Laurens Electric Powers Through Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts
October 11, 2024
It’s been a long and challenging two weeks since Hurricane Helene tore through the Upstate of South Carolina, leaving behind a trail of devastation and widespread power outages. But through it all, Laurens Electric Cooperative stood at the forefront of recovery efforts, determined to restore power to their members as quickly and safely as possible.
The task of bringing power back to tens of thousands of residents was monumental, but Laurens Electric rose to the challenge. In times of crisis, clear and consistent communication is vital, and the cooperative did not disappoint. They provided regular updates—via regular media updates, text alerts, and social media posts multiple times per day—keeping the community informed about the number of people still without power and the obstacles their crews were facing. For many residents, these updates were a lifeline, offering clarity and assurance during what could have been an even more frustrating wait.
As the number of customers without power dwindles to 35 or fewer, the crews continue to work tirelessly, ensuring that even the last homes are brought back online. Despite the exhaustion that comes from weeks of nonstop work, Laurens Electric has remained committed, not only to restoring power but also to thanking the community for their patience and understanding during this unprecedented crisis.
In a heartfelt social media post, Laurens Electric shared their gratitude, stating:
“We’re in the home stretch of this recovery effort now and wanted to take a moment to thank YOU. We are grateful for our members’ faith in us, for the community that supports us, and we sincerely thank the hundreds of lineworkers and right-of-way personnel from our sister co-ops in South Carolina and from the 17 states that came to our aid.”
The post, which carried the message “TOGETHER, WE CAN WEATHER ANY STORM,” highlighted the strength of the Upstate community in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Residents, despite facing their own struggles, looked out for one another, providing a beacon of hope during the storm’s aftermath. Laurens Electric’s crews have been buoyed by this community spirit, further fueling their efforts to restore power to every home.
In the end, Laurens Electric and the people of South Carolina proved that together, they can stand strong through even the toughest storms.
Photo source: Laurens Electric
