Duke Energy is deploying two mobile substations to restore power to residents of Swannanoa, North Carolina, after Hurricane Helene caused extensive flooding and damaged the region's main power source. The storm, which knocked out power for over 7,000 customers, flooded the primary substation with five feet of water, complicating repairs.

According to Bill Norton, spokesperson for Duke Energy, the mobile units will help bring power back to approximately 4,900 customers once re-energized. A second substation in nearby Biltmore, weighing 200,000 pounds, is also being utilized to restore service to an additional 6,700 customers.

Norton explained that full repairs will take months due to the extent of the flood damage, which left fish trapped inside the equipment. "Our focus is on restoring power safely and efficiently," he said, emphasizing that some areas may still be without power due to severe damage.

Crews are working around the clock to get power back as quickly as possible, but no cost estimates have been calculated for the repairs at this stage.