CREWE, Va. -- Southside Electric Cooperative (SEC) says they have restored power to more than 98% of members who were impacted by two ice storms less than a week a part.
Jeff Edwards, the President of SEC, said the storm damaged most of the utility company's infrastructure.
"This storm took down 80% of our system in a matter of hours," said Edwards. "Restoration from such devastation takes time, and the line crews on the ground have worked as safely and quickly as possible in the face of incredible challenges.”
"We are proud of their tireless commitment to our community. We can finally see the light at the end of this dark tunnel," he added.
The company said the two back-to-back ice storms slowed progress on getting power back on to customers, as well as help from surrounding areas.
The Southside Electric Cooperative provides power for 55,000 customers across 18 different counties between Petersburg and Roanoke.
As of Thursday at 11:00 a.m., 681 SEC members remained without power.
"To our remaining members, you have my commitment, our dedicated crews won’t stop until the last light is back on," said Edwards.
The company had previously said they hoped to have all power restored by Friday.
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