New Update to Power Outages Raise Questions

We are pleased to share that, since this article was posted, the Currituck County Commissioners held a special meeting on April 6, during which a Dominion Energy representative provided an update on plans to help prevent future power outages in the 4x4 region.

Planned investments include $550,000 to replace two miles of conductor (27 poles) along Teal Road, as well as $2 million to reconfigure circuits and build backup/alternate feeds. These improvements are intended to support continued growth and reduce the likelihood of outages like those experienced this year.

The projected timeline for completion is late 2026 through 2027.

As we are keenly aware, the North Beach recently suffered not one, but two significant power outages inside of a 7-week period in December and January.

Only Carova was affected during the December 14th blackout, while both Carova and North Swan were impacted during the January 31st failure. For each, the time required for Dominion Energy to restore power ranged from 15 to 30+ hours, with temperatures and wind chill making for some extremely uncomfortable and dangerous conditions outside and inside. Folks reported low 40’s in their homes - amid concerns for their own safety and that of their neighbors, not to mention damage to water pipes, appliances, etc.!

With the increase in the number of homes being connected to the grid, the existing infrastructure is proving inadequate. Dominion Energy linemen are to be commended for their herculean efforts to restore power as quickly as possible. As resident Tom Hurley pointed out in his Facebook post (https://www.facebook.com/tom.hurley.35728) - Dominion Energy is forced to “play games” of Whack-a-Mole and Jenga, re-establishing service gradually, ensuring the grid does not become overburdened and fail… again.

Unfortunately, the rise in outage incidents is a component of higher rates. As of February 1st, Dominion Energy enacted a monthly increase of nearly 10% (or $12) for a typical residential customer using 1,000 kWh.

What can we do? If you haven’t already, please write to the Currituck County Board of Commissioners, Clerk to the Board, leeann.Walton@currituckcountync.gov voicing your concern and inquiring after the County’s plan to address the problem. Do not discount the importance of your voice!

In addition, NBPA wants to hear from you. We are gathering data to present to the County and Dominion Energy and committed to working with both to employ a near term solution.

Please email us at alliance@thelasttwelvemiles.com with your experience:

• How long were you without power?

• How did the power outage(s) impact you?

• Did you suffer any damage to your home/appliances?

• Do you have any health concerns (that you’re willing to share) which make power outages not just a mere inconvenience?

• How do you prepare for a potential outage?