remotely. In the office, we limited and our offices have been limited to Keeping this theme in mind, modified meetings and gatherings drive-thru service. We’re also I recognize the essential role to allow for safe separation. We continuing one of our most Randolph EMC plays in serving also adjusted our walk-in office treasured traditions by hosting a a special community like ours. availability and in-person service calls Virtual Annual Meeting online. Who would have fathomed in to ensure the health and safety of I tell you about all of these efforts March, that the COVID-19 virus employees and our valued members. not to boast about Randolph EMC but to explain how much this Then. Now. Always. Board and employee team care We’re proud to power your life. about our communities — because we live here too. October is National Co-op Month. We’ve seen other local businesses rising to meet similar challenges during this time, because that’s what communities do. While the challenges caused by COVID-19 have been daunting, I’m heartened to see how everyone is pulling together. In 1938, Randolph EMC was built by the community to serve the community, and that’s what we’ll #PowerOn continue to do — Power On.

B Watts Working | October 2020 | RandolphEMC.com Capital Credits Allocation for 2019 Capital credits are one of the core Calculate Your Allocation differences between co-ops and Add together all of the investor-owned utilities. Because 1 energy-related charges members enjoy ownership of the from each monthly electric Randolph EMC’s 2020 company, each year they receive a bill you received in 2019. Youth Tourist Wins share of the co-op’s net margins— $2,000 Scholarship, Add together the totals the amount of money that is left Will Serve on 2 from each month’s bill over after paying all expenses for obtained in Step 1 to find National Youth the year. The cooperative refers the total for the year. Leadership Council to these shares as capital credits. Alex Scruggs, a student at Multiply this total by Randolph EMC’s net margins Southwestern Randolph High 3 0.058528. This will give School in Asheboro selected totaled $3,824,896 at the close you the capital credits to represent Randolph EMC of 2019. This amount has been amount allocated to on the 2020 NC Youth Tour disbursed among the capital credit your account for 2019. to Washington, D.C., is the accounts of members who had an recent recipient of a $2,000 college scholarship. In active electric account during 2019. See a name you know? Each member’s share is based on addition, Alex will represent You can help us find former on the Youth a percentage of the $3,824,896, members who may have an Leadership Council (YLC), a determined by the total amount outstanding capital credits check by national electric cooperative of energy purchased for the year. visiting RandolphEMC.com/UCC. program that seeks to Remember, the refund you develop strong leadership, If you recognize a name on the presentation and advocacy may have received in April that list, please ask that person to call skills in young leaders. included capital credits from the local Randolph EMC office to Youth Tourists from around 2019 only represents a portion update their contact information. of 2019’s total allocation. the state submitted videos detailing the ways their co- ops look beyond the light switch to improve the lives of WIN A $50 members. Alex was chosen to represent North Carolina BILL CREDIT on the YLC by a group of his peers because of his WHEN YOU PAY WITH THE strong video presentation RANDOLPH EMC MOBILE APP and natural leadership qualities. We’re excited to Each payment enters you have Alex represent Randolph into a drawing for a Smart EMC and the state in this PLUS Home Grand Prize Package! national co-op program!

