Mountain Electric Cooperative Information – Hurricane Helen Recovery Efforts – Monday, October 21, 2024

General Area Tree Service Crews Work: Tree service crews work alongside line crews and in the Heaton Branch and Walnut Mountain area.

Newland and Roan Mtn Status:

We currently have 475 members out of power in Newland.

The number of crash recoveries is gradually decreasing, since each crash takes 3 hours or more to resolve, and only 1-2 participants are required to restore functionality. It is a slow process with most of the damage occurring in severe and rough terrain.

The Roan Mountain system has been largely restored. If you are still without power and have not reported it, call the Roan Mountain office at 423-772-3521.

In addition to our MEC crews, we already have 12 Service Electric crews and 2 more crews will be arriving today to assist.

We still have several service crews working all areas on secondary lines and meter towers.

General crews are working in the Newland area

Crews traveled from Old Beach Mountain to Area 321, Phillips Branch, Dorman Lane, Elk River Road, Camp Luther Rock, John Erwin Road and Sugar Mountain Road. In addition, crews are beginning work on Old To River Road and Ivy Heights to restore three phase lines using two excavators.

At this point in the recovery, the challenges we face are enormous, but we are working on solutions to bring full power back to everyone. Not only do we have individual repair services for broken poles, etc., which take hours to repair; Crews also have to rebuild entire power line structures that serve multiple communities. When I say structures were destroyed, I mean that there were no power poles left to attach lines to, and in some cases, I didn’t even realize where the poles used to be.

General service crews are working in the Roan Mountain area – Roan Mountain service crews are now performing non-essential and service work. If you still don’t have power and didn’t call yesterday to report it, call the Roan Mountain office at 423-772-3521.

If you have a medical need (oxygen, dialysis or other medical conditions), find a local emergency shelter. These shelters are provided with electricity and basic necessities.

Before leaving me a message, please call your local office first to see if they can help you. I know that several members are still without power and I can assure you that all MEC crews and contractors are working. These people worked for 25 days straight. Crews are working as quickly as possible and want to make sure your power is restored too.

I also want to ask you to please remember that many employees have damage in their own homes that they are unable to repair because they are working hard for you, our members. Crews are working as quickly as possible and want to make sure your power is restored too.

Rodney Metcalfe, General Manager

Mountain Electric Cooperative

From: 423.727.1810

Fax: 423.727.1822