North Carolina’s electric cooperatives’ commitment to their communities goes beyond ensuring reliable power for members. It also includes powering progress and growth through resources that benefit communities today and into the future.

One of those resources includes the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) program. REDLG awards provide zero-interest pass-through loans to rural cooperative utilities to fund local projects that create and retain jobs, boost economic growth and improve quality of life in rural America.

In 2025 North Carolina’s electric co-ops were awarded more than $8 million in funding across 17 projects.

 “Cooperatives serve as a linchpin connecting communities to low-cost funding for projects that improve quality of life for rural residents,” said Ann Fitts, community development specialist and REDLG program lead for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives. “For the cooperatives, powering prosperity means enhancing public safety, increasing healthcare access, and supporting opportunities that attract new business investment and quality jobs.”

Through the funding, co-ops have helped emergency services, such as fire departments, EMS and police departments, strengthen their capabilities by purchasing new fire trucks and patrol cars and improving emergency service facilities.

One of those such projects includes the Eagle Springs Volunteer Fire Department, which received $740,000 from the REDLG program with the help of their local electric cooperative, Randolph Electric Membership Corporation (EMC).

“The REDLG program is a powerful example of what can be achieved when strong community partners work together,” said Dennis Mabe, CEO of Randolph EMC. “Having served as a volunteer firefighter and Assistant Chief with the Eagle Springs Fire Department, this project is especially meaningful to me. Randolph EMC is proud to partner with the Eagle Springs Fire Department to help ensure our local first responders have the support and equipment they need to protect and serve our communities.”

The funds will help the Eagle Springs Volunteer fire department to expand and renovate their fire station, which serves a large NC Department of Public Safety Training Facility in Moore County. The expansion will also allow for the department to create three new jobs and allow the station to be used as a community facility for voting, meetings and public use.

“The grant helped us to cross the finish line with the funds needed to complete our station remodel and expansion,” said Mike St. Onge, fire chief for the Eagle Springs Fire Department. “Not having to pay a high interest loan in today’s economy not only saves the tax payers but lessens the burden the current high interest rates would have on our department.”

REDLG funding has also supported employment growth in rural North Carolina by financing the construction of industrial buildings where businesses can relocate or expand their operations. These opportunities help create jobs, increase the tax base and attract investments in co-op communities.

Over the past five years, North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have received more than $47 million through 95 REDLG awards, demonstrating a continued commitment to supporting rural communities.

The 17 REDLG zero-interest loans awarded in 2025 include:

Blue Ridge Energy:

• $300,000 to purchase a new pumper-tanker for the Yadkin Valley Fire Department.
• $250,000 to purchase a new tanker for the Valmead Fire Department.
• $300,000 to purchase a new engine for the Warrensville Fire Department.
• $1.3 million to construct a new fire station for the Grace Chapel Fire Department.

Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative:

• $203,346 to purchase a new brush truck for the Frisco Fire Department.

Four County EMC:

• Three $300,000 awards to purchase three new ambulances for Pender EMS & Fire.

Lumbee River EMC:

• $1 million to build a shell building in the COMtech Business Park.
• $1 million to construct a new health care facility in Pembroke for Robeson Health Care Corporation.

Piedmont Electric:

• $910,000 to buy a new engine-pumper for the Swepsonville Fire Department.
• $457,000 to buy a new rescue truck for the Prospect Hill Volunteer Fire Department.
• $400,000 to buy new pumper-tanker for the Cornwall Volunteer Fire Department.

Randolph EMC

• $740,000 to expand and renovate Eagle Springs Volunteer Fire Department’s station.

Tri-County EMC

• $300,000 to buy a new pumper-tanker for the Nahunta Volunteer Fire Department.