REMC Sends Mutual Aid Crews to Repair Damage from Helene

ASHEBORO, NC – On Friday evening, Sept. 26, Randolph Electric dispatched seven crews to aid members of Surry-Yadkin Electric Membership Corporation, based in Dobson, NC. These crews include REMC lineworkers in addition to contractors from Pike Electric and Branching Out.

This weekend and through today, Mon., Sept. 30, REMC crews have worked to restore power for over 12,000 member-owners of the Surry-Yadkin electric cooperative in western North Carolina.

To see a live outage map of North Carolina cooperative members without power, please access our statewide organization's live outage map here.

Although Hurricane Helene's eye did not make landfall in Florida until around 11 am on Friday, Sept. 26, the torrential rains from the storm began impacting western North Carolina early Friday morning. The eyewall rains and hurricane winds caused tornadoes, flooding and landslides that destroyed towns, homes, roads, highways, and cell tower infrastructure as well as electric grid infrastructure.

Randolph EMC, located in the central part of the state, received far less damage to our grid. A total of 3,862 member-owners in 4,691 locations throughout our five-county service territory experienced an outage on Friday, Sept. 26.

REMC crews worked through the day to restore outages, with final restoration of all members on Friday evening at 10:13 p.m.

REMC appreciates the patience of our member-owners as our crews worked to restore their power.

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Thurs., Sept. 25, 2024

REMC Stands Ready to Repair Potential Damage from Helene

ASHEBORO, NC – Randolph EMC is closely monitoring weather conditions and is prepared to respond quickly if power outages occur from the approaching hurricane.

Randolph Electric serves approximately 33,000 homes, businesses, farms and schools in Randolph, Moore, Montgomery, Chatham, and Alamance Counties. The national weather service predicts heavy rains and wind gusts for all the REMC service area.

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Tips for Preparing

Remember the 3 Bs

Basics: Make sure you have enough bottled water to last up to three days in case you experience an outage. Stock your car and house with weather appropriate gear, clothes and blankets. Store food that your family can consume in case you do not have the ability to cook. Make accommodations for pets and livestock.

Batteries: Keep your phones charged and make sure your flashlights have fresh batteries. Place batteries in an accessible location that is easy to find in the dark, should you lose power.

Back-up plan: Communicate with loved ones and those with vulnerable health now. Tell them what time to expect you to check in on them in-person or on the phone during the storm. Make plans now about how and where this loved one will go in case he or she loses power.

Assemble an Emergency Kit

Your kit should include the following:

Battery-powered radio and flashlights with fresh batteries
Extra blankets
Water for drinking and washing
Non-perishable food and a can opener.
First aid kit and prescription medicines.

Don't forget to have emergency supplies in your car, also. You can learn more about storm kits in this video or buy visiting the North Carolina Cooperative Storm Center.

Report Outages

Members who experience a power outage should report it by calling 1-877-736-2633 (1-877-REMC-OFF). Members who have enrolled in REMC’s SPOTT (Status of Power Outages Through Texts) Alerts Outage Texting program may also text OUT to this number to report an outage at their location. These members should note that outage status updates will be unavailable during major storm outage restoration efforts.

You can learn more about SPOTT alerts here.

Stay Away from Downed Power Lines

In the event of downed or low-hanging power lines, members should exercise extreme caution. Damaged lines can still carry electric current and cause serious injury or death. Members should stay well away from downed lines and contact REMC immediately. Additionally, drivers should slow down and give utility crews and emergency responders on the side of the road plenty of room to maneuver in their work area.

Follow REMC's Response

Throughout the duration of the storm, Randolph EMC offers several options for keeping members informed:

Follow us on Facebook and X.
View our online outage map
Find the latest press releases, alerts and preparedness tips right here on our website.
Tune in to local TV and radio stations for the latest updates.

About Randolph Electric Membership Corporation

Randolph Electric Membership Corp. is a community-focused electric cooperative created to efficiently deliver affordable, reliable and sustainable energy to more than 33,000 homes, businesses, farms, and schools. Randolph EMC is led by and belongs to member-consumers in areas of Randolph, Moore, Montgomery, Chatham and Alamance counties. For the latest information about Randolph EMC’s programs and service, visit RandolphEMC.com or follow Randolph EMC on Facebook and X.