Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative (CHEC) continues restoration efforts in the wake of a transmission outage that was caused when PCL Construction accidently drove a steel casing into the cooperative’s underground transmission cable on Thursday morning, July 27.
A mandatory evacuation remains in effect for all visitors to Hatteras Island. CHEC will continue to supply temporary power to residents on the island through the Buxton diesel generators and portable generators until the transmission repairs are complete. The cooperative is also working to expand the temporary generation service on Hatteras Island, in order to accommodate the return of visitors.
PCL Construction, CHEC and New River Construction, the cooperative’s transmission contractor, excavated the site of the incident. CHEC’s transmission system is three-phase, meaning there are three individual cables buried on the south side of the bridge. Crews have exposed one of the cables, revealing that it was severed by the steel casing.
The cooperative ran tests to check the integrity of other two cables Saturday night and the testing data was analyzed overnight. The test revealed that all three transmission cables have been compromised.
CHEC has called in additional resources to further assess the situation. The cooperative has multiple options for both temporary and permanent repair solutions.
CHEC appreciates the continued support of officials from local and state agencies, including Governor Cooper’s office. The cooperative appreciates the continued patience and encouragement from both our members and visitors.
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