N.C. Electric Cooperatives Make Significant Progress Overnight, Cut Outages To 12,600

RALEIGH, N.C., Jan. 23, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- North Carolina's network of electric cooperatives made significant progress restoring power outages overnight. The cooperatives are reporting 12,600 outages, mostly in the Sandhills and central part of the state. 

Daylight will bring a better opportunity to assess damage and continue restoration efforts. Crews from the affected cooperatives are responding to outages as quickly and safely as possible. Additional crews are being brought in to help in the more severely affected areas.

North Carolina's electric cooperatives offer the following safety tips:

• Never approach or touch a downed power line. They can remain energized and pose a serious hazard.
• Stay off the roads if possible. If you must drive and you see emergency responders or utility crews working near the road, slow down and leave plenty of space.
• If you plan to use a portable generator, be sure the generator is located outside your house for proper ventilation. Do not use a generator in an attached garage. Follow the manufacturer's directions for operating the generator.

Electric cooperative members are asked to call their cooperative directly if they experience a disruption in power. For phone numbers to report outages and the counties served by each co-op, refer to www.ncelectriccooperatives.com/co-ops/coops.htm.

North Carolina's electric cooperatives serve more than 2.5 million people in 93 of the state's 100 counties.

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nc-electric-cooperatives-make-significant-progress-overnight-cut-outages-to-12600-300208781.html

SOURCE North Carolina's Electric Cooperatives