Last Updated on February 14, 2025 6:19 pm
Lenoir, North Carolina (4 pm Friday, February 14, 2025) – With power outages down to 3,065 at 4 pm Friday, Blue Ridge Energy line technicians and assisting crews continue dedicated power restoration efforts, today, tonight and into the weekend.
Ashe district stands at 1,577 members affected; Alleghany district: 1,021, Wilkes at 277, and Watauga district at 189 members without power at 4 pm Friday.
Damage from this week’s freezing rain and ice storm led to widespread, extensive damage to the cooperative’s electric system, primarily in Ashe, Alleghany, Watauga and Wilkes counties. Over 800 locations were damaged with falling trees tearing down miles of power lines and breaking over 50 power poles. As crews work their way into some of the most remote locations, more severe damage is being discovered that must be repaired or replaced before full restoration is achieved.
“We have a team of 130 line technicians as well as tree contractors and other outside personnel working to restore power as quickly and safely as possible,” said Renee Walker, director of public relations. “Our crews are working around the clock and won’t stop until every member has power.”
Answering the call to help Blue Ridge crews in restoring power to members as quickly as possible are crews from: Rutherford EMC, Energy United, Union Power Cooperative, Piedmont Electric, Four County EMC, Surry-Yadkin EMC, Randolph EMC, Pee Dee Electric, Pike Corp., Lucas Tree, Kendall Tree and Xylem.
The cooperative cautions the public that downed power lines can still be energized, dangerous or even deadly! Please stay far away from downed lines, which can be hidden underneath fallen trees and other affected structures. Only a trained line technician should go near a power line. You can report downed lines by calling 1-800-451-5474.
Members should report outages by calling PowerLine at 1-800-448-2383, by using the Blue Ridge Energy mobile app, or, by texting OUT to 70216. Outage reports cannot be accepted over social media.
Outage status is available 24/7 on the cooperative’s live outage map at www.BlueRidgeEnergy.com and on the mobile app.
