Georgia Power announces estimated restoration times for the state following historic Hurricane Michael

Georgia Power announced today regional estimated restoration times (ERTs) following Hurricane Michael. As of Thursday evening, Georgia Power has restored power to 255,000 customers, with the more than 4,800 personnel and crews working around the clock.

The ERT for customers who are able to receive electric service in the following areas are expected to be restored by these projected times:

Bainbridge area by Tuesday, Oct. 16 by 8 PM

Albany area by Monday, Oct. 15 by 8 PM

Americus area by Sunday, Oct. 14 by 10 PM

Macon and Central Georgia area by Sunday, Oct. 14 by 10 PM

Columbus and West Georgia area by Saturday, Oct. 13 by 5 PM

Augusta area by Friday, Oct. 12 by midnight

Savannah and Coastal area by Friday, Oct. 12 by midnight

While damage assessment began at daybreak, teams faced challenging conditions such as downed trees and impassible roads that require clearing to continue work. Georgia Power is working with Georgia Emergency Management Agency and local governments to open up access to allow our crews to begin restoration efforts in the hardest hit areas.

Restoration progress since the beginning of the storm has been largely possible thanks to Georgia’s advanced electric system, which allows the company to reroute and restore power even when weather conditions prevent work in the field, as well as early work of crews.

Georgia Power continuously monitored the path of Hurricane Michael prior to the storm entering Georgia. To complete restoration as quickly and safely as possible, the company has mobilized approximately 4,800 personnel from Georgia Power, other Southern Company operating companies and assisting utilities. All of Georgia Power’s resources are being held and dedicated to storm restoration efforts in the state following Hurricane Michael and the company continues to work to procure additional resources as they become available.

The company encourages customers to keep safety first following Hurricane Michael:

Watch for downed wires. Downed power lines may be hidden by debris or fallen trees.
Never touch any downed wire or attempt to remove tree branches from power lines – it can kill.

Don’t step in standing water or saturated ground where downed lines may be present. They could be electrified.

Avoid chain link fences. They may be electrified by a downed line out of sight and conduct electricity over great distances.
Watch for Georgia Power crews working across the state. If driving, move over one lane for utility vehicles stopped on the side of the road – it’s the law in Georgia.
Damage Update – As of 8 p.m. Thursday

There are approximately 95,000 Georgia Power customers currently without power.
More than 2,095 cases of individual damage or trouble (including broken poles and lines) the company is working to repair.

Damage and outages are widespread across Central and South Georgia with the hurricane impacting service to customers around Albany, Americus, Bainbridge, Macon, Valdosta, Vidalia and beyond.

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