Articles Archive

6 NC Public Power Communities Receive Grants for Downtown Development

Residents in six North Carolina public power communities will soon have even more reasons to visit and enjoy their downtown areas. That’s because Greenville, Kinston, Laurinburg, Monroe, Robersonville, and Shelby received $10,000 each from ElectriCities’ Downtown Revitalization Grant program to help boost downtown economic development and advance their revitalization goals.

Greenville’s Emerald Express Trolley

computer rendering of trolley bus with neon undercarriage — Rendering of Greenville’s Emerald Express Trolley (Courtesy of Greenville Utilities Commission)

Greenville and Greenville Utilities Commission will put their funds toward a new Emerald Express Trolley, an eye-catching “public art on wheels” designed to make getting around downtown easier and more fun. Outfitted with LED lighting, a unique wrap, and a PA system for tours and performances, the trolley will connect business districts, the university, and surrounding neighborhoods, eliminating parking hassles and encouraging exploration. Part of the Emerald Loop, an economic and arts project in Downtown Greenville, the new trolley replaces older, decommissioned trolleys. The City of Greenville, the Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the Pitt County Arts Council are partnering to make this vision a reality, blending art, mobility, and commerce to strengthen the heart of downtown.

Kinston’s All American City Park

rendering of a flower bed with woman and dog walking nearby — Rendering of Kinston’s upgraded All American City Park (Courtesy of the City of Kinston)

Kinston will use its grant funds to transform All American City Park, an underutilized entry point to its downtown historic commercial district, into a welcoming placemaking plaza and gateway. The project includes new landscaping, internally lit signage and artwork, benches, shade trees, enhanced lighting, and a decorative fence to separate the space from the railroad. This upgrade is part of Kinston’s multiprong strategy to increase downtown traffic, encourage use of nearby parks, and encourage businesses to locate downtown.

Laurinburg’s McDuffie Square Stage

Laurinburg will put its funds toward building a well-equipped, permanent stage in McDuffie Square, located in the heart of downtown. The City created McDuffie Square by converting a gravel and asphalt lot into a large green space with freshly paved parking. The City added power outlets throughout the space to accommodate events, and the area has been a huge success.

“With access to a professional-grade venue, local organizations—such as the Chamber of Commerce—will be better positioned to attract higher-caliber performers and larger audiences,” said Walker McCoy, Community Development Director for the City of Laurinburg. “This, in turn, has the potential to increase foot traffic, drive local spending, and support small businesses, amplifying the economic impact of downtown events.”

Monroe’s American Bank Renovation

White building with columns — American Bank building in downtown Monroe before being renovated (Courtesy of the City of Monroe)

Monroe is putting its grant funds toward renovating the historic American Bank building on Main Street into a vibrant downtown office and meeting hub. The space will house the Downtown Manager and Economic Development offices, offer a conference area for local businesses and events, and preserve the building’s historic entrance. Adjacent to the restored Morgan-Windsor Alley, the project enhances connectivity and complements ongoing efforts to create a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly downtown that blends history with modern amenities.

“The revamped space will serve as a gateway where entrepreneurs, developers, and new and existing businesses and industries can connect with Monroe’s full suite of resources and amenities,” said Lisa Kerner, Grant Administrator for the City of Monroe. “This project represents the next bold step in positioning Downtown Monroe as a thriving, connected, and resilient center of the city.”

Robersonville’s Downtown Common Area Improvements

Robersonville will use its grant to enhance a key gateway property in the central business district. The space, which hosts popular events like the annual Christmas Tree Lighting and serves as a community gathering spot, will receive major upgrades. Plans include replacing the aging, unsafe gazebo with a new structure, rebuilding the informational sign planter in brick for a more polished look, and adding fresh landscaping around trees and the new planter. These improvements will make the area safer, more attractive, and more inviting for residents and visitors. While modest in scale, this project represents an important step toward larger revitalization efforts that will strengthen the heart of downtown for years to come.

Shelby’s Alleyway Activation + Upper-Floor Living Project

Uptown Shelby will use its funds for a revitalization project focused on repurposing upper-floor spaces and activating alleyways to create a more vibrant, walkable downtown. The initiative includes evaluating key buildings for potential housing, adding lighting, art, greenery, and movable seating to underutilized alleys, and conducting a mini study on building reuse, an alleyway activation, and community engagement. The project aims to deliver visible improvements, engage the community, and lay the foundation for future redevelopment efforts while sparking interest and showcasing Uptown Shelby’s potential.

