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May they work hard and get it fixed very soon

Things aren't looking too good for a quick repair... apparently a very specialized engineer to do this kind of repair... plus possible equipment that needs to come in from another country....

but... they did finally issue a mandatory evacuation for tourists to Hatteras Island, too.... so the big generators will hold power for all of us residents until this problem can be repaired... we're on energy conservation rules, so no A/C units... but I've got fans for now... we'll see how Chevie fares the heat... she's not a warm-weather girl...

might go to the pool next door and have a little swim tomorrow and Monday, though... LOL

updates on the repair progress are on the Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative facebook page

Wow, what a nasty thing to have happen! I do hope whoever wasn't paying close attention gets the book thrown at him/her for all this. Especially given that so many residents depend on the tourists.

It definitely is a huge screw-up on someone's part... they've said there'll be an investigation within the construction company... but that certainly doesn't pay all these people's lost wages and businesses' lost income... we get it when it's a natural disaster... but when it's someone's "oops", it's really hard to swallow

So very sorry about all this. I've also been following this news. So bad.

Just saw on the news a few minutes ago what you are saying...that this isn't going to be a quick fix. I feel so bad for the businesses that are affected by this and the tourists who planned their vacations there and had to leave. Hanging out at the pool sounds like a good idea. Hope the heat isn't too bad.

It was finally announced on Chicago news

Positive news.... (of course, it IS really nice to have a super quiet island... LOL)

WEDNESDAY MORNING UPDATE. One solution chosen:

Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative and contract crews have simultaneously pursued two options for restoring permanent transmission service to Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands, waiting for one solution to emerge as the fastest, safest way to restore reliable transmission service. That determination has been reached.

Overhead Solution: Constructing a new overhead transmission line from its underground point at the south end of the Bonner Bridge to the point where it meets the cooperative’s existing overhead transmission line is the most expedient way to restore transmission service to the islands. CHEC reached this determination in consultation with specialty contract crews including Lee Electrical Construction, an organization that specializes in high-voltage transmission line construction, and New River Electrical, which specializes in the highly complex processes of splicing and transitioning lines from underground to overhead.

Overhead Progress: Crews began installing the three-phase line last night. Concurrently, the specialist team from New River Electrical is executing prep work for creating the transition from underground to overhead just before the site of the damage and creating connections to the existing overhead lines that run the length of Hatteras Island.

Underground Situation: Despite PCL Construction’s tireless excavation efforts and attempts to dewater the trench at the site of the damage, trench conditions proved to be too challenging for the underground solution to be viable. PCL Construction was able to reveal all three cables, but water continued to seep into the trench making the environment unsuitable for repairs.

Timeframe: The restoration timeframe from this point forward is 3-5 days. This includes the time required for testing after all construction is complete and before transmission service can begin. CHEC is also working with Dare County officials to coordinate the safe return of visitors as soon as possible.

Thank You: There are many people, partners and businesses we would like to thank. We are very appreciative of the support of our members, visitors, contract crews and PCL Construction for leading the excavation.

Glad that you have some positive news. It doesn't make up for all the lost business but it is a help.

Am I just paranoid? Wouldn't overhead lines be at risk of coming down with tropical force winds?

I thought the same thing Pam, but I guess it's better than nothing.

Debbie J wrote:I thought the same thing Pam, but I guess it's ether than nothing.

I suppose - easy for me to be critical of a decision while I'm sitting in an air conditioned office.

There's just a small area where the line went from the bridge to under the ground and then back up to power poles. So... for now... it's going to be from the bridge straight to power poles. There's always a risk of a pole going down... but this repair is only adding 10 poles to the mix. Once the new bridge is completed, the power line will be re-located to that bridge and more new engineering will be done. So... this gives us a solution until then. Hooray!!!

nchoney wrote:There's just a small area where the line went from the bridge to under the ground and then back up to power poles. So... for now... it's going to be from the bridge straight to power poles. There's always a risk of a pole going down... but this repair is only adding 10 poles to the mix. Once the new bridge is completed, the power line will be re-located to that bridge and more new engineering will be done. So... this gives us a solution until then. Hooray!!!

Okay, that makes more sense. You should write for the new agencies.

Now let's all pray that this is a very quiet storm season. OBX has had enough!