In 2020, Edgecombe-Martin County EMC implemented our Operation Round Up program. This program encourages members to round up their electric bills to the next-highest dollar, with the money going into a fund for charitable community projects and local needs. Operation Round Up is a voluntary program in which more than 200 electric cooperatives across the country participate, including most North Carolina electric cooperatives. The programs go by different names, but they all operate under the same premise: Small change makes a big impact in communities all across North Carolina.

Each month, members who wish to participate will allow Edgecombe-Martin County EMC to automatically round up electric bills to the next highest dollar amount. For example, if your bill is $68.51, your bill will be rounded up to $69, meaning that month’s contribution is 49 cents. If your bill is $68.90, your bill will be rounded up to $69, contributing 10 cents. The extra cents will be put into the Edgecombe-Martin County EMC Operation Round Up fund. The cost to you will be 99 cents or less per month and will average about $6.00 a year per member. Individually it doesn’t sound like much, but collectively it adds up.

Edgecombe-Martin County EMC is pleased to announce that we are now accepting applications for our Operation Round Up program. The program supports initiatives in emergency energy assistance, economic development, education, emergency responders, energy efficiency, and environmental efforts. Operation Round Up is powered by the generous contributions of Edgecombe-Martin County EMC members who participate in the program.

Organizations both inside and outside the EMEMC service area that provide services to EMEMC members are eligible to apply for grants. Applications will not be accepted for general operating expenses, tax or payroll expenses, political causes, lobbying, or advertising. To apply, organizations can pick up an application at the Edgecombe-Martin County EMC office or download it from our website at www.ememc.com. Completed applications must be submitted to Monica Speight, either in person at 679 Hwy 33 East, Tarboro, NC, online at our website, or by mail to EMEMC, Attention Monica Speight, P.O. Box 188, Tarboro, NC 27886. All applications are reviewed by members of the EMEMC Board of Directors, who will make specific recommendations and awards based on the applications received.

Applications must be complete, with all questions answered and all requested financial reports/documents attached. Incomplete applications will not be considered. The maximum grant amount awarded to any organization in a calendar year is $1,000. Only one application per project or event will be accepted from any entity during a calendar year (January 1 through December 31). Edgecombe-Martin County EMC will notify all applicants regarding the status of their requests and promptly forward payment for approved grants after the applications are reviewed. We encourage all eligible organizations to apply for Operation Round Up funding and join us in making a positive impact on our community. 

For members who wish to sign up for Operation Round Up, email a member service representative at memberservices@ememc.com or call 252-823-2171. Even after you are signed up for Operation Round Up, you can opt-out of the program at any time by contacting Edgecombe-Martin County EMC. Your small change can make a big difference!