Dear Member-Owners,
The past several years have marked one of the most transformative periods in Roanoke Cooperative's history.
Together, we've made significant investments to strengthen both our electric system and the communities we serve. Throughout that journey, our focus has remained the same: balancing today's needs while preparing our Cooperative for tomorrow.
Today, we're entering a new chapter.
We've substantially completed the Cooperative's fiber construction program, fulfilling our commitment to expand broadband access throughout our service territory. Through our partnership with eNCore, we continue supporting universal digital access while retaining ownership of this valuable fiber infrastructure.
Like any major infrastructure investment, these assets continue to require long-term financial support. Today, our focus has shifted from building infrastructure to responsibly managing those investments, controlling the costs within our control, and maximizing the long-term value they create for our member-owners.
While we often measure projects by the miles of fiber installed or the number of homes connected, the true measure of success is how those investments have improved the lives of our member-owners. We've heard from families reducing household expenses, professionals working remotely, farmers improving their operations through technology, small businesses reaching new customers, and seniors benefiting from expanded access to telehealth. Those stories remind us these investments were never just about building infrastructure—they were about creating opportunities and strengthening our communities.
We're also seeing new opportunities emerge across northeastern North Carolina. New housing developments are being planned, existing businesses are expanding, and interest from companies exploring our region continues to grow. While no single investment is responsible for that momentum, reliable electric service and expanded fiber connectivity have become important assets that help position our communities for future growth.
Our responsibility now is one of disciplined stewardship—carefully managing operating expenses, responsibly maintaining our electric and fiber assets, supporting economic development, and continuing to create lasting value for our member-owners.
Beginning October 1, you'll notice one significant change to your electric bill. The separate Wholesale Power & TIER Adjustment line item will be removed, and those costs will instead be incorporated into each applicable rate schedule. This change is not intended to increase the overall level of cost recovery established with the Cooperative's May 2024 rate adjustment. Instead, it simplifies how electric service charges are presented, making your bill easier to read and understand.
Our commitment extends beyond providing safe and reliable electricity. We also remain focused on helping our member-owners receive greater value through energy management programs, innovative technologies, flexible billing options, and community partnerships that help members better manage their energy use and monthly energy costs.
The investments of yesterday are becoming the opportunities of tomorrow. Our responsibility now is to build on that foundation, responsibly manage the resources entrusted to us, and continue strengthening the Cooperative and the communities we proudly serve.
Thank you for the trust and confidence you place in Roanoke Cooperative. We remain committed to serving you with integrity, transparency, and a long-term focus on creating value for our member-owners.
In service,
Marshall Cherry
President & CEO