October 11, 2024
4 p.m. EDT

The electric power industry remains focused on the rebuild and recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene, which left nearly 6 million customers* in 10 states without power. Crews continue to work day and night to rebuild energy infrastructure and to restore power to those who are able to receive it in the areas of Georgia and the Carolinas hardest hit by the storm.

As of 4 p.m. EDT, power has been restored to approximately 5.93 million customers—or 98.87 percent of those impacted by Hurricane Helene.

We are grateful for the patience and support of our customers and for all of the workers and industry suppliers involved in the Helene response, one of the largest and most complex industry restoration efforts in U.S. history. 

*It is important to remember that outages measure customer meters impacted, not the number of individuals without power. Due to the nature of the storm, customers may have experienced more than one outage.

The Steps To The Power Restoration Process

Every electric company has a detailed plan for restoring power after storms. Typically, one of the first steps is to make sure that power is no longer flowing through downed lines. Restoration then proceeds based on established priorities. Below are the steps to restore power after a storm. Learn More.

Step 1 step1
Step 2 step2
Step 3 Step 3
Step 4 Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
Step 1 step1
Power Plants
Power Plants Power plants, the primary source of power production, are assessed for damage and restored.
Step 2 step2
Transmission Lines
Transmission Lines High-voltage transmission lines serving thousands of customers over wide areas are repaired.
Step 3 Step 3
Substations
Substations Substations are brought online in order for power to reach local distribution lines.
Step 4 Step 4
Essential Services
Essential Services Power is restored to essential services and facilities critical to public health and safety such as hospitals, nursing homes, fire and police departments, and water systems.
Step 5
Large Service Areas
Large Service Areas Crews are dispatched to repair lines that will return service to the largest number of customers in the least amount of time. Service lines to neighborhoods, industries, and businesses are restored systematically.
Step 6
Individual Homes
Individual Homes Once major repairs are completed, service lines to individual homes and smaller groups of customers are restored. Some customers may not be able to receive power to their homes because of damage. Flooding can damage electrical systems, and inspections by a licensed electrician may be required before a home can receive power. Customers should never touch damaged equipment.

Photo Gallery

closeX

Additional Information

Data includes information submitted by investor-owned electric companies only. Additional information for public power utilities and electric cooperatives can be found by visiting the American Public Power Association and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

Social Media Hub