Wake Electric is growing, bringing thousands of new members into the cooperative. As that growth continues, helping members understand what it means to be a member-owner of a not-for-profit electric cooperative is an important part of maintaining the connection that has been central to Wake Electric since its beginning.
That idea came to life this past Saturday, when Wake Electric held its first-ever event for new members. The event gave newer members a chance to meet the people behind their electric service, learn how the cooperative works and get a closer look at what Wake Electric does on their behalf.
Held at Wake Electric’s office and warehouse in Youngsville, the fall-themed gathering was designed to feel more like a morning among neighbors and friends. Members stopped by for coffee, children’s activities, lineworker demonstrations and conversations with employees from across the cooperative. Each member household received a pumpkin, and every member who attended was entered into a drawing for a $50 bill credit.
Members got a behind-the-scenes look at Wake Electric, exploring electric vehicles including a Cybertruck, Tesla Model Y and Rivian R1T and watching electrical safety and lineworker pole-top demonstrations. They also saw the poles, equipment and materials crews use to maintain the electric system, talked directly with customer service representatives and learned more about cooperative programs, services and Wake Electric’s monthly pages in Carolina Country.
“We’re always looking for ways to help our members get to know their co-op a little better, especially those who are new to the area or may be experiencing the cooperative difference for the first time,” said Kirk Metcalf, VP of Member Services and Human Resources at Wake Electric.
That personal connection is an important part of what makes a cooperative different. Wake Electric does not simply serve communities from a distance. Its employees live, work and raise families in many of the same places as the members they serve. Members are neighbors, friends and familiar faces, and creating opportunities to know one another helps keep that relationship strong. Events like this give members a chance to see their cooperative up close and employees a chance to spend time with the people they serve.
“We want members to leave our events feeling a sense of pride in their cooperative. Hopefully, our newer members left this event feeling like they know their co-op a little better — who we are, what we do and what we stand for,” said Metcalf. “More than anything, we hope they leave understanding that Wake Electric is their cooperative and we’re here to serve them.”