“Restoring power in this area is going to be a monumental effort,”
-Tim Clay, Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association vice president of operations.
Forty-five crew members from 15 Wisconsin electric cooperatives, including three from Eau Claire Energy Cooperative, left for South Carolina yesterday to assist with storm recovery after Hurricane Helene left catastrophic damage. Crews gathered at Rock Energy Cooperative in Janesville before making the trek to Aiken Electric Cooperative in Aiken, South Carolina.
While power outages across the southeast in Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina topped 800,000, that’s not the whole story. This storm not only caused damage but, in some areas, complete decimation.
“Concern for community is one of our core cooperative principles, and that commitment extends beyond our backyard. The devastation caused by the storm is overwhelming,” said Monica Obrycki, Eau Claire Energy Cooperative president and CEO. “We’re so grateful for all the lineworkers who were able to assist, and our hearts go out to everyone impacted by the storm.” Crews heading south are prepared for a deployment expected to last between one and two weeks. Wisconsin crews will join electric cooperative crews from at least nine other states in the effort.
“Restoring power in this area is going to be a monumental effort,” said Tim Clay, Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association vice president of operations. “These crews will be working in challenging conditions, including mountainous terrain and extensive flooding. The work will be physically challenging, with off-road restoration and a lot of climbing. Safety will be paramount as they work to assist in this unprecedented event.”
