Georgia Power crews responding to scattered outages as remnants of Tropical Storm Claudette bring heavy rains, gusty winds to state

Rhea-AI Summary

Georgia Power is addressing outages caused by heavy rain and gusty winds from Tropical Storm Claudette, affecting around 5,000 customers across central and north Georgia. Crews are encountering downed wires and broken poles due to fallen trees and debris. Residents are urged to prepare for further outages and adhere to safety guidelines. The company emphasizes ongoing infrastructure investments to enhance the resilience and reliability of power services. Customers can seek updates and assistance via their website and mobile app.

Positive

• Georgia Power's investments in infrastructure improve system reliability and shorten outage times.
• Continued use of Smart Grid technology enhances the ability to isolate outages quickly.

Negative

• Approximately 5,000 customers are currently without power due to storm-related outages.
• Potential for additional outages as wind gusts may bring down more trees.

ATLANTA, June 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia Power crews are responding to scattered outages this morning as a result of heavy rain and gusty winds overnight associated with the remnants of Tropical Storm Claudette. Approximately 5,000 customers are currently without power as the weather system continues to move east across central and north Georgia.

Crews are finding wires down and broken poles in some areas caused by fallen trees, limbs and debris, and will be working throughout the day to make repairs. Heavy rains and saturated soil means wind gusts are likely to bring down trees that could cause additional outages.

Customers are encouraged to prepare, stay weather aware and keep safety in mind as dangerous conditions can exist following storms. The company has developed a series of storm videos addressing customers' frequently asked questions about storm response and restoration that can be found here. Customers should follow @GeorgiaPower on Twitter and at http://www.GeorgiaPower.com/Storm for storm tips, information about restoration efforts, customer service and more.

Severe weather can happen anytime across Georgia:

• Before a Storm:  Know your risks of flooding and tropical storm or hurricane strength winds. Check your emergency kit, unplug major appliances and charge cell phones in case you lose power.
• During a Storm: Have several ways to receive emergency notifications and weather updates. Take safe shelter inside a sturdy building away from windows and doors. Avoid contact with conductors of electricity - appliances, metal objects and water.
• After a Storm: Never touch any downed or low-hanging wire, including telephone or TV wires that touch a power line. Never pull tree limbs off power lines or enter areas with debris or downed trees as downed power lines may be buried in wreckage. Additionally, do not walk or drive through standing water or step onto saturated ground where downed lines may be present.

After the Storm Safety Tips:

• 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.
• Protect electronics and appliances. Disconnect or turn off any appliances that will start automatically when power returns to avoid overloading circuits when power is restored.

Additional Tools You Can Use:

• Outage & Storm Center – Available at www.GeorgiaPower.com/Storm, customers can visit this site to sign up for Outage Alerts, report and check the status of outages, and access useful safety tips and information. Customers can report and check the status of an outage 24 hours a day by contacting Georgia Power at 888-891-0938.
• Outage Map – Housed within the Outage & Storm Center, Georgia Power's interactive Outage Map provides near real-time information, allowing users to see where outages are occurring across the state and track estimated restoration times.
• Georgia Power Mobile App – Download the Georgia Power mobile app for Apple and Android devices to access storm and outage information on the go.
• Outage Alerts – Subscribe to the free Georgia Power Outage Alert service to receive personalized notifications and updates via text message.

Infrastructure Investment – Reliability and Resiliency
The company continually invests in infrastructure to increase the day-to-day reliability of its systems and shorten outage and repair time. The company's use of Smart Grid technology and increased automation in recent years mean an increased ability to more quickly isolate outages that do occur to smaller numbers of customers and reroute power remotely for improved reliability.

In addition, Georgia Power's operational plans, systems, infrastructure and generating plants are all designed to enhance the resiliency of the network to best withstand major occurrences, such as severe weather events, including tornadoes, hurricanes and extreme heat or cold. Resiliency investments include upgrading transmission and distribution infrastructure across the power grid, including making power lines more durable.

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 recognized by J.D. Power 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 caused the electrical outages in Georgia on June 20, 2021?

The outages were caused by heavy rain and gusty winds associated with Tropical Storm Claudette.

How many customers are without power in Georgia due to the storm?

Approximately 5,000 customers are currently without power.

What is Georgia Power doing to address the outages?

Georgia Power crews are working throughout the day to repair downed wires and broken poles.

How can customers stay informed about power outages and storm safety?

Customers can check the Georgia Power website and mobile app for outage updates and safety tips.

What safety measures should be taken after a storm according to Georgia Power?

Customers are advised to avoid downed wires and standing water, as well as to watch for utility crews working in their area.