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Description

Unplugged features topics and stories from one of America’s leading electric cooperatives, Blue Ridge Energy. Electric cooperatives share a unique history that is etched into the framework of rural American life. Founded decades ago on a principle of bringing electricity to rural Americans left in the dark, electric cooperatives have become a beacon for economic growth and innovation in the less populated pockets of the United States. On Unplugged, host Jacob Puckett, interviews guests on a wide range of topics and issues facing rural Americans that are served by electric cooperatives.

Podcast episodes

Check latest episodes from Unplugged podcast

The Hurricane Helene Tapes - Mike Kincaid

2025/05/23

This is the final installment of our Hurricane Helene series. In this episode, we speak to Director of Operations, Mike Kincaid. Mike serves as the storm manager during outage events - coordinating the effort behind the scenes and in the field to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.

Hurricane Helene Tapes: Heidi Ragan

2025/03/20

The untold story from Helene is our behind the scenes heroes. Hear from Watauga District Manager, Heidi Ragan, as she describes the days following the storm and how we manage feeding, housing and taking care of hundreds of visiting crews.

The Hurricane Helene Tapes: Tony Wheeler

2025/01/16

Installment three of our Hurricane Helene series. Joining us for this episode is System Operations Manager, Tony Wheeler.

The Hurricane Helene Tapes: Meteorologist Chris White

2024/12/12

Installment two of our Helene Tapes series. Chief Meteorologist, Chris White, of the Foothills Weather Network joins the show to talk about the science behind Helene and its impacts.

The Hurricane Helene Tapes: Blake Herman

2024/11/25

Transmission and Distribution Engineering Manager, Blake Herman, joins the podcast to discuss Helene and the challenges our engineering team faced.

Plugged into Savings: Free Online Tips for Cutting Costs

2024/05/28

Summer is here and your cooling system is putting in overtime hours. Many people ask for ways they can save. Today, we cover a few tips and where to find more.

Weathering the Storm

2024/01/26

Many in northwest NC will never forget the Christmas of 2009 ice storm. With our mountain communities in the dark for days and an electric grid that was largely laying on the ground, what were the lessons learned and how can people be prepared for the next big storm? Director of Public Relations, Renee Walker, breaks it down on this episode of Unplugged.

GUEST HOST: Haley Dorsey, YLC Representative and CEO, Doug Johnson

2023/10/26

We put a bow on Cooperative Month with Youth Tourist, Leadership Track student, and YLC representative for Blue Ridge Energy, Haley Dorsey, guest hosting an episode of Unplugged, interviewing CEO, Doug Johnson.

Too far, too fast?

2023/07/28

Blue Ridge Energy CEO, Doug Johnson, joins the podcast to talk about a rollercoaster year for electric utilities and why he thinks current energy policy is moving too far, too fast.

Getting Connected

2023/05/12

Broadband has been an important topic of discussion in rural America since the pandemic. Learn how an electric cooperative subsidiary, RidgeLink, is making an impact in the rugged terrain of northwest North Carolina.

Mini-Episode: NEW Outage Map

2023/03/29

More detail than ever before! That's the theme of this episode about our new outage map and a quick tutorial on how to use it.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

2022/12/20

This special edition of our Unplugged Podcast, where we talk about Neighbors Helping Neighbors and the need in our High Country communities this winter.

Introducing Tempest

2022/12/08

We've partnered with Weatherflow Tempest to bring Blue Ridge Energy members $50 off a new weather station, but why? Weather has a big impact on your cooperative and we discuss how better weather data can make a BIG difference in reliability.

Cut Out the Vampires

2022/10/31

Do you have vampires in your house? Chances are, you do. It’s a misconception that when your devices are turned off, they stop drawing power. Even when a phone or tablet charger is not connected to the device, it still draws electricity while connected to an outlet. In this episode of the Unplugged podcast, we dive into vampire electronics and how you can save money on your electric bill.

Making the Grade: Impacting Students and Education

2022/08/15

Giving back and being active in our communities is part of the core identity of a cooperative. Director of Community Relations, Tasha Rountree, joins the podcast to talk about the focus Blue Ridge Energy provides on education and students.