Ninety years ago, the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 helped transform life across rural America. At a time when electricity was widely available in cities but remained out of reach for many rural families, farms and communities, the legislation created new opportunities to extend electric service into areas that had been left behind.
That historic investment helped pave the way for locally owned electric cooperatives like Roanoke Cooperative. Built by and for the communities they serve, electric cooperatives brought more than electricity to rural America—they powered progress, strengthened local economies and created new possibilities for generations of families.
On Friday, October 2, Roanoke Cooperative will honor that legacy during our seventh annual Clean Energy Expo. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Ahoskie Creek Amphitheater, located at 114 Lakeview Drive in Ahoskie.
This year’s theme, “90 Years of Cooperative Service & Innovation,” celebrates the lasting impact of the Rural Electrification Act while looking ahead to the technologies and ideas shaping the next era of energy.
A Special Guest with an Eye on the Future
We’re pleased to welcome Amadou Fall, Executive Vice President and CEO of North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, as one of this year’s guest speakers.
Fall is a respected industry leader with extensive experience in renewable energy, utility innovation, energy portfolio management, transmission and grid operations. Throughout his career, he has helped develop solutions to meet the changing needs of the electric industry and the people it serves.
Today, Fall directs the generation and transmission organization serving North Carolina’s electric cooperatives. In that role, he helps advance efforts to provide reliable, affordable and increasingly sustainable electricity while preparing the grid for the opportunities and challenges ahead.
His perspective will offer attendees valuable insight into the changing energy landscape and the ways electric cooperatives are working together to build a brighter future for members and communities across North Carolina.
Something for Everyone
The Clean Energy Expo brings education, innovation and community together in one place. Attendees will have opportunities to explore clean-energy products and services, learn about electric transportation and hear discussions about the technologies changing how energy is generated, delivered and used.
The event will also spotlight student innovation, giving young people an opportunity to demonstrate their creativity and share ideas that could help shape the future. Local vendors, food trucks and refreshments will add to the day’s festivities, making the Expo an engaging community celebration.
Whether you are interested in electric vehicles, renewable energy, energy efficiency or simply want to learn more about the cooperative serving your community, the Expo will offer something for you.
Built on a Legacy of Progress
The Rural Electrification Act helped bring life-changing electric service to communities that others considered too remote or costly to serve. Its impact reached far beyond lights inside the home. Electricity modernized farms, supported businesses, improved education and health care, and strengthened entire communities.
That same spirit of innovation continues today.
For Roanoke Cooperative, innovation includes building a smarter and more resilient electric grid, expanding access to high-speed internet, offering energy-efficiency programs, supporting electric transportation and exploring technologies that give member-owners more choices and greater insight into their energy use.
The tools have changed over the past 90 years, but the cooperative purpose remains rooted in service, community and progress. Just as rural electrification opened the door to new possibilities in 1936, today’s energy innovations are helping us prepare for the needs of tomorrow.
Join us on October 2nd as we celebrate 90 years of rural electrification, recognize the cooperative difference, and explore the ideas shaping our next chapter.
Clean Energy Expo
Friday, October 2, 2026
10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Ahoskie Creek Amphitheater
114 Lakeview Drive, Ahoskie