Savannah Faces Power Restoration Challenges After Hurricane Helene
As residents of Savannah begin to assess the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, they are dealing with widespread power outages and visible damage around the city. Georgia Power has been working diligently to evaluate the extent of the destruction, and earlier this week, the company announced it is about three-quarters of the way through its damage assessment. The results so far are eye-opening.
Extent of Damage
Georgia Power spokesperson, Matthew Kent, shared some of the startling numbers. They’ve identified over 625 broken utility poles and nearly 1,600 spans of damaged wire in Savannah and the surrounding areas. Kent emphasized that each of these individual breaks can affect larger regions, which means all of the damage has to be fixed before the company can fully restore power to everyone.
The repair process is no quick fix. Replacing a single utility pole is not as simple as just lifting up a new one. Each one takes about four to five hours to replace, which adds up quickly when you consider the significant number of poles that need work.
Restoration Timeline
In response to the challenges, Georgia Power has set an ambitious goal: they aim to have 95% of Savannah customers back online by 10 p.m. Tuesday. That being said, Kent noted that many residents might see their lights come back on even before then, bringing a glimmer of hope to all those affected.
As of early Monday afternoon, more than 56,000 customers in Chatham County remained without power. This comes after a staggering total of up to 120,000 customers lost service during the storm’s peak on Friday. In addition to repairing utility poles and lines, Georgia Power is also focusing on damage to substations, which are crucial for reducing voltage before electricity is sent into homes.
Statewide Efforts
Georgia Power’s efforts aren’t limited to just Savannah. Across the state, they are facing a daunting task of repairing or replacing over 5,000 poles, fixing 9,000 spans of wire that collectively stretch over 425 miles, and repairing more than 500 transformers. It’s clear that the storm has had a wide-ranging impact.
Tips for Residents
As power restoration efforts are underway, Kent also advised residents to be prepared for the moment electricity is restored. If there is any damage to the meter box at a home, it could hinder power being reconnected. “The meter box needs to be in good condition to accept power,” Kent explained. If the incoming wires have been disconnected due to falling trees or other damage, the homeowner must get an electrician to assess the situation.
Avoiding Scams
In these tough times, residents are also being warned to keep an eye out for scams. Some opportunists may pose as utility employees. Kent assured that Georgia Power will never charge a fee for expedited reconnections or anything similar. Customers are encouraged to trust their instincts and verify who they’re dealing with.
As Savannah gets back on its feet, the community is banding together while officials work relentlessly to restore power. It’s a tough road ahead, but with a little patience and persistence, the city will get through this together. In the meantime, stay safe, stay informed, and lend a hand to a neighbor in need!
