Columbia, S.C. Struggles with Power Outages Following Hurricane Helene

Columbia, S.C. Faces Power Outages After Hurricane Helene

Hey there, folks! Here in Columbia, South Carolina, we’re all feeling the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. As the storm clouds have passed and the sun peeked out again, the reality of the situation sets in. Over 1 million customers are still without power, and it doesn’t look like things will be returning to normal quickly.

It’s A Real Struggle

Utility officials are warning residents that many may be in the dark for a while. At one point during the storm, nearly 1.4 million homes and businesses lost electricity – that’s over 40 percent of our beautiful state! Keller Kissam, the President of Dominion Energy South Carolina, didn’t sugarcoat the situation during a recent briefing. He mentioned that tomorrow would be a sunny and warm 86 degrees, and understandably, folks are going to feel frustrated, especially when they can’t catch their favorite football games due to power issues. “Life’s not going to be back to normal until probably the middle of next week,” he stated solemnly.

Hard at Work

Even though it might feel discouraging, the good news is that the power crews are putting in serious hours to restore service. They’re working round the clock and even bringing in extra help from Alabama and Mississippi to speed up the process. Keller assured everyone, “I assure you we will not stop working until the last South Carolinian has their power restored.”

In rural areas, it’s been especially tough. Rob Hostelter, CEO of Central Electric Power Cooperative, reported that almost half of all customers statewide lost power. Comparatively likening the repairs to highways, he explained that they need to first restore the transmission system (think of it as the interstate) before power can reach local neighborhoods (or the exit ramps). It’s a big job, and he revealed that some employees who have been with the company for decades have said this storm’s impact is worse than anything they’ve seen before, including Hurricane Hugo back in 1989.

Patience is Key

Governor Henry McMaster echoed the call for patience. He explained that the storm shifted eastward unexpectedly, causing much more damage than anticipated. “We urge everybody to be patient and keep your neighbors in your prayers,” he stated. It’s a tough time, but at the end of the day, we are all in this together.

How to Report Outages

For those still facing disruptions, reporting outages can help utility companies prioritize the issues. If you haven’t already, download the free Dominion Energy app, available on both Apple and Google Play stores. You can also visit their website at DominionEnergy.com or give them a call at 800-251-7234. Here are some additional contacts for other energy companies:

• Duke Energy: 800.543.5599
• Orangeburg DPU: 803-268-4100
• Aiken Electric Cooperative: 1-877-264-5368
• Berkeley Electric Cooperative: 1-888-253-4232
• Black River Electric Cooperative (Sumter): 1-803-469-8060
• Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative: 1-888-258-3743
• Coastal Electric Cooperative: 1-843-538-5800
• Horry Electric Cooperative: 1-843-369-2212

Keep in mind that if you see downed power lines or other dangerous situations, it’s essential to stay away and call for help! Safety is paramount during times like this.

Looking Ahead

As Columbia comes together to recover from Hurricane Helene, it exemplifies the spirit of community and resilience. Although we’ve faced some tough times, brighter days are ahead. Remember, we’re all neighbors here, and supporting each other can make all the difference! Let’s hang in there together.