Coastal Electric Cooperatives Begin To Feel Impact From Florence

RALEIGH, N.C., Sept. 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Electric cooperatives located in and serving communities along North Carolina's coast are now feeling the impact of Hurricane Florence as the storm approaches. As of 11 a.m., there are a total of 4,000 outages, mainly in Carteret and Craven counties.

Out of the 26 locally owned and operated electric cooperatives, six serve coastal communities, including 16 North Carolina beaches. Consumer-members of these cooperatives are encouraged to follow the guidance of local officials and keep their cooperative's outage number handy.

The network of electric cooperatives extends from the coast to the mountains, and although Hurricane Florence's effects are currently being felt at the coast, all co-op consumer-members and North Carolina citizens are encouraged to stay on high alert and prepare for the possibility of prolonged power outages. The combination of high winds and heavy rain can cause trees to lose branches or topple, posing a threat to nearby power lines. Inland flooding is also a concern.

Local cooperative line crews are positioned and ready to restore outages as soon as conditions are safe. They will be assisted by hundreds of crews from peer cooperatives across the southeast, as well as contract crews. 

Safety tips:

• NEVER touch a downed power line. It may still be energized.
• People in areas currently unaffected by Hurricane Florence are encouraged to charge their cell phones.

North Carolina's 26 electric cooperatives collectively serve approximately 2.5 million people in 93 of the state's 100 counties. For more information, visit ncelectriccooperatives.com.

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SOURCE North Carolina's Electric Cooperatives