– Cooperative line crews are based in communities they serve, can swiftly respond to power disruptions that may occur –
RALEIGH, NC – 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 severe weather system impacting the state Tuesday and into Wednesday.
Forecasts show the potential for strong winds, heavy rain, and isolated tornadoes, especially in areas where severe weather alerts have been issued. These conditions, combined with an already saturated ground, could lead to downed trees and limbs and power 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, which provides energy and trade association services to the state’s 26 local electric co-ops. “Any time a severe weather system is forecasted to impact our state, our teams move from preparation to action. Our line crews are prepped, in place and ready to respond.”
Should outages occur, electric cooperatives will begin assessing damage and restoring service as quickly and safely 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.
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.
###
North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives is the family of organizations supporting the state’s 26 distribution electric cooperatives that collectively power 45% of the state’s land mass and serve 2.5 million North Carolinians. For more information, please visit ncelectriccooperatives.com.
Contact: Townley Venters
Phone: 919-645-2432
Email: townley.venters@ncemcs.com