Dominion Energy Crews Prepared for Multi-Day Restoration Effort Across Virginia and North Carolina Following Isaias' Impact

Rhea-AI Summary

Dominion Energy has initiated restoration efforts after Tropical Storm Isaias caused outages for over 500,000 customers in Virginia and North Carolina. This storm is ranked as the 10th largest in terms of customer impact. Restoration crews are working continuously, with power restored to more than 40% of affected customers as of midday Tuesday. However, significant delays are expected, especially in North Carolina, with the restoration process anticipated to last several days. Dominion is dedicated to prioritizing essential services during this recovery period.

Positive

• Restoration crews are already active, with power restored to over 40% of affected customers.
• Mutual assistance crews from as far away as Oklahoma are aiding restoration efforts.

Negative

• More than 500,000 customers experienced outages due to the storm.
• Initial damage surveys suggest that restoration could take multiple days.

RICHMOND, Va., Aug. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Dominion Energy crews have begun restoration efforts following heavy rain, winds with gusts up to 60 mph, and reported tornados from Tropical Storm Isaias in Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. In all, more than 500,000 customers experienced outages as a result of the fast-moving storm. In terms of number of customers impacted, it ranks as the 10^th largest storm to date. Crews are already assessing damage and are working around-the-clock to restore power as safely and quickly as possible. As of midday Tuesday, power had been restored to more than 40% of those impacted. However, initial damage surveys indicate that it could take multiple days to restore service for affected customers, particularly in North Carolina, Hampton Roads, Northern Neck and the Middle Peninsula.

In preparation for the storm, Dominion Energy employees and contractors were staged and ready to support restoration efforts throughout the Carolinas and Virginia. With Dominion Energy South Carolina service territory experiencing few outages, available crews are being deployed to supplement North Carolina and Virginia restoration efforts, alongside other crews brought in prior to the storm's impact. Additionally, mutual assistance crews from as far away as Oklahoma are joining the restoration effort.

With the weather clearing, Dominion Energy patrol teams are out in force assessing damages. Mindful that many of our customers are working remotely, as a result of the pandemic, crews will work 24/7 with local public safety and emergency officials to restore power to essential services and facilities critical to public health and safety, such as hospitals, fire and police departments, and public water systems. Crews will then work to return service to the largest number of residential and business customers in the shortest amount of time. Once major repairs are completed, smaller groups of customers and individual homes and businesses will be restored.

We appreciate everyone's patience during restoration and will focus relentlessly on recovery efforts until service is restored all customers. 

Be safe:

• Report an outage. The quickest and most efficient way to notify Dominion Energy of a power outage is to report it online using a mobile device. Bookmark our outage reporting website: https://www.dominionenergy.com/outage-center/report-and-check-outages
• Beware of downed powerlines and assume they are energized and dangerous. Please remain at least 30 feet away and ensure that others also avoid the downed line. Call Dominion Energy right away to report the downed wire. Virginia and North Carolina customers should call 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357).
• If you have a generator, ensure it is properly connected. Be sure it is fueled, tested and connected in a well-ventilated area outdoors. Improper use of a generator could be life-threatening for customers and crews working to restore power.

About Dominion Energy
More than 7 million customers in 20 states energize their homes and businesses with electricity or natural gas from Dominion Energy (NYSE: D), headquartered in Richmond, Va. The company is committed to sustainable, reliable, affordable and safe energy and is one of the nation's largest producers and transporters of energy with more than $100 billion of assets providing electric generation, transmission and distribution, as well as natural gas storage, transmission, distribution and import/export services. The company is committed to achieving net zero carbon dioxide and methane emissions from its power generation and gas infrastructure operations by 2050. Please visit DominionEnergy.com to learn more.

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SOURCE Dominion Energy

FAQ

What caused the power outages in Virginia and North Carolina?

The outages were caused by Tropical Storm Isaias, resulting in severe weather conditions including winds up to 60 mph.

How many customers were affected by the storm?

Over 500,000 customers experienced outages due to the storm.

When will power be restored to all customers?

Restoration efforts may take multiple days, with priority given to essential services.

What steps is Dominion Energy taking to restore power?

Dominion Energy crews are working around-the-clock and have deployed additional crews to assist with restoration.

Where can I report a power outage?

Customers can report outages online at Dominion Energy's outage reporting website.