Three members of the state’s association for energy companies have united to send work crews to help the citizens affected by the aftermath of Hurricane Florence.
In addition to thousands of workers from Alabama Power who were deployed to North Carolina, the Tennessee Valley Authority and the Alabama Rural Electric Association sent more than 230 linemen, along with trucks, helicopters, maintenance teams and support staff to work hand-in-hand with onsite utilities, such as Duke Energy and electric cooperatives, to restore power to homes and businesses.
“We will give them our best to help them out. This is what we are all about,” said Michael O. Barnes, a foreman leading Black Warrior Electric Membership Corporation’s crews assisting in North Carolina. Black Warrior Electric is an electric co-op that serves residents of 12 counties in west central Alabama and a member of AREA.
After helping in the initial stage of the relief effort, the 1,200-person team from Alabama Power has already begun making its way back to Alabama.
Crews from PowerSouth and Electric Cities of Alabama are on stand-by to relieve other groups or provide extra help, if needed.
“Our members are dedicated to assisting others during times like this and stand ready to
offer their expertise. Alabamians are known for our generosity and willingness to help, and this is a prime example of their willingness to help others,” said Seth Hammett, chairman of the Energy Institute of Alabama.
The EIA is the state’s only association whose members are dedicated to providing reliable, affordable and clean energy for its end users. To learn more about EIA, visit www.energyinstituteal.org.
