South Carolina Battles Massive Power Outages Affecting Over a Million Residents as Hurricane Helene Strikes

South Carolina Grapples with over a Million Power Outages as Hurricane Helene Hits

By Marsharia Adams

Sat, 28 Sep 2024 08:30:35 GMT: Hurricane Helene has left more than a million residents in South Carolina without power. The electricity outage, one of the most wide-ranging in the state’s history, has triggered urgent discussions among the state’s top energy leaders, as well as Governor Henry McMaster.


State’s Power Infrastructure in Focus

Despite the massive blackout affecting residents, state officials, while meeting at the emergency management headquarters, expressed optimism, citing that the state’s power infrastructure is in a stronger state than in previous storms. They were determined to make concerted efforts to restore power, acknowledging that the process might take until the middle of the next week.

Keller Kissam, President of Dominion Energy, underscored the gravity of the situation, indicating that nearly 300,000 of their customers were experiencing outages. Kissam stated, “Life is not going to be back to normal till about the middle of next week from a power standpoint.” The Hurricane’s unpredictable shift in course towards Augusta from the initial projection of Atlanta had intensified the damage.


Historic Damage to Power Systems

Duke Energy, too, has been severely afflicted. Mike Callahan, President of Duke Energy, elaborated on the “significant and perhaps historic damage” to their systems, particularly in Greenville, Spartanburg, and Anderson. Callahan reported that over 633,000 customers were left with no power as of noon today.

The storm-inflicted damages have not spared traffic lights either, compelling law enforcements to manage busy junctions manually. Major businesses, including a Walmart on Garner’s Ferry Road in Columbia, had to suspend their operations due to power outages.

We have already begun restorations and gotten ahead of 77,000 customers restored as the system allows us to do so“, reassured Callahan. However, he warned that several residents may have to endure the blackout for several more days as the repair and assessment of damage continue.


Restoration and Safety Measures

Dominion Energy and Duke Energy have called upon their residents to exercise maximum caution by steering clear of downed power lines and toppled trees, urging them to touch base with their energy provider for updates and assistance.

As the recovery operations progress steadily, officials are hopeful of achieving complete power restoration by the middle of next week. Nonetheless, they appeal for continued patience and cooperation from the residents during these challenging times.

Stay connected for updates on the restoration process in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.


HERE Greenville

Recent Posts

Hurricane Helene Causes Nearly $200 Million in Damage to South Carolina’s Timber Industry

Hurricane Helene Leaves $194 Million Impact on South Carolina Timber Industry Horry County, S.C. —…

19 hours ago

Charges Against South Carolina Forward Ashlyn Watkins Dismissed Amid Legal Proceedings

Charges Dismissed Against South Carolina Forward Ashlyn Watkins Columbia, S.C. - Suspended South Carolina forward…

19 hours ago

Columbia Woman Surprised by Large Snake in Bathroom

Columbia Woman Encounters Snake in Bathroom Columbia, South Carolina – In a surprising incident early…

19 hours ago

Execution of Inmate Richard Moore Marks South Carolina’s First Execution in 13 Years Amid Racial Controversy

Spartanburg, South Carolina Richard Moore, a 59-year-old inmate, was executed on Friday evening in South…

19 hours ago

Free Healthcare Clinic Set to Open in Greenville on February 1st and 2nd

Free Healthcare Clinic Coming to Greenville in February Greenville, mark your calendars! From **February 1st…

20 hours ago

Discovering the Sweet History of Double Cola in Greenville

Discovering the Sweet History of Double Cola in Greenville! Welcome to the charming city of…

20 hours ago