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Power restored four days after NC substation was shot up, $75,000 reward offered

This photos shows the gate to the Duke Energy West End substation in Moore County, N.C. on Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022. Tens of thousands were without power in the county after what authorities say was an act of criminal vandalism at multiple substations. The Pilot newspaper in Southern Pines reported that infrastructure at the West End substation was damaged.
(John Nagy/The Pilot via AP)
This photos shows the gate to the Duke Energy West End substation in Moore County, N.C. on Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022. Tens of thousands were without power in the county after what authorities say was an act of criminal vandalism at multiple substations. The Pilot newspaper in Southern Pines reported that infrastructure at the West End substation was damaged.

Moore County has lifted its state of emergency now that power has been restored to customers who lost it in last weekend's attack on two substations.

Duke Energy says it finished repairing and replacing the equipment Wednesday after it was damaged by gunfire Saturday night.

Authorities still have not released any information about any potential suspects or motives.

Moore County Sheriff Ronnie Fields acknowledged what he described as frustration among his residents.

"Every investigator working on this case - state, local and federal - know what you want, and that's answers. We want to know who and why. We are committed to getting you those answers," he said.

Fields says there is a reward of up to $75,000 available for information that leads to an arrest.

North Carolina’s Insurance Commissioner has asked licensed insurance companies to be flexible with customers who have been affected by the power outage.

Commissioner Mike Causey said nearly 45,000 people were impacted and could not access their online insurance accounts without power.

“This criminal act has had a significant impact on nearly 45,000 residents,” said Commissioner Mike Causey. “Many folks cannot access their online insurance accounts due to power loss. We are requesting that insurance companies be flexible with customers during this time until power is fully restored.”

He has asked insurers to relax due dates for premiums payments; extend grace periods; waive late fees and penalties and consider cancellation or non-renewal of policies only after exhausting other efforts to work with policyholders to continue coverage