Duke Energy Confirms Power Outages in North Carolina Amid Criticism Over FEMA Response
Duke Energy has confirmed that hundreds of power substations are offline across the Carolinas. This follows our initial report on the unfolding power grid crisis, which highlighted that approximately 370 substations were out of service due to storm damage in the Duke Energy Carolinas service area. Experts have warned that the restoration of power could take an extended period due to shortages of transformers and other electrical equipment, along with critically low US stockpiles.
Substation Damage and Power Outages
Bill Norton, a spokesperson for Duke Energy, has stated that with water levels receding, the extent of the damage is becoming apparent, including entire substations that were submerged. As of Thursday morning, Poweroutage.US data showed nearly a million power outages across South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia.
The shortage of transformers and other grid components could leave parts of Western North Carolina without power for weeks, or in some cases, months. This situation was initially reported on Wednesday.
Experts Weigh In
Jesse D. Jenkins, an assistant professor and macro-energy systems engineering and policy expert at Princeton University, has labeled the situation as devastating. He expressed concern that there are not enough transformers and other electrical equipment in stockpiles to restore power promptly. He questioned whether the impact on grid infrastructure could be similar to that of Hurricane Maria.
International Aid and Domestic Shortages
Adding to the concerns of North Carolina residents, some users have pointed out that the Biden-Harris administration has supplied transformers to Ukraine. It remains unclear whether these transformers were sourced from US stockpiles.
Devastation in Western North Carolina
The destruction in Western North Carolina is reported to be shocking. Entire towns, such as Chimney Rock, have been obliterated by flash floods from the remnants of Hurricane Helene.
FEMA Funding Shortage
Meanwhile, AP News has reported that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) does not have sufficient funding to last through the hurricane season. Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody expressed outrage over Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas' comment about FEMA's lack of hurricane funding.
Political Outrage
There has been outrage over the Biden-Harris administration's use of FEMA funds for global initiatives, with some arguing that the team has prioritized Ukraine and illegal aliens over US citizens.
Bottom Line
The unfolding power grid crisis in the Carolinas highlights the delicate balance between international aid and domestic preparedness. With hundreds of substations offline and a shortage of vital equipment, the restoration of power could take a considerable amount of time. This situation raises questions about the allocation of resources and priorities of the current administration. What are your thoughts on this matter? Feel free to share this article with your friends. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6 pm.
Duke Energy Confirms Power Outages in North Carolina Amid Criticism Over FEMA Response
Duke Energy has confirmed that hundreds of power substations are offline across the Carolinas. This follows our initial report on the unfolding power grid crisis, which highlighted that approximately 370 substations were out of service due to storm damage in the Duke Energy Carolinas service area. Experts have warned that the restoration of power could take an extended period due to shortages of transformers and other electrical equipment, along with critically low US stockpiles.
