Georgia Power continues its tireless efforts to restore power to customers impacted by Hurricane Helene, a storm deemed the most destructive in the company’s history. As of midday Monday, the company has successfully restored power to over 840,000 customers. This swift response is attributed to the implementation of advanced “smart grid” technologies and the dedicated work of pre-positioned teams who were ready to spring into action as soon as conditions allowed on Friday.
Despite the significant progress, approximately 370,000 customers remain without power. Restoration efforts are fully underway and focused on restoring power to these remaining customers as quickly as possible. The company’s statewide response has seen every Georgia Power crew mobilized since the storm’s onset, augmented by thousands of additional lineworkers from across the nation.
The extensive damage caused by Hurricane Helene has required crews to rebuild entire sections of the grid rather than simply repairing individual components. As of now, the company estimates the damage to include:
* Over 7,000 power poles requiring repair or replacement
* Over 15,000 spans of wire, equivalent to over 700 miles of wire
* Over 1,200 transformers
* Over 3,000 trees on power lines that need to be removed or addressed
Georgia Power President, Chairman, and CEO Kim Greene has been actively working alongside crews in the field, ensuring they have the necessary resources to restore power as quickly as possible. To provide transparency and keep customers informed, Greene has released a video message illustrating the scale of the damage, available on Facebook and Instagram. The company also utilizes social media to share updates and demonstrate the progress of restoration teams across the state.
The company emphasizes the importance of accurate information for customers as they navigate the aftermath of this historic storm. As the company anticipated and communicated before the storm’s arrival, restoration efforts are taking multiple days in many areas due to the extensive damage. Updated estimated restoration times (ERTs) are being provided on the company’s Outage Map for each affected community.
While restoration efforts have been largely completed in areas such as Metro Atlanta, Athens, Columbus, Macon, Rome, and Albany, work continues in the hardest-hit areas across the state. Georgia Power is committed to providing updated information throughout the restoration process and will strive to restore power sooner than anticipated. Customers are encouraged to consult the Outage Map regularly for the latest information and avoid relying on potentially inaccurate information from other sources.
Georgia Power’s proactive approach to hurricane preparedness involved monitoring the path of Hurricane Helene for over a week before it reached Georgia. As part of this preparation, the company mobilized additional staff from across the utility industry to respond to the storm. Pre-positioned restoration crews, equipment, and supplies, including extra transformers, poles, cables, and other vital equipment, were strategically placed near areas anticipated to be impacted by the storm.
This preemptive strategy allows the company to restore power more swiftly and efficiently for its customers as soon as weather conditions allow. In addition to mobilizing its own resources, Georgia Power has partnered with companies across the country, including Alabama Power, Mississippi Power, and dozens of others. The current response force is larger than the company’s response to previous major hurricanes, including Michael, Irma, and Zeta.
Georgia Power is also a member of a nationwide mutual assistance network, encompassing hundreds of utilities from across the nation. The company has proactively mobilized crews from over 35 companies from states as far away as Texas, Oklahoma, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. The company continues to seek additional off-system resources to aid in the restoration effort.
Safety First Following Hurricane Helene
Georgia Power urges its customers to prioritize safety in the wake of Hurricane Helene:
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Watch for Georgia Power crews working across the state.
When driving, move over one lane for utility vehicles stopped on the side of the road—it’s the law in Georgia.*
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 be fatal.*
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.*
Never attempt repairs to electric service connections.
Customers should note that if their home, including the meter box or mast/connection point, is severely damaged by the storm, repairs may need to be made by an electrician before Georgia Power can reconnect power.Tools to Stay Connected and Informed
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Outage Alerts:
Customers subscribed to Georgia Power’s free Outage Alert service will receive personalized notifications and updates via text message. Ensure your contact number is up to date to receive the latest information.*
Outage & Storm Center:
Visit www.GeorgiaPower.com/Storm to update your contact information for Outage Alerts, report and check the status of outages, and access useful safety tips and information.*
Outage Map:
Georgia Power’s interactive Outage Map, located within the Outage & Storm Center, 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.*
@GeorgiaPower on X (Twitter):
Follow @GeorgiaPower on X for storm tips, outage updates, customer service, and more.About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America’s premier energy company. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy, 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. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), X (X.com/GeorgiaPower), and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).
