Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative working to restore Power

Strong thunderstorms Sunday night broke several poles on the Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative system causing power outages to 5,500 of its members. Replacement of these poles will prolong the interruptions for some members. Also, about 2,800 of the members without service are related to problems on a transmission line. Pickens County is the hardest hit area, with most of that trouble centered in a large area north of the city of Pickens. All Blue Ridge employees have been called in and are now at work on repairs. In addition, contract crews have joined the restoration efforts. As of 10:45pm, Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative had 3,960 members without power. The county breakdown is Anderson County with 10, Greenville County has 11, Oconee County lists 475 and Pickens County with 3,465. Crews are continuing to make repairs in all affected areas. It is hoped that power will soon be restored to a damaged transmission line that will subsequently return service to a large number of the affected members. To report an outage to Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative, call 1-888-BLUERIDGE.