Asheville, North Carolina – Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc in upstate South Carolina and western North Carolina, leaving a devastating impact on the region. Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative reported significant power outages, with over a million customers left without electricity. A statement released on Sunday evening revealed that despite efforts to restore power, approximately 57 percent of their members still remained without service. The cooperative faced challenges as six substations were affected by issues with Duke Energy’s transmission lines, leading to specific outage numbers in various counties.
Electric cooperatives in South Carolina also faced the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, with more than 200,000 consumers across the state experiencing power outages. With around 218,000 co-op members still without electricity, restoration efforts were underway in the hardest-hit areas, particularly in the Upstate and along the state’s western border. The impact of Helene’s destruction on critical electric infrastructure was likened to that of Hurricane Hugo in 1989, calling for extended efforts to rebuild and restore power.
South Carolina cooperative members in the western regions were advised to prepare for outages lasting at least a week, as crews worked tirelessly to address the extensive damage. The restoration process faced challenges such as snap power poles, out-of-service substations, and the need for coordination with transmission providers like Duke Energy and Santee Cooper. Despite the inconvenience caused by the prolonged power outage, cooperatives emphasized the commitment to restoring services safely and efficiently.
The situation posed a significant challenge to the electric cooperatives, requiring a comprehensive rebuilding of the electric system due to the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Helene. The efforts involved replacing broken poles, addressing transmission outages, and mobilizing crews from various states to assist in restoration work. The magnitude of the damage surpassed previous events like Hurricane Hugo, underscoring the scale of the restoration efforts and the need for patience and caution from the public.
As the restoration continued, Duke Energy and other cooperatives provided updates on the progress in addressing the power outages. Despite the challenges faced, the cooperative members were urged to exercise patience and safety measures, such as avoiding downed power lines and using generators cautiously. The collaborative efforts of crews and the support from various agencies were crucial in navigating the ongoing restoration process and ensuring the safe return of electricity to affected areas.