– Cooperative line crews are based in communities they serve, can swiftly respond to power disruptions that may occur –
RALEIGH, N.C. – North Carolina’s electric cooperatives, the utilities that collectively power 45% of the state’s land mass and serve 2.5 million North Carolinians, are closely monitoring the approach of Hurricane Idalia and preparing for potential impacts to the state.
While the track of Idalia remains uncertain as it moves inland towards North Carolina as a tropical storm, forecasts show the potential for gusty winds, heavy rain, and isolated tornadoes in central and eastern portions of the state, especially in areas where severe weather alerts have been issued. The combination of these weather conditions can result in flash floods and downed trees and limbs, bringing both safety concerns and potential outages to the state.
“North Carolina’s electric cooperatives train and prepare year-round for the impact of severe weather,” said Nelle Hotchkiss, senior vice president and chief operating officer for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, which provides energy and trade association services to the state’s 26 local electric co-ops. “Any time a tropical system is forecasted to impact our state, our folks move from preparation to action. This storm is no different. Our trucks are fueled. Our materials are stocked. Our equipment is tested. Our line crews are prepped, in place and ready to respond.”
Should outages occur, electric cooperatives will begin assessing damage and restoring service. If additional assistance is needed to restore power, cooperatives rely on a widespread network of peer cooperatives across the state and nation for support.
“Just like we ensure our teams are prepped and ready, we urge our members to do the same,” said Hotchkiss. “Now is the time to make a plan, assemble an emergency kit and follow instructions of local officials.”
Real-time outage numbers from electric cooperatives across the state are available on a Statewide Outage Map. For storm tips for all types of severe weather, including preparation check lists, food safety information, scam awareness and more, visit the cooperative Storm Center.
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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. Six electric cooperatives serve 16 North Carolina beaches, and many more serve hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses in other parts of eastern North Carolina. For more information, please visit ncelectriccooperatives.com.
Contact: Townley Venters
Phone: 919-645-2432
Email: townley.venters@ncemcs.com