#United States #Atlanta #Georgia Power #Hurricane Helene #storm preparedness

Reflecting on Hurricane Helene

One year ago, Hurricane Helene struck, leaving a significant mark in the history of Georgia Power and its clientele. Making landfall in Florida as a Category 4 hurricane, Helene quickly transformed into a Category 2 storm upon reaching Georgia, where it wreaked havoc across numerous counties. This hurricane was labeled the most devastating in the 140-year history of Georgia Power, surpassing the destruction caused by previous formidable storms like hurricanes Michael, Irma, and Matthew combined.

Over 53 counties were declared as major disaster areas by FEMA, prompting an unprecedented mobilization of resources and recovery efforts. Georgia Power successfully restored power to 1.5 million customers, showcasing their commitment to providing safe and reliable electricity, even during extreme conditions.

Preparation and Response

As Hurricane Helene approached, Georgia Power's vigilance proved invaluable. The company operates a comprehensive monitoring system that assesses weather conditions around the clock, allowing them to predict the potential impacts on their power grid well in advance. By anticipating the severe disruptions that Helene could cause, Georgia Power implemented an extensive pre-storm action plan.

This preparation included mobilizing their largest restoration workforce in history—over 20,000 personnel, comprised of local crews and professionals from allied companies in the U.S. and Canada. The deployment of restoration workers, equipment, and supplies was strategically organized near areas most expected to be affected by the storm, ensuring that the response was both swift and effective.

The scale of the recovery involved repairing or replacing over 11,800 power poles, 1,500 miles of power lines, and 5,800 transformers, in addition to addressing more than 3,200 fallen trees that hindered lines. In regions where the damage was catastrophic, utility crews had to reconstruct entire sections of the power grid from scratch.

Despite the extensive destruction, Georgia Power managed to restore electricity to 95% of the affected customers within just eight days, with over 523,000 of those getting their service back within the initial 48 hours after Helene’s passing.

Communications and Community Engagement

Amid the restoration efforts, Georgia Power introduced Circuit Cast—a new podcast available on platforms like Apple Podcasts—where distribution manager Walt Dukes reflects on the challenges and triumphs faced during the restoration efforts in Augusta. This innovative approach serves not only as a communication tool but also as a way to engage with customers regarding readiness and the importance of preparedness for future storms.

Looking Ahead: The 2025 Hurricane Season

As we navigate the remnants of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, Georgia Power remains vigilant once again. Although the season has been relatively calm, forecasters predict potential storms could impact Savannah and Coastal Georgia soon. Georgia Power encourages its customers to be weather-aware and ready for any upcoming challenges. They offer numerous resources to keep the community informed and connected during severe weather, including:

• - Outage Alerts: Customers can sign up for free notifications via text message concerning outages and restoration updates. Ensuring that contact information is current is crucial for receiving timely alerts.
• - Outage Storm Center: Available on the Georgia Power website, this tool allows users to check and update contact details, report outages, and find safety information.
• - Outage Map: An interactive map that provides near-real-time data on outages statewide, helping residents understand where disruptions are occurring.
• - Mobile App: The Georgia Power app for iOS and Android devices facilitates immediate access to storm and outage updates.
• - Social Media Channels: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X keep customers informed about tips and service updates during emergency situations.

Recognition of Dedication

Earlier this year, Georgia Power's efforts during Hurricane Helene were acknowledged with the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) Emergency Recovery Award. This honor reflects the commitment and teamwork of its employees, which played a critical role in managing the response and restoration processes effectively.

As Kim Greene, chairman, president, and CEO of Georgia Power, stated, "The worst from Hurricane Helene certainly brought out the best in every Georgia Power employee." Such recognition not only celebrates the individual contributions but also the collective effort in the face of adversity to serve Georgia’s communities diligently.

To learn more about Georgia Power's extensive preparations and their ongoing commitment to community safety during storms, visit Georgia Power's website on Hurricane Helene.