Outages Across N.C. Electric Cooperative Network Surpass 260,000

RALEIGH, N.C., Sept. 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Extensive power outages totaling more than 260,000 span electric cooperative service areas in coastal, eastern and central North Carolina. Scattered outages are also stretching west along the South Carolina border. Real-time outage numbers and locations for co-ops throughout the state are available online.

Counties with the highest number of electric cooperative outages are:

• Brunswick ? 58,712
• Onslow ? 41,660
• Carteret ? 33,156

Severe flooding and high winds are preventing crews from moving forward with damage assessment and restoration efforts in the coastal and eastern parts of the state, and prolonged outages are expected in hard-hit areas. A continued increase in outages is also anticipated as Florence moves to the west, with more outages expected in the coming days as the storm passes through North Carolina's mountain region.

Local cooperative crews are stationed in the communities they serve and are restoring power in limited areas where it is safe to do so. They are joined by support crews from electric cooperatives across the nation, as well as contract crews, who are helping to address outages as quickly as possible.

Cooperative members are encouraged to stay vigilant and heed local advisories as the storm moves slowly across the state. Everyone is also reminded to never go near downed or sagging power lines and to report them immediately to their utility provider. Cooperative members should report outages to their local co-op.

North Carolina's 26 electric cooperatives collectively serve approximately 2.5 million people in 93 of the state's 100 counties. For more information, visit ncelectriccooperatives.com.

SOURCE North Carolina's Electric Cooperatives