“These projects demonstrate that there are so many ways we can improve our downtowns and support development,” said Carl Rees, ElectriCities Manager of Economic and Community Development. “Regardless of a project’s size, the benefits to these communities and the impact on their residents’ quality of life far exceed the dollar amount of the grant.”

About ElectriCities’ Downtown Revitalization Grants

ElectriCities awards the competitive Downtown Revitalization Grants twice a year—each spring and fall—to its members in the North Carolina Eastern Municipal Power Agency (NCEMPA) and in North Carolina Municipal Power Agency Number 1 (NCMPA1). Grant proceeds must be used for projects that advance the community’s downtown revitalization goals and are approved by the city or town manager or chief executive. The next application cycle for ElectriCities Downtown Revitalization Grants opens in the spring of 2026.

Preparing for Extreme Winter Weather: Before, During, and After

Hot chocolate by the fire, children giggling as they build snowmen, and friends sledding together are just a few of the fun aspects that can come along with winter weather. But ice, sleet, snow, wind, and freezing temperatures can cause serious safety issues as well as the potential for power outages.

These tips from public power will help you feel confidently prepared before, during, and after extreme winter weather.

Before a winter weather event:

Gather emergency supplies such as flashlights, battery-operated radios, hand warmers, water bottles, non-perishable food, and batteries.
Monitor official weather bulletins.
Charge your devices, like your phone or external backup batteries.
Make sure your vehicle’s gas tank is full in case your power goes out, and you need to travel to a place with electricity.

During a winter weather event:

Monitor official weather bulletins.
Help your utility conserve energy by avoiding using large appliances such as laundry machines and dishwashers during extreme cold. Turn off the lights when you leave a room and unplug appliances that you aren’t using.
Do not connect your generator directly to your home’s electrical system. It is dangerous to you, your neighbors, and utility workers.
If you must leave your home during a winter weather event, take care to drive safely and follow the directions of emergency personnel.

After a winter weather event:

Watch for downed power lines. Stay back and consider them energized. Energized lines can conduct electricity through the ground up to 35 feet away from the line.
Check for electrical damage inside your home, such as frayed wires, sparks, or the smell of burning insulation. If you find damage to your meter box or weatherhead, don’t turn your power on until an electrician inspects your system and makes necessary repairs.

For more tips and resources, contact your local public power provider.

Winter Chills Don’t Have to Mean High Energy Bills

Although the temperature outside is dropping, you don’t have to let your energy bill give you chills!

Follow these simple tips from public power to maximize your home’s energy efficiency all winter long.

68 is the magic number. Set your thermostat to 68 degrees or lower when heating your home. Every degree above 68 can increase your bill by 3% to 5%!

Schedule your savings. Take advantage of programmable thermostats. Set your thermostat to turn the heat down automatically at night and when you’re away.

Use central heating—not a space heater. If you have central heating in your home, use that. Space heaters use a lot of energy and significantly increase your monthly bill.

Bundle up. Wear layers inside to keep yourself warm while saving money on heating.

For more energy-saving tips and resources, contact your local public power provider or visit http://www.energy.gov/energysaver/energy-saver.

Fall Refresh: Simple Home Tips for Energy Savings

There’s a chill in the air. The fall decorations are out. The holidays are close.

A fall energy efficiency refresh is due for your home. Public power’s simple tips for energy savings can freshen things up and help keep your electricity bill down.

Turn off the HVAC system and open your windows to the fresh, fall air as the temperature comes down from the summer heat.

Get ready for that cold winter chill. Use caulk and weatherstripping to seal air leaks around doors and windows. If you have a traditional fireplace, be sure to close the damper when there’s no fire.

Remember your maintenance. Check air filters once a month and replace them as needed. Regularly clean air registers, air return vents, baseboard heaters, and radiators. Be sure they aren’t blocked by furniture, rugs, or drapes.

Say, “Hello, sunshine!” Besides providing Vitamin D, sunlight helps heat your home for free, especially through windows with direct sunlight. Open the drapes and let the sun stream in!

