Cooperative Living Northern Virginia Electric • June 2020 • Brights

The Electric Cooperative Training Center in Palmyra, Va., does more than power the next generation of lineworkers. It powers electric vehicles, as well.

A 7.2-kilowatt two-vehicle charger recently was placed in service at the center, which serves the training needs of co-op lineworkers and other personnel in Virginia, Maryland and Delaware.

Accessible from U.S. 15, it is believed to be the only non-residential charging station in Fluvanna County. The nearest stations are located in Zion Crossroads, several miles north of the center in Louisa County.

“It’s good to have because we do get some visitors driving electric cars,” says Alan Scruggs, vice president of safety and training services for the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives.

“As fast as the field is growing, it’ll also be good to give our trainees some experience in how to handle these devices,” he says.

Sixty high school seniors are getting a helping hand with their college costs, thanks to their electric co-ops.

The Education Scholarship Foundation of the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives awarded more than $60,000 in 2020-21 scholarships to deserving students whose parents live in areas served by electric co-ops in the three states.

The foundation awarded $1,000 scholarships named for Worth Hudson, the first chairman of the Foundation board, as well as co-op-specific scholarships to students in the territories of Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, Craig-Botetourt Electric Cooperative and Delaware Electric Cooperative.

Since 2001, the Foundation has provided approximately 780 scholarships totaling more than $740,000 to aspiring college students as well as to the next generation of electric lineworkers. To contribute to the Foundation, visit vmdaec.com/scholarship.

Meet sweet little bakers, Johanna, 1, and Naomi, 2, of Winchester, members of Rappahannock Electric Cooperative. The little ladies participated in an online baking contest for a charity fundraiser.

The charity funds research for and supports women with a rare pregnancy condition. Proud mom, Fiona, reports that Naomi won first place and Johanna took second place in their respective age groups in the competition. Next up — Top Chef?