Unplugged

Blue Ridge Energy

Unplugged features topics and stories from one of America’s leading electric cooperatives, Blue Ridge Energy. Electric cooperatives share a unique history that is etched into the framework of rural American life. Founded decades ago on a principle of bringing electricity to rural Americans left in the dark, electric cooperatives have become a beacon for economic growth and innovation in the less populated pockets of the United States. On Unplugged, host Jacob Puckett, interviews guests on a wide range of topics and issues facing rural Americans that are served by electric cooperatives. read less

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Plugged into Savings: Free Online Tips for Cutting Costs

Plugged into Savings: Free Online Tips for Cutting Costs

Summer is here and your cooling system is putting in overtime hours. Many people ask for ways they can save. Today, we cover a few tips and where to find more.

Episodes

Plugged into Savings: Free Online Tips for Cutting Costs

Plugged into Savings: Free Online Tips for Cutting Costs

Summer is here and your cooling system is putting in overtime hours. Many people ask for ways they can save. Today, we cover a few tips and where to find more.

Weathering the Storm

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.