Unplugged

Weathering the Storm

Many in northwest NC will never forget the Christmas of 2009 ice storm. With our mountain communities in the dark for days and an electric grid that was largely laying on the ground, what were the lessons learned and how can people be prepared for the next big storm? Director of Public Relations, Renee Walker, breaks it down on this episode of Unplugged.

GUEST HOST: Haley Dorsey, YLC Representative and CEO, Doug Johnson

We put a bow on Cooperative Month with Youth Tourist, Leadership Track student, and YLC representative for Blue Ridge Energy, Haley Dorsey, guest hosting an episode of Unplugged, interviewing CEO, Doug Johnson.

Too far, too fast?

Blue Ridge Energy CEO, Doug Johnson, joins the podcast to talk about a rollercoaster year for electric utilities and why he thinks current energy policy is moving too far, too fast.

Getting Connected

Broadband has been an important topic of discussion in rural America since the pandemic. Learn how an electric cooperative subsidiary, RidgeLink, is making an impact in the rugged terrain of northwest North Carolina.

Mini-Episode: NEW Outage Map

More detail than ever before! That's the theme of this episode about our new outage map and a quick tutorial on how to use it.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

This special edition of our Unplugged Podcast, where we talk about Neighbors Helping Neighbors and the need in our High Country communities this winter.

Introducing Tempest

We've partnered with Weatherflow Tempest to bring Blue Ridge Energy members $50 off a new weather station, but why? Weather has a big impact on your cooperative and we discuss how better weather data can make a BIG difference in reliability.

Cut Out the Vampires

Do you have vampires in your house? Chances are, you do. It’s a misconception that when your devices are turned off, they stop drawing power. Even when a phone or tablet charger is not connected to the device, it still draws electricity while connected to an outlet. In this episode of the Unplugged podcast, we dive into vampire electronics and how you can save money on your electric bill.

Making the Grade: Impacting Students and Education

Giving back and being active in our communities is part of the core identity of a cooperative. Director of Community Relations, Tasha Rountree, joins the podcast to talk about the focus Blue Ridge Energy provides on education and students.

Rising Costs

Inflation is impacting all industries, including utilities. But what costs are rising the most and how is Blue Ridge Energy working keep costs as low as possible? Tune into our latest podcast episode to find out!

The Electric Grid and Cyberwars

Cybercrimes and cyberwars have been filling everyone's newsfeed as of late, so what are utilities doing in response? Blue Ridge Energy's Sr. VP and CTO, Tanner Greer, joins the Unplugged podcast to discuss the topic.

Launching a Utility-Scale Solar Facility

Blue Ridge Energy Director of Energy Solutions, Jason Lingle, joins the Unplugged podcast to break down the logistics, planning and details involved with bringing a utility-scale solar facility onto the Blue Ridge Energy system.

The Helping Hand

Giving back - it's important to electric cooperatives and has been for decades. It's at the core of who we are and aligns us with the early years when poles and wires were first being constructed for underserved communities in rural areas. But what goes into strong community involvement? Former Director of Community Relations, Grey Scheer, joins the podcast to talk about how heart, passion, and a love for people can carry cooperatives a long way.

BONUS EPISODE: Hugo's Heroes: Part 3

CEO Doug Johnson joins the podcast to discuss the behind the scenes work that occurred during Hurricane Hugo. If you've followed our mini-series, this is an episode you don't want to miss!

Hugo's Heroes: Part 2

This is part two of our series where we look back at Hurricane Hugo and remember the many people who worked to restore power following the historic storm. If you missed part one, be sure to go back and listen!

Hugo's Heroes: Part 1

Some storms refuse to be forgotten. For people living in the Carolinas in 1989, few will ever forget the lasting impact of Hurricane Hugo and the scars it left from the coast to the mountains. Hear the stories of the lineman who worked through the storm and witnessed the destruction first hand.

Keeping rates low: Beat The Peak

Beat The Peak, peak demand, peak hours... what does it mean and why is your utility provider asking you to use less electricity? Manager of Energy Solutions, Jon Jacob, joins the podcast to discuss Beat The Peak and the benefits for the cooperative and its members.

Keeping The Lights On - Our Linemen

April is Lineman Appreciation Month and this episode is dedicated to the hardworking men and women across the nation that keep our lights on every day. Hear the challenges, perspectives and dangers faced by America's line technicians in this interview with Blue Ridge Energy Director of Operations, Robert Kent.

Talkin' Texas + The Grid

Texas, the grid, resiliency...these are big topics as we climb out of the winter chill. Director of Engineering, Mike High, joins the podcast to share his thoughts and insight.

Costs That Impact Members' Bills

Energy Solutions Manager, Jon Jacob, breaks down the steps that'll help reduce your energy usage and keep your bill lower during the coldest time of year.

Swinging Saw Blades & Creating Better Habitats

A Brighter Future

2020 may seem bleak, but don't worry....Brighter days are ahead. From slashing our carbon footprint to building a utility-scale solar project, these are the plans you don't want to miss.

Plug it in! Plug it in!

Electric vehicle's are taking the tech and automotive world by storm, but what's beneath the surface? Should you be shopping for your first EV?

We're In This Together

COVID-19 has changed the lives of many Blue Ridge Energy members and customers. Dive into an interview with Director of Community Relations Grey Scheer, as he discusses the many ways Blue Ridge Energy is lending a helping hand during this time.

Cutting the Costs

The COVID-19 pandemic has many people looking for quick ways to save money. As summer draws near, what are some ways to cut the electricity costs around your home? We dive into a few options to consider!

From the Blue Ridge to...the Amazon?

We dive into an unforgettable trip and an unforgettable experience to help provide electricity to a corner of the world ravaged by wildfires.

Cyber-Terrorism and Our Grid

The threat to technology and the electric grid is greater than ever. Are American utilities prepared for an attack?

Lights Out

What happens from the moment your power is lost to the moment when line technicians restore power at your home? It's a complicated process. This is the "behind the scenes" episode you've been waiting for.

Season of Savings

Between Christmas shopping season and colder weather impacting your bill, it can be an expensive time of year. What do you need to know in order to save money at home? Director of innovative energy solutions, Jason Lingle breaks it down.

The Future is Here

Blue Ridge Energy CEO, Doug Johnson, sits down with host, Jacob Puckett, to discuss the opportunities and challenges that electric utilities and cooperatives face in the coming years.