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Blue Ridge Energy Prepared for Severe Weather

Lenoir, North Carolina (February 18, 2025) – Blue Ridge Energy line technicians and staff are on alert, prepared to respond should severe weather cause outages.

Predictions for Blue Ridge Energy’s service area include a chance of light icing, with two to four inches of snow in the mountains and up to two inches in the foothills, beginning tonight. Wind gusts of up to 40 miles per hour in the mountains could cause issues as well.

“Our top priority is serving our members and communities,” said Renee Walker, director of public relations “If the storm causes power outages, we are prepared to respond quickly and will do everything we can to minimize disruption to service while keeping members informed and safe.”

The cooperative advises members to be prepared with the following tips:

Before a storm, prepare to stay safe and more comfortable in the event of an outage:

  • Flashlights and extra batteries
  • Extra water for drinking, cooking and for pets
  • Food items that can be eaten without an oven or microwave such as: canned tuna or chicken, canned or dried fruit, energy bars, crackers, peanut butter, cereal, canned coffee and drinks. Include a manual can opener.
  • NOAA Weather Radio. Or sign up for alerts from emergency and weather services on a smart phone or tablet.
  • First aid kit, including prescription medications
  • Extra blankets and layers of warm clothing
  • Charcoal or propane grill; use only in a well-ventilated area
  • Keep cell phones charged and have fully charged battery backups
  • Keep a cooler and extra ice handy


Report outages in one of the following ways and be aware that outages cannot be reported via social media:

  • Call PowerLine: 1-800-448-2383
  • Over the Blue Ridge Energy mobile app
  • By text when your mobile number is on your account: Text OUT to 70216
  •  

For outage status at any time:

Safety:

Stay far away from downed power lines. Do not touch a downed line or any object that is in contact with it. This can be dangerous or even deadly as the lines may still be energized! Always report downed power lines to the cooperative by calling 1-800-451-5474. A trained line technician is the only person who should handle downed power lines.

Planning for those on life-sustaining equipment:

If someone is dependent on electric-powered, life-sustaining equipment, have an evacuation plan that could include backup power such as a generator and alternative care options in case of extended outages.

Blue Ridge Energy posts information during major outages on its social media: 

www.facebook.com/blueridgeenergywww.instagram.com/blueridgeenergy and www.twitter.com/blueridgeemc.  However, outage reporting is not available over social media. Please report outages by phone, mobile app or text as listed above to ensure all outages are logged into the cooperative’s outage management system.

Blue Ridge Electric serves some 80,000 members in Caldwell, Watauga, Ashe, Alleghany, and parts of Wilkes, Avery and Alexander counties. Its propane and fuels subsidiary serves customers in the cooperative’s service area as well as Burke, Catawba, and Grayson County, Va. Learn more at www.BlueRidgeEnergy.com.