The new “Keeping the Lights On” specialty license plate honors the efforts of North Carolina’s utility lineworkers and was made available to North Carolina drivers last spring. The cost of the new plate is $30, with $20 from each plate benefiting the North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center at UNC Heath Care.
As of December 31, there are 1,275 active Keeping the Lights On plates, which amounts to $25,500 in donations to the Burn Center each year. Electric co-op employees and members make up a large part of this contribution.
“North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have a long-standing partnership with the Burn Center, which is recognized as one of the best comprehensive burn centers in the world,” said Dale Lambert, CEO of Randolph Electric Membership Corporation and member of the Burn Center’s advisory board. “The funds generated annually from the Keeping the Lights On license plates create a significant new component of our partnership, and will help ensure that the Burn Center can continue making strides in advancing scientific knowledge on burn care, rehabilitation and research. We thank all who have contributed through this effort so far.”
The specialty license plates are available to all motor vehicles registered in North Carolina, except for vehicles for-hire, commercial plates over 26,000 lbs., farm tags, taxis, state-owned vehicles or vehicles with orange and black plates.