Dominion Energy updates restoration efforts after Hurricane Helene

CAYCE, S.C. (WCBD) – Dominion Energy has restored power to over 320,000 customers in South Carolina following the impacts of Hurricane Helene. However, as of Sunday evening, about 116,000 customers remain without power. The company plans to continue restoration efforts into next week, especially in areas most affected by the storm.

Key counties impacted include Aiken, Allendale, Edgefield, Beaufort, Richland, and Lexington. Dominion Energy estimates that 95% of customers in 18 counties should have power restored by mid to late next week. Specific timelines for the hardest-hit areas will be provided once damage assessments are completed.

“We understand that our customers are tired, frustrated and want to know when their lights will come back on,” said Keller Kissam, president of Dominion Energy South Carolina. “While we can provide estimates for some areas today, other areas will take more time. We have boots on the ground all across the state. Crews continue to assess damage even as we rebuild our system from the ground up in communities where the impacts were catastrophic. We will not stop until every customer in South Carolina that we have the privilege to serve can go home to lights shining and air conditioners blowing.”

Approximately 3,000 Dominion Energy employees, along with additional crews from several states, are on-site to address the extensive damage. Downed trees and damaged transmission lines have complicated restoration efforts, but crews are moving from neighborhood to neighborhood to fix power lines.

The company expects to have power restored to approximately 95% of customers in the following areas: 

• Abbeville: Assessments in progress
• Aiken: Assessments in progress
• Allendale: Thursday, Oct. 3, 11 p.m.
• Bamberg: Thursday, Oct. 3, 11 p.m.
• Barnwell: Wednesday, Oct. 2, 11 p.m.
• Beaufort: Tuesday, Oct. 1, 11 p.m.*
• Berkeley: Sunday, Sept. 29, 11 p.m.
• Calhoun: Sunday, Sept. 29, 11 p.m.
• Charleston: Sunday, Sept. 29, 11 p.m.
• Colleton: Monday, Sept. 30, 11 p.m.
• Dorchester: Sunday, Sept. 29, 11 p.m.
• Edgefield: Assessments in progress
• Fairfield: Friday, Oct. 4, 11 p.m.
• Greenwood: Assessments in progress
• Hampton: Thursday, Oct. 3, 11 p.m.
• Jasper: Wednesday, Oct. 2, 11 p.m.
• Kershaw: Sunday, Sept. 29, 11 p.m.
• Lexington: Thursday, Oct. 3, 11 p.m.
• McCormick: Assessments in progress
• Newberry: Wednesday, Oct. 2, 11 p.m.
• Orangeburg: Sunday, Sept. 29, 11 p.m.
• Richland: Thursday, Oct. 3, 11 p.m.
• Saluda: Assessments in progress
• Union: Thursday, Oct. 3, 11 p.m.

*Due to the extreme damage and access constraints on Daufuskie Island in Beaufort County, restoration times will be provided when available.

Tips for Customers Experiencing Outages:

1. Repair Home Damage: If your home has storm damage, an electrician must fix it before Dominion Energy can restore your power.
2. Stay Away from Downed Lines: Always assume downed power lines are dangerous. Stay at least 30 feet away and report any lines to Dominion Energy at 888-333-4465.
3. Generator Safety: If using a generator, ensure it is properly connected and used outdoors with good ventilation.
4. Use the Dominion Energy App: The app is the quickest way to report outages. You can also report outages on their website or by calling 800-251-7234.
5. Follow Updates: Stay informed by following Dominion Energy on social media for the latest news and safety tips.

For more information, visit Dominion Energy’s Outage Restoration & FAQs page.