Duke Energy restores Biltmore substation after storm Helene
Substation along Swannanoa River has been re-energized after major storm damage, as Duke Energy strengthens infrastructure for future resilience.
Image for illustrative purposes
USA, North Carolina, Asheville: Duke Energy has re-energized the Biltmore substation along the Swannanoa River, nearly eight months after it was severely damaged by Storm Helene. The restoration effort marks a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing recovery and storm-hardening strategy.
The Biltmore substation includes two transformer banks. Bank one, located closest to the river, was destroyed during the storm. Bank two, positioned on higher ground, sustained damage but has now been restored and is supplying power to the area.
A mobile substation trucked in from Raleigh maintained power to the region during the months of repair. With bank two now operational, the mobile unit will be removed and redeployed elsewhere.
“This was probably the worst of the storm damage,” said Duke Energy spokesperson Bill Norton, noting that Helene affected more than 350 substations across the service area.
To improve future resilience, the rebuilt infrastructure has been elevated and reinforced. Nearby steel utility poles, installed prior to the storm, withstood the severe conditions, even a debris flow that swept away entire structures.
“More than likely, with a steel pole, a tree might break the wire, not the pole,” said Tyler Coates, senior line technician. “That makes restoration much safer and faster.”
Duke Energy continues to operate two other substations with mobile units in East Asheville and Hot Springs. Norton said those areas may remain on temporary power for several more months while permanent repairs are completed.
The upgrades reflect Duke Energy’s broader push to strengthen critical grid infrastructure ahead of future extreme weather events.
Source: msn
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