Cooperation in Action: A Thanksgiving Story of Help and Gratitude
As we approach Thanksgiving, a time to reflect on what we’re thankful for, it’s important to remember one of the core values that makes cooperatives unique: Cooperation between Cooperatives. This principle was on display recently when our Jones-Onslow EMC team answered the call to assist fellow coop French Broad Electric Membership Corporation in Marshall, North Carolina after Hurricane Helene left thousands without power.
When the storm hit, French Broad EMC faced a system-wide outage, affecting remote areas deep in the mountains. Entire communities were left in the dark, with rugged terrain and fallen trees adding to the restoration challenge. With over 42,000 homes and businesses without electricity, the task ahead was daunting.
The day after the storm, JOEMC quickly responded by sending crews over the next two weeks of dedicated linemen, vegetation management specialists, and mechanics to assist in the restoration efforts in Western North Carolina. These men left their families and familiar surroundings, working tirelessly to restore power to those affected by Hurricane Helene. The damage to the electric grid was staggering. Hundreds of broken poles needed replacing, and miles of line had to be repaired or rebuilt in some of the hardest-hit areas. One major task involved replacing numerous three phase poles and re-energizing lines after additional trees fell. Crews worked across various circuits in remote and mountainous regions, focusing on restoring power to smaller, more isolated communities while continuing to clear fallen trees and debris. With each step, they faced steep terrain and dense woods, but the real work began once they reached the power lines. Much of the repair involved “hook work” — climbing poles to fix the lines by hand. Despite the challenges, progress was made each day as the crews worked tirelessly to bring the lights back on. It was tough physical work, but our crews knew each hour brought them closer to restoring power and hope for families in the dark.
The spirit of cooperation and mutual aid runs deep in electric cooperatives like JOEMC and French Broad EMC. This bond is shared by all 26 cooperatives in North Carolina and more than 900 across the United States. It’s what makes cooperatives truly unique, and JOEMC is proud to be part of this tradition. Just as a group of determined citizens once came together to bring electricity to rural communities, we carried that same spirit of neighbors helping neighbors to Western North Carolina. In times of need, cooperatives step up, working together to solve problems and bring power back to the people, embodying the values we were founded on.
This Thanksgiving, we are incredibly thankful for the dedication of our linemen and employees, the power of cooperation, and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. Their hard work reminds us that no matter how tough things get, cooperatives can overcome challenges together.
