By:
Vareva Harris, Co-Editor
Vareva@thewoodrufftimes.com
As Winter Storms Fern and Gianna brought extreme cold and icy conditions to South Carolina, especially the Upstate, the state’s energy providers and customers held the line.
The energy system faced a serious test. The outcome showed a rare moment of unity. Power outages were minimal. The grid performed well. Customers responded to conservation requests.
Despite dangerous ice, prolonged freezing temperatures, and high electricity demand, most customers in the Upstate and beyond kept their power throughout the storms. Energy officials say the result reflects years of infrastructure investment and strong coordination.
Post-Helene Upgrades Strengthened the Grid
Energy providers credit upgrades made after Hurricane Helene as a key factor in the grid’s resilience. Utilities across South Carolina repaired damage and accelerated long-planned improvements, including:
• Installing larger, stronger power poles
• Repairing and reinforcing power lines
• Rebuilding sections of aging distribution systems
Those upgrades were tested as ice built up on lines and heating demand surged “We learn lessons from every weather event and remain committed to provide reliable power to our members,” said Jim Donahoo, vice president of marketing and business development at Laurens Electric Cooperative. “Grid hardening and modernization are designed for moments like this.”
Duke Energy Led the Call for Conservation
Even as major outages did not occur, Duke Energy led the response Sunday by asking customers across North and South Carolina to voluntarily reduce electricity use between 4 a.m. and 10 a.m. Monday. The request focused on protecting grid stability during peak demand.
Duke Energy emphasized that small actions taken together can prevent larger problems, especially during extreme cold when heating systems run continuously.
Dominion and Cooperatives Joined in Unity
Soon after Duke’s request, Dominion Energy and South Carolina’s electric cooperatives joined the call. All utilities used the same time window and issued the same recommendations, showing a unified approach.
Participating electric cooperatives included: Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative, Broad River Electric Cooperative, Laurens Electric Cooperative, Little River Electric Cooperative, York Electric Cooperative
Customers were asked to:
*Lower thermostats to the lowest comfortable setting
*Avoid major appliances such as washers, dryers, and dishwashers
*Turn off unnecessary lights and unused plug-ins
*Shift device charging to midday, when demand is lower
For electric cooperative members, the request was familiar.
Cooperatives routinely ask customers to reduce usage during both summer and winter peak periods through long-standing “Beat the Peak” programs.
Customer Response: Cooperative, With Some Tension
Across South Carolina, many customers responded positively. Facebook posts on utility and local news pages showed a willingness to help, paired with understandable concern.
One Upstate resident wrote:
“We turned the heat down a couple degrees and waited to do laundry. If it helps keep the power on for everyone, it’s worth it.”
Another customer commented:
“I’ll do what I can, but my pipes and my kids come first. Heat is staying on.”
Those comments reflected a common tension. While many customers complied, they also stressed safety limits. Rural residents, families with young children, and those relying on wells or livestock said full participation was not always possible.
Still, the overall tone remained constructive.
“I appreciate them explaining why they’re asking,” another South Carolina customer wrote. “It’s better than being surprised by an outage.”
A Shared Effort During a Growing Energy Challenge
Energy officials say the coordinated messaging reflects a broader reality. South Carolina’s energy system faces increasing pressure from population growth, economic development, and more frequent extreme weather.
By acting together—and clearly communicating with customers—utilities avoided emergency measures and preserved reliability during one of the coldest stretches of the season. For many customers, the result mattered most.
The grid held. Homes stayed warm. Roads were icy—but the power stayed on.
In a moment shaped by preparation, cooperation, and communication, South Carolina’s energy providers and their customers showed that shared responsibility makes a real difference.
Author: Vareva Harris
