SOUTH CAROLINA (WSPA) – Laurens Electric provided an update on power restoration efforts Monday as crews continue to deal with the impact of Helene.
Laurens Electric said as of 10 a.m. Monday, power was restored to 27,242 members, representing 43% of their coverage area. They said crews worked through the night to bring power back to 2,000 members.
According to the latest release, 17 of 32 substations are back online while transmission lines in the northern part of the service area have been reenergized.
Duke Energy is working to restore transmission in the southern part of the coverage area but do not expect restoration until October 7.
Laurens Electric crews are working in 24 hour, rotating shifts throughout the service area as removing trees and replacing broken power poles and transformers is essential to power flowing again.
A release said damage done to the electric infrastructure is historic as crews estimate over 200 broken poles.
Members who are dependent on medical equipment at home and are without power should the S.C. Department of Public Health at 1-855-472-3432 to find out if they are eligible for a medical needs shelter.