The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality State Energy Office and Four County Electric Membership Corporation began work on a $6.3 million electric grid resilience project in Magnolia, NC, on May 14. The initiative aims to improve reliability, increase storm resilience, and maintain long-term affordability for cooperative members in Eastern North Carolina.
The project is significant as it addresses the growing challenges posed by more frequent and severe weather events in the region. “As Eastern NC faces more frequent and extreme weather, future-proofing the electric grid is critical,” said Julie Woosley, director of the State Energy Office. “Since 2025, DEQ has leveraged nearly $30 million in federal, state and local funds to make grid resilience investments, including the project we broke ground on today. These investments will harden the system, enhance reliability and ensure North Carolinians experience fewer and shorter power outages.”
Last year, Four County EMC received a $2.9 million grant from DEQ as part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Resilience of the Electric Grid Formula Grants for States and Tribes program to support this effort. The funds are expected to reduce financial burdens for residents across Bladen, Duplin, Pender, Sampson, Columbus, Onslow and Cumberland counties.
Project STEEL will modernize aging infrastructure by replacing wooden transmission poles—originally built in 1968—with engineered steel structures designed to withstand severe weather conditions better than before. Additional upgrades include larger conductors for improved efficiency; stronger designs for increased storm resistance; infrastructure enhancements that support future energy demands; and materials with an anticipated lifespan exceeding 75 years.
“At Four County EMC, our responsibility is to serve our members well — not just today but for future generations,” said Don Gatton, CEO of Four County EMC. “This investment reflects our commitment to being wise stewards of our members’ resources by strengthening the electric system families, farms and businesses depend on every day while also leveraging critical grant funding to reduce costs for the people we serve.” For cooperative members this means reduced financial strain through grants; fewer outages; improved performance during storms; lower maintenance expenses over time; and greater durability overall.
Gatton also said: “This project is not simply about replacing infrastructure—it is about preparing the electric grid for the future while preserving the cooperative’s mission and State’s goal of providing affordable reliable service.” Project STEEL highlights collaboration among local government agencies as well as state and federal partners working together toward modernizing essential infrastructure.
