Special to IFN
EnergyUnited is currently experiencing widespread power outages due to the severe impact of Tropical Storm Helene.
The storm will continue to move through the region today with wind gusts of up to 40 mph and heavy rainfall. These conditions have resulted in downed trees and power lines across the cooperative’s service area.
About 11:15 a.m., more than 24,600 EnergyUnited members were without power, and outages were continuing to occur.
About 24 percent of the cooperative’s customers in Iredell County and more than 90 percent of customers in nearby Alexander County were without power.
EnergyUnited is actively monitoring the situation as Tropical Storm Helene moves through its service area. Crews are assessing the damage and have begun repair efforts in areas affected by the storm. The cooperative is working to restore power as safely, efficiently and as quickly as possible.
However, high winds may impact the ability to complete repairs.
“Tropical Storm Helene has caused extensive damage to our service area, and we understand the frustration that widespread outages can bring,” said Steve McCachern, vice president of energy delivery for EnergyUnited. “We’re working as safely and efficiently as possible to assess the damage from the storm and to restore power to our members. Safety is our number one concern, and our crews are assessing damage and beginning repairs to restore power.”
EnergyUnited urges members to stay informed by using the cooperative’s outage map and monitoring updates on social media. Members should report outages by using My EnergyHub or by dialing 1-800-EUNITED. The cooperative will continue to assess damage throughout its service area and coordinate with local and state emergency services to ensure power is restored to all members safely, efficiently and quickly.
Safety Reminders
♦ 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.
♦ 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.
♦ 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.