Last Updated on October 2, 2022 5:45 pm
Linemen have worked throughout the day in high winds and snow resulting from Hurricane Sandy to restore power for several hundred members of Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation. As of 4 p.m., linemen were continuing restoration efforts for 71 members remaining without power in Watauga, Ashe, Wilkes and Alleghany counties.
A total of 5,837 members have been affected by power outages during the storm, with most occurring Monday night.
Linemen and other employees remain in emergency response mode until all outages are restored. Damage has included broken power poles and downed power lines in more than 100 locations, and linemen are working to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. Blue Ridge crews were assisted today by Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation, a sister cooperative from the coast of North Carolina. Additionally, contract crews from Sumter Utilities, Carter and Asplundh tree companies assisted Blue Ridge crews.
Blue Ridge Electric reminds members to report all outages to the cooperative’s PowerLine at 1-800-448-2383.
The cooperative also reminds the public to be aware of the dangers of downed power lines, which can still be energized and cause injury or death. Downed power lines should be reported by calling any local Blue Ridge Electric office or 1-800-451-5474 to speak with an employee about the location of the downed lines.
To view a live outage map, visit www.BlueRidgeEMC.com and click on the “outage map” link on the bottom right hand side of the screen. Tips and safety information are available in the “Storm Room” at www.BlueRidgeEMC.com or on Blue Ridge Electric's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/blueridgeemc.