For more tips and resources to help you save money on electricity, visit: www.energy.gov/energysaver/energy-saver

And for tips tailored to your home, contact your local utility about conducting an energy audit. Invite an energy auditor to your home for personalized tips and tricks to save energy—and money.

3 NC Public Power Communities Recognized for Excellence in Economic Development

Congratulations to the City of Albemarle, the City of Lumberton, and the City of Wilson and Wilson Energy, winners of ElectriCities’ inaugural Economic Excellence Awards!

The Economic Excellence Awards recognize outstanding achievements in fostering economic growth, electric load growth, and quality of life enhancements within North Carolina’s public power communities. The awards align with public power’s strategic priorities and celebrate innovation, collaborative impact, and future readiness.

Innovation in Economic Development Award: City of Albemarle

The Innovation in Economic Development Award recognizes community-centered and innovative strategies, initiatives, and programs that advance economic development in public power communities.

The City of Albemarle earned the award for its Downtown Catalyst Grant Program, an innovative initiative launched in 2021 to revitalize the city’s historic downtown. By offering matching grants of up to $25,000 for improvements such as façade restoration, code upgrades, and interior renovations, Albemarle has stimulated private investment and adaptive reuse of vacant or underutilized buildings. The program has awarded 10 grants totaling $250,000, leveraging over $2.5 million in private investment. These efforts have led to new businesses, job opportunities, and increased foot traffic, while preserving historic structures and enhancing the downtown’s economic vitality.

Southeast Crossroads Industrial Park in Lumberton

Collaborative Impact in Economic Development Award: City of Lumberton

The Collaborative Impact in Economic Development Award recognizes people-centered solutions to economic, community workforce, and infrastructure issues.

Lumberton’s Southeast Crossroads Industrial Park, an ElectriCities-certified Smart Site, exemplifies this spirit, bringing together public and private stakeholders to enhance site readiness and attract industrial development. The City led infrastructure improvements, including road access, water and sewer extensions, and electric service upgrades, in partnership with utilities, county government, and regional economic development organizations. These enhancements have made the site highly competitive for industrial prospects, attracting interest from site selectors and paving the way for future private investment, job creation, and electric load growth. Lumberton’s project stands as a model for coordinated rural economic development.

Horizons in Economic Development Award: City of Wilson and Wilson Energy

The Horizons in Economic Development Award celebrates future-focused efforts that ensure economic resiliency, sustainability, and positioning for private investment and quality of life.

Wilson Energy’s Clean Energy Initiative, in partnership with Carolina Poultry Power (CPP), is a shining example. This renewable energy facility converts poultry litter into biomass-based electricity, supporting Wilson’s strategy to diversify its energy portfolio, reduce carbon emissions, and promote sustainable industrial growth. The initiative has resulted in a new interconnection to Wilson Energy’s grid, boosting electric load growth and grid resilience, while also supporting job creation and agricultural waste management. Wilson Energy’s forward-thinking approach to clean energy and circular economy models exemplifies the award’s focus on sustainability and future-ready strategies.

“Congratulations to these three communities for receiving our first-ever awards for economic excellence,” said Carl Rees, Manager of Economic and Community Development at ElectriCities. “Your dedication to innovation, collaboration, and sustainability is a big win for everyone who calls your communities home and an inspiration to our entire public power community.”

Lexington’s Bill Stockman Receives 2025 Distinguished Service Award

Each year at the ElectriCities Annual Conference, we recognize individuals for their outstanding contributions to public power.

At the 2025 conference:

Cody Leis from Statesville received the Rising Star Award.
Bill Stockman from Lexington received the Distinguished Service Award.
Grant Goings from Wilson received the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Let’s meet the 2025 Public Power Distinguished Service Award recipient, Bill Stockman.

The Distinguished Service Award recognizes leaders with 10 or more years of experience who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to public power, brought their organization to a new level of excellence, led by example, and inspired their employees and staff to improve processes, services, and operations.

A group of eight people, including adults and children, stand together in front of a backdrop that reads 'ELECTRICITIES OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.' The central figure holds an award plaque. — Bill Stockman, 2025 Public Power Distinguished Service Award recipient, surrounded by his family

That’s Bill. He began his more than 45 years of dedicated service to the electric utility industry at Tampa Electric in Florida in 1979. For more than 21 years, he served in many roles there, including lineworker and crew leader.

