Each October, electric cooperatives across the country take time to celebrate National Co-op Month—a time to reflect on the unique advantages of being part of a cooperative and to thank you, our members, who make it all possible. For us at Tri-County EMC, this month is more than a celebration. It’s an opportunity to reaffirm the values that guide everything we do.
This year, that celebration carries even greater meaning. Tri-County EMC is proud to mark 85 years of powering our communities. Since 1940, when neighbors first came together to bring electricity to rural eastern North Carolina, we have stayed true to one purpose: to serve our members with reliable, affordable power and to strengthen the communities we call home.
As General Manager, I see purpose in action every single day. Unlike investor-owned utilities, our cooperative doesn’t exist to generate profits for shareholders. We exist to serve you—our members, neighbors, and communities. That purpose is what sets us apart. It’s why we were founded, and it continues to drive every decision we make.
At its core, being a cooperative means we are member-owned and locally controlled. That’s not just a tagline—it’s the heart of our business model. You elect board members who live in our service area, people who understand the unique challenges and opportunities our communities face. Decisions aren’t made in faraway boardrooms; they’re made here at home, by people who care about the same things you do.
This local accountability keeps us focused on what matters most: delivering reliable, affordable electricity and providing real value to the people we serve. We do this by:
- Investing in essential infrastructure and technologies to strengthen our grid.
- Working hard to manage costs and keep rates as low as possible.
- Responding quickly when storms or outages occur—because our crews live here too.
But our commitment doesn’t end at the power lines. For 85 years, Tri-County EMC has stood as a partner in community growth—supporting schools, sponsoring youth programs, investing in local businesses, and helping our members thrive. Community support isn’t an afterthought—it’s part of our DNA.
We’re also looking ahead. As electricity demand grows with new technologies and economic development, Tri-County EMC is committed to meeting those needs with a balanced, reliable energy mix. We know our members care about affordability and dependability—and we are dedicated to providing both.
That’s the cooperative difference. That’s what it means to be powered by purpose.
This National Co-op Month—and in honor of 85 years of service—I encourage you to take pride in your cooperative membership. You’re not just a customer—you’re an owner, a stakeholder, and a vital part of keeping our communities strong, connected, and energized.
Thank you for the trust you place in us. We are honored to celebrate 85 years of powering our communities and proud to be your local electric cooperative.