It’s been one year since Hurricane Helene struck North Carolina, a storm that left behind significant damage, displaced families and challenged electric cooperatives across the state. But in true cooperative spirit, help was on the way.
CO-OPS HELPING CO-OPS
When disaster strikes, we rely on more than just our own crews; we rely on each other. After Helene, Piedmont Electric sent lineworkers to assist neighboring co-ops with storm recovery efforts. Downed lines, broken poles and dangerous debris made for tough conditions, but our crews didn’t hesitate.
“You work side by side with linemen you’ve never met, but it’s like you’ve known them your whole life,” said Line Technician Kevin Smith. “That’s what being part of a co-op is all about.” Mutual aid is a cornerstone of the cooperative model. Whether we’re sending help or receiving it, we know that co-ops have each other’s backs.
STRONGER TOGETHER
Piedmont Electric is part of a statewide and national network of electric cooperatives. When major storms strike, this network activates to provide the manpower and equipment needed to recover quickly and safely. This system of support helps all co-op communities bounce back faster.
“Despite all they’d been through, people were constantly helping each other and even us, the crews working to get their power back. They offered whatever they could spare — food, water, even the clothes off their backs.”
– Charles Oxendine, Piedmont Electric Line Technician
TROPICAL STORM CHANTAL RECOVERY
On July 6, 2025, our communities were saturated by Tropical Storm Chantal as the storm dropped 5-9 inches of rain and downed numerous trees, knocking out power to more than 10,300 Piedmont Electric members. Our crews were aided by crews from neighboring Wake EMC and by contract crews who worked safely and diligently to ensure all members were restored by the following evening.
