Utility Companies Respond to Hurricane Helene’s Impact Across the Southeast
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, utility companies in the southeastern United States continue to mobilize extensive resources to assist customers affected by the storm. The devastation caused by Helene has prompted emergency response efforts, including power restoration, customer assistance programs, and ongoing safety assessments.
Georgia Power has suspended disconnections and waived late fees for both residential and business customers through at least December 15, 2024.
As of October 7, the company has restored power to over 1.5 million customers, representing 99% of those impacted, with crews working around the clock to assist areas like Augusta and Savannah. Georgia Power’s response involved more than 20,000 personnel, including its workforce and crews from various states. Additionally, charitable foundations associated with the Southern Company pledged $3 million for recovery efforts.
Dominion Energy estimates that power will be restored to approximately 95% of customers in its South Carolina service territory by 11 p.m. on Wednesday, October 9. Crews are actively addressing damage caused by downed trees and poles in counties like Aiken and Edgefield. As of Monday morning, around 5,000 customers remained without power.
President of Dominion Energy South Carolina Keller Kissam remarked on the unprecedented scale of the response, "I’ve never had this many linemen in such a confined geographic area. The devastation is unbelievable."
Crews are utilizing specialized equipment to navigate challenging terrain while restoring power to over 440,000 customers since the storm.
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has been monitoring river and reservoir conditions and supporting restoration efforts across western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee. TVA is focused on immediate community needs, safety, and long-term recovery. Recent inspections confirmed the stability of impacted dams, including the Nolichucky Dam, where precautionary warnings have been lifted.
TVA continues to manage water movement through its reservoir system to minimize downstream flooding, collaborating with local power companies, including Duke Energy, for service restoration.
Duke Energy Florida has completed restoration for all customers on Pinellas County’s barrier islands who are capable of receiving power following Hurricane Helene. The company has worked closely with local officials to restore approximately 800,000 storm-related outages statewide.
Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) has been providing mutual assistance to customers across the Southeast who have been affected by Hurricane Helene.
“FPL always stands ready to support our partner utilities in their time of need, just as they have supported us when hurricanes hit Florida,” said FPL President and CEO Armando Pimentel. “Be assured, we will continue to focus on helping our customers in the hardest-hit areas of Florida with their long-term recovery. But, at the same time, our hearts are broken at the devastation and destruction across the Southeast, and we want to do our small part to help get our neighbors to the north back on their feet.”
The energy industry is known for its commitment to helping one another in the wake of natural disasters. Hurricane Helene is another testament to companies coming together to restore power, provide essential resources, and support impacted communities.
Read more about natural disaster relief efforts: Duke Energy Florida Prepares for Hurricane Milton
