More than 90 electric cooperative lineworkers from Tennessee, including 12 for the Chattanooga area, are headed to Florida and Georgia to restore power to those affected by Hurricane Irma.
Tennessee crews have been making plans since last week, but co-ops were hesitant to commit crews until the remnants of Hurricane Irma moved through Tennessee, according to a news release from the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association. With the storm passed, some crews have already left and others are making final preparations to leave for hard-hit Florida and Georgia.
"Eleven electric cooperatives in Tennessee are sending personnel and equipment to Florida and Georgia to assist electric cooperatives impacted by this incredible storm," said David Callis, executive vice president and general manager of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association.
Crews from Tennessee are joining some 5,000 electric cooperative workers from 25 states who are converging this week on the hurricane's impact zone, the release states. It represents one of the largest coordinated electric restoration efforts in history.
"On more than one occasion, our friends from other states have offered assistance following tornados and ice storms," Callis said. "We are glad to repay their kindness."
Crews already departed:
- 12 lineworkers from Appalachian Electric Cooperative, New Market, Tenn.
- 8 lineworkers from Holston Electric Cooperative, Rogersville, Tenn.
- 9 lineworkers from Plateau Electric Cooperative, Onieda, Tenn.
Departing today:
- 12 lineworkers from Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation, Murfreesboro, Tenn.
- 4 lineworkers from Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative, Centerville, Tenn.
- 9 lineworkers from Fr. Loudoun Electric Cooperative, Vonore, Tenn.
- 9 lineworkers from Cumberland Electric Membership Corp., Clarksville, Tenn.
Departing Wednesday:
- 9 lineworkers from Fayetteville Public Utilities, Fayetteville, Tenn.
- 12 lineworkers from Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative, South Pittsburg, Tenn.
- 8 lineworkers from Gibson Electric Membership Corporation, Trenton, Tenn.
- 8 lineworkers from Tennessee Valley Electric Cooperative, Savannah, Tenn.