PENSACOLA, Florida - The Edison Electric Institute today presented Gulf Power with the association’s “Emergency Assistance Award” for its extraordinary work assisting in power restoration efforts after Hurricanes Hermine and Matthew in Fall 2016.
The award is a testament to the lineworkers, team leaders, engineers and all the support staff who worked storm duty,” said Stan Connally, Gulf Power Chairman, President and CEO. “They displayed tremendous dedication in restoring power safely and quickly to get customers’ lights back on.”
Gulf Power responded to the City of Tallahassee and Georgia Power following Hurricane Hermine’s landfall on Sept. 2. A month later, Gulf Power storm teams responded rapidly to calls for aid from Florida Public Utilities and Georgia Power, assisting with recovery operations following Hurricane Matthew in October. Gulf Power employees devoted more than 12,768 and 10,565 hours while helping to restore service in the wake of Hurricanes Hermine and Matthew, respectively.
“It is a total team effort when our crews and support personnel leave our area to support other utilities,” added Connally. “It was a monumental effort restoring power to customers affected by both storms, but our crews are well trained and ready respond whether at home or across the South. There is great security knowing our Southern Company sister utilities or other utilities across the country can count on us when they need help.”
The award is presented twice per year to EEI member companies to recognize an outstanding response in assisting a neighboring or nearby electric company in power restoration efforts after service has been disrupted by severe weather conditions or other natural events. The winners of the fall 2016 awards were chosen by a panel of judges following an international nomination process, and the awards were presented during the winter EEI Board of Directors and CEO meeting.
“Gulf Power’s crews quickly responded to the call to assist in the restoration efforts following Hurricanes Hermine and Matthew,” said EEI President Tom Kuhn. “Mutual assistance is a hallmark of the electric power industry and Gulf Power’s crews exemplify the industry’s dedication to mutual assistance and customer service. The courageous and dedicated crews who faced challenging conditions in the wake of Hurricanes Hermine and Matthew are greatly deserving of this terrific recognition.”
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About Gulf Power
Gulf Power is an investor-owned energy provider with all of its common stock owned by Atlanta-based