Outages Down to 9,958 as of 6:30 pm Sunday
For Immediate Release
Contact: Renee R. Walker, Director of Public Relations, Blue Ridge Energy, (828) 758-2383, Ext. 3213, or rw*****@bl*************.com; or cell: 828-757-6771
Lenoir, North Carolina (Sunday, 6:30 pm – October 6, 2024) – Blue Ridge Energy’s army of 500 line technicians, tree specialists, and grading contractors continue strong efforts to restore power to members in the wake of the worst storm to hit western North Carolina in decades.
As of Sunday, 6:30 pm, outages have fallen to 9,957 from a high of 63,000 outages when the storm first hit over a week ago. Much of Blue Ridge Energy’s infrastructure was washed away by flooding, and mudslides or demolished by hundreds of fallen trees and raging swift water.
Restoration efforts will continue in full force until every member has power, said Renee Walker, director of public relations. The cooperative also wants to take an opportunity to thank the public.
“Tonight, while we continue restoration work with our army of crews, we express our gratitude and say a sincere “thank you” for the community outpouring of support and encouragement,” Walker said. “So many have helped feed, house and take care of our crews in ways too many to list. Your thoughts and prayers for those in the field and all employees working behind the scenes supporting the effort is energizing.”
The cooperative reminds the public there are still many safety concerns and asks the public to be aware of the following:
Downed Power Line Safety
Protect Line Workers:
Generator Safety:
To check outage status
Blue Ridge Energy serves some 80,000 members in Caldwell, Watauga, Ashe, and Alleghany counties as well as parts of Avery, Alexander and Wilkes counties. Learn more at www.BlueRidgeEnergy.com or on the cooperative’s social media on Facebook, X and Instagram.