Hurricane Helene caused widespread power outages in the Southeast, not just from downed power lines, but also from flooded electrical substations.
These substations, essential for connecting high-voltage transmission lines to local communities, are vital for restoring power.
Repairing damaged substations can take weeks or months, complicating restoration efforts, especially in areas with limited access.
Duke Energy, the largest utility in the Carolinas, is working to restore power to hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses, facing the daunting task of rebuilding infrastructure.