To: The EnergyUnited Board of Directors and CEO Thomas Golden
 
Subject: Rescind the Mandatory Peak Demand Billing Rollout (April 2026) 
 


The Problem


 
Starting April 2026, EnergyUnited is imposing a "Peak Demand" rate on 140,000 North Carolina families. This plan penalizes members for the timing of their basic survival—cooking, heating homes, and hygiene. A single 15-minute spike (e.g., running an oven and AC at 5:00 PM) can trigger a $40+ monthly surge fee on top of a nearly doubled $50.00 fixed fee.
 


 Our Proposed Alternative Paths 
 
We recognize that wholesale power costs (from suppliers like Duke Energy) are rising. However, we demand that the Board pursues these three fairer solutions instead of a mandatory "Lifestyle Tax": 



1. The "Fair Flat Rate" Opt-Out: Give members the choice of a standard, predictable flat rate (per kWh). Many members would prefer a slightly higher unit price for the peace of mind of not having to play "appliance Tetris" every afternoon.


 
2. Reduce the $50 "Entry Fee": EnergyUnited has increased the fixed Grid Access Fee by roughly 66%. We demand this be lowered back to $30. The co-op should find operational savings within its own budget rather than inflating fixed costs for every member.


 
3. Community Battery Investment: Instead of shifting financial risk to families, EnergyUnited should invest in Utility-Scale Battery Storage at local substations (like Northcross or Mooresville). These batteries "soak up" cheap power at night and release it during peak hours, protecting members from surge fees without forcing us to sit in the dark.


 
The Demand


 
We are Member-Owners, not industrial customers. We demand a return to a transparent, "pay-for-use" model that rewards conservation without penalizing the reality of family life. 
 
EnergyUnited wants to fine us $40 for cooking dinner. Why aren't they using our 'margins' to build community batteries instead of punishing us? Sign the petition to demand a better way! 

   I need signature’s from Mecklenburg, Iredell, Davidson. • Northern & Western: Alexander, Caldwell, Catawba, Wilkes, Yadkin • Central & Eastern: Cabarrus, Davie, Forsyth, Gaston, Guilford, Lincoln, Montgomery, Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Stokes.