Everything in Our Power

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Georgia faced unprecedented destruction, including over 1.5 million power outages across the state.

Georgia Power and the Southern Company system mobilized 20,000 dedicated personnel to safely restore power as quickly as possible. Reinforced by teammates from Alabama Power, Mississippi Power and dozens of other companies, they executed a coordinated response while rising to the challenge.

Crews navigated impassable roads, floods and severe damage, often rebuilding sections of the grid from scratch. Their determination was unwavering, going above the task at hand—clearing debris for stranded residents, donating food and supplies to local shelters along the way and even coming out of retirement to assist.

Our commitment goes further than power restoration. The Southern Company system has pledged over $3 million to recovery efforts. Together, we are ready to support our communities in this time of need and help them rebuild.

By the numbers

8,300+

power poles repaired or replaced

3,200+

trees removed from power lines

4,500+

transformers repaired or replaced

1,000+

miles of wire repaired or replaced

A storm of unprecedented magnitude – Southern Company’s response to Hurricane Helene

Stories from the field

Historic Response to Hurricane Helene

At Southern Company, we’re here before, after and during the storm. See more about our historic response to Hurricane Helene.

Linemen recount the extensive damage seen during power restoration

Hurricane Helene was the most destructive hurricane in Georgia Power's history. In the hardest-hit areas, including Augusta, teams worked to rebuild the power grid, not just restore it.

Southern Company system's all-out response to Hurricane Helene: land, air and water

With a dedicated workforce of over 20,000 personnel who responded to Hurricane Helene, our teams tirelessly worked on land, in the air, and on the water to restore power. From boots on the ground to crews in bucket trucks, aerial units, and watercraft, we were committed to getting the lights back on around the clock.

From our leaders

Here for Georgia, here for you

Kim Greene, Georgia Power Chairman, President, and CEO, commended the thousands of lineworkers who sprang into action to restore power after Hurricane Helene. Battling through fallen trees and broken power lines, they rapidly reconnected Georgia homes and businesses.

"Hurricane Helene brought unprecedented damage to Georgia Power's service areas, affecting countless communities, customers and our fellow teammates. At the same time, I have been deeply moved by the resilience, dedication and compassion demonstrated by our employees. Their hard work and unwavering commitment to our communities have been nothing short of inspiring. I am confident we will emerge stronger and more united than ever."

Chris Womack

Southern Company
Chairman, President and CEO

Uplifting stories from Helene response

After Hurricane Helene, our employees and the communities we serve demonstrated superior performance and teamwork. From small gestures to heroic efforts, these stories showcase the humanity that shines through in times of adversity.

Georgia Power land agent flying relief missions following Helene

Casey Millsaps, a contract land agent working for Georgia Power on transmission projects, took on an extraordinary role in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Casey, who is also a pilot, collaborated with other pilots to fly much-needed supplies into Western North Carolina. Dubbed the "Appalachian Airforce" by locals, this group completed more than 55 missions, with Casey himself flying nine loads of essential items like food, water, warm clothing, and more. People from all over Georgia donated supplies, which Casey collected and transported to an airport in Calhoun, GA. There, the supplies were distributed among 11 planes and flown to small airports in the mountains, where volunteers unloaded and categorized the items for distribution to those most in need.

‘We All Love You’: Students send heartfelt letters to Augusta line crews

Students from The Museum School in Atlanta sent handwritten letters and drawings to line crews in Augusta, offering heartfelt words of thanks and encouragement. One student expressed gratitude by writing, "You are doing so much good. Keep up the good work, Georgia linemen." Another student empathized with the crews, saying, “I'm sorry you have to be away from your family. I know how it feels because my dad was a lineman. He had to travel out of town a lot.”

Atlanta Gas Light crew member rescues driver trapped by fallen tree

While traveling to the Vidalia Service Center for damage assessment following Hurricane Helene, Brian Habicht, AGL Crew Lead for Vidalia, witnessed a large oak tree fall onto a car in front of him, trapping the passenger inside. With his chainsaw in hand, Brian and another traveler began cutting and removing the tree's canopy that blocked the car door, eventually freeing the uninjured passenger.  After ensuring the passenger's safety, Brian continued his journey to work, stopping along the way to help locals cut and remove trees that littered the road. What is typically a 45-minute trip turned into an 8-hour journey. Reflecting on the experience, Brian said, “I was just at the right place at the right time, so I’m glad that I was able to help a fellow resident in need.” He added, “It’s encouraging to see the spirit of teamwork in our local communities during such a challenging time.”

35-year retiree returns to work to help with Helene restoration

Bud, a dedicated Georgia Power employee who served the company for over 30 years, came out of retirement to assist in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Recognizing the immense task of restoring power following the most destructive hurricane in Georgia Power's history, Bud was part of a special program involving retirees who put "eyes on the wire" to expedite restoration efforts. With over 20,000 personnel engaged, including support from Alabama Power, Mississippi Power, and dozens of other companies, it was truly all hands on deck.

Georgia Power crew steps up for stranded driver

Embodying our motto of being A Citizen Wherever We Serve, a Georgia Power crew helped a stranded Augusta driver who had run out of gas in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Understanding the challenges faced by many without power and fuel, lineman Nate Wallace said they were happy to step in and help push the woman and her vehicle to safety.

Line workers clear driveway for stranded Augusta couple

Augusta couple Rayne and Jenni Johnstun were stuck at their home because of multiple trees that had fallen across their driveway. Georgia Power line workers nearby at a staging area went over and helped by clearing their driveway so they would be able to leave.