ENERGYUNITED WORKING CONTINUOUSLY TO RESTORE POWER TO REMAINING 3,000 MEMBERS IN HARDEST HIT AREAS

STATESVILLE, N.C. –EnergyUnited continues to make significant progress in its power restoration efforts in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene. Thanks to the dedicated support of 286 field workers, including linemen and tree trimming specialists, crews have restored power to more than 30,000 members across the cooperative’s service area. Crews will continue working to restore service safely and efficiently to more than 3,000 members who are without power in our hardest hit areas.

Since the storm, EnergyUnited has led with its own full force of linemen and contract crews, and received mutual assistance from across the nation, as far as New Hampshire, to support our restoration efforts. These crews have encountered impassable roads, fallen trees, downed power lines and 126 broken poles.

As restoration efforts continue in the hardest hit areas, crews are increasingly encountering areas with unprecedented damage. Linemen are encountering inaccessible areas, where repairs would normally be completed using bucket trucks and other specialized equipment. These accessibility challenges will require line crews to use manual processes to complete necessary repairs.  

“Our restoration efforts are steadily advancing despite the hazardous conditions, accessibility challenges and extensive equipment damage,” said Steve McCachern, vice president of energy delivery at EnergyUnited. “Safety is our top priority as we continue our multi-day restoration efforts.” 

Key Restoration Support:
 

Linemen: Working continuously to repair damaged transmission and distribution lines, despite challenging conditions

Tree Trimming Specialists: Clearing fallen trees and debris to ensure safe access for repair crews. 

Support Staff: Coordinating logistics, safety protocols, and communications to ensure the restoration process runs smoothly.
 

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 is 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 continues to make significant progress in its power restoration efforts in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene. Crews will continue working to restore service safely and efficiently to more than 3,000 members who are without power in our hardest hit areas.