1·800·672·8212 | October 2020 | Watts Working C Randolph EMC’s PHP Board Announces Community Grant Winners l Habitat for Humanity of Randolph County: $2,000 to assist with home building costs for single mother and child. l The Montgomery Community College Foundation: $2,000 towards installing sanitary water resources on the campus of Montgomery Community College in response to the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control and the Governor of North Carolina in the wake of the COVID-19. Randolph Senior Adults Association’s Executive Director Mark Hensley (left) and Kaffy Kivett-Reynolds, Liberty l Our Daily Bread Kitchen: $2,000 to help Senior Center Director, unload a truck of frozen meals with provide nutritious meals to needy families an employee of local catering partner Golden Corral. in and around Randolph County. l Randolph Senior Adults Association: $2,000 to provide additional funding to meet the increased need for senior adults within Randolph County to receive a nutritious meal — especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. l Robbins Area Christian Ministries: $2,000 towards providing non-perishable food to families in need in the vicinity of northern Moore County. l Southern Alamance Family Empowerment: $2,000 to help meet the increased need for food Margie DiDona, RSAA’S Information and Options Counseling Director, assistance, including meals for school-aged students loads a box of frozen meals into a client’s car for curbside pick-up. as part of the organization’s Kids Bag program. The People Helping People (PHP) Board of l Spirit Horse Ranch Education Center: $1,000 Directors recently announced awards totaling to support a children’s program that provides a $15,000 in Community Grants to benefit unique outdoor learning environment centered charitable nonprofits in Randolph, Chatham, around therapeutic interaction with horses. Moore, Montgomery, and Alamance Counties. l Victory Baptist Church Child Development “For six years, People Helping People has given back Center: $2,000 to help replace aging to the community through this grant program. This playground equipment for outdoor exercise year with the pandemic, the grants are especially and play at the childcare center. important,” said Randolph EMC Communications and Public Affairs Manager Nicole Arnold. “Through Community Grants History the grants we can reach the most vulnerable This is the sixth year that Randolph EMC has within the Randolph Electric service area.” partnered with CoBank, a cooperative lender, to fund the Community Grants initiative. The board of directors for PHP, a nonprofit program of Randolph EMC, awards grants in the fields of health and Through its Sharing Success program, CoBank awarded $7,500 to People Helping well-being of individuals, financial support for income- People. Randolph EMC matches this donation challenged families, and education advancement annually to fund its Community Grants through enriching learning opportunities. program. The PHP Board of Directors then oversees the grant awarding process. Since Each of the following agencies that received 2015, Randolph EMC’s PHP program has support provides food, shelter or educational invested $81,700 in Community Grants. services for families and individuals:

D Watts Working | October 2020 | RandolphEMC.com GENERATOR SAFETY TIPS

Cybersecurity Month ever connect a standby generator into your home’s Nelectrical system. There are only two safe ways to connect a standby generator to your equipment. This October, keep in mind the importance of keeping connected devices safe and Stationary Generator: secure from outside influence. An approved generator transfer switch, which keeps your house circuits separate from the electric co-op, With more people spending time at home due should be installed by a professional. to the COVID-19 pandemic, now more than ever Portable Generator: before, connected devices are an integral part Plug appliances directly into the outlet provided on the of how we communicate and access services generator. essential to our well-being. Data collected Set up and run your generator in a well-ventilated area from these devices can include highly specific outside the home. Make sure it’s out and away from information about a person or business, which your garage, doors, windows and vents. The carbon monoxide generated is deadly. can be exploited by bad actors for criminal gain. Use a heavy-duty extension cord to connect electric appliances to the outlet on the generator. Follow Randolph EMC on Facebook Start the generator first before connecting appliances. and Twitter for more tips about staying safe and protecting your personal and professional data. Source: SafeElectricity.org

Energy Efficiency Tip The average household owns 24 electronic products, which account for roughly 12% of home energy use. When shopping for electronics, consider purchasing ENERGY STAR®- certified products, which can be 70% more efficient than conventional models. Source: energy.gov

1·800·672·8212 | October 2020 | Watts Working E A Word About Randolph Electric From CEO Dale Lambert

