Duke Energy workers are navigating unprecedented destruction and challenging conditions in the Upstate South Carolina and western North Carolina communities devastated by Hurricane Helene.
(View a video of Jason Hollifield, Duke Energy’s storm director in the Carolinas, offering an update on the company’s response to Helene).
As of Sept. 30, the utility restored power to 1.35 million customers in the Carolinas. Crews are now focusing on accessing damaged areas and repairing and rebuilding the grid in S.C. Upstate and N.C. mountains.
“We’re beyond grateful to the state and local government workers who have been on the job 24/7 to clear debris, reopen roadways and help those whose lives have been changed forever by this storm,” said Jason Hollifield, Duke Energy’s storm director in the Carolinas. “Our thousands of lineworkers and other storm workers are gaining better access to the destruction – allowing them to remove trees, broken poles and downed power lines, log each piece of damaged electrical equipment and begin repairing and rebuilding major portions of the power grid that were simply wiped away.”
As of 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 29, Duke Energy Florida restored power for 95% of customers across the state, meaning those who were able to receive power were restored within 72 hours of Hurricane Helene’s Category 4 landfall. Crews will continue with restoration efforts in the areas hardest hit by the storm.
“We understand power is an essential service, and that’s why our crews have been working tirelessly to get the lights back on for our customers as quickly and safely as possible,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. “It may take longer for customers who suffered extensive damage, but in the meantime, we will be on the ground and regularly communicating updates, helping ensure they can plan accordingly and ultimately get back on their feet.”
The barrier islands of Pinellas County, in particular, experienced significant impacts from historic storm surge. While some homes and businesses may be unsafe to energize, areas that can receive power will continue to be restored. Additionally, a mobile command center has been deployed to Madeira Beach to begin the process of replacing equipment, rebuilding parts of the electric grid and repairing sections that remain structurally sound.
The company will continue keeping customers informed about adjusted estimated times for restoration and provide periodic updates on progress. Duke Energy is also establishing a dedicated webpage to provide the latest information on the Pinellas County barrier islands.
The most up-to-date information about restoration efforts can be accessed on Duke Energy’s Outage Map or by enrolling in Outage Alerts.
Also, look for a photo gallery in Friday's T&D World Lineman Life newsletter about the restoration.
