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Duplin County’s electric grid is set for a high-tech upgrade that officials say will improve reliability, strengthen support for agriculture and position the region for future business growth.
NC Electric Membership Corporation (NCEMC) and OATI recently announced plans to deploy next-generation smart grid technology in Duplin County, part of a broader effort to enhance grid resilience across rural North Carolina.
As part of the project, NCEMC will upgrade its energy management platform with OATI’s advanced Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS), adding real-time monitoring, coordination and control capabilities. The enhanced system will allow utilities to manage electricity using live system conditions, forecasts and planning data — better integrating solar panels, battery storage, demand response programs and microgrids across the state’s 26 locally owned electric cooperatives.
“For the average household in Duplin County, this means your utility is using new technologies to better manage local energy resources, such as solar and batteries at customer sites and at substations, not only to provide backup power during outages, but also to help reduce energy costs for all customers,” said Ali Ipakchi, OATI chief visionary officer.
According to Ipakchi, the system helps prevent outages by reducing strain on the grid and can speed up restoration — in some cases automatically — by tapping into nearby energy resources while full service is restored.
Critical facilities such as hospitals, emergency shelters and water systems can directly benefit as this technology can create microgrids that keep these essential services powered during outages.
“The new technologies being deployed also allow these same resources to support the grid during normal conditions, helping reduce energy costs for the facility and for other customers in the region,” he explained.
Duplin County’s strong agricultural sector also stands to gain, according to Ipakchi, who told Duplin Journal that these capabilities are already deployed and in active use at one of the largest poultry operations in the region, though the company was not publicly identified.
“The system ensures constant, 24/7 power to the farm, as well as to a nearby housing community. In addition, the system can now use these same resources to provide certain grid reliability services that traditionally come from large power plants,” he added.
OATI says the new real-time capabilities represent a major industry advancement and will also support long-term economic development.
“Reliable and affordable electricity is one of the most important factors companies consider when choosing where to locate or expand. By investing in proven, modern technologies that improve reliability and reduce energy costs, the utility is helping make Duplin County a more attractive place for new businesses and expansions,” said Ipakchi. “These upgrades strengthen the region’s competitiveness and support long-term economic development.”
Ipakchi explained while Tri-County Electric Cooperative already offers several energy efficiency rebates and programs for its members, with the new technologies being deployed, the Cooperative will also be able to introduce modern demand response options that help residents save money.
“These programs work by rewarding members for shifting energy use to lowercost periods — for example, running appliances later in the evening — or by allowing the utility to make small, temporary adjustments to devices like smart thermostats during times of very high demand. In return, participating households receive bill credits, incentives, or reduced energy costs,” said Ipakchi.
“As these technologies continue to roll out, members can expect more opportunities to participate in flexible use programs that lower bills while helping keep the entire system reliable and affordable.”
While electric bills depend on many factors, leaders say the long-term goal is a more flexible, efficient grid that keeps power dependable and affordable for the community.
The next time a storm rolls through Duplin County, the lights may come back on faster — and in some cases may not go out at all — thanks to a new smart grid technology project.
