At the time of this story, Georgia Power's estimation for restoring power to the remaining 7,016 customers in Statesboro and Bulloch County is Thursday, October 3, 2024.
Excelsior EMC outage maps do not include estimated restoration times (ERT), but company officials are projecting 7 to 10 days (total) for total restoration. EMC has 8,895 customers out in Bulloch at the time of this story.
Outage maps
Excelsior EMC are cautioning customers that power outages could extend 7-10 days (total).
Georgia Power estimated restoration times for Bulloch on their outage map extends to Thursday evening October 3, 2024.
Georgia power has determined that Hurricane Helene was the most destructive hurricane in its history, damaging infrastructure across the state.
Click here to view findenergy.com updated Bulloch outagemap.
Tuesday, October 1 power company statements
EMC
Click here for EMC updates on their Facebook page.
"Excelsior EMC is in the midst of an intensive effort to restore power to our community following the severe damage caused by Hurricane Helene. Midway through the fifth day of restoration, we are optimistic about the progress made and remain committed to full recovery.
Crews from across the country have joined our local team, with close to 500 personnel working tirelessly to repair our distribution system. Progress has been significant, and many members are already seeing their power restored. As of today, about 58% of our members remain without power, and we expect to cross the 50% restoration mark soon.
However, damage to every part of our system is severe. While we understand the frustration caused by prolonged outages, we remain transparent about our challenges. Restoring power under these conditions is a monumental task, with fallen trees, broken poles, and damaged lines at nearly every turn.
Our approach to restoration prioritizes repairing larger circuits before moving to smaller, more localized outages. This means that as progress continues, it will seem like things are moving quickly, then it may seem slower once we start to work on those more localized outages. We are gradually reaching every corner of our community.
We know many members are eager for specific restoration times, but given the evolving nature of damage assessment, providing accurate estimates is nearly impossible. Despite these uncertainties, our team is working as efficiently as possible, and we are deeply appreciative of the understanding and support from our community. The kindness shown to our linemen—hot meals, encouraging words, and offers of water—has been a tremendous morale boost, helping us stay focused on our goal.
We urge members with serious medical needs to seek alternative shelter if they remain without power. Your safety is our top priority, and we do not want anyone to be in a vulnerable position during this challenging time.
Excelsior EMC's commitment goes beyond restoring power—it’s about supporting our community during difficult times. Neighbors have been helping neighbors, offering shelter and relief to those in need. These moments embody the cooperative spirit that guides everything we do.
Our spirits remain high, and we are grateful to each of our members for their patience and positivity. This storm's impact is the worst we've ever seen, and we hope it is something we never face again. Until every member is back online, our team will continue to work day and night to restore power safely and effectively.
For additional updates, please follow our social media channels or contact our customer service line. We will continue to provide information as we are able, and we thank you for your continued support."
GPC
It is GPC expectation that 95% of customers who can accept power will be restored by the originally provided ERTs. (below)
The geographical area Estimated Restoration Times (ERTs) noted below, which were shared with customers and internal partners last evening, represent the expectation of when 95% of customers in the area, who are capable of accepting power, will have their power restored. ERTs will be revised, by specific address, as additional assessments are completed. These updated ERTs will be posted to the company’s Outage Map as they are available. The Georgia Power Outage Map is the sole accurate source for ERTs. Customers should rely on this map for the most reliable information regarding power restoration. Inaccurate information has been repeatedly circulated via social media.
- Savannah – Tuesday, October 1 by 10 PM
- Springfield – Wednesday, October 2 by 6 PM
- Hinesville – Wednesday, October 2 by 6 PM
- Statesboro – Thursday, October 3 at 10 PM
- Brunswick – Monday, September 29 at 10 PM
Restoration activities will continue non-stop, 24/7 until every customer is restored.
On behalf of the entire team, thank you for your patience, understanding and continued support."
Georgia Power’s response to Hurricane Helene – the most destructive hurricane in the company’s history – has now grown to 20,000 personnel and continues its work across the state. As of Tuesday afternoon, the company has restored power to over 1 million customers impacted by Hurricane Helene – approximately 80 percent of all customers impacted by the storm. This rapid response has been possible through the implementation of new “smart grid” technologies and the quick work of pre-positioned teams who were ready to respond as soon as conditions were safe to do so on Friday.
Efforts have intensified to restore power to approximately 278,000 customers who remain without power due to the storm as damage has been cleared and access has improved. Crews continue to converge on and deploy in the hardest hit areas in coastal, eastern and southern Georgia and, as restoration has progressed, crews are working their way through the power system efficiently and effectively to repair extreme damage and restore power to the most customers with every repair made.
Georgia Power’s Outage Map illustrates the highest concentration of power outages remain in areas such as Augusta, Valdosta, Savannah, and surrounding communities. In many cases, the damage to infrastructure is so severe that teams are essentially rebuilding parts of the grid and not just repairing specific elements. While crews continue to face hurdles such as impassable roads, cellular and communications issues, and tree damage, progress is being made in the hardest hit areas with thousands of customers being restored in and around Augusta, Savannah, Valdosta and elsewhere. While damage and treacherous conditions remain, teams are working around the clock and will remain in the field until every customer who can accept power is restored.
Updated damage estimates illustrating the extensive destruction of Hurricane Helene include:
- 8,000+ power poles that must be repaired or replaced
- 21,000+ spans of wire equivalent to approximately 1,000 miles
- 1,500+ transformers
- 3,200+ trees on power lines that must be removed or addressed to restore power
Please visit our Outage Map for the latest update on our restoration process, including ERTs. We will continue to update the Outage Map, and our customers on social.
Thank a lineman
Now is the time to shower all of the linemen who are working tirelessly around the clock to restore our power with kindness and patience. Many of these dedicated workers have traveled long distances, leaving their families behind to help us.
If you have a sign in front of your business, please use these to thank the linemen. Any show of support for them will go a long way.