Gulf Power Company is joining other utilities by sending a storm team of 74 employees to assist Oncor with restoration as a winter storm is expected to bring ice and wind to the region.

Oncor, the host utility, serves 10 million customers in the northeast and west-central Texas areas and covers all expenses incurred by the supporting utilities. The crews will be restoring power in the Dallas area.

The storm team includes 52 line personnel and 22 support personnel who will leave in convoys Thursday morning from Pensacola, Crestview and Chipley.

“Our crews are experts in restoration and are often called upon to help in the wake of these devastating storms,” said Jeff Rogers, Gulf Power spokesperson. “They’re battle-tested and ready.”

The last time Gulf Power crews were called on to help during a winter storm, they experienced very similar conditions.

“Our last winter storm trip was to the areas affected by Hurricane Sandy in the Northeast last year, so working in wintry conditions is fresh on our minds," said Rogers. “This experience helps our crews keep their skills sharp — it’s a great value for our customers and means faster restoration right here at home.”

Gulf Power Company is an investor-owned electric utility with all of its common stock owned by Atlanta-based Southern Company. Gulf Power serves more than 430,000 customers in eight counties throughout Northwest Florida. The company’s mission is to safely provide exceptional customer value by delivering reliable, affordable and environmentally responsible electricity while strengthening our communities. Visit online at GulfPower.com or on the company’s Facebook page, “Gulf Power Company.”