RALEIGH, N.C. (Sept. 27, 2024; 3 p.m.) – The eye of Tropical Storm Helene has passed through North Carolina, and cooperative personnel are working diligently to restore service to more than 230,000 co-op members in the western half of the state.
Outage numbers have climbed throughout the day. Officials say numbers could continue to fluctuate into the evening as previous outages are restored and new ones occur from falling trees and additional flooding.
Downed trees, as well as widespread flooding and road closures will cause delays in power restoration until conditions improve. Officials report that because of these extreme conditions, as well as the extent and complicated nature of these outages, this could be a multi-day power outage event.
Cooperatives from the eastern part of the state, along with peer cooperative crews from other parts of the nation, are on their way to support local crews in hard-hit western North Carolina.
“This will be a collaborative effort from the entire network of North Carolina’s electric cooperatives and beyond,” said Jason Caudle, chief operating officer for Tarheel Electric Membership Association, an organization that supplies materials and manages crew movement for North Carolina’s electric cooperatives. “In conditions like these, it’s all-hands-on deck.”
North Carolina’s electric cooperatives continue to urge members to use extreme caution, even as conditions improve into the evening. Do not approach any areas where lines are downed, and never touch a downed line. Remember, flood waters, fallen trees and debris can hide downed power lines.
Additionally, please heed the advice of state and local officials and stay off the roads. Doing so not only keeps you safe, but it will also allow crews to access points of restoration more easily and work safely.
Real-time outage numbers from electric cooperatives across the state are available on a Statewide Outage Map.
###
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.
Contact
Name: Chris Nault
Phone: 919-389-9176
Email: Chris.Nault@ncemcs.com