By: Erin Smith
Duke Energy Storm Director Bobby Simpson said on Friday that the number of customers who remain without power is steadily dropping.
“Many people lost a lot more than just their electricity,” said Simpson.
He said that on Friday, 96 percent of customers had been restored. He said continuing flooding is hampering the restoration efforts in some locations. Simpson said that in flooded areas, it may be awhile before Duke Energy can gain access to make necessary repairs and restore power.
“When we started planning our storm response, we were anticipating hurricane force winds and rain. No one anticipated the flooding,” said Simpson. “Flooding is hampering access to some areas.”
Simpson said those with homes or businesses that have been flooded will have to make necessary repairs and be inspected before the power can be restored.
He said line crews from as far away as Canada have been assisting in the restoration efforts.
Simpson said many of Duke Energy’s substations were flooded and several substations will need to be rebuilt. Duke Energy NC President Steve Fountain said six substations are still out because of flooding. He said 1900 poles have been damaged, 284 miles of power line were down, and 800 transformers were damaged.
He added that reinforcements were made to the company’s coal ash basins before the storm arrived and there have not been any issues with the coal ash basins as a result of Hurricane Matthew. There are no concerns with regards to the coal ash basin located at the Sutton Plant near Wilmington as the food waters of the Cape Fear River begin to reach that area.
They did say there were some issues with a cooling pond at the H. F. Lee plant in Goldsboro. They did say the dam was breached but they are working to reinforce it and the issues have been stabilized.
When asked about cost estimates, Fountain said the focus right now is on getting the power restored, then afterwards the costs can be tallied. He said any cost recovery is subject to review in North Carolina by the Utility Commission.
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