Manager's Message

In September, you’ll find two important items included with your Carolina Country magazine: Central Electric’s 2025 Annual Report and your ballot for the Board of Directors election.

Both are reminders of something that makes electric cooperatives unique. Unlike investor-owned utilities, Central Electric is owned by the people we serve. As member-owners, you have a voice in how your cooperative is governed and how we plan for the future.

The annual report reflects on the past year and highlights the work your cooperative accomplished on behalf of our membership. From maintaining reliable service and investing in infrastructure to supporting our communities and returning value through the cooperative model, every decision we make is guided by our commitment to our members.

While the annual report looks back at where we’ve been, the board election and the work happening across our system are focused on where we’re going.

One of the most significant projects currently underway is construction of our new Moncure Substation on Lower Moncure Road. This investment represents years of planning and preparation and reflects the continued growth we’re experiencing throughout our service territory.

Central Electric’s system has grown by approximately 1.5% to 2% annually in recent years, placing us among the faster-growing cooperatives in North Carolina. New homes, new businesses, and expanding communities all require reliable electric service, and it is our responsibility to ensure the infrastructure is in place before that demand arrives.

The Moncure Substation will help us do exactly that. Scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2027 and expected to be placed into service shortly thereafter, the facility will provide additional capacity, strengthen reliability, and improve our ability to restore power during outages through enhanced system connectivity.

As a not-for-profit cooperative, we are constantly balancing today’s needs with tomorrow’s opportunities. Every major investment we make is carefully evaluated to ensure it delivers long-term value for our membership. We don’t build infrastructure for the sake of growth. We build it to maintain the reliable service our members expect and deserve.

As you review this year’s annual report and cast your board ballot, I encourage you to take pride in what your cooperative has accomplished and the work being done to prepare for the future. Together, we’re building a stronger electric system and a stronger cooperative for generations to come.

Until next time,