Hurricane Helene unleashed its fury on the southeastern United States, bringing with it powerful winds, heavy rains, and widespread power outages. In Lexington, South Carolina, Bill Miller and his family were among those who faced the sudden reality of life without power. As the storm raged on and days turned into nights without electricity, Bill, the owner of Caffeine Cabin, had to think fast to keep his family safe and comfortable.

Bill had previously installed a Joule Case battery system for his coffee truck, which he turned to during the storm to meet essential needs at home. With some quick thinking and resourcefulness, he was able to bring back basic comforts for his family, helping them get through the difficult days without power. 

An Unexpected Lifeline

Bill had initially installed Joule Case’s Lithium-Ion batteries for his coffee truck, never expecting they would one day support his family through a severe storm. As the days unfolded, he gradually expanded his setup to provide power for essentials, adding a measure of comfort and security when they needed it most. “I never imagined I’d use [the batteries] to power multiple items in my home,” he reflected. “In the grand scheme, four days without power wasn’t long, but finding small ways to make life a little easier each day mattered.”

A Simple Setup, A Big Impact

From his coffee truck, Bill used extension cords to support appliances like the refrigerator, freezer, a small AC unit, and the internet router. He even managed to connect his home’s well pump, an effort that brought much-needed running water to the sink and shower. “Having water at the sink and shower was amazing,” he shared, noting how the addition of a little water made a tremendous difference.

Though there were a few initial setup challenges, Bill emphasized that these efforts were worthwhile. With guidance from a friend, he found ways to adapt the system safely, managing to run critical items in his home during the outage. “I didn’t want to mess anything up,” he explained, recalling his caution when setting up the 240V line for the well pump. “Once I got it right, it was a relief to have those comforts back.”

During the outage, the Joule Case system helped Bill’s family keep their food supply fresh, charge their devices, and stay connected—a small comfort in a larger situation that affected so many. “We didn’t lose any food,” he shared gratefully, knowing that many weren’t as fortunate.

Providing Comfort Amid Uncertainty

For Bill, having access to even a small amount of power helped maintain a sense of normalcy. “The downstairs stayed cooler, and we didn’t have to endure nights of heavy humidity,” he said, recalling how these small comforts added up. Even a cold shower, he shared, became a welcome relief. “For us, being able to flush toilets and have some water access made a big difference. It reminded us how a few basic things can help you get through.”

When asked if he would rely on the Joule Case system again in a similar situation, Bill didn’t hesitate: “100%. It was a game changer.” Reflecting on the investment, he added, “As most know, the batteries aren't cheap by any stretch of the imagination. With how they helped us, they've paid for themselves at this point.” 

Bill acknowledges that some planning is necessary to make the system work smoothly in a home setting, but he finds that effort well worth it. "It’s not just plug-and-play, but with a bit of planning, it becomes a reliable source of power when you need it most."

In sharing Bill’s experience, we at Joule Case feel deeply grateful that we could provide even a small measure of resilience to the Miller family during Hurricane Helene. We recognize the impact of such storms and the profound challenges faced by many in their wake. Our thoughts are with all those affected, and we’re honored that Joule Case could play a part in offering support during a time of need.