THE IMPORTANCE OF NOVEMBER 3RD

Dear Members, the call of sacrificial service to our According to data from the United We are nearing a critical time nation. They placed themselves States Census Bureau, in the in the life of our nation. The in harm’s way so we would have 2016 presidential election, only upcoming election is a time when the privilege to exercise the most 61 percent of eligible citizens we select citizens, from among basic, yet most profound, act voted. That data also shows that us, to be our representatives and of democracy — casting a vote. as we age voting becomes more leaders in government. In this Many brave men and women have important. In 2016, 71 percent month’s Watts Working, we have served, suffered, and some have of citizens 65 years and older provided you with a listing of even paid the ultimate price — they voted. But for the 18 to 29 age the legislative candidates that gave their lives to preserve the group, only 46 percent voted. We wish to serve you, our members, freedom and liberty that we, as can do much better than that! in Raleigh and Washington, a nation, take for granted more When we fail to vote, we miss out D.C. I want to encourage you, and more as the years go by. on the special opportunity to shape if you are not already, to be Second, we should set the example the future of our local communities, part of the election process. and expect our young people state and nation. America is facing Why should we vote? In a free to become a part of the election great challenges domestically and country, where the citizens process. We should teach our abroad. All of us should exercise our have the opportunity to choose children and grandchildren right to have a voice in the future their governmental leadership, about the responsibility that is direction our great nation should it would seem this would be expected from the citizens of go. We are actually giving up part a question that is asked only a free nation, voting on every of our freedom when we neglect the by a few. You would think the Election Day. If our younger privilege we have as Americans to masses would know the answer generation understands what is participate in the electoral process. without giving it much thought. expected and why it is important, For your convenience, we have But sadly, that is not the case. they will be more engaged. included a list of candidates First, the opportunity to have Some say, “I’m only one vote. My for our service area and their a voice in the election of our vote doesn’t count.” All elections campaign websites so you can do governmental leaders came at begin with that first vote. It is just as your research to determine where a tremendous price. Through important as the last one cast. After they stand on issues that are the centuries, from the first an election, there are many reports important to you. Just showing up struggle to gain our freedom as of races being won and lost by just and randomly making selections a sovereign nation, to the many one vote. When I hear these reports, is not the most prudent practice. wars and conflicts, men and it reminds me of the importance Don’t leave democracy to someone women have faithfully answered of being involved in the process. else. That person or group may

