Power Outages Persist Across South Carolina Following Hurricane Helene

Columbia, South Carolina: Power Outages Persist After Hurricane Helene

As we continue to recover from the impacts of Hurricane Helene, the situation in Columbia and across South Carolina remains challenging, especially for those still without power. At an eye-opening count reported on Sunday at 11 a.m., nearly a million customers were still struggling with outages across the Palmetto State. In total, 904,051 customers were left in the dark, making up about a third of the 2,818,951 customers monitored by poweroutage.us.

Where Are the Outages?

Richland and Lexington counties have been hit particularly hard, with Richland County reporting 30,648 outages and Lexington County experiencing a staggering 43,396 outages. Together, they account for nearly 75,000 of the total outages, highlighting the severity of the situation in these areas. The Midlands, encompassing these counties, has seen more than 107,763 customers without power, causing significant inconvenience to local residents.

Update on Power Restoration Efforts

Despite the grim numbers, there is some hopeful news. Dominion Energy reported that they had already managed to restore power to around 300,000 customers who were previously affected by blackout conditions. However, as of now, it’s clear that 132,572 customers still remain without service from the company’s total of 820,703 customers. The lingering outages are especially pronounced in Richland County, where approximately 24,981 customers still need assistance, and Lexington County, with about 21,696 customers.

Additionally, the Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina are reporting 233,895 outages statewide, with nearly 81,000 outages specifically occurring in the Midlands area. Not to be overshadowed, Duke Energy has documented 541,427 outages across South Carolina, showcasing ongoing challenges with a smaller count of 2,195 outages occurring in or near the Midlands.

Safety Tips for Residents

For those grappling with the situation, it’s crucial to stay safe. Residents are advised to keep a flashlight and extra batteries handy and to ensure their cellphones and mobile devices are charged. Being prepared for potential continued outages might make these trying times just a little easier.

Reporting Outages

Residents are also encouraged to report any power outages they experience. Here are the contact numbers for different utility companies:

• Dominion Energy: 888-333-4465
• Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina: 803-796-6060
• Santee Cooper: 888-769-7688
• Duke Energy: 800-769-3766

In Conclusion

The aftermath of Hurricane Helene serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of community resilience. While the recovery efforts are ongoing and may take some time, it’s essential to stay informed and prepared. We will keep you updated as more information is shared regarding power restoration and general recovery in the coming days.