He moved on to various management positions at utilities in California, Wyoming, and Washington. Then, in 2018, he headed back east and joined ElectriCities when the organization partnered with the City of Lexington to manage its electric operations.

Nick Geis, who is Lexington’s Assistant City Manager, said Bill’s strategic vision and his ability to anticipate industry needs, plan proactively, and implement creative solutions have significantly improved system redundancy, reducing outages and making Lexington more attractive to new businesses.

Always on the lookout for ways to improve and ensure the best service, Bill attends industry events, like the ElectriCities Annual Conference, APPA conferences, NCAMES meetings, and a utility expo that happens every other year. It was at one of those expos that he learned about the value of 44 kV reclosers when it comes to keeping outages isolated and short-lived. He took it upon himself to get reclosers installed on the system throughout Lexington, including getting the equipment expense approved by Council.

Bill added a new 100-to-44 kV substation in Lexington, so now the city has three delivery points instead of two.

In Uptown Lexington, he converted some of the overhead lines to underground. Part of the conversion was tied to a Depot District project, but Bill got approval to take it further to beautify the area. That helped set the stage for new construction.

When it comes to economic development, Carl Rees, Manager of Economic and Community Development at ElectriCities, says Bill just has a knack for bridging the gaps between what companies want and what a public power community needs in such a way that both parties win.

When Siemens Mobility was considering Lexington for its rail manufacturing and servicing facility, Bill designed the electric system infrastructure, including reclosers, to give the company the reliability it required. That new facility will be opening in Lexington soon and will create more than 500 local jobs.

As a team leader, Bill is a coach and mentor, helping develop future leaders’ critical thinking, problem-solving, and customer service skills, ensuring his legacy of excellence continues well beyond his tenure.

One of the beneficiaries of Bill’s mentorship is Cameron Bowman. He was a lineworker when Bill came to Lexington, and while Cameron had aspirations of taking his career to the next level, he said it was Bill’s guidance that enabled him to advance to crew leader, then to supervisor, and to recently be named Lexington’s Electric Systems Manager, filling the position Bill will retire from in September.

Cameron said, “Bill genuinely cares about the employees and trying to get them to their best potential.”

Bill is known for working alongside his crews in tough conditions. Cameron said he’s been right there with them in every snowstorm and hurricane, driving around to help the crews, passing out food or materials, and driving ahead to check out conditions and report back to the supervisors.

Never complaining and always putting safety first, Bill has fostered a culture of camaraderie, accountability, and excellence, always focused on what’s best for the utility and the community it serves. His impact will be felt for many years to come.

He’s done all this, never wanting any credit. But we’re giving him credit.

Bill, congratulations on being this year’s Public Power Distinguished Service Award recipient. Thank you for all you’ve done and for being a shining example of public power and public service.

Learn about Cody Leis, recipient of the 2025 Rising Star Award, and Grant Goings, recipient of the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award.

Wilson’s Grant Goings Awarded for a Lifetime of Outstanding Service

Each year at the ElectriCities Annual Conference, we recognize individuals for their outstanding contributions to public power.

At the 2025 conference:

Cody Leis from Statesville received the Rising Star Award.
Bill Stockman from Lexington received the Distinguished Service Award.
Grant Goings from Wilson received the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Let’s meet the 2025 Public Power Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Grant Goings.

The Public Power Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes sustained long-term outstanding leadership, public power service, innovation, and creativity.

For more than 33 years, Grant has been leading municipalities in North Carolina. He served in Shelby, Elkin, and Bethel, before putting down roots in Wilson in 2005.

A man is standing in front of a backdrop that reads 'ELECTRICITIES of NORTH CAROLINA, INC.' The person is holding a clear, triangular-shaped award — Grant Goings, 2025 Public Power Lifetime Achievement Award recipient

Wilson looks a lot different after two decades under Grant’s steady, visionary leadership. We don’t use the word “visionary” lightly.

People who have worked with Grant will attest: He’s a big picture thinker. He has vision when nobody else does, and he can translate that vision and paint the picture for everyone else.

