Power companies prepare for storm impact

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Duke Energy estimates power outages in the Carolinas from Hurricane Florence could be between one million and three million customers, based on the latest storm track. As a result, the company said it will have more than 20,000 people in place for restoration. However, efforts cannot begin until the storm has passed and it is safe to do so, according to a news release.

Duke Energy warns customers that Hurricane Florence “is no ordinary storm and some customers could be without power for a very long time — not days, but weeks,” the company said in the release.

“We expect significant impacts from this storm for almost all of our customers in the Carolinas, including the Upstate,” Duke Energy spokesman Ryan Mosier told GSA Business Report.

Customers who experience an outage can report it online, text OUT to 57801 or call 1-800-POWERON (800.769.3766).

Greer CPW  reports tht all contractors that work through have been put on notice and asked not to leave the territory until after the storm clears, according to a news release from the company, which has approximately 40 electric department personnel, including contractors, who are able to respond to power outages.

In addition, Greer CPW said its vehicles are fueled and stocked. Greer CPW also reports plans to release possibly 4-5 inches of water from Lake Cunningham over a 24- to 30-hour period. The company is communicating with the Startex-Jackson Duncan Water District, who will receive the extra water downstream. Right now, it is not necessary to release water from Lake Robinson, the release said.

Greer CPW electric customers can report outages at 864-848-5500 or by logging into their CPW account and clicking “report outage.”