After five days in the storm-ravaged neighborhoods of central Florida, Savannah Electric’s 19-person storm team has been released to return home. The crews, representing both Savannah and Springfield operations centers, expect to arrive in the area Wednesday afternoon.

The team was assigned to Tampa Electric and worked primarily in the Winter Haven and Auburndale areas. This was the area of heaviest damage for Tampa Electric.

The storm team worked in harsh conditions replacing broken poles and setting new transformers, but they spent most of their time repairing downed wires.

Tampa Electric personnel have been highly complimentary toward Savannah Electric’s employees. Ours was reported to be among the last of the outside crews to be released.

“We appreciate our team’s efforts, not just for their skill in restoring power, but in their willingness to endure this difficult and hazardous duty to help their fellow citizens,” said Savannah Electric President and CEO Anthony James. “It will be good to have them home safely.”

The convoy left Savannah August 14 after it was clear Hurricane Charley posed no threat to the Savannah area.