Ocracoke remains on generator power as submarine cable splicing work continues

Per a recent update from Tideland Electric Membership Corporation (EMC), the submarine cable splicing work on the south end of Hatteras Island will stretch into Thursday. Ocracoke members will remain on generator service through much of the day on Thursday, and should continue to observe conservation measures.

Phone and data services were restored ahead of schedule at around 2:30 a.m.

The project will improve the reliability of electric service to Ocracoke Island by placing a power line under Pole Road and removing the lines overhead. Erosion at the southern end of Hatteras Island and washouts along Pole Road have increased enough in recent years that the integrity of the overhead lines are at risk.

Thanks to favorable weather conditions, the cabling project has steadily progressed since the cable arrived in Hatteras on January 17. The new 10,800 feet of submarine cable will replace the current overhead lines that were increasingly being impacted by erosion on the south end of Hatteras Island. The new cable will be spliced into the existing 20,450 feet submarine cable that crosses Hatteras Inlet. Cable installation began the first week of February and is expected to take a total of two months.

After the underground cable is installed, the existing overhead line will be removed, which will allow the present line route to return to its natural vegetative state. Pole Road will also continue to serve as an off-road vehicle route after the project is completed.