Power Restoration Progress in North Carolina and South Carolina

As Hurricane Helene leaves a trail of destruction in its wake, power restoration efforts are underway in the North Carolina mountains and South Carolina upstate. Duke Energy, the primary electricity provider in the region, has provided updated information on the ongoing restoration process.

The storm's catastrophic damage has affected a significant portion of the electric system, including transmission towers, substations, utility poles, power lines, and other major equipment. In some areas, floods have destroyed roads and bridges, further complicating restoration efforts. Despite these challenges, Duke Energy has made significant progress in restoring power to its customers.

As of Thursday, October 4, Duke Energy has restored power to 826,000 customers in South Carolina and 1.1 million customers in North Carolina. However, 219,000 customers in South Carolina and 201,000 customers in North Carolina remain without power. The company aims to restore power to an additional 134,000 customers in South Carolina and 27,000 customers in North Carolina by Friday evening, with the remaining outages in the hardest-hit areas expected to be restored by Sunday.

Duke Energy's storm director for the Carolinas, Jason Hollifield, emphasizes the importance of partnerships and collaboration with local, state, and federal agencies in the restoration process. These partnerships have been crucial in clearing roads of debris and other obstacles, allowing Duke Energy crews to make significant progress in restoring power to customers.

The prioritization of power restoration in critical facilities, such as hospitals and water treatment plants, has also played a vital role in the overall timeline. These facilities are essential for maintaining public health and safety, and their restoration takes precedence over other outages.

The long-term impacts of the power outages on the local economy and businesses in the affected areas are still being assessed. However, it is expected that the disruption in power supply will have a significant effect on various sectors, including retail, hospitality, and manufacturing. Businesses are encouraged to seek assistance from organizations like the American Red Cross or other community organizations responding to disaster recovery in the Carolinas.

In conclusion, power restoration efforts in North Carolina and South Carolina are ongoing, with Duke Energy making significant progress in restoring power to its customers. The company's collaboration with local, state, and federal agencies, as well as the prioritization of critical facilities, has been instrumental in expediting the restoration process. The long-term impacts of the power outages on the local economy and businesses are still being evaluated, and businesses are encouraged to seek assistance from relevant organizations.