ATLANTA (AP) — Utility leaders are preparing this week as an ice storm looms over the Southern U.S., particularly targeting states like South Carolina, where power outages could escalate rapidly.
Newberry Electric Cooperative's CEO Keith Avery expressed deep concern over the expected damage from ice storms, noting how they can lead to prolonged outages due to falling trees and power lines. Avery's experiences during past disasters, particularly Hurricane Helene, have highlighted the vulnerabilities of the power infrastructure.
As electricity is the main source of heating in several Southern states, officials have warned that losing power could have dire consequences beyond just losing light. Residents are encouraged to prepare for potentially extended outages as crews get ready to respond to the imminent storm.
Drawing lessons from the catastrophic Winter Storm Uri in 2021, which caused significant disruptions in Texas, there have been improvements in the way utilities handle extreme weather and planned preventative measures. Experts stress the need for solid contingency plans in vulnerable communities to help mitigate the effects of expected outages.
Utilities Prepare for the Worst
Electric companies like Duke Energy and the Tennessee Valley Authority are proactively strategizing. They are mobilizing thousands of workers to ensure a rapid response and investing heavily in infrastructure improvements post-Uri.
Despite their efforts, experts urge residents to remain cautious as the financial burden from increased energy bills looms. With families likely to crank up their heaters during this cold, lingering expenses could lead to greater challenges in the upcoming months.
