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Here’s the outage map for SCE&G.
Read on on to learn what you need to know now about how to report a power outage and how to find out when you’re power will be restored.
After a damaging storm, the big question is ‘When is my power coming back on?’ It’s a near certainty that hundreds of thousands in the Palmetto State will lose power as a result of Hurricane Florence.
South Carolina Electric & Gas has been updating its website and sharing on social media the latest information about its plans for restoring power once it goes out. And hopefully, updating communities about when they can expect the lights to come back on.
For some, a power outage is an inconvenience, at best, and for others, life threatening at worst. People who require electrically-powered medical equipment for example would be particularity vulnerable.
And while living without electricity for a few days may be tolerable, for many, power will be out for weeks, federal officials say.
Federal Emergency Management Agency Office of Response and Recovery administrator Jeffrey Byard said without prevarication: “The storm is going to definitely knock out power for days into weeks.”
So, with widespread power outages as a result of Hurricane Florence anticipated, some lasting for weeks as has been reported, here’s what you need to know:
Here’s How to Report Your Power Outage. Don’t Assume the Utility Knows You’re Without Electricity
The whole block is without power so the utility company knows that, right? Maybe not. Power companies find out there’s an outage when it’s reported.
There’s a number of ways to let SCE&G know you’re without power. If/when the lights go out let them know right away.
With your smartphone visit the website to access your account (if you haven’t registered on the website before do it now and have your account number ready) or better yet, register your phone with them now to report an outage via text message.
The utility will not be dealing with outages on its social like Twitter and Facebook, but both are good go-to places for updates.
The Outage Map is Updated Regularly
The SCE&G interactive, area-wide outage map shows where all the outages are.
It’s also the place the utility reminds people that they need to report their outages: “Is your power out? It is important to report your outage, even if you see outages already reported in your area. Reporting is easy. Just call our automated response line at 1-888-333-4465 or you can report your outage online.”
‘When Will the Lights Come Back On?’ How SCE&G Restores Power
SCE&G says it assess and repairs damage to larger transmission towers, power lines, and substations first. It clears “obstructions and repair primary distribution poles and power lines.” And then, the utility says it inspects and repairs
“secondary service drops in residential neighborhoods.” What does that mean? They repair major power infrastructure first and then work their way to your neighborhood.
Folks can also check the status of outages on the SCE&G website here. You don;t need to know your account number, the phone number associated with your account will be enough.