By David Rogers. BLOWING ROCK, N.C. — Christmas and the holidays more often than not emphasize giving rather than receiving and that was the theme on Dec. 7 for the Blue Ridge Energy holiday dinner party at Blowing Rock’s Meadowbrook Inn.
In addressing the more than 100 people representing the cooperative’s Members Advisory Committee and the Community Leaders Council, Blue Ridge Energy CEO Doug Johnson made it a point NOT to talk about energy initiatives and policy. Instead, he focused on something else.
“This is the one meeting that we don’t talk about business or energy policy,” said Johnson. “We just want to enjoy a nice Christmas meal and reflect on some ways this Cooperative and its members make life better for the people in our area.”
Johnson then set about outlining the ways the cooperative’s members are giving through the Blue Ridge Energy Members Foundation, which is funded by members choosing to “round up” their respective monthly electric bills, by donations from the co-op’s two subsidiary companies and through special gifts of capital credits and other donations from the community.
“It is important to note the Foundation’s purpose is to give to others who need a hand-up or to support initiatives that make life better for the people that live in our communities,” said Johnson.
Enumerating some of the year’s blessings:
- The Foundation is wrapping up its 17th year and over these years “… we now exceed $3 million given for crisis heating assistance, helping over 23,000 families,” said Johnson.
- In 2023, 1,168 families have received electric or fuel bill assistance with a total giving of $163,815.
- In the fall, the BRE Members Foundation awarded $130,000 in community grants to 22 local non-profit organizations.
- Over the Foundation’s 17-year history, it has awarded more than $1.7 million in community grants to provide support services to BRE members and customers, and to promote community development.
- The Foundation gives $25,000 annually to support scholarships and Bright Ideas Grants for teachers.
Underlining the breadth of community support among the co-op’s members, Johnson reported that more than 22,000 members participate in Operation Round Up, Operation Round Up Plus, or by donating their capital credit refunds.
“Altogether, with members, employees and board member donations, the Foundation will receive more than $217,000 this year. Since 2000, this group has contributed over $4.6 million,” Johnson said. “Since 2007, the Blue Ridge Energy Propane & Fuels subsidiary, as well as the Ridgelink subsidiary have contributed $800,000 to support the Foundation’s purpose.”
Johnson closed his remarks by highlighting the special fundraising campaign, Neighbors Helping Neighbors started in 2023, in response to rising fuel costs, especially in the early part of the year.
About the Members Advisory Committee
Started over 50 years ago, Blue Ridge Energy’s Member Advisory Committees have served Blue Ridge Energy members by being a voice for the community. These committees meet on a regular basis, hearing insights about Blue Ridge Energy operations and offering perspectives on how our members can best be served.
Four district Member Advisory Committees (MAC) are made up of at least 14 members of the cooperative appointed by the Board of Directors. These committees meet regularly and serve as a sounding board for the cooperative. They also provide input on programs and services.
Members serve three-year terms and are eligible for an additional three-year term. Each fall, a selection committee makes recommendations to the Board for new MAC members to fill any vacancies.
About the Community Leaders Council
The Community Leaders Council (CLC) is made up of community leaders from each of the four districts who can give input to and work with Blue Ridge Energy regarding local, state and national issues of interest to the cooperative and its service area.
Representatives on this council are appointed to three-year terms, with vacancies filled each January upon approval from the Board of Directors. CLC representatives do not have to be members of Blue Ridge Energy.
