Raleigh, N.C. (Jan. 22, 2026) – North Carolina’s electric cooperatives, the utilities that collectively power 45% of the state’s land mass and serve 2.8 million North Carolinians, are closely monitoring the severe weather system impacting the state this weekend.

Forecasts show the potential for significant ice accumulation across large portions of the state, which could create widespread power outages from fallen trees, limbs and infrastructure.

“Co-ops work year-round to keep trees and branches clear of power lines,” said Andrew Meehan, Vice President of Strategic Communications for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives. “But severe winter storms can cause trees outside of cleared areas to fall and power lines to sag, pulling down infrastructure.”

Electric cooperatives are preparing their line crews to respond. Should outages occur, co-ops will begin assessing damage and restoring service as quickly and safely as possible.

Cooperative members are encouraged to prepare now for ice-related conditions that have the potential to cause power outages for multiple days. Gather non-perishable food, water, batteries, flashlights, extra blankets, pet food, and medicines. Charge cell phones and back-up batteries now and keep them charged.

Real-time outage numbers from electric cooperatives across the state are available on a Statewide Outage Map.

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North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives includes the family of organizations formed to support the state’s 26 community-based electric cooperatives, which collectively serve more than 2.8 million North Carolinians. These organizations are North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation, a generation and transmission cooperative; North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives, the cooperatives’ trade association; and Tarheel Electric Membership Association, Inc., a central purchasing and materials-supply cooperative