SIOUX FALLS S.D. (KELO) — South Dakota electric crews are working to restore power to communities hit by Hurricane Helene in South Carolina.
Both East River Electric Power Cooperative of Madison and Sioux Valley Energy of Colman are working together with Blue Ridge Energy Cooperative, a South Carolina provider, to restore poles in remote areas hit by the storm.
In a Facebook post, crews were able to give service back to some areas after they restored six poles. They moved camps, according to the post.
Crews said they have been working in tight quarters with a lot of curvy roads. Crews have set more than 10 poles over the weekend and installed plenty of wire.
In total, 20 power linemen from five different companies in South Dakota are on their way to help restore electricity in an area of northwest South Carolina.
The crews say it’s going to take them about 20 hours to get there so they hope to be to work by Friday. As far as how long they’re expected to stay, they were told to pack for two weeks.
“It’s just the Midwest mentality, you know, whenever there’s a problem it’s always nice to lend a helping hand, it is a little farther away than what we are used to, but if we can help out in any way, it’s always nice to help out,” Wade Bialas said.
