Economics

Jefferson Energy Cooperative and Georgia Power have both released positive updates heading into day 12 post-Hurricane Helene. Thanks to 600 additional crews in CSRA counties— including hard-hit Columbia County—about two-thirds of residents and businesses now have power. JEC’s total footprint is about 37,000 and officials say a bit more than 25,000 customers are energized. For updates, you are asked to call Jefferson Energy Cooperatives at their main office at 706-547-2167 or 706-592-4531. Georgia Power is extending time to any of its millions of customers who need more time to make

Area Chambers of Commerce are most known for networking and educational workshops and conferences. Since Helene devastated the CSRA, legislative advocacy is more critical than ever to make businesses whole. The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce put together a survey that business leaders are asked to participate in. This survey aims to gather information from business owners regarding the impact of Hurricane Helene on their operations, including property damage and the current status of their business. Survey Link: https://forms.gle/UqtW112V7WnEsGtt7

No power, no gas, boiled water advisories, and limited access to food have felt like the apocalypse for businesses and residents of the CSRA. The minutes turned into hours and the hours turned into days, a week ago today to be exact. According to insurers and financial institutions, damage caused by Helene could run into the billions of dollars. The lights out before and after Helene map from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), provides a dark and daunting perspective of the storm’s impact. Georgia Power’s response to Hurricane