Electric Cities honors Rocky Mount for customer programs, workforce development

Roy Jones, chief executive officer of Electric Cities, told the Rocky Mount City Council that Electric Cities recognized Rocky Mount in four categories of its Destination 2030 strategic plan and praised local utility efforts on customer programs, infrastructure and workforce development.

Jones announced Rocky Mount was honored for “strengthening public power,” “providing superior power,” “customer-centered innovation” and “people,” and he highlighted several local initiatives the awards recognized. “I know there was some feedback given to you all about wanting more electric vehicle charging stations around the city,” Jones said. He also mentioned investments in load-management programs aimed at shaving peak demand and helping customers save on monthly bills, and he pointed to a “step for growth” workforce program connected to North Carolina A and T University to recruit the next generation of public-power workers.

The presentation noted Electric Cities now serves 99 member communities across Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina and cited the organization’s five-year Destination 2030 plan as the framework for recognition. Jones commended Rocky Mount’s line crews for regional storm response efforts and thanked local crews who remained on duty while others deployed to help communities after Hurricane Helene.

The mayor and council received the presentation and later posed no questions on the awards. The council photo opportunity followed the remarks.

Ending: The council did not take formal action on the presentation; it was given as a recognition and update on utility programs and workforce partnerships.