There are still about 35,000 customers without power in Moore County after an attack on two Duke Energy substations. But Duke Energy moved up its estimate for restoration and said it hopes to have the power back on for everyone by late Wednesday night.

Someone damaged the two substations in Moore County with gunfire Saturday, knocking out power to 45,000 people, officials said. The attack left much of the county without power.

What You Need To Know

  • About 35,000 people are still without power after an attack on two substations Saturday, officials said

  • Duke Energy moved up its estimate and said crews should have power restored to all customers by late Wednesday night

  • Moore County schools will be closed Wednesday and Thursday, but the superintendent said he hopes to bring teachers back Thursday and students on Friday

  • Federal and state investigators are working with the sheriff's office to investigate the attack

"We have made very good progress today and we’re moving that estimate up to Wednesday night," said Duke Energy's Jeff Brooks. He said the power will come back on in waves Wednesday night.

He said the new substation equipment is in place. Workers are testing and calibrating the equipment to get it on the power grid, he said.

The power outage led the county to cancel school again on Wednesday and Thursday. But Superintendent Tim Locklair said he hopes to have staff back in the building Thursday.  

Locklair said he hopes to have students back in the classroom on Friday.  

There is a boil water advisory for the Taylortown water district because of issues with water pressure, officials said. People should bring water to a rolling boil before using it for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth and giving to pets.

The county has stations set up for showers and laundry around the county. Details on where people can take a shower or get a hot meal are on the county's public safety social media page.

As the power outage continues, so does the investigation. The FBI and North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation are investigating with the Moore County Sheriff's Office.