Central Electric Membership Corp.

Central Electric Membership Corp.

We’re a member-owned electric utility serving communities across North Carolina—and this podcast is your front-row seat to the stories, people, and purpose behind the power. Each episode features real conversations with the folks who keep the lights on: lineworkers, community leaders, and co-op staff. We explore what makes electric cooperatives different, how we deliver reliable service, and the values that connect us to the communities we serve. Subscribe and join us for authentic insights and the power of community.

Episodes

  1. Episode #5: Cybersecurity

    JAN 26

    Episode #5: Cybersecurity

    Cyber threats are evolving fast, but the electric grid is built with strong safeguards, constant monitoring, and teams dedicated to keeping power safe and reliable. In this episode of Behind the Lines, hosts James Taylor and Conni Tucker sit down with Central Electric’s IT experts to explain how cybersecurity protects the U.S. grid, our co op, and our members every day. From a myth-busting lightning round to practical tips and a look at how AI supports security efforts, this episode brings clarity and confidence to a complex topic.

    34 min
  2. Episode #4: Empowering Students Through Youth Tour

    12/17/2025

    Episode #4: Empowering Students Through Youth Tour

    Join us for this episode of Behind the Lines as we explore the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour—a life-changing leadership experience for high school students. Hosts James Taylor and Conni Tucker sit down with 2025 Youth Tour participants Chloe McGraw and Jude Stumpf to discuss their journey to Washington, D.C., and what makes this program so impactful. Jude also shares his exciting new role as North Carolina’s Youth Leadership Council delegate and what that means for his future. Applications for the 2026 Youth Tour close January 20, so don’t miss out! Learn more and apply at: https://www.cemcpower.com/community/youth-tour.

    21 min
  3. Episode #3: Capital Credits

    11/13/2025

    Episode #3: Capital Credits

    What are capital credits, and why do they matter? In this episode of Behind the Lines, hosts James Taylor and Conni Tucker sit down with Tabitha Whitlow, VP of Finance, and Carol Wylie, Capital Credits Accountant, to explain this unique concept that sets electric cooperatives apart from traditional utilities. You’ll learn how capital credits work, why they’re returned to members, and how this system reflects the cooperative difference. Plus, we share the exciting announcement of the 2025 general retirement amount and what it means for our members.

    23 min
  4. Episode #2: A Day in the Life of a Lineman

    10/23/2025

    Episode #2: A Day in the Life of a Lineman

    In this episode, we go behind the scenes with two of our linemen to explore what it really takes to keep the lights on. From early morning rollouts to late-night restorations, they share firsthand stories of the grit, skill, and teamwork required to restore power after an outage. You’ll hear about the surprising causes of outages — even on clear blue-sky days — and the complex coordination involved in getting the grid back online. We also dive into their experience traveling to western North Carolina to assist with restoration efforts after Hurricane Helene, offering a powerful look at how crews mobilize across regions to support one another in times of crisis. Whether you're curious about the challenges linemen face or just want to understand more about the people behind your power switch, this episode brings you a behind-the-scenes look.

    27 min
  5. Episode #1: Co-op 101

    09/30/2025

    Episode #1: Co-op 101

    In episode 1, we sit down with our CEO and General Manager, Eddie Oldham, and our newest board member, Bianka Stumpf, diving into what makes a member-owned utility different—and why it matters to you.

    48 min
  • 5 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

We’re a member-owned electric utility serving communities across North Carolina—and this podcast is your front-row seat to the stories, people, and purpose behind the power. Each episode features real conversations with the folks who keep the lights on: lineworkers, community leaders, and co-op staff. We explore what makes electric cooperatives different, how we deliver reliable service, and the values that connect us to the communities we serve. Subscribe and join us for authentic insights and the power of community.

Information