In anticipation of Hurricane Milton's impact, dozens of SWEPCO mutual-aid crew members have been deployed to Florida. As the hurricane intensified to a Category 5 storm in the Gulf of Mexico, it expected to make landfall in Tampa, Florida, as a Category 3 hurricane on Wednesday.
SWEPCO's restoration teams are currently stationed in Tallahassee, Florida, and Daphne, Alabama, to assist Tampa Electric (TECO) in power restoration once the storm passes. The 69 crew members will likely remain in the area for at least a week to offer their support.
Mutual Aid Hurricane Response
This marks SWEPCO's second involvement in mutual aid hurricane efforts in recent times. Recently, over one hundred employees collaborated with Appalachian Power, another utility, to restore power to regions in northeast Tennessee, southwest Virginia, and southern West Virginia post-Hurricane Helene.
These crews had returned earlier this week after nearly a fortnight of effort in reviving infrastructure and aiding communities affected by the storm. In total, over 7,300 individuals from 30 states participated in the Appalachian Power restoration projects following Helene.
Collaborative Efforts
Brett Mattison, SWEPCO President and COO, commented on the collective response efforts, stating, “These collaborative efforts underscore the spirit of the electric utility industry – one where neighbors helping neighbors isn’t just a saying, but a practice.”
Mattison noted the mutual cooperation during unprecedented storms in 2023, including a significant tornado outbreak following Hurricane Beryl, expressing pride in SWEPCO’s continued support.
Significant Flooding
The areas most affected by Hurricane Helene faced severe obstacles, including fallen trees, blocked roads, and notable flooding. Appalachian Power reported substantial damages in southern Virginia and West Virginia, with estimates of over 583,000 feet of downed wire, 885 damaged poles, and 285 transformers needing repair. Power outages impacted over 282,000 customers at the storm's height, with restoration efforts ongoing.
Brett Mattison assured, “We’ve ensured enough of our workforce is available at home to continue delivering reliable service to our local customers in Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas,” emphasizing that SWEPCO crews are ready for the upcoming challenges, dedicated to restoring power promptly and safely while continuing their service at home.
Dozens of SWEPCO mutual-aid crew members are in Florida ahead of Hurricane Milton, which reached Category 5 strength as it churns through the Gulf of Mexico. It is expected to make landfall in the Tampa, Florida area as at least a Category 3 hurricane on Wednesday.
SWEPCO restoration professionals are strategically positioned in Tallahassee, Florida, and Daphne, Alabama. Once Milton has passed through, they will assist Tampa Electric (TECO) with restoring power. These 69 crew members are expected to be on the ground helping TECO for at least a week.
Mutual aid hurricane response
This is SWEPCO’s second mutual aid hurricane response in recent weeks
This is SWEPCO’s second mutual aid hurricane response in recent weeks. More than a hundred SWEPCO employees provided help for the company’s sister utility, Appalachian Power, restoring electricity to affected customers in northeast Tennessee, southwest Virginia and southern West Virginia following Hurricane Helene.
Those crews returned home Monday after nearly two weeks of tireless work to help Appalachian Power rebuild infrastructure and support communities impacted by the storm. In all, more than 7,300 workers from 30 states traveled to help Appalachian Power following Helene.
Collaborative efforts
“These collaborative efforts underscore the spirit of the electric utility industry – one where neighbors helping neighbors isn’t just a saying, but a practice,” said SWEPCO President and COO, Brett Mattison.
He adds, “When SWEPCO suffered unprecedented storms in 2023 and a historic tornado outbreak following Hurricane Beryl that spirit of collaboration and support was on display. We are proud to offer support.”
Significant flooding
In the areas hit hardest by Hurricane Helene, the challenges were immense. Crews faced downed trees, impassable roads, and significant flooding.
Across southern Virginia and West Virginia alone, Appalachian Power reported more than 583,000 feet of fallen wire and extensive damage to 885 poles and 285 transformers, making restoration efforts complex and dangerous. At the peak of the storm, more than 282,000 customers were without power and most have since been restored.
“We’ve ensured enough of our workforce is available at home to continue delivering reliable service to our local customers in Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas,” said Brett Mattison, adding “The crews are fully prepared for the challenges ahead, committed to restoring power swiftly and safely during these critical times as we continue to serve our customers at home.”
