Ocracoke no longer on generator service

Tideland EMC crews completed installation of a new substation transformer at Ocracoke this afternoon, energizing the unit at 5:15 pm. Generator service to the island ceased at the time, therefore emergency energy conservation measures are no longer needed.

Major mechanical failure at Ocracoke: Island generator operational but member energy conservation critical.

OCT 20 2016, 9am

UPDATE: At 9:40 am we received word that the load on the generator is too high. You MUST practice emergency energy conservation NOW to ensure continued generator service. We suggest that you cut off all large household breakers (including water heaters and HVAC equipment), refrain from doing laundry or cooking, etc.

Overnight, Ocracoke experienced two outages. The first occurred at 2:28 am and originated at Hatteras and was thought to be the result of salt accumulation on power lines. Power was restored at 4:18 am. 

At 5:48 am another outage began, this time originating at Tideland's Ocracoke substation. Meters north of the village have power while 1,318 meters in the village do not have power. Operations personnel have determined the cause of the outage will require a major equipment replacement at Ocracoke. To facilitate those repairs, heavy equipment is being transported to the island via the Swan Quarter ferry. In the meantime, NC Electric Membership Corporation has been able to start the Ocracoke generator which is now providing electric service to the island. It is critically important that island residents and business owners conserve electricity to avoid overloading the NCEMC generator.

We will provide an update once the Swan Quarter ferry is en route with the necessary personnel and equipment.