Columbia, S.C.: Power Restoration Efforts Post-Hurricane Helene
As Columbia, South Carolina continues to navigate the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, residents are receiving updates on when they can expect their power to be restored. Dominion Energy, the utility company responsible for the area, has reported promising news. The company anticipates that by late Sunday night, around 95 percent of customers in five counties hard-hit by the hurricane will have their power restored. This announcement brings hope to families striving to return to normalcy in their daily lives.
Restoration Timeline and Ongoing Efforts
Keller Kissam, president of Dominion Energy South Carolina, understands the urgency many families feel. “We know families are desperate to make plans for the days ahead,” he mentioned, emphasizing the company’s commitment to restoration efforts. However, he acknowledged that the process of reconnecting miles of power lines and poles won’t happen overnight. Teams will be working diligently over the next week, particularly in the state’s heavily wooded and rural areas, where thousands of trees have fallen, damaging the electrical grid.
Since the hurricane struck, Dominion Energy has mobilized more than 4,000 employees, along with additional resources, to tackle the restoration mission head-on. These dedicated crews have logged countless hours to restore power for upwards of 406,000 customers statewide, translating to an impressive 92 percent of those affected. The commitment and hard work of these individuals shine through as they navigate the challenges imposed by fallen trees and significant storm damage.
Understanding Outage Map and Safety Procedures
If you’re a customer in Columbia or any of the impacted areas, and you’re still without power, it’s essential to understand the next steps. If your property has sustained damage—from the electrical components leading down to the meter—you’ll need to involve a licensed electrician. Only once the necessary repairs are made can Dominion Energy safely reconnect your power. This means that while restoration efforts are ongoing, individual homeowners may need to act as well, ensuring their home is ready for power to be restored.
Counties Affected and Specific Restoration Details
The company has provided detailed information regarding estimated times of power restoration based on county impacts. Residents are encouraged to utilize Dominion Energy’s outage map for the latest updates on their specific location. It’s a handy tool to stay informed about power restoration progress and ongoing work in your area, making it easier to manage expectations during this considerable restoration effort.
Looking Ahead
As restoration work continues throughout Columbia and beyond, Keller Kissam reassured the community that the focus remains on bringing back the ability to turn on lights and enjoy the comforts of home. “We will continue the labor-intensive work to restore power neighborhood to neighborhood, street to street, and house to house until every last customer is brought back into the light,” Kissam stated confidently.
In the coming days, the community is encouraged to stay informed and be patient as the teams work tirelessly to bring back power and normalcy. Let’s come together in support of one another as we navigate this challenging period, hopeful for brighter days ahead in Columbia!