Whether talking to his staff or City Council, Grant encourages everyone to think big—or as he likes to say to “fight above our weight class.”

He was instrumental in deploying Greenlight, Wilson’s municipally owned fiber-optic network—one of the first of its kind in the U.S., delivering high-speed internet access to residents and businesses and bridging the digital divide.

In 2020, Wilson was the first city in the country to replace its fixed-route bus system with an on-demand microtransit service.

Grant’s vision and “think big” mentality really shine when it comes to economic development.

He fully supported the community’s development of the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park. He knew that one key place in the heart of Downtown Wilson could be the catalyst for everything else. He was right.

During Grant’s tenure as Wilson’s City Manager, private investment in Downtown Wilson skyrocketed from under $1 million annually in the mid-2000s to $262 million in the last five years.

Downtown Wilson has a new YMCA and new apartments, and a new baseball stadium is in the works. Grant was instrumental in relocating the Carolina Mudcats minor league baseball team from Zebulon to Wilson, where the team will be playing as the Wilson Warbirds starting next year.

Under Grant’s leadership, Wilson developed a large manufacturing base that provides employment to a lot of eastern North Carolina. And Grant was the driving force behind GigEast, securing the funding to create Wilson’s thriving innovation initiative and coworking space.

Rebecca Agner, Communications and Marketing Director for the City of Wilson, said, “The amount of investment and the energy in Downtown Wilson is undeniable.”

She said leaders from communities around the country visit Wilson to learn about the City’s innovations, large and small. And Grant was the catalyst for all that.

Grant has also been a big supporter of public power. He was on the ElectriCities Board of Directors for six years, including serving as Chairman in 2016, and he served on NCEMPA’s Board of Commissioners from 2011 until he retired earlier this year.

He served a crucial role in the NCEMPA asset sale in 2015 that led to a nearly 20% decrease in Wilson Energy’s wholesale electric rates and helped set up the Power Agency and its members for long-term success.

Wilson’s City Council recently applauded Grant for continuing to implement competitive rate strategy and long-range planning, which has positioned Wilson Energy as a key asset for attracting further economic development in the city.

Along with being a natural leader, Grant is a mentor and educator, serving as a guest lecturer at Appalachian State University and a leader in programs like Lead for North Carolina, which introduces young professionals to careers in local government.

Grant has served on many local boards, including co-founding Wilson Forward and serving as the Board Chair of the United Way of Wilson County for several years.

As yet another testament to his dedication to the Wilson community, although he officially retired from the City in January, he didn’t leave immediately. He stayed a bit to wrap up some special projects and help newly appointed City Manager Rodger Lentz through the transition.

Through vision, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to community, Grant has left an indelible mark on Wilson’s progress and inspired those around him to think big and pursue bold, transformative change.

Grant, thank you for all you’ve done for Wilson and for public power. Congratulations on receiving this year’s Public Power Lifetime Achievement Award.

Learn about Cody Leis, recipient of the 2025 Public Power Rising Star Award, and Bill Stockman, recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Service Award.

Statesville’s Cody Leis Named 2025 Public Power Rising Star

Each year at the ElectriCities Annual Conference, we recognize individuals for their outstanding contributions to public power.

At the 2025 conference:

Cody Leis from Statesville received the Rising Star Award.
Bill Stockman from Lexington received the Distinguished Service Award.
Grant Goings from Wilson received the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Let’s meet the 2025 Public Power Rising Star Award recipient, Cody Leis.

The Rising Star Award recognizes up-and-coming leaders who have less than 10 years of experience and who, in that relatively short time, have made significant and sustained contributions to the electric utility industry and to public power.

a person in a dark suit holding an award stands in front of a backdrop with the text 'electricities of north carolina, inc.' — Cody Leis, Director of Statesville Public Power and 2025 Public Power Rising Star Award recipient

Ask pretty much anyone who works for the City of Statesville about the contributions Cody Leis has made, and, whether it’s the city clerk, city manager, assistant city manager, mayor, or people Cody supervises, and you’ll hear a chorus of kudos.

They’ll talk about his exceptional leadership and how knowledgeable he is.

They’ll say the renewed sense of urgency and drive he brought to the electric department has completely transformed its energy.

