N.C. Electric Cooperatives Ready to Respond to Winter Weather

North Carolina’s electric cooperatives are monitoring weather conditions and are prepared to respond quickly if power outages occur as a result of the approaching winter storm.

Freezing rain and ice accumulation are possible in the mountains, foothills and northern Piedmont regions of the state tonight and tomorrow. Those conditions can lead to power outages, especially when ice accumulates on power infrastructure or tree branches fall onto power lines.

Cooperatives are based in the communities they serve, and if outages occur, line crews are in place and ready to restore power as soon as it is safely possible. In the event of a major power outage, crews from cooperatives in areas unaffected by the storm are prepared to travel to assist with power restoration. Safety is always a top priority, and crews have integrated CDC recommendations such as physical distancing and other COVID safety measures into their response plans.

Prepare now for winter storms

VIDEO: Be winter-storm-ready with these tips.

Cooperative members are encouraged to prepare now for winter weather. Stock an emergency preparedness kit with food, water, medicines and first-aid supplies, blankets and flashlights. Charge cell phones and back-up power banks now, and connect with your local electric cooperative to stay aware of the latest information before, during and after the storm. Watch this video for more winter storm safety tips.

Electric cooperative members are asked to report power outages or any dangerous situations caused by the storm to their local electric cooperative. For outage reporting phone numbers and the counties served by each co-op, refer to http://ncelectriccooperatives.com/storm/outages.htm.

North Carolina’s 26 independent electric cooperatives provide power to more than 2.5 million people in 93 of the state’s 100 counties, primarily in rural areas.

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