OG&E Crews Work To Restore Power In Georgia, Making Progress After Hurricane Helene

OG&E crews are making progress restoring power to Georgia communities hit by Hurricane Helene. After completing work in Atlanta, crews were reassigned to Waynesboro, about 30 miles south of Augusta, and the nearby town of Sardis, where they are clearing debris and restoring power in areas affected by severe wind and flooding.

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Crews are working 16-hour shifts, facing challenges such as tree damage, flooding, and road closures. Communication has been maintained through radios and cell phones despite internet outages.

"This is not so much a restoration effort, it's a rebuilding effort," said Chris Bristol, OG&E Distribution Construction Manager. "We're here for the long haul and will keep working every day until everyone's power is restored."

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Chad Guthrie, OG&E Director of Distribution Construction, noted that over 563,000 customers in Georgia remain without power, but progress is being made daily. Residents in Waynesboro and Sardis have shown support for the crews by providing water, meals, and other help.

Hurricane Helene, which made landfall in Florida as a Category 4 hurricane, caused widespread damage across several states, leaving millions without power.

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OG&E sent crews to Georgia on Thursday in response to a request from Georgia Power. The company has been assisting with disaster recovery since May, including recent work in Louisiana following Hurricane Francine. Crews may remain in Georgia for up to 14 days, with the possibility of additional personnel rotating in as needed.