Duke Power has sent more than 1300 employees, contractors and their equipment to assist in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

Duke Power's hurricane relief efforts began last week when teams were dispatched to Miami, Florida, to restore power after Katrina's first landfall. Those crews continue to work alongside teams from Florida Power and Light.

This week, Duke Power dispatched crews on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday to travel to Jackson, Mississippi, to help Entergy workers rebuild and restore power and critical services to residents in that area. The personnel include technicians, tree crews and transmission crews to help in storm-battered areas.

Duke Power routinely shares resources with other utilities during time of natural disasters through mutual aid agreements facilitated by the Southeastern Electric Exchange (SEE). During frequent conference calls, SEE coordinates the needs and available resources from each member utility, including Duke Power. The system is particularly effective when natural disasters strike, causing power outages and other devastation.

"We're pleased to send Duke Power personnel to help restore power in areas most impacted by one of our nation's worst natural disasters," said Theopolis Holeman, group vice president of power delivery. "I'm very proud of the men and women in our organization who are leaving their homes, families and the comforts we so often take for granted to help others."