Power restored to 95%+ of Georgia Power customers impacted by Hurricane Helene
Rhea-AI Summary
Georgia Power has restored power to over 1.3 million customers, representing more than 95% of those impacted by Hurricane Helene, the most destructive hurricane in the company's history. Intensive restoration efforts continue in the hardest-hit areas, particularly Augusta, where 80% of affected customers have been reconnected. Approximately 50,000 customers remain without power.
The hurricane caused widespread destruction across Georgia, with more than 20,000 personnel involved in the rapid response. Damage estimates include 8,300+ power poles, 21,000+ spans of wire, and 2,000+ transformers that need repair or replacement. Georgia Power has mobilized additional resources from other states and Canada to aid in the response.
The company estimates that up to 8,000 customer homes may not be safely reconnected due to electric service entrance damage. Georgia Power continues to update estimated restoration times on its Outage Map and emphasizes safety precautions for customers in affected areas.
Positive
- Restored power to over 1.3 million customers (95%+ of those impacted)
- Mobilized 20,000+ personnel for rapid response
- Engaged additional resources from other states and Canada
- 80% of impacted customers in Augusta reconnected
Negative
- Approximately 50,000 customers still without power
- Up to 8,000 customer homes may not be safely reconnected due to damage
- Extensive infrastructure damage requiring repairs or replacement
- Restoration efforts taking multiple days in many areas
News Market Reaction – SO
In the trading session that priced this news, SO declined 1.57%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
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Crews managing final intensive restorative efforts in hardest hit areas and will remain in the field until all customers who can accept power are reconnected
"Our work isn't done until every customer who can receive power has it – we want our customers to know that commitment is shared by everyone on our team," said Kim Greene, chairman, president and CEO of Georgia Power. "We have matched the devastation of Hurricane Helene with an army of thousands of lineworkers, who continue to work through fallen trees and miles of broken power poles and downed lines to bring light back to
Hurricane Helene caused widespread destruction across the state of
Georgia Power is a part of the Southern Company system, which continues to coordinate and contribute to restoration and relief efforts following Hurricane Helene. On Friday, multiple charitable foundations across the system pledged
"As Georgia continues to rebuild in the weeks and months ahead, we know that our customers will continue to need support. We are actively working with community leaders across the state, and identifying opportunities for us to provide assistance and demonstrate our commitment to being a citizen wherever we serve," added Greene.
Updated damage estimates illustrating the extensive destruction of Hurricane Helene include:
- 8,300+ power poles that must be repaired or replaced
- 21,000+ spans of wire damaged equivalent to approximately 1,000 miles
- 2,000+ transformers damaged
- 3,200+ trees on power lines that must be removed or addressed to restore power
Restoration Status & Reconnection
Georgia Power appreciates the importance of accurate information for customers as they make plans for their families following this historic hurricane. As the company anticipated and announced before the arrival of the storm, restoration efforts are taking multiple days in many areas due to the extensive damage from Helene. Georgia Power continues to post updated estimated restoration times (ERTs) for communities on its Outage Map.
The company will continue to post updated information throughout the remainder of the restoration process and will make every effort to return power to customers sooner than expected. However, as new damage in previously inaccessible areas becomes apparent, restoration efforts may take longer than originally estimated. Customers are encouraged to check the Outage Map often for the latest information and not rely on possibly inaccurate details they may see from non-company sources.
The company currently estimates that up to 8,000 customer homes may not be able to be safely reconnected due electric service entrance damage. The company cannot repair or restore power to homes with damaged service entrances and encourages customers to call 1-877-749-3931 to request a service entrance repair or contact a certified electrician in their area. Read more here.
Preparation, Industry Support Key to Response
Georgia Power monitored the path of Hurricane Helene for more than a week prior to Hurricane Helene entering
The company continues to utilize additional resources from outside of its system including support from Alabama Power, Mississippi Power and dozens of other companies. The response force currently engaged is larger than the company's response to other major hurricanes including Michael, Irma and Zeta.
Georgia Power is also a member of a nationwide mutual assistance network, which consists of hundreds of utilities from around the country. Georgia Power has proactively mobilized crews from dozens of companies from states including
As always, the company encourages customers to keep safety first following Hurricane Helene:
- Watch for Georgia Power crews working across the state. If driving, move over one lane for utility vehicles stopped on the side of the road – it's the law in
Georgia . - Watch for downed wires. Downed power lines may be hidden by debris or fallen trees.
- Never touch any downed wire or attempt to remove tree branches from power lines – it can kill.
- Don't step in standing water or saturated ground where downed lines may be present. They could be electrified.
- Avoid chain link fences. They may be electrified by a downed line out of sight and conduct electricity over great distances.
- Never attempt repairs to electric service connections. Customers should also note that if their home, including the meter box or mast/connection point, is severely damaged repairs may need to be made by an electrician before Georgia Power can reconnect power.
Tools You Can Use to Stay Connected & Informed
- Outage Alerts – Customers subscribed to our free Georgia Power Outage Alert service will receive personalized notifications and updates via text message. Check that your contact number is up to date to receive the latest information.
- Outage & Storm Center – Available at www.GeorgiaPower.com/Storm, customers can visit this site to check their contact information is updated to receive Outage Alerts, report and check the status of outages, and access useful safety tips and information. Customers can also report and check the status of an outage 24 hours a day by contacting Georgia Power at 888-891-0938.
- Outage Map – Housed within the Outage & Storm Center, Georgia Power's interactive Outage Map provides near real-time information, allowing users to see where outages are occurring across the state and track estimated restoration times.
- Georgia Power Mobile App – Download the Georgia Power mobile app for Apple and Android devices to access storm and outage information on the go.
- @GeorgiaPower on X (Twitter) – Follow @GeorgiaPower on X for storm tips, outage updates, customer service and more.
About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America's premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.7 million customers in all but four of
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SOURCE Georgia Power