AS WINTER STORM FERN ARRIVES, ENERGYUNITED URGES SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS

STATESVILLE, N.C. – EnergyUnited continues to prepare for Winter Storm Fern to move into the Carolinas, as sleet and icy conditions are expected to transition to freezing rain on Sunday. These hazardous conditions significantly increase the potential for widespread power outages and extended restoration times across EnergyUnited’s service territory.

Forecasts indicate ice accumulation of one-quarter to one-half inch across EnergyUnited’s service area, significantly increasing the risk of damage to trees and power lines. Even small amounts of ice can add substantial weight, leading to widespread outages, fallen trees, and blocked roadways. These conditions may also delay restoration efforts, as crews must wait for ice to clear and travel conditions to improve before safely accessing damaged equipment.

EnergyUnited is closely monitoring the storm and has mobilized resources in advance. The cooperative currently has 265 field employees—comprised of EnergyUnited personnel, EnergyUnited contractors and mutual aid —along with 130 EnergyUnited support employees are ready to respond as soon as weather and road conditions allow restoration efforts to proceed safely.

“Our focus right now is on our employees and our members — their safety, their preparedness and their understanding of what to expect as this storm progresses,” said Steve McCachern, vice president of energy delivery at EnergyUnited. “We have crews positioned throughout our service area who are ready to respond, but restoration work can only begin when conditions are safe. Ice-covered roads, downed trees and freezing rain create serious hazards that may delay restoration efforts.”

Safety Is the Top Priority

Icy roads, falling tree limbs, and potential power outages pose serious risks as Winter Storm Fern moves into EnergyUnited’s service area. Members are urged to take extra precautions to protect themselves, their families, and their property.

• Outage Reporting & Updates: Members can report outages through My EnergyHub or by calling 1-800-EUNITED (1-800-386-4833). They can also visit www.energyunited.com to view the cooperative’s outage map, track restoration progress in real time, and find the latest storm updates and safety information.
• Downed Power Lines: Members should remain alert for downed power lines. Always assume any downed line is energized and dangerous. Stay far away and report downed lines immediately to EnergyUnited and local emergency services.
• Travel Safety: Travel should be avoided unless necessary, particularly as freezing rain develops. Members are encouraged to watch for falling tree limbs and ice accumulation on power lines and to keep flashlights, batteries, and emergency supplies easily accessible.
• Frigid Temperatures: Forecasts show frigid temperatures early next week. Emergency cold weather alerts may be issued as conditions evolve, and members should monitor local weather updates closely.
• Generator Safety: Members who experience outages and use generators should do so safely. Generators should never be operated indoors, in garages, or near windows or doors. They should only be used outdoors and far away from buildings, as carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious and potentially deadly risk. Battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors are strongly recommended.

About EnergyUnited  

EnergyUnited Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) is the largest electric cooperative in North Carolina with 144,615 member connections. Headquartered in Statesville, EnergyUnited provides electric service in portions of 19 counties in west central North Carolina which include Alexander, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Catawba, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Gaston, Guilford, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Stokes, Wilkes and Yadkin. Visit energyunited.com to view storm preparedness tips, to access our outage map with real-time updates and to find the latest information on restoration efforts.

EnergyUnited is closely monitoring Winter Storm Fern and has mobilized resources in advance. The cooperative currently has 265 field employees—comprised of EnergyUnited personnel, EnergyUnited contractors and mutual aid —along with 130 EnergyUnited support employees prepared to respond as soon as weather and road conditions allow restoration efforts to proceed safely.