(Marietta, GA - September 27, 2024) 

Tropical Storm Helene raced through metro Atlanta Friday morning, bringing strong winds and heavy rain along with widespread power outages. The storm shifted overnight to a more eastern track, which spared some of Cobb EMC’s service area from the worst conditions. 

“We have been planning for the worst all week and our entire company worked tirelessly to serve our members,” said Kevan Espy, President and CEO of Cobb EMC. “I am grateful for our linemen who are always ready to brave hazardous conditions and to work alongside our dedicated employees behind the scenes who manage our operations with professionalism and teamwork.” 

During the peak of the storm earlier today, approximately 7,500 members experienced outages. Crews were dispatched before first light during the storm to begin assessing any damage and they will continue to work throughout the night to restore service to members. 

“Planning for severe weather is never easy, but I know that we have a talented and professional team in place that makes our response as efficient and safe as possible,” said Kelly Bodner, Chair of the Cobb EMC Board of Directors. “From member care representatives fielding calls to our electric operations team accommodating mutual aid from other states, our employees go over and above to serve our membership.” 

Cobb EMC began preparations for Helene days before and coordinated efforts with GEMC, the statewide organization, to solicit mutual aid assistance from other co-ops inside and outside the state. Widespread damage was anticipated from the storm across the service area, and the restoration process was accomplished with crews from other cooperatives in Georgia and Indiana. Cobb EMC is grateful to the utilities and vendors that assisted including: