• Electric cooperatives continue steady progress, reduce total outages to 8,865
• Crews will continue to work as quickly and safely as possible until all power is restored
• Support crews from sister electric cooperatives are assisting with restoration in the most severely affected areas
• Co-ops remind members to always stay clear of downed power lines, as they can be energized and dangerous

RALEIGH, N.C.  – Electric cooperatives continue to make steady progress and have reduced power outages in co-op territory to 8,865. Support crews from sister electric cooperatives are assisting with restoration in the most severely affected areas. Crews will continue to work as quickly and safely as possible until all cooperative members are back online.

                North Carolina’s electric cooperatives offer the following safety tips:

• Never approach or touch a downed power line. They can remain energized and pose a serious hazard.
• Stay off the roads if possible. If you must drive and you see emergency responders or utility crews working near the road, slow down and leave plenty of space.
• If your power is off and you plan to use a portable generator, be sure the generator is located outside your house for proper ventilation. Do not use a generator in an attached garage. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for operating the generator.

Electric cooperative members are asked to call their cooperative directly if they experience a disruption in power. For phone numbers to report outages and the counties served by each co-op, refer to www.ncelectriccooperatives.com/co-ops/coops.htm.

North Carolina’s electric cooperatives serve more than 2.5 million people in 93 of the state’s 100 counties.