COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Aftermath of Hurricane Helene
As the sun finally peeked out from behind the clouds, residents of South Carolina are left grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. It’s a sunny day, but the challenges facing many are anything but bright. **More than 1 million customers** are still without power, and utility officials have warned that some might be in the dark for an extended period of time. At the height of the storm, **nearly 1.4 million homes and businesses** lost electricity, which is enough to affect over **40 percent of the state**.
Assessing the Damage
Utility crews are hard at work, racing against time to assess the damage caused by the storm. In many areas, workers are having to cut their way through debris just to get a clear picture of what needs to be repaired. **Keller Kissam**, the President of Dominion Energy South Carolina, expressed the frustrations that many are feeling. “**Tomorrow it’s going to be 86 degrees and clear**. You’re going to say, ‘Why can’t I watch the football game? Why can’t my life be back to normal?’” He tempered expectations by noting that normalcy likely won’t return until **middle of next week**.
But hope is not lost. Kissam reassured residents that **crews are working 24 hours a day**, with additional workers coming in from Alabama and Mississippi to tackle the problem. “I assure you, we will not stop working until the last South Carolinian has their power restored,” he said. That’s a promise that aims to bring comfort to those left reeling from the storm.
Critical Infrastructure Affected
Rob Hostelter, CEO of Central Electric Power Cooperative, shared that the electric co-ops—especially those serving **rural areas**—were hit particularly hard. With nearly half of all customers statewide affected, Hostelter likened the recovery efforts to restoring a highway. “**We’ve got to get the interstate—the transmission system—running and then the delivery points back up,**” he explained. It’s a shocking reality for employees who’ve seen their fair share of storms. Some with over **40 years of experience** in the company have remarked that this is the most damaging storm they’ve encountered.
Governor’s Message
Governor Henry McMaster added his voice to the charge for patience, noting that **the storm shifted east** from its forecasted path and ended up delivering more damage than expected. “We urge everybody to be patient and keep your neighbors in your prayers,” he said, reminding the community of the importance of resilience and support during difficult times.
How to Report Outages
For those who are still struggling with power outages, **Dominion Energy** recommends using their free app for the quickest way to report issues or track outages. Residents can also use the official website or contact customer service lines, ensuring that their voices are heard as utility companies work through the heavy lifting ahead.
To make it easier for everyone in South Carolina, here’s a quick rundown of some helpful contact numbers for multiple electric cooperatives:
- Dominion Energy: 800-251-7234
- Duke Energy: 800-543-5599
- Orangeburg DPU: 803-268-4100
- Aiken Electric Cooperative: 1-877-264-5368
- Berkeley Electric Cooperative: 1-888-253-4232
- Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative: 1-888-258-3743
- Santee Electric Cooperative: 1-888-239-2300
- York Electric Cooperative: 1-866-374-1234
Community Resilience
The next few days may be tough, but South Carolinians are known for their spirit and resilience. As utility workers strive to restore power, community members are reminded of the importance of looking out for one another. Whether sharing a generator or checking on neighbors, every small act helps. Together, we will weather the storm and emerge even stronger.
