Holston EC has now successfully restored power to all affected areas caused by Hurricane Helene! Since 9/26/24, we have concentrated our efforts to restoring electric service for our members. It was a group effort from every Holston employee. Hurricane Helene brought high winds and heavy rainfall, resulting in extensive damage throughout our service area.

“We at Holston Electric Cooperative appreciate the tremendous work our employees, utilities, and contractors did during the past five days in response to the Hurricane Helene recovery,” states Jimmy Sandlin, Holston Electric Cooperative General Manager. “I along with the Board of Directors wholeheartedly thank the community for patience and understanding our members graciously offered during the event.”

In response to this catastrophe, we received mutual aid from 12 cooperatives and utilities across Tennessee and Kentucky, a total of 106 men, in addition to all 35 from Holston EC. A multitude of tree trimmers, and electric contractors were used, as well. We are so grateful for the support from:

Pennyrile RECC

Southwest TN EC

Pickwick EC

Duck River EMC

Forked Deer EC

Meriwether Lewis EC

Cumberland EMC

Middle TN EMC

Harriman UB

Ft. Loudon EC

Volunteer EC

Plateau EC

Dark Horse

Carpenter’s Tree Service

Couch-Price Tree Service

 

Together, we have shown the strength of our cooperative spirit, and we couldn’t have made this progress without these dedicated teams and community support. Holston has strong relationships throughout the community, with constant communication from the following:

Jamie Miller, EMA Director-Hawkins County

Chris Bell, EMA Director- Hamblen County

Lynn Campbell, Hawkins County 911 Director

Josh Ball, Hawkins County 911 Technology Director

Hawkins and Hamblen County First Responders, Fire Departments, Water departments, and Law Enforcement

Hawkins County Schools and Rogersville City School

 

Holston EC estimates 95 broken poles, numerous transformer replacements, and line repairs. HEC recorded approximately 22,000 without power of the approximate 32,000 served.

As we move forward, crews and contractors will continue repairs on the nearly 8,000 affected broadband services. Mr. Sandlin expresses our community is fortunate that we “did not experience the level of death and destruction other areas in East Tennessee and Western North Carolina endured. We encourage members to donate, volunteer, and continue to pray for our neighboring counties and states who have been so severely affected.” To our members, we sincerely thank you for trust and support, which enables us to work safely, efficiently, and effectively. A special thank you to local restaurants and churches that responded during the restoration.