Last Updated on October 9, 2026 2:50 pm
LENOIR, N.C. – Blue Ridge Energy staff are prepared and ready to respond should outages occur from heavy rainfall and high winds expected to impact the area Saturday through Sunday.
Blue Ridge Energy crews have completed preparations, and the cooperative will continue monitoring the conditions throughout the weekend. Members are encouraged to stay tuned to the cooperative’s website and social media channels for updates if conditions warrant.
Members are reminded to stay far away from downed power lines. Do not touch a downed line or any object that is in contact with it. This can be dangerous or even deadly as the lines may still be energized! Always report downed power lines to the cooperative by calling 1-800-451-5474. Also call 911 to report a downed line. A trained line technician is the only person who should handle downed power lines.
The cooperative also asks members to be prepared in case outages occur with the following tips:
Before a storm, have the following items on hand to stay safe and comfortable in the event of an outage:
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- Extra water for drinking, cooking and pets
- Extra blankets and layers of warm clothing
- Food items that can be eaten without an oven or microwave such as: canned tuna or chicken, canned or dried fruit, energy bars, crackers and peanut butter. Include a manual can opener.
- Charcoal or propane grill; use only in a well-ventilated area
- Keep cell phones charged and have fully charged battery backups
- NOAA Weather Radio. Or sign up for alerts from emergency and weather services on a smart phone or tablet.
- First aid kit, including prescription medications
- Keep a cooler and extra ice handy
Outage reporting options
- Call PowerLine: 1-800-448-2383
- Text OUT to 70216 (mobile number must be on the account)
- Use the Blue Ridge Energy mobile app
Outage status
View outages on the live outage map at BlueRidgeEnergy.com or the Blue Ridge Energy mobile app.
In the event of major outages, Blue Ridge Energy shares restoration updates on its social media at facebook.com/blueridgeenergy, instagram.com/blueridgeenergy, and twitter.com/blueridgeemc. Note: Outages cannot be reported over social media; they must be submitted through the official reporting channels listed above to be entered in the cooperative’s outage management system.
Blue Ridge Electric serves approximately 80,000 members in Caldwell, Watauga, Ashe, Alleghany, and parts of Wilkes, Avery, and Alexander counties. Its propane and fuels subsidiary serves customers throughout the cooperative’s service area and in Burke, Catawba, and Grayson County, Virginia. Learn more at www.BlueRidgeEnergy.com.