They’ll tell you how he’s worked to complete projects that have been ongoing for years and how he takes time to listen, guide, and help everyone and to fight for needed changes.

They’ll tell you how truly dedicated Cody is to his employees, to customers, and to making Statesville’s power grid more reliable than ever.

They’ll talk about how Cody has earned the respect of his colleagues, built trust with the community and council, and positioned the utility for long-term success.

They’ll say he’s an awesome guy to work for.

And they haven’t even known him for two years yet.

Cody joined Statesville Public Power in October 2023 as the Assistant Director. He moved to North Carolina from Texas after working with the City of College Station, another public power community, for nearly eight years.

From the moment he joined the organization, he demonstrated strong leadership, a clear vision, and a deep commitment to serving the community. Despite being new to Statesville and to North Carolina, he immediately filled a void with his insight and decision-making ability.

When the Director position became vacant in January 2024, he was tapped to be the Interim Director. By April, he was named Director.

In less than two years, Cody has brought impressive energy and innovation to Statesville Public Power.

He has led the successful standardization of equipment specifications, including transformers, switchgear, insulators, poles, and crossarms. These efforts have improved reliability, reduced complexity, and positioned the department for greater efficiency in the future.

He initiated a new line extension policy that places the financial responsibility for major infrastructure expansions on developers rather than on the City. This policy shift promotes smarter, more sustainable growth and protects City resources.

Understanding the importance of community connection, Cody led the rebranding of Statesville’s electric department to Statesville Public Power to raise awareness about the value of public power and the importance of local ownership and accountability. This initiative has helped educate customers and strengthen trust between the department and the community it serves.

From a technical perspective, Cody has overseen the conversion of four 4kV circuits—a goal that had been on the department’s to-do list for years. He also implemented advanced technology, including Safegrid, which supports predictive fault detection, and he has begun rolling out an outage management system to improve response times and service reliability.

His accomplishments in such a short time speak volumes.

Statesville Assistant City Manager Scott Harrell said, “Despite being younger than two-thirds of the utility’s employees, Cody has established himself as their leader and has embraced the challenge of leading Statesville Public Power into the future.”ay-to-day basis, I’m excited to see where we’ll be in the next five years under his leadership.”

Statesville Mayor Costi Kutteh, who presented Cody with the award, said, “He truly represents the next generation of leadership in public power.”

Jason Lee, Statesville’s former Electric Utilities Business Development Specialist, put it well when he said, “There’s so much more Cody offers on a day-to-day basis, I’m excited to see where we’ll be in the next five years under his leadership.”

We are too. Cody, congratulations on being this year’s Public Power Rising Star.

Learn about Bill Stockman, recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Service Award, and Grant Goings, recipient of the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award.

43 ElectriCities Members Recognized for Excellent Safety Records in 2024

Congratulations to the 43 ElectriCities member utilities that had no lost workday cases due to accidents or injuries in 2024. Each member is receiving a 2024 ElectriCities Municipal Electric Safety Award recognizing their perfect records and safe operating practices.

The award recipients are:

North Carolina

Albemarle	Kinston
Apex	Laurinburg
Ayden	Maiden
Benson	Morganton
Cherryville	New Bern
Clayton	New River Light & Power
Cornelius	N.C. State University
Dallas	Pinetops
Elizabeth City	Pineville
Farmville	Rocky Mount
Forest City	Scotland Neck
Fountain	Shelby
Fremont	Smithfield
Gastonia	Stantonsburg
Granite Falls	Statesville
Greenville Utilities Commission	Tarboro
High Point	Washington
Hobgood	Waynesville
Hookerton	Western Carolina University
Huntersville	Winterville

South Carolina

Easley

Seneca Light & Water

Virginia

Front Royal

In the coming weeks, each utility will receive their award from their assigned ElectriCities Senior Safety & Training Specialist.

Reporting on-the-job accidents and injuries is required by OSHA, but ElectriCities Senior Safety & Training Specialist Jeff Freeman says it’s not just for record-keeping and awards. The reports provide an opportunity for utility employees to revisit safe work practices, often with the help of the ElectriCities Safety & Training team.

“Having this information helps us track trends and make sure we’re covering the right content in our safety schools,” Jeff said. “If we’re seeing a lot of lineworkers with hand injuries, that’s a signal that we should review the importance of wearing gloves and proper personal protective equipment.”

