6 p.m. Update: Georgia Power working to restore remaining 55,000 customers after Hurricane Zeta

Rhea-AI Summary

Georgia Power has successfully restored electric service to over 750,000 customers following Hurricane Zeta. As of 6 p.m. Saturday, approximately 55,000 customers remain without power. The utility has over 4,000 personnel working to speed up restoration, supported by crews from 14 other states. Damage includes over 600 broken poles, more than 1,800 spans of wire down, and over 240 damaged transformers. Customers are advised to prioritize safety and avoid downed power lines.

Positive

• Restoration of power to over 750,000 customers demonstrates effective crisis management.
• Deployment of over 4,000 personnel, including support from 14 states, enhances restoration efforts.

Negative

• Approximately 55,000 customers remain without power, indicating significant operational challenges.
• Severe damage reported includes over 600 broken poles and 240 damaged transformers, suggesting high repair costs.

ATLANTA, Oct. 31, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia Power continues restoration efforts and has already restored electric service to more than 750,000 customers following Hurricane Zeta. In addition to Georgia Power crews, the company has contractor personnel from out-of-state utilities working with company teams around the clock to restore power.

Together, the company has more than 4,000 personnel working as safely and quickly as possible to restore power to the approximately 55,000 customers who are without power as of 6 p.m. Saturday. The company has secured personnel resources from utilities in 14 states to support the restoration efforts.

"We know being without power is difficult and are working to restore power as safely and quickly as possible. We appreciate our customers' patience and thank the additional personnel from 14 states who are here with us helping get the lights back on," said David Maske, Georgia Power Storm Center manager.

Damage from Hurricane Zeta is widespread and covering the northern half of the state and is similar to the damage seen after Hurricane Michael in 2018. As Hurricane Zeta crossed through the state, Georgia Power's service territory experienced wind gusts of up to 75 mph for more than two hours, along with sustained winds of 25-40 mph for more than five hours straight. Teams continue experiencing challenges including downed trees and roads blocked that must be cleared to enter certain areas.

Damage assessed from Hurricane Zeta:

• Over 600 broken poles
• More than 1,800 spans of wire down
• More than 240 damaged transformers
• Hardest hit areas include the Atlanta area and North Georgia (including Clayton, Dalton, Gainesville, Rome, Carrollton and Cartersville)

Update – As of 6 p.m. Saturday

• Power has been restored to more than 750,000 Georgia Power customers across the state.
• There are approximately 55,000 Georgia Power customers currently without power.
• Approximately 2,500 cases of individual damage or trouble.

The company encourages customers to keep safety first following Hurricane Zeta: 

• Watch for downed wires. Downed power lines may be hidden by debris or fallen trees.
• Never touch any downed wire or attempt to remove tree branches from power lines – it can kill.
• Don't step in standing water or saturated ground where downed lines may be present. They could be electrified.
• Avoid chain link fences. They may be electrified by a downed line out of sight and conduct electricity over great distances.
• Watch for Georgia Power crews working across the state. If driving, move over one lane for utility vehicles stopped on the side of the road – it's the law in Georgia.

About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America's premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.6 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy at rates below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is consistently recognized by J.D. Power and Associates as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).

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SOURCE Georgia Power

FAQ

What is the current status of power restoration by Georgia Power after Hurricane Zeta?

As of 6 p.m. Saturday, Georgia Power has restored power to over 750,000 customers, with approximately 55,000 still without power.

How many personnel is Georgia Power utilizing for power restoration?

Georgia Power has deployed over 4,000 personnel, including support crews from 14 states.

What areas were hardest hit by Hurricane Zeta in Georgia?

The hardest hit areas include Atlanta and North Georgia, encompassing cities like Clayton, Dalton, and Gainesville.

What damages did Georgia Power report from Hurricane Zeta?

Georgia Power reported over 600 broken poles, more than 1,800 spans of wire down, and over 240 damaged transformers.

What safety precautions should customers take after Hurricane Zeta?

Customers should avoid downed power lines, standing water, and chain link fences, and move over for utility vehicles.