My fellow members,
Colquitt EMC continues to work diligently in restoring power throughout our system. As previously reported our workforce has 770 personnel engaged in restoring power. As time goes on and other personnel become available, we will probably add additional personnel as well. As a reminder, these personnel work 16-hour days and get approximately 6 hours of sleep a night.
I am sure by now most people have seen images of the damage and devastation in our area. If you can see these devastated areas, you will see some things that will stick with you forever. Most professionals who work in this business have said Helene is the most destructive storm they have experienced. In my 42 years of experience in this business, I can say Helene is without a doubt the most destructive storm.
A few things that are somewhat unique to this outage event:
1. Cell phone service: As with everyone today, we are all dependent on our cell phones for communication. That is no different in the electric utility business. This storm is unique because it has delivered cell phone outages to levels that we have never experienced before. This has greatly complicated communication.
2. Internet service: This impairs our communications with other companies. As our membership recognizes, it has affected our ability to communicate with you and access the information we must give you.
3. Transmission services: Having transmission service available at our substations is the most critical component of service restoration. Helene has been unique with the amount of transmission outages that we are experiencing. At its peak, some 13 stations out of 29 were without transmission service. In the past three days, progress has been made and now we are down to 8 substations that do not have transmission service. Without transmission service, it requires us to allocate our manpower in a way to maximizes the benefit of their restoration efforts.
As we were composing this update, I received word of a vehicle accident in Brooks County involving a consumer and one of our contractor vehicles. Thankfully, no one was injured, and only minor damage was caused. This simply reinforces the concern that we have at Colquitt EMC for the safety of our employees, contractors, and members. As a reminder, when you see a crew working on the side of the road, please slow down for the safety of yourself and those working. Once again, I ask you, our members, for your patience and prayers that we are all kept safe as we work to restore power to all.
Sincerely,
Danny Nichols
President/CEO