More than 6,000 customers across Orange County were suddenly left in the dark Sunday afternoon after a transmission-line problem cut power to parts of the county. Neighborhoods south and southwest of Chapel Hill and Carrboro went dim, with some intersections relying on flashing signals and a few businesses shifting to backup power. Piedmont Electric crews were out in force, working to isolate the fault and bring circuits back online in stages.
In a statement to CBS17, Piedmont Electric Cooperative reported that roughly 6,100 customers were without electricity because of a transmission-line issue and said crews expected most service to be restored by 6 p.m. The co-op added that line workers were prioritizing critical circuits and re-energizing affected lines only when it was safe to do so.
Where outages were concentrated
According to Piedmont Electric, the largest outage clusters hit the southern part of Orange County, with reports concentrated south and southwest of Chapel Hill and Carrboro. The co-op’s online outage viewer allows members to check status by account or address and sign up for restoration updates.
Local response and resources
Town and county officials urged residents to stick with utility reporting channels rather than calling 911 for routine power outages, reserving emergency lines for life-threatening situations. They also reminded people with medical needs to have backup plans ready in case an outage lasts longer than expected. The Town of Chapel Hill’s emergency updates page and Orange County’s alerts list provide information on warming centers, shelters and guidance for residents affected by power cuts, along with instructions for reporting hazards such as downed lines and blocked roads.
How to report an outage
Piedmont Electric asks its members to report outages by calling 800-222-3107 or by checking the co-op’s outage viewer for real-time updates, according to Piedmont Electric. Residents who rely on life-sustaining medical equipment are advised to contact the county for shelter options and follow official channels for assistance.
What to expect
The CBS17 Storm Team called for isolated showers and thunderstorms mainly between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., a forecast that could complicate repair work and slow restoration for some customers, according to CBS17. Piedmont Electric is urging customers to steer clear of any downed power lines and to keep an eye on the co-op’s outage map for the latest updates on when the lights will come back on.
