CPS Energy, in response to a mutual assistance request from Jacksonville Electric Authority (JEA), today sent crews and support staff to Florida. The storm restoration caravan departed San Antonio this morning headed for Jacksonville to help restore power for any JEA customers who may be impacted by Hurricane Ian.
“Our crews are among the best in the business at getting the lights back on quickly and safely in all kinds of weather conditions,” said CPS Energy President & CEO Rudy D. Garza. “When JEA reached out to us, I immediately called the CEO and told him we’d answer the call. We are One Team here in our community and for our fellow neighbors in need halfway across the country.”
The storm restoration team includes 35 members with three overhead teams, consisting of six crew members per group, and 17 members of the fleet and safety team and other staff. They are traveling in 17 vehicles comprised of 6 bucket trucks, 3 pole setting trucks and other support equipment. The team will drive to Mobile, Alabama to rest overnight while they await their assignments for any affected areas in Jacksonville. CPS Energy is prepared to provide assistance for up to two weeks.
If Hurricane Ian wreaks the damage anticipated, the storm restoration effort will mark the third time in six years CPS Energy has provided mutual assistance to JEA. In September 2017, crews were called when more 100,000 customers were without power following Hurricane Irma in Florida. In October 2016, CPS Energy helped restore power for 150,000 customers in the wake of Hurricane Matthew.
