A Storm of Unprecedented Magnitude – Southern Company’s Response to Hurricane Helene

Rhea-AI Summary

Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm with 140 mph winds, caused unprecedented damage to Georgia Power's infrastructure, affecting nearly 1.5 million customers. The storm damaged over 8,300 power poles, 350 transmission structures, and 4,500 transformers. Southern Company mobilized more than 20,000 personnel for restoration efforts, achieving 99% service restoration by October 7. Atlanta Gas Light handled nearly 1,000 emergency leak calls in late September. The company's foundations donated $3 million for relief efforts, suspended disconnections, and waived eligible late fees through December 15, 2024.

Positive

• Rapid service restoration reaching 99% of affected customers within days
• Effective mobilization of 20,000+ personnel for emergency response
• $3 million donation for hurricane relief efforts
• Customer support through suspension of disconnections and late fee waivers

Negative

• Catastrophic infrastructure damage requiring extensive rebuilding
• 1.5 million customers affected by power outages
• Significant damage to 8,300+ power poles and 4,500 transformers
• Extended recovery period impacting operational costs

Insights

Utility Infrastructure Analyst

The unprecedented scale of Hurricane Helene's impact on Southern Company's infrastructure represents a significant operational and financial event. The damage statistics are staggering: 8,300+ power poles, 350 transmission structures, 4,500 transformers and 1,000+ miles of power lines required restoration. The $3 million charitable donation, while commendable, is relatively minor compared to the likely total cost of infrastructure repairs and service restoration.

The suspension of disconnections and late fees through December 2024 will impact revenue collection, though this is standard industry practice following major disasters. The deployment of 20,000 personnel suggests substantial labor and overtime costs. However, most of these expenses should be recoverable through insurance and regulatory rate adjustments, limiting long-term financial impact. The company's rapid restoration of service to 99% of affected customers within 11 days demonstrates strong operational resilience and crisis management capabilities.

Southern Company

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / October 29, 2024 / Hurricane Helene made landfall on the Florida Gulf Coast on the evening of Thursday, September 26 as a Category 4 hurricane, bringing 140 mph winds and flooding rains as it moved north into Georgia.

The storm left catastrophic damage in its wake. For Georgia Power, Hurricane Helene was the most destructive storm in the company's 140-year history.

Immediate and unwavering response

The Southern Company system sprang into action, demonstrating an unparalleled commitment to restoring service and aiding affected communities. By October 7, Georgia Power had restored service to 99% of the nearly 1.5 million customers impacted by the storm. This monumental effort involved more than 20,000 personnel, including teammates from Alabama Power, Mississippi Power and numerous other companies.

The damage was so severe in places that entire sections of the power grid had to be rebuilt. In total, Helene damaged or destroyed more than 8,300 power poles, 350 transmission structures and 4,500 transformers. More than 1,000 miles of power lines were restored.

Atlanta Gas Light (AGL), with support from teammates from Virginia Natural Gas, safely completed nearly 1,000 emergency leak calls across the final four days of September. That figure represents more calls than AGL received in the first four months of 2024 combined.

Coordinated and innovative efforts

Crews worked tirelessly around the clock, employing various methods to tackle the extensive damage. Teams on the ground navigated through fallen trees, broken power poles, flooded streets and downed lines, while aerial units and watercraft provided critical support. Specially equipped helicopters removed trees from transmission lines, drones assessed damage and made repairs from the air, and Marsh Masters navigated swamps and wetlands.

A heartfelt thank you to all who helped

Kim Greene, chairman, president and CEO of Georgia Power, shared her reflections on the devastation and the company's response:

"Hurricane Helene brought unprecedented damage to Georgia Power's service areas, affecting countless communities, customers and our fellow teammates. The hard work of our employees and their unwavering commitment to our communities have been nothing short of inspiring, and I am confident we will emerge stronger and more united than ever."

This was a historic storm that required an unprecedented response and coordination from many teams across Georgia. State leaders, including Gov. Brian Kemp, the Georgia Emergency Management Agency and other state agencies, members of the Georgia Public Service Commission, as well as members of the Georgia legislature and its leadership, alongside local county commissioners, mayors, first responders, law enforcement and countless others continue to be incredible partners.

"For your kindness, compassion, and patience, thank you to our Georgia Power customers, communities, employees and partners. More than ever, I am proud to be a Georgian, proud to be a part of this team, and grateful to be a part of this community. Our road to recovery may be long, but we are here for Georgia, and we are here for you," Greene added.

Preparation and industrywide support

In the days ahead of Helene's landfall, Georgia Power's advance planning and strategy were crucial to restoration efforts. The company pre-positioned 10,000 restoration workers, equipment and supplies near areas of anticipated impact, ensuring a rapid response once weather conditions allowed. Southern Company Executive Vice President of Operations and President and CEO of Southern Company Services, Stan Connally, also coordinated efforts between industry executives and government leaders to ensure an effective and efficient response.

Support for our communities

As Georgia continues to rebuild, Southern Company remains steadfast in its commitment to being a citizen wherever it serves.

The Southern Company, Georgia Power and Southern Company Gas charitable foundations collectively donated $3 million to aid Hurricane Helene relief efforts. These funds were allocated to local charities, the American Red Cross and community recovery efforts.

To further assist customers, Georgia Power suspended disconnections, waived eligible late fees and paused collection activities through Dec. 15, 2024. Atlanta Gas Light also suspended shutoffs for customers in affected areas.

"At Southern Company, our commitment to our communities is unwavering. In the face of Hurricane Helene's unprecedented destruction, we stood together, offering our resources and support to those in need. We will continue to be a pillar of strength and resilience for all those affected," said Chris Womack, Southern Company chairman, president and CEO.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Southern Company on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:
Spokesperson: Southern Company
Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/southern-company
Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Southern Company

View the original press release on accesswire.com

FAQ

How many customers did Hurricane Helene affect for Southern Company (SO)?

Hurricane Helene affected nearly 1.5 million Georgia Power customers, making it the most destructive storm in the company's 140-year history.

What infrastructure damage did Hurricane Helene cause to Southern Company (SO)?

The hurricane damaged or destroyed over 8,300 power poles, 350 transmission structures, 4,500 transformers, and more than 1,000 miles of power lines.

How long did it take Southern Company (SO) to restore power after Hurricane Helene?

Southern Company restored service to 99% of affected customers by October 7, following the hurricane's landfall on September 26.

What financial assistance did Southern Company (SO) provide for Hurricane Helene relief?

Southern Company's charitable foundations donated $3 million for hurricane relief efforts and suspended disconnections and late fees through December 15, 2024.