– 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 serve 45% of the state’s land mass and power 2.5 million North Carolinians, are closely monitoring the approach of Tropical Storm Debby and preparing for potential impacts to the state.

Forecasts show the potential for Debby to bring heavy rain and flooding to the state over the coming days. In these conditions, because the ground is already saturated in many parts of the state, even moderate wind gusts can cause trees to topple, resulting in downed power lines and outages.

“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, the trade association for the state’s 26 local electric co-ops. “Any time a tropical system is forecast to impact our state, electric cooperative personnel 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 cooperative crews will begin assessing damage and restoring service as safely and quickly as possible. 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.”

Below are some preparedness and safety steps to take now before the storm:

• Make a Plan. In case of a power outage or evacuation, have a plan for your family in place. Remember to consider a plan for pets and livestock.
• Prepare for Outages. Take steps now to charge cell phones and other electronic devices, gather medications and important documents, and prepare an emergency kit that includes a flashlight, radio and batteries.
• Stay Informed. Enable emergency alerts on your cell phone to help you make decisions for you or your family. Should an outage occur, your local electric cooperative’s social media pages and website can provide helpful restoration updates.
• Know Your Zone. If you live near the coast, you can look up your address by visiting knowyourzone.nc.gov to help you know if and when to evacuate.

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
Name: Chris Nault
Phone: 919-389-9176
Email: chris.nault@ncemcs.com