ENERGYUNITED ANNOUNCES IMPROVED RESTORATION TIMES

STATESVILLE, N.C. – EnergyUnited announced improved estimated times of restoration for members affected by Tropical Storm Helene, except in the hardest hit areas, as outlined in the table below. The cooperative continues to make steady progress in restoring power to members, with more than 30,000 members being restored since Friday morning. Approximately 4,700 members remain without power as of Sunday morning.  

EnergyUnited’s restoration efforts, led by its own full force of linemen, tree trimming crews and contractors, have been further enhanced with the support of additional crews from multiple states. 

“Our primary goal is to restore power to as many members as possible, as quickly and safely as we can,” said Steve McCachern, vice president of energy delivery. “We follow a proven process that prioritizes critical infrastructure, which ensures we restore power efficiently while addressing the greatest number of members at a time.”

EnergyUnited follows a systematic approach to restoring power, which prioritizes repairs that impact the largest number of members:

Steps to Restoring Power 

1. Repair transmission lines: These high-voltage lines carry power from power plants to substations and impact large numbers of members. 
2. Assess and repair substations: Substations distribute electricity to thousands of members in local areas.
3. Repair major distribution lines: These lines serve large sections of the community.
4. Address individual outages and local service lines: Crews then address outages impacting smaller groups or individual homes. 

Members can stay up-to-date on restoration efforts by checking EnergyUnited’s outage map, which provides estimates of when power will be restored in their area.

Important Safety Reminders:
 
Stay away from downed power lines: Always assume any downed line is energized and dangerous. Report these sightings immediately to EnergyUnited or local emergency services.  

Stay clear of utility crews and work zones: As our crews work to restore power, it’s important for everyone to keep a safe distance from work areas. This ensures the safety of our workers and members. Please avoid approaching crews or entering zones marked for repairs.  

Avoid flooded areas: Do not walk through standing water near electrical equipment, as it could present an electrocution hazard. Stay clear of any flooded areas around EnergyUnited’s equipment.

Use generators safely: Ensure generators are placed outdoors and far from windows, doors, and vents to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Never connect a generator directly to your home’s wiring, as this can cause backfeeding, which poses serious risks to linemen and field personnel. 
 

About EnergyUnited   EnergyUnited Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) is the largest electric cooperative in North Carolina with 141,540 member connections. Headquartered in Statesville, EnergyUnited provides electric service in portions of 19 counties in west central North Carolina which include Alexander, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Catawba, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Gaston, Guilford, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Stokes, Wilkes and Yadkin. Visit energyunited.com to learn more about the cooperative’s energy services and community programs. 

EnergyUnited announced improved estimated times of restoration for members affected by Tropical Storm Helene, except in the hardest hit areas. The cooperative continues to make steady progress in restoring power to members, with more than 30,000 members being restored since Friday morning.