Icy roads and downed power poles and lines were a few of the hazards Gulf Power Company’s storm team encountered as they helped Georgia Power restore power to customers following last week’s winter storm.
The 82-person crew, which included staffers from various company locations including Crestview, Pensacola and Chipley, was released from storm duty late Sunday afternoon and returned to Northwest Florida late Sunday night.
“They all worked safely and gave hope to customers who had lost power,” said Jeff Rogers, Gulf Power Corporate Communications manager. “Our crews continue to hone their skills working winter storms this year and we were glad to help Georgia Power’s customers get their power back on."
The crews left Feb. 10, donned snow chains, and worked in Jonesboro, Ga., just south of Atlanta most of the week. Over the weekend, they went east to Waynesboro, Ga., to help complete restoration. Georgia Power restored power to more than 700,000 customers.
It was the third time this winter Gulf Power crews were called on to restore power. In December, a team went to the Dallas area. And in late January, Gulf Power had to deal with its own winter storm.
“When the power’s out, there’s no better sight on your street than a bucket truck rolling up,” Rogers said. “The experience gained from being deployed to assist in these storms helps our crews be the best they can be right here at home.”
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Gulf Power storm team returns home after week in Georgia