Duke Energy Mobilizes Workers for Hurricane Helene Recovery

News Summary

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Duke Energy has deployed over 21,000 workers to restore power to affected customers in North Carolina and South Carolina. With 904,000 customers still without electricity, Duke Energy has making significant progress despite the challenges presented by damaged infrastructure and flooding. Collaboration with local authorities is crucial for efficient restoration and recovery efforts as the company prioritizes safety during this critical recovery phase.

North Carolina

In response to the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene, Duke Energy has mobilized over 21,000 workers to restore power to its customers across western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina. The aftermath of the hurricane has left approximately 904,000 customers without electricity, with 508,000 in South Carolina and 396,000 in North Carolina as of the latest update.

Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc on the regional electric system, causing extensive damage to transmission towers, substations, utility poles, and power lines. The significant flooding in certain areas has further complicated the restoration process, destroying roads and bridges that are critical for accessing affected locations.

Duke Energy’s restoration efforts are ongoing, with the utility company having successfully restored power to over 1.1 million customers since the storm’s impact. Despite this progress, the challenges remain, especially in western parts of the Carolinas where nearly all outages are concentrated, and where repairs to submerged substations and downed poles are a priority as floodwaters begin to recede.

Challenges and Collaborations

According to Duke Energy’s storm director for the Carolinas, partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies are crucial for the rebuilding of essential infrastructure following the disaster. The North Carolina Department of Transportation is currently working alongside Duke Energy to expedite power restoration efforts.

The utility has strategically pre-positioned lineworkers, tree trimmers, and emergency response teams in anticipation of the storm, initiating restoration activities even before Helene had completely departed from the region. Using various resources such as helicopters and drones, Duke Energy is assessing damage and coordinating their restoration work effectively.

Restoration Process and Safety Guidelines

The power restoration process is being conducted with a focus on protecting public health and safety. Facilities that serve the community and areas with the highest number of outages are prioritized for power restoration. Customers with properties that have sustained flood damage may require the assistance of electricians to pass inspections before service can be restored.

Duke Energy has also reiterated safety guidelines regarding the use of generators during this recovery phase, especially emphasizing the need for customers to shut down their generators when utility crews are nearby to prevent potential hazards.

Long-Term Recovery and Flood Management

The damage caused by Hurricane Helene is estimated to be severe, indicating that many areas will require significant rebuilding rather than just repairs. As the situation develops, accessibility remains a major concern, particularly for locations that are currently unreachable due to mudslides and floods, with these areas expected to take longer to restore power.

In addition to power restoration, authorities are closely monitoring the Catawba-Wateree River Basin lakes, which have reached peak levels due to intense rainfall. Efforts are underway to manage these lakes to control flooding risks in the approaching days as floodwaters are assessed and managed accordingly.

Duke Energy’s ongoing efforts highlight the challenges faced by utility providers in the wake of natural disasters, underscoring the collaborative efforts required to restore essential services and support impacted communities in the recovery process.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Fox Carolina: Power Outages Reported in Western NC
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• Encyclopedia Britannica: Power Outage
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