Santee Cooper restores most of system following storms, tornadoes

MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – As of 2 p.m. today, Santee Cooper crews had restored most of its system that sustained damage from this morning’s severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, with four transmission delivery points and about 200 retail customers still without power.
Santee Cooper’s transmission system delivers power to the state’s 20 electric cooperatives and several city-owned utilities. At its peak, the transmission system had 19 delivery points out of service, affecting delivery of electricity to five electric cooperatives: Aiken, Berkeley, Edisto, Palmetto and Santee. In addition to leaving trees on lines, the strong storms also broke 10 transmission structures on the utility’s system. Two helicopters are continuing to survey the system for additional damage.
The storms also knocked out power to 4,500 customers in Santee Cooper’s retail territory across Berkeley, Georgetown and Horry counties. Heavy winds, lightning and trees impacted equipment, downed lines and broke a few poles on the distribution system.
“Today’s storms created challenges across the eastern part of our system, and an apparent tornado near Moncks Corner was particularly damaging,” said President and CEO Mark Bonsall. “We appreciate the patience of our customers as these crews work to bring everybody back up.”
Customers can report power outages online as well at www.stormcenter.santeecooper.com or by calling 888-769-7688. Please remember, downed power lines should be left alone and reported immediately to 888-769-7688.