Utility sends 822 workers to Texas
That is more workers than Progress Energy sent to the northern Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005.
Of the 822 workers deployed, 380 will come from Florida and 442 from the Carolinas, the utility said. The company sent 385 of its employees and 437 contract workers.
The workers are a mix of company line and service crews, transmission line technicians and support personnel.
In addition, contract line and tree crews with their vehicles and equipment will be sent.
The company expects the workers to be in Texas for about two weeks. The region is mopping up after Hurricane Gustav.
The crews are being sent as part of the Southeastern Electric Exchange that utilities use to provide mutual aid after storms. The utility requesting the help pays for the workers.
None of the costs are paid by Progress Energy customers, according to the company.
At the height of the storm, 3 million people were without power in Texas, and 180,000 homes and businesses were without electricity in Louisiana from damage caused by Ike and Gustav.
Related News
Ontario's five largest electricity providers join together to warn of holiday scams
TORONTO - Ontario’s five largest electricity utilities have come together to warn the public about ongoing scams concerning fake phone calls, texts and bills connected to the utility accounts.
“We always receive these reports of scams and it gets increasingly higher during the holidays when people are busy and enjoying the season," said Whitney Brhelle, spokesperson with Hydro One.
Hydro One joined with Alectra Utilities, Elexicon Energy, Hydro Ottawa and Toronto Hydro to get the message out that scammers are targeting customers and threatening to turn off their power.
Scams involve impersonation of a local utility or its employees, threatening phone calls, texts…
