Brunswick County Power Status

Brunswick County, North Carolina, is home to the Brunswick Nuclear Generating Station, which has been providing power since 1975. The plant, owned and operated by Duke Energy Progress, covers 1,200 acres and features two General Electric boiling water reactors. The average residential electricity rate in the county is 13 cents per kilowatt-hour, with residents spending approximately $154 per month on electricity. The Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation (BEMC) is dedicated to powering the community with reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy, offering various payment options and initiatives to support energy efficiency.

Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation

BEMC offers a range of payment and billing options to its customers, including online bill payment through its SmartHub portal, automatic bank or credit card drafts, and pre-paid power plans. The company also provides a variety of energy-saving initiatives, such as its Connect to Save program, which offers incentives for members to use programmable thermostats to efficiently manage their HVAC systems.

In addition to its focus on reliable and affordable power, BEMC prioritises sustainability and community development. The company offers clean energy options, such as its Community Solar program, which allows members to lease solar panels from community solar farms without the expense of installing their own. BEMC also provides grants to local educators for creative classroom projects through its Bright Ideas initiative.

BEMC has been recognised for its commitment to customer satisfaction and excellent service, receiving an American Customer Satisfaction Score (ACSI) of 88 out of 100 in 2023, well above the average for investor-owned and municipal utilities. The company actively participates in community events and initiatives, including hurricane preparedness drills and fundraising auctions to support local organisations.

With a dedicated team of expert technicians, BEMC is committed to providing reliable electric service and quick responses to power outages in Brunswick County.

Brunswick nuclear power plant

The Brunswick Nuclear Generating Station, named for Brunswick County, North Carolina, covers 1,200 acres at 20 feet above sea level. The site is located about 5 miles from the Atlantic Ocean and is adjacent to the town of Southport, North Carolina, as well as wetlands and woodlands. The plant was opened in 1975 and currently has two General Electric boiling water reactors, which are cooled by water collected from the Cape Fear River and discharged into the Atlantic Ocean.

Duke Energy Progress is the majority owner (81.7%) and operator of the Brunswick nuclear plant, while the North Carolina Eastern Municipal Power Agency owns the remaining 18.3%. The Brunswick plant's proximity to the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean allows it to utilise the river as a source of cooling water, which is then discharged into the ocean off the coast of Oak Island. A filtration system is in place to remove fish, crustaceans, and other debris from the cooling water.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission defines two emergency planning zones around nuclear power plants. These include a plume exposure pathway zone with a 10-mile radius, focusing on the risks of exposure to and inhalation of airborne radioactive contamination, and an ingestion pathway zone of about 50 miles, concerned with the ingestion of contaminated food and liquid. The population within these zones has increased over time, with the 2010 U.S. population within 10 miles of Brunswick being 36,413, and the population within 50 miles being 468,953.

The Brunswick Nuclear Plant is committed to the safe, reliable, and efficient production of electricity. In the event of an emergency, Duke Energy would immediately notify federal, state, and local authorities, who would then alert the public if any action is required. The primary outdoor warning system consists of sirens located throughout the station's 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ). If an emergency alert is sounded, individuals are advised to tune into local radio or television stations for instructions from emergency management officials.

In 2023, Duke Energy inaugurated the Brunswick Energy & Education Center, located at the Brunswick Nuclear Plant in Southport. The centre features exhibits on nuclear science, electricity, carbon-free energy, and the operation of the Brunswick Nuclear Plant. It offers educational opportunities for visitors to learn about nuclear power plants, fuel, and nuclear operations through demonstrations, movies, and career discussions.

Average monthly electricity bill

Brunswick County, North Carolina, has power supplied by the Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation (BEMC), an electricity cooperative. BEMC offers its customers a range of payment options and ways to save on their electricity bills.

The average monthly residential power bill for a BEMC consumer is $136.83 per month, with an average residential electricity rate of 14.13 cents per kilowatt-hour. This is 29% lower than the national average electric bill.

BEMC offers its customers the option to prepay for power, allowing them to control their energy usage and providing flexibility in choosing when and how much to purchase. There is also a budget billing option, which allows members to pay a set amount each month based on the household's average energy expense over the last 12 months.

BEMC also offers a "Connect to Save" program, where members can sign up to participate in demand control projects and receive incentives and bill credits.

Additionally, BEMC provides net metering options, allowing customers with solar panels or alternative electricity sources to sell extra wattage back into the grid, making these sources more economically viable.

The BEMC website provides detailed information on payment options, including automatic draft, online bill pay, and bill payment terminals.

Overall, BEMC is committed to providing its members with safe, reliable, and affordable power, acting as a community-focused cooperative.

Solar panel systems

Planning a Solar Panel System

Before installing a solar panel system, it is important to assess your home's energy efficiency and solar potential, as well as any limitations or restrictions. You should also consider your options for going solar, such as purchasing a solar energy system, community or shared solar programs, or power purchase agreements (PPAs). It is crucial to estimate your solar electricity needs by reviewing electricity bills and considering any planned changes, such as the purchase of an electric vehicle or a home addition.

Installation and Components

The next step is to obtain bids and site assessments from qualified and insured solar installers. The installer will determine the appropriate size and type of system based on your electricity needs, the site's solar resource, the system's orientation and tilt, and other electricity sources. The installer will also ensure that all equipment is installed correctly and oriented to maximize daily and seasonal solar energy reception.

Financing and Incentives

Benefits of Solar Panel Systems

• Generating clean and renewable energy, reducing your carbon footprint
• Reducing electricity bills and saving money over time
• Providing energy independence and resilience during power outages or grid failures
• Increasing the market value of your home
• Taking advantage of tax credits and incentives offered by governments and utilities

Brunswick Energy & Education Center

The Brunswick Energy & Education Center is located at the Brunswick Nuclear Plant near Southport, North Carolina. The center was inaugurated in 2023 and is Duke Energy's fourth Energy Education Center. It offers educational exhibits on nuclear science, electricity, carbon-free energy, and the operation of the Brunswick Nuclear Plant. The Brunswick Nuclear Plant is about two miles from Southport, North Carolina, and covers 1,200 acres at 20 feet above sea level. It generates enough carbon-free electricity to power over a million homes.

The Energy & Education Center is ideal for middle school students and up, offering a unique look at how science intersects with daily life. Visitors can learn about nuclear power plants, fuel, and nuclear operations through demonstrations, movies, and career discussions. The center features about 3,000 square feet of exhibit space, including a scale model of the plant, one of the few items saved from the original education center, which was damaged during Hurricane Florence in 2018.

The Brunswick Energy & Education Center is open to visitors by appointment only. Visitors can schedule a visit to the center to learn first-hand how a nuclear power plant operates, explore how the Brunswick Nuclear Plant contributes to the surrounding communities, and learn about nuclear fuel. Visits can be tailored to different audiences and typically last about 45 minutes.

Power in Brunswick County

Brunswick County, North Carolina, is home to the Brunswick Nuclear Generating Station, which provides power to the region. The Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation (BEMC) is the local electric cooperative that serves the county. They provide safe, reliable, and affordable power to their members, who are also the owners of the cooperative. BEMC offers various payment options, billing programs, and energy-saving initiatives to its members.

On average, residents of Brunswick County spend about $154 per month on electricity, which is lower than the national average. The county's electric rates are also lower than the national average, at 13 cents per kilowatt-hour.

In summary, Brunswick County, North Carolina, has access to power through the Brunswick Nuclear Generating Station and the efforts of the Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation. The Brunswick Energy & Education Center plays a crucial role in educating the community about nuclear science, electricity, and the benefits of nuclear power.

Frequently asked questions