F Watts Working | October 2020 | RandolphEMC.com FEDERAL U.S. President U.S. Senate Joseph Biden (D) https://joebiden.com/ Shannon W. Bray (L) https://www.shannonbray.us/ Donald J. Trump (R) https://www.donaldjtrump.com/ Cal Cunningham (D) https://www.calfornc.com/ Kevin E. Hayes (C) https://hayesforussenate.com/ Randolph Electric Membership Thom Tillis (R) http://www.thomtillis.com/ Corporation provides safe and reliable U.S. House of Representatives power with exceptional value to District 4 District 9 more than 32,000 member accounts David Price (D) http://www.priceforcongress.com/ Cynthia L. Wallace (D) https://www.cynthiawallace.com/ in Randolph, Moore, Montgomery, Robert Thomas (R) https://robertthomasforcongress.com/ Dan Bishop (R) https://www.votedanbishop.com/ Chatham and Alamance counties. District 8 District 13 This institution is an equal Richard Hudson (R) https://richardhudson.org/ Ted Budd (R) https://tedbudd.com/bio/ opportunity provider and employer. Patricia Timmons- https://www.timmonsgoodson Scott Huffman (D) https://www.scotthuffman.com/ Goodson (D) forcongress.com/ STATE Electric Service N.C. Governor N.C. Lieutenant Governor Asheboro...... (336) 625-5177 (D) https://roycooper.com/ (D) http://yvonnelewisholley.com/ ...... (800) 672-8212 Steven J. DiFiore (L) https://stevenfornorthcarolina.com/ https://www.markrobinson Mark Robinson (R) Robbins: ...... (910) 948-3401 Dan Forest (R) https://www.danforest.com/ fornc.com/ ...... (800) 868-7014 Al Pisano (C) https://alpisanoforncgovernor.com/ Report Outage...... (877) REMC-OFF N.C. State Senate N.C. House of Representatives ...... (877) 736-2633 District 23 District 52 Account Info Valerie P. Foushee (D) https://www.valeriefoushee.com/ Jamie Boles, Jr. (R) https://www.jamiebolesnc.com/ & Bill Payments:...... (877) 534-2319 Tom Glendinning (R) https://tgforncsenate23.com/ Lowell Simon (D) http://www.simonfornchouse.com/ District 24 District 54 Business Hours:...... 8 am – 5 pm, M-F https://gilsonjrfor54-chathamncgop. Amy S. Galey (R) https://amygaley.com/ George T. Gilson, Jr. (R) nationbuilder.com/ Board of Directors J.D. Wooten (D) https://jdwooten.com/ Robert T. Reives II https://www.reivesforhouse.com/ District 25 District 63 Jerry Bowman...... President Tom McInnis (R) https://mcinnisfornc.com/ (D) https://rickyhurtadofornc.com/ Tammie Phillips...... Vice President Helen Mills (D) https://www.helenforncsenate.com/ Stephen Ross (R) http://rossfornchouse.com/ Billy Maness...... Secretary-Treasurer District 26 District 64 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ Lee Isley...... Assistant Dave Craven (R) Eric Henry (D) https://www.ericfornchouse.com/ dave-craven-b6b088a4/ Secretary-Treasurer https://www.facebook.com/jane. Jane Gant (D) (R) http://riddell4nchouse64.com/ ledwellgant Scott Cole Larry Routh District 29 District 66 Delbert Cranford Sue Spencer (R) http://electjarvis.com/ (D) https://www.brewerfornc.com/ Steve Harris Duskin Lassiter (D) https://www.duskinlassiter.org/ (R) https://www.benmossfornc.com/ District 70 Senior Staff https://www.facebook.com/ (R) Dale F. Lambert.....Chief Executive Officer pat.hurley.716 Susan Scott (D) n/a Jay Albright...... District Vice President District 78 Adam Hargett.....Vice President of Finance https://www.facebook.com/Rep- Allen Ray McNeill (R) Allen-McNeill- 414592922065660/ Dennis Mabe...... Vice President of Engineering & Operations Fred Smith...... Vice President of not share the same morals, Be a voice in this upcoming Economic Development & Compliance ideas and concerns that you do. election. The survival of America President Dwight D. Eisenhower and our future liberty depends Jill Vanness...... Editor once said, “Politics should be on you. Your vote does count! the part-time profession of every Cooperatively Yours, citizen.” President Thomas Visit Randolph EMC Online Jefferson stated, “We in America RandolphEMC.com do not have government by the majority, but government by Dale F. Lambert the majority that votes.” These Chief Executive Officer statements hold true today.

1·800·672·8212 | October 2020 | Watts Working G Powering Up After an Outage When the power goes out, we expect it to be restored within a few hours. But when a major storm or natural disaster causes widespread damage, extended outages may result. Our line crews work long, hard hours to restore service safely to the greatest number of consumers in the shortest time possible. Here’s what’s going on if you find yourself in the dark:

1. High-Voltage Transmission Lines: Transmission towers and cables that supply power to transmission substations (and thousands of members) rarely fail. But when damaged, these facilities must be repaired before other parts of the system can operate.

2. Distribution Substation: A substation can serve hundreds or thousands of consumers. When a major outage occurs, line crews inspect substations to determine if problems stem from transmission lines feeding into the substation, the substation itself or if problems exist further down the line.

3. Main Distribution Lines: If the problem cannot be isolated at a distribution substation, distribution lines are checked. These lines carry power to large groups of consumers in communities or housing developments. 4. Tap Lines: If local outages persist, supply lines (also known as tap lines) are inspected. These lines deliver power to transformers, either mounted on poles or placed on pads for underground service, outside businesses, schools and homes.

5. Individual Homes: If your home remains without power, the service line between a transformer and your residence may need to be repaired. Always call to report an outage to help line crews isolate local issue.

H Watts Working | October 2020 | RandolphEMC.com