CAYCE, S.C. (June 1, 2023) — Hurricane season officially begins on Thursday, June 1. Dominion Energy is ready to respond and urges South Carolina customers to start preparing now for the next storm.

“Dominion Energy prepares for severe weather year-round, not just in the days leading up to a storm,” said Keller Kissam, Dominion Energy South Carolina president. “Trees and tree limbs are the main reason for power outages, and that’s why we are diligent about safeguarding our overhead infrastructure on a routine basis. Not only does it help reduce outages when storms strike, it also helps keep our hardworking employees and the communities we serve safe.”

These investments include doing routine maintenance and facility inspections, hardening the system by replacing wooden poles with steel poles and safeguarding of overhead lines year-round from hazardous and overgrown vegetation. Safeguarding the system allows Dominion Energy to restore power to customers as quickly and safely as possible when storms impact the communities it serves.

Just as Dominion Energy is preparing well before any storms form, customers can do the same by following these steps:

• Download the Dominion Energy app.
  The Dominion Energy app is the quickest and easiest way to report a power outage. The free app is available to download through the Apple and Google Play stores.
• Create an emergency kit.
  The National Weather Service recommends creating a basic disaster kit before a storm hits. Store items in airtight plastic bags and put the entire kit in something that’s easy to carry, like a plastic bin or a duffel bag. Learn more about what to include in a basic kit.
• Charge devices before the storm.
  Fully charge any phones, computers and other electronic devices before the storm arrives. Consider purchasing portable batteries to extend the life of these devices.

If there is storm damage, stay away from downed poles or wires. Always assume downed power lines are energized and dangerous. Keep in mind the downed lines may not always be visible, and use extra caution when walking outside after a storm. Please remain at least 30 feet away and ensure that others avoid the damaged lines. South Carolina customers should call 888-333-4465 right away to report a downed line.

For more info and tips, visit dominionenergy.com/our-stories/hurricane-preparedness.

About Dominion Energy
About 7 million customers in 16 states energize their homes and businesses with electricity or natural gas from Dominion Energy (NYSE: D), headquartered in Richmond, Va. The company is committed to safely providing reliable, affordable and sustainable energy and to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050. Please visit DominionEnergy.com to learn more.