For more information about the ElectriCities Municipal Electric Safety Awards, contact Jeff Freeman. And visit the ElectriCities website to learn about upcoming ElectriCities safety training classes.

4 NC Public Power Communities Receive Grants for Downtown Development

Residents in four North Carolina communities will soon have more reasons and ways to enjoy their downtown areas. The public power cities of High Point, Lumberton, Morganton, and Washington received $10,000 each from ElectriCities’ Downtown Revitalization Grant program.

The program is designed to help North Carolina public power communities spur downtown economic development and achieve their downtown revitalization goals.

High Point’s Local Business Retention Program

The City of High Point will put its funds toward a community-wide business retention initiative, “Point to Local: Invest Where You Live.”

The initiative is designed to address the unique challenges Downtown High Point’s small businesses face because of the biannual High Point Furniture Market. Those challenges include inconsistent foot traffic and limited availability of downtown rental spaces, since large corporations lease many available spaces to use for temporary furniture showrooms, said Rebekah McGee, President and CEO of Forward High Point.

“Point to Local: Invest Where You Live” enables consumers to purchase a digital gift card that’s redeemable exclusively at participating downtown merchants, ensuring that every dollar spent through the program directly benefits small, locally owned establishments.

“By encouraging local spending, this initiative supports small businesses that have committed to staying open every day—despite inconsistent foot traffic,” Rebekah said. “The program directly supports the City of High Point’s overall economic development strategy by reinforcing the vitality of small businesses, fostering year-round economic activity downtown, and reducing the community’s overreliance on the furniture market.”

Downtown Lumberton’s Farmers Market Upgrade

The City of Lumberton will put its grant proceeds toward essential facility upgrades at the Robeson County Farmers Market in Downtown Lumberton.

“As a vital community hub, the farmers market offers direct access to fresh, local produce while supporting small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs,” said Sarah Ward, Downtown Coordinator for the City of Lumberton.

The project aims to provide a permanent, central market structure that will serve as both an economic hub and a community space.

“Enhancing this space will improve vendor capacity, customer experience, and year-round functionality—ultimately attracting more foot traffic, stimulating nearby businesses, and fostering local pride,” Sarah said. “This investment will not only strengthen the local food economy but also serve as a catalyst for continued momentum in downtown Lumberton’s transformation into a thriving, inclusive destination.”

Morganton’s Downtown Sound System Project

The City of Morganton will put its ElectriCities grant toward restoring its downtown music system. The original system installed in 1998 failed in 2020, and the replacement wireless system installed in 2022 has remained inoperable.

“For years, the ambient music was a defining characteristic of Downtown Morganton, frequently praised by tourists,” said Sharon Jablonski, Director of Cultural and Creative Development for the City of Morganton. “The prolonged silence has been a noticeable loss, impacting the overall experience for shoppers, diners, and those simply enjoying the downtown environment.”

Working with a team at the City of Lenoir that has had issues with the same music system, the Morganton team has found a solution. Using the grant, they’ll be able to completely rework and activate all 16 of their sound units.

“Restoring our downtown music system is a crucial step in enhancing the vibrancy and appeal of Downtown Morganton,” Sharon said. “This grant funding enables us to fully implement a proven solution, revitalizing a cherished amenity and contributing significantly to the ongoing downtown revitalization efforts.”

Downtown Washington’s Alleyway Improvements Project

The City of Washington will use its funding to install lighting and security cameras in two of its downtown alleyways.

“The alleyways were not part of the City’s recently completed streetscape project, but completing the streetscape highlighted the need for better lighting and safety in other areas of Downtown Washington, said John Jesso, Interim Executive Director of the Washington Harbor District Alliance. “With the increased foot traffic and retail activities due to our streetscape project, we’re expecting improvements to the alleyways to facilitate even more pedestrian traffic and contribute to both community and economic redevelopment.”

“These grant-winning projects show that there are many different ways we can improve our downtowns and support development,” said Carl Rees, ElectriCities Manager of Economic and Community Development. “Helping fund them injects needed energy into our members’ downtown areas, sparking growth and ultimately improving the quality of life in these public power communities.”

About ElectriCities’ Downtown Revitalization Grants