Dominion Energy Leads Restoration Efforts Post-Hurricane Helene

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which struck South Carolina, Dominion Energy mobilized extensive resources to restore power to the thousands affected by the storm. The hurricane left over 446,000 customers without electricity, marking a significant challenge for the utility company. Following the storm, restoration efforts became the largest in the company’s history, highlighting the need for ongoing preparedness as hurricane season approaches.

Restoration Efforts in Full Swing

Crews worked tirelessly in the Lowcountry, with more than 4,000 crews dispatched from 14 states to assist with the restoration efforts. According to Paul Fischer, spokesperson for Dominion Energy in South Carolina, the storm was the most destructive to impact their power system in the state. “This was an around-the-clock effort, again, by literally an army of line workers and contractors to really get the lights back on for our customers,” Fischer stated.

In total, the company replaced over 1,000 transformers, more than 2,300 poles, and over 7,000 spans of wire during the recovery process. Fischer emphasized that this level of damage necessitated an extensive rebuild across the state, from the western regions to the coastal areas.

Preparedness for Future Storms

With harsh weather conditions becoming increasingly unpredictable, Dominion Energy is urging residents to remain vigilant and prepared. Fischer noted that many newcomers to South Carolina may not be familiar with hurricane protocols. “Making sure they understand what hurricane season is, making sure they’ve got those basics covered, is crucial,” he said. He recommended that families prepare an emergency kit and establish an evacuation plan.

Dominion Energy continues to invest in its infrastructure, focusing on enhancing the resilience of its power grid. “Investments in stronger, higher steel poles and technology that allows us to isolate outages are essential,” Fischer explained. These measures aim to reduce the frequency and duration of outages during severe weather events.

Fischer also highlighted the importance of customers preparing alongside the company. He encouraged residents to download the Dominion Energy app, which provides real-time updates on outages and restoration efforts. “That’s going to be the quickest way to stay connected with us during a storm,” he said.

In addition to these preparations, Dominion Energy is advising residents to secure a trusted electrician before a storm hits. Damage to individual properties can complicate restoration efforts, as repairs often require a certified electrician. “We saw so much of this during Hurricane Helene, and that’s damage that we want our customers to understand will require an electrician to make those repairs,” Fischer added.

As hurricane season approaches, Dominion Energy is committed to ensuring that both the company and the community are adequately prepared for future storms, underscoring the importance of vigilance and readiness among South Carolina residents.