Dear Member-Owners,
At Roanoke Cooperative, our mission has always been to provide safe, reliable, and affordable electric service. As technology continues to evolve, so do the opportunities to better serve our member-owners and strengthen the communities we call home.
Several years ago, we made one of the largest infrastructure investments in our cooperative's history by building a fiber-optic network throughout our service territory. While many member-owners experience that investment through Fybe's high-speed internet service, we have always believed fiber could do much more. We saw it as infrastructure that would help us build a more connected cooperative—one that uses technology to improve reliability, expand member services, and create new opportunities to help member-owners better manage their energy use.
Today, we are beginning to see that vision become reality.
Fybe continues to experience strong subscriber growth and, as of July 1, is serving approximately 9,500 subscribers. As more homes and businesses connect to the network, the value of this investment continues to grow while expanding access to dependable broadband throughout our communities.
The same communications infrastructure that supports broadband is also helping position the cooperative to deploy new technologies that strengthen our electric system. From smart thermostats and water heater controls to advanced system monitoring and future energy management tools, these investments are helping us operate a smarter, more responsive electric grid.
Our Smart Thermostat Program continues to grow. We currently have a limited number of ecobee3 Smart Thermostats available for $100, and member-owners who already own qualifying Google Nest Thermostats may also participate. In the coming months, we expect to introduce additional participation incentives, including a $50 enrollment incentive and annual participation rewards.
Our Water Heater Control Program also continues to provide value. Member-owners who allow the cooperative to install a water heater control device receive bill credits while helping reduce electric demand during periods of peak energy use. These voluntary programs help lower wholesale power costs while supporting the reliable operation of our electric system.
Our commitment to innovation extends beyond member-owner programs. Last year, we installed two solar-plus-battery energy storage systems that are already helping us gain experience with technologies that support a more modern electric grid. Looking ahead, we expect to place a larger battery energy storage system into service early next year. This project is designed to help reduce wholesale power costs while strengthening the resilience of our electric system and supporting critical community needs during major weather events and other emergencies.
As we continue building a connected cooperative, we are also evaluating new ways to provide member-owners with better energy insights, improved communications, expanded opportunities to participate in energy-saving programs, and digital tools that make it easier to do business with your cooperative.
Every investment we make is guided by the same purpose: providing dependable electric service, strengthening our communities, operating responsibly, and giving members more opportunities to manage their energy use.
Building a connected cooperative is not about technology for technology's sake. It is about making thoughtful investments that improve reliability, strengthen resilience, increase efficiency, and create lasting value for our member-owners and the communities we proudly serve.
Just as previous generations invested in the electric system that serves us today, we are making investments that will help ensure Roanoke Cooperative continues serving our member-owners with excellence for generations to come.
Thank you for allowing Roanoke Cooperative to serve you.
Connecting People, Places, and Possibilities… Today, Tomorrow, Together.
Marshall Cherry
President & CEO