RALEIGH, N.C. (Oct. 2, 2024; 8:00 a.m.) – Hundreds of lineworkers from more than 30 electric cooperatives in North Carolina and nine other states have joined the power restoration effort in support of their fellow co-ops in western NC. Facing devastating and historic damage in the region from Tropical Storm Helene, crews have restored power to 150,000 electric co-op members since Friday.
Co-op outages:
Crumbled, washed-out roads and landslides continue to pose unprecedented challenges for line crews in being able to access damage. Further, damage to the electric infrastructure is catastrophic, meaning crews are rebuilding the electric system rather than making repairs. They will continue this all-out push until power is restored to the 86,000 members still experiencing outages.
“We are devastated by the conditions in western North Carolina and for its residents,” said Nelle Hotchkiss, senior vice president and chief operating officer for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, the trade association for the state’s 26 local electric co-ops. “Every electric cooperative member who is still without power is a priority for their co-op, and they are doing everything they can to overcome every obstacle and get the power back on for you.”
The severity of this damage, combined with limited access to some areas due to destroyed roadways means power may not be returned to these hardest hit areas for weeks. In many cases, crews are hiking miles to access damage to the system because of the road conditions.
“We appreciate your kindness and support of the crews who are giving it their absolute all to reconnect your homes and businesses and start down the long road of rebuilding our communities,” Hotchkiss added.
Safety:
- Do not touch a circuit breaker or replace a fuse with wet hands or while standing on a wet surface.
- Do not use electrical equipment and electronics, including receptacles, that have been submerged in water.
- If it is necessary to use a portable generator, always operate the generator outdoors in an open area. Use an extension cord to connect the generator directly to the appliance and ensure the extension cord has three-prongs and is rated for the amount of power used by the appliance.
- Do not connect your portable generator directly to your home’s wiring. A generator that is directly connected can “backfeed” into the power lines connected to your house and could electrocute anyone working on the power lines.
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North Carolina’s 26 electric cooperatives collectively serve approximately 2.5 million people in 93 of the state’s 100 counties. For more information, please visit ncelectriccooperatives.com.