N.C. Electric Cooperatives Begin Making Power Restoration Progress

RALEIGH, N.C., Sept. 15, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Power outages in areas served by electric cooperatives are beginning to dip as crews have been able to begin restoring power in some areas of the state. About 295,000 cooperative consumer-members statewide are now without power, down from a peak of about 326,000 this morning, an all-time outage peak for the state's cooperative network.

Real-time outage numbers and locations for co-ops throughout North Carolina are available online. Cooperative consumer-members should report any new outages to their local co-op.

Current outages are concentrated in the southeast quadrant of the state. Counties reporting the highest number of electric cooperative outages are:

• Brunswick (64,300)
• Onslow (46,900)
• Carteret (33,150)

Despite this progress, some cooperative consumer-members in areas with extensive damage could still face weeks-long outages. Additional outages are also expected as the storm impacts western North Carolina in the coming days.

Local cooperative crews are receiving support from contractors and co-op crews from throughout the nation. North Carolina co-ops with less damage are also beginning to deploy to other, harder-hit areas.  

Cooperative members should continue putting safety first. Never go near downed or sagging power lines and be aware that fallen lines could be hidden by debris or high water. Always assume power lines are energized and report damage to your utility provider immediately.  

Most hurricane-related fatalities result from drowning, and everyone should stay off flooded roadways and never drive around barricades. And with the growing popularity of drones, please also be aware that operating a drone without authorization in or near a disaster area may unintentionally disrupt rescue operations and could result in significant fines, as well as violation of federal, state or local laws and ordinances.

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