On October 4, 2024, U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer M. Granholm and Deputy Secretary David M. Turk joined electricity sector leaders to assess the response and restoration effort for Hurricane Helene, which devastated the Southeast and Appalachia. [1] The Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council and Energy Government Coordinating Council leaders have met regularly since September 25 before the storm’s arrival, to facilitate coordination and restoration efforts. The extent of damage from Helene required a massive recovery effort that has drawn resources from across the country, with at least 50,000 personnel from 41 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada. Their intervention has enabled 4 million customers to regain power since the storm’s peak.
Throughout the week of September 30, President Biden and Vice President Harris have repeatedly called on Federal departments and agencies to do as much as they can to assist communities affected by the hurricane. The President also reaffirmed the Federal government’s commitment to the region by visiting the affected states. The devastation brought about by the hurricane emphasizes the growing threat of extreme weather events and the importance of boosting energy resilience. The Department of Energy (DOE) intends to continue leveraging resources to support preparation and responses to all threats, including the upcoming Hurricane Milton.