Santee Cooper Continuing Preparation for Winter Weather
MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – Santee Cooper continues to prepare for effects from a cold weather and freezing precipitation event that could impact South Carolina from Jan. 24 through Jan. 26. Approximately 2 million South Carolinians depend on the state-owned electric and water utility as their power source, either directly or through the state’s electric cooperatives.
As of 3 p.m. today, Santee Cooper went to an OpCon 3 alert status. This means there is a significant threat to Santee Cooper’s electric system, but effects are still uncertain.
At OpCon 3, the utility is continuing to:
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Secure additional contract resources for any restoration that may be required.
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Check and fuel vehicles, including line trucks.
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Ensure communications equipment is in proper working order.
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Check inventory, and procure supplies as needed, such as utility poles, electric transformers and associated equipment.
“Santee Cooper continues to monitor weather conditions, and any potential effects it may have on our system. Our team is prepared to begin repairs that may be necessary as soon as we safely can,” said Marty Watson, Senior Director, Commercial and Customer Service.
How You Can Help
Heating is responsible for much of the increased electricity used during extended cold weather. Heat pumps work harder and longer to make up the difference in temperatures, which increases electricity use. Cold and freezing temperatures also may cause your emergency heat, or heat strips, to activate, which uses more electricity. (Read more details on heat strip use in Santee Cooper’s blog.)
Customers can take the following steps to help use less energy while staying comfortable in their homes:
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Set the thermostat to 68 degrees or lower during winter weather.
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Stay warm by bundling up in sweatshirts, sweaters, socks, slippers and/or blankets.
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Seal air leaks around windows and doors to prevent cool air from coming into your home and warm air from escaping.
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Close window coverings at night to help keep out drafts.
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Change your air filters regularly. Dirty air filters cause your heat pump to work harder.
“When customers take small steps, such as lowering the thermostat, it can help lower energy use and maintain system reliability,” said Watson.
Customers can report outages at stormcenter.santeecooper.com or 888-769-7688. For electric safety information, including generator and downed power line safety, visit https://www.santeecooper.com/community/electrical-safety/.
