Union Power Lends a Helping Hand After Hurricane Helene

December 2, 2024

When Hurricane Helene tore through western North Carolina, it left a trail of extreme damage and devastation, causing widespread outages and crippling the local electrical infrastructure. Union Power Cooperative responded swiftly, sending our dedicated linemen to help sister cooperatives rebuild their electrical systems, in some places from the ground up. Facing challenging conditions, our crews worked tirelessly to restore power, replace critical infrastructure, and bring light back to communities
in need.

Our linemen were ready to take action and lend a helping hand when it was needed most. The seven cooperative principles guide us, and our mission goes beyond power lines. It’s about a commitment to community, and during this challenging time, the principle of Cooperation Among Cooperatives came to life.

After ensuring our Union Power members’ power was restored following the storm, Union Power dispatched crews to assist western NC cooperatives who were in desperate need. Our crews provided much-needed support to French Broad Electric Membership Corporation located in Marshall, NC.

Line Superintendent David Medlock, a 36-year veteran of utility work, stated he had never seen so much damage and devastation. “Seeing the many roads, yards, driveways, and houses that were completely demolished, and the creeks that were relocated, was tough to see,” he said. “But when you look at that destruction and devastation and what those people had to live with, we had the easy part.”

For Medlock, bringing light back to a resilient community was profoundly moving. “When you work 16-18 hours a day, and you see the lights come on in the valley, and you hear the people whooping and hollering and flickering their lights on and off, it’s moving and emotional. It’s such a rewarding feeling knowing that my crew and I left an impact.”

For Lineman Gerald Schelling, this was his first trip helping another co-op. He recalled the warmth and gratitude he received from the community. “The community was incredibly appreciative and happy to see us there, assisting our sister co-op in a time of need.” Schelling’s words reflect the sense of family that defines cooperatives, “Our state’s cooperatives as a whole are like one big family. It’s not just us here; there are other cooperatives out there that love and care for their members like we do.” This sentiment was echoed by Operations Service & Maintenance Coordinator Chris Oxendine, who noted the shared pride among cooperatives: “It’s about pride in keeping the lights on and helping others, no matter where you’re from.”

During their time in western North Carolina, our linemen experienced an outpouring of support from Mars Hill Elementary school, going above and beyond to ensure our linemen felt welcomed and cared for throughout their stay. Students and community members generously provided heartfelt gestures of treats and cards and even helped with laundry—reinforcing the unity and gratitude that define the cooperative spirit.

Our linemen take pride in the important, challenging work they do, knowing that their skills make a difference when communities are in need. Helping rebuild after a disaster like Hurricane Helene is more than just a job—it was a mission to bring hope and relief to communities facing hardship. We’re deeply grateful to the members of French Broad EMC, whose kindness and support made a lasting impact on our crews during long days of restoration efforts. Together, we share a deep sense of gratitude and responsibility, knowing that the cooperative family is always there when it matters most.

In the face of a disaster, Union Power stood as part of a larger family of cooperatives, committed to the values that make us stronger. Every light that was restored symbolized resilience, community, and the power of cooperation—a reminder that when we come together, we can weather any storm.