Mountain Electric Cooperative Information – Hurricane Helen Recovery Efforts – Tuesday, October 22, 2024

General Area Tree Service Crews Work: Tree service crews work alongside line crews and in the Heaton Branch and Walnut Mountain area.

Newland status:

We currently have 250 members out of power in Newland.

The number of crash recoveries is gradually decreasing, since each crash takes 3 hours or more to resolve, and only 1-2 participants are required to restore functionality. It is a slow process with most of the damage occurring in severe and rough terrain.

We continue to have multiple service crews, including outside contractors, working all areas on secondary lines and meter towers.

General crews are working in the Newland area

Crews remain in the following areas: Highway 321/Flatsprings, Dorman Ln, Elk River Road, Crossnore and Old Tow River Road. We are cutting a new right-of-way to be able to serve Calhoun Hollow Road, it will take us a few days to build the line.

Service crews continue to work at all sites. 250 consumers are still without electricity.

At this point in the recovery, the challenges we face are enormous, but we are working on solutions to bring full power back to everyone. Not only do we have individual repair services for broken poles, etc., which take hours to repair; Crews also have to rebuild entire power line structures that serve multiple communities. When I say structures were destroyed, I mean that there were no power poles left to attach lines to, and in some cases, I didn’t even realize where the poles used to be.

General service crews are working in the Roan Mountain area – Roan Mountain service crews are now performing non-essential and service work. If you still don’t have power and didn’t call yesterday to report it, call the Roan Mountain office at 423-772-3521.

If you have a medical need (oxygen, dialysis or other medical conditions), find a local emergency shelter. These shelters are provided with electricity and basic necessities.

Before leaving me a message, please call your local office first to see if they can help you. I know that several members are still without power and I can assure you that all MEC crews and contractors are working. These people worked for 26 days straight. Crews are working as quickly as possible and want to make sure your power is restored too.

I also want to ask you to please remember that many employees have damage in their own homes that they are unable to repair because they are working hard for you, our members. Crews are working as quickly as possible and want to make sure your power is restored too.

Rodney Metcalfe, General Manager

Mountain Electric Cooperative

From: 423.727.1810

Fax: 423.727.1822