Roanoke Electric Cooperative was a recipient of the NC Sustainable Energy Association’s clean energy leadership awards.
Roanoke Electric received the Electric Vehicle Project of the Year Award for its Halifax EV Fast Charger Pilot.
Awardees were selected amongst a pool of more than 500 member organizations and individuals creating significant contributions to an affordable and accessible clean energy economy in North Carolina.
Cooperatives primarily serve members in rural locations, and their expanding charging network fills gaps in charging infrastructure in rural and tourist-visited areas, creating environmental and economic benefits for communities.
North Carolina’s 26 electric cooperatives, including Roanoke Electric, are working to create a statewide network of EV charging stations, enabling the increased adoption of EV technology.
“It is an honor to be named one of the state’s leading organizations in innovation and clean energy deployment,” said Marshall Cherry, the co-op’s president and CEO. “It is proof that we are moving in the right direction and speaks directly to our vision and unwavering commitment to be a top-tier energy investor for the northeastern part of the state.”
Roanoke Electric Cooperative unveiled its first rapid charging station for electric vehicles in its service territory in April of last year at a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Halifax.
This charging location allows drivers commuting across Interstate 95 and throughout northeastern North Carolina to fully charge their vehicles in approximately 30 minutes.
The project has the ability to operate without access to three-phase power.
The project incorporates the new EdgeEV70 technology to generate solid three-phase power on-site from existing single-phase infrastructure.
This pilot project sets a precedent for installing rapid EV charging infrastructure throughout rural communities in NC and beyond.
“Each year, North Carolina clean energy organizations raise the bar of excellence for commitments and deployments that create jobs, economic development, and resilience,” said Ward Lenz, executive director of the association. “We’re grateful to have the opportunity to engage and interact with many of the individual, business, organization, and government leaders that continue to advance North Carolina to the top of the clean energy leaderboard.” Lenz said, “NCSEA is proud to recognize many of the market leaders accelerating the transition towards an affordable, accessible, and reliable clean energy future for all North Carolinians.”
