Dominion Energy is staging crews and equipment statewide as South Carolina braces for possible winter weather and is urging customers to prepare and stay safe.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina utility crews are preparing for the possibility of severe winter weather that could bring a mix of freezing rain, sleet and snow across much of the state.
Dominion Energy South Carolina said its Emergency Operations Center has been activated as forecasts call for wintry precipitation that could linger for several days. The company is staging crews and equipment across its service area and coordinating with neighboring utilities to secure additional resources if needed.
Winter weather, especially sleet and freezing rain, can place heavy strain on tree limbs and power lines, increasing the risk of outages and hazardous travel conditions. Dominion Energy warned that fallen trees, limbs and icy roads can limit access to the hardest-hit areas and may slow restoration efforts.
“We are prepared, and customers should take steps now to prepare and keep themselves and their families safe,” said Keller Kissam, president of Dominion Energy South Carolina. “We’re closely monitoring the forecast calling for a mix of wintry precipitation, and that kind of weather can create significant challenges for our crews. We have stood up our Emergency Operations Center, and our family of dedicated employees are prepared and ready to respond across our service territory.”
The company is urging customers to prepare for potential outages and to prioritize safety during extreme winter weather.
Recommended steps include packing an emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, a portable radio, a first-aid kit, and enough bottled water and non-perishable food to last several days.
Customers are also reminded to stay away from downed power lines, which should always be considered energized and dangerous. Downed lines should be reported immediately by calling 888-333-4465.
Dominion Energy noted that crews can only repair electric service up to a home’s point of connection. If weather damages equipment from the weatherhead down to the meter base, customers must have an electrician complete repairs before power can be restored.
The utility encourages customers to stay connected by following Dominion Energy on social media and using the Dominion Energy app or website to report and track outages.
Customers who have a mobile number on their account may receive text updates during storms, including estimated restoration times and confirmation when service is restored.