Crews from Xcel Energy join others from West Texas assisting after Hurricane Ian
Crews from Xcel Energy are joining others from West Texas and the region in responding to Florida to assist in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.
Xcel Energy confirmed it is sending support to Florida for restoration efforts after Hurricane Ian made landfill mid-day Wednesday as a powerful Category 4 storm. Xcel is providing approximately 270 contract workers who are currently enroute, Xcel announced Wednesday.
The company’s support could possibly grow as the storm continues to cause damage in Florida and portions of the southeastern United States.
The lineworkers are from Colorado, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico and Texas.
“When the call for help comes in, Xcel Energy and the entire electric industry answers that call,” says Bob Frenzel, chairman, president and CEO of Xcel Energy. “When our customers experience adverse conditions, we know that they would do the same for us. It’s imperative that the electric companies work together to ensure the resiliency of our essential product as storm volatility increases.”
Xcel Energy is part of the Edison Electric Institute’s Mutual Assistance program. Following major storms that bring significant outages, electric companies use this program – a voluntary partnership of electric companies from across the country – to help speed restoration. For more about mutual assistance and Hurricane Ian visit Ian | (eei.org)
On Tuesday, Lubbock Power & Light announced it would send 15 vehicles and 18 crew members to Lakeland, Florida to assist with Hurricane Ian recovery efforts.
The effort comes as a result of a mutual service agreement that LP&L signed, committing to assist in disaster recovery events, according to a news release from the municipal utility.
“LP&L is proud to represent our community in lending assistance to Floridians in the aftermath of what could be a potentially damaging event,” said Joel Ivy, Director of Electric Utilities. “A cornerstone principle of our industry is helping our neighbors in need, because there will come a time when Lubbock faces a daunting storm recovery, and their helping hand will turn the tide.”
The LP&L crew left Wednesday morning and will wait in Montgomery, Alabama until the storm passes to ensure they can reach Lakeland as safely and quickly as possible.
The 18 crew members who departed for Lakeland include two construction crews, three service crews, and one mechanic, according to the LP&L statement.
Given the federal disaster declaration already issued, the Federal Emergency Management Agency will reimburse all expenses related to LP&L's efforts in restoring power for Hurricane Ian victims.
Hurricane Ian comes just days after Hurricane Fiona made landfall in Eastern Canada, killing at least 27 individuals in its path and leaving more than 1 million individuals without power in Puerto Rico and
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Crews from Xcel, others from West Texas assisting after Hurricane Ian
