North Carolina’s electric cooperatives are powering progress across the communities they serve, investing in resources and services that create lasting benefits for their members. That commitment continued in 2024, as co-ops were awarded nearly $10.8 million in funding for 17 projects from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) program.

The figure reflects a continued trend of success for the co-ops’ utilization of the REDLG program. Over the past five years, North Carolina electric co-ops have received more than $39 million through 78 awards. Funding from 2024 will help finance industrial shell buildings in rural areas and provide first responders with top-of-the-line equipment.

“Cooperatives are rooted in the communities they serve, and through the REDLG program, they are playing a key part in helping these rural areas prosper,” said Ann Fitts, community development specialist and REDLG program lead for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives. “They know the needs of their members, and through these awards, they’ve been able to help deliver resources that directly impact the lives of many.”

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.

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. These enhancements have not only supported the staff working hard to serve their communities, but also improved response times, and in some cases helped lower homeowners insurance rates for local residents.

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.

“Being able to deliver funding from the REDLG program to our community partners is exciting because it directly supports the growth and vitality of our rural communities,” said Tasha Rountree, director of community relations and economic development at Blue Ridge Energy. “By empowering local businesses, organizations and first responders, we’re investing in a brighter, more prosperous future for the people we serve.”

The 17 REDLG zero-interest loans awarded in 2024 include:

Blue Ridge Energy:

• $397,780 to purchase a new pumper truck and $300,000 to purchase a new tanker truck for the Cove Creek Volunteer Fire Department.
• $300,000 to purchase a new pumper truck for the Zionville Volunteer Fire Department.
• $180,000 for municipal vehicles, including police cars and a municipal clean-up vehicle for the Town of Hudson.

Central Electric:

• $300,000 to purchase a truck for Cypress Pointe Fire and Rescue.

Four County EMC:

• $300,000 to purchase a new ambulance for the Pender EMS Station I.

Lumbee River EMC:

• $2 million to build new office space and purchase machinery and equipment for the construction company Metcon. The award will support 21 new jobs.
• $1 million to renovate and add on to the fire station, including sleeping quarters for 8-10 people, gear storage, an expanded kitchen and living area and a ventilated area for the Puppy Creek Fire Department.
• $300,000 to purchase a new ambulance and refurbish a heavy rescue truck for the Lumberton Rescue and EMS.

Randolph EMC:

• $300,000 to purchase a new pumper fire truck for the Farmer Volunteer Fire Department.

Roanoke Cooperative:

• $2 million to support construction of a 40,000 square foot industrial building in Halifax County.

Tri-County EMC

• $300,000 to purchase a fire engine and $300,000 to refurbish a 22-yr-old fire engine for the Calypso Volunteer Fire Department.
• $300,000 to purchase a new pumper fire truck for the Dudley Volunteer Fire Department.
• $2.3 million to build a county-owned 22,600 square foot industrial building in the Hwy 70 West Industrial Park in Lenoir County.

Union Power Cooperative:

• $216,823 to replace the roof, create sleeping quarters, a kitchen, and living quarters for the Ridgecrest Volunteer Fire Department.