Update from Laurens Electric: Power Restoration Progress and Duke Energy’s Estimate for Extended Repairs

As of Monday at 10 a.m., Laurens Electric Cooperative has restored power to 27,242 members, representing 43% of its member base. Crews worked tirelessly overnight, restoring power to an additional 2,000 members. However, the damage sustained to the electric infrastructure is being described as historic and catastrophic, even surpassing the devastation caused by Hurricane Hugo in 1989.

Currently, 17 out of 32 substations are back online, and some transmission lines have been reenergized in the northern part of the co-op’s service area. Crews are now working outward from the substations, rebuilding circuits and making necessary repairs. However, restoration in the southern areas is proving to be more challenging, as Duke Energy continues to work on transmission lines in that region. Full restoration in those areas may not occur until as late as October 7, delaying the flow of power to local distribution lines that serve homes and businesses.

Laurens Electric’s crews are working around the clock in rotating shifts, focusing on all parts of their service area. Their efforts include removing and replacing broken poles and transformers, as well as clearing trees that have fallen on power lines. A total of 150 crews, representing over 300 line technicians and right-of-way workers, are currently deployed. An additional 50 personnel are en route from other parts of South Carolina and Florida to assist in the recovery efforts, with many of them focused on cutting away the overwhelming number of trees obstructing progress.

Staging areas have been established in large parking lots throughout the region to reduce congestion at the co-op’s operations centers. These staging sites allow mutual aid crews to receive essential planning and safety briefings closer to their work zones, speeding up the restoration process.

The damage to Laurens Electric’s infrastructure is significant, with an estimated 200 broken poles alone. Repairs and, in some cases, full system rebuilds are necessary to restore power to many areas.

Laurens Electric’s employees, many of whom live in the communities they serve, are witnessing firsthand the challenges their neighbors are facing as a result of this disaster. The cooperative remains committed to helping members recover as quickly as possible.

Members who rely on medical equipment at home are encouraged to contact the South Carolina Department of Public Health at 1-855-472-3432 to determine if they are eligible for a medical needs shelter.

While Duke Energy estimates that parts of Abbeville, Anderson, Laurens, Newberry, Union, and southern Spartanburg may not see power restored until October 7, Laurens Electric will continue its tireless efforts to rebuild and repair infrastructure. Once power is restored to transmission lines, the co-op is prepared to deliver electricity to its members as swiftly as possible.

Laurens Electric expresses its gratitude to members for their patience and understanding as crews work through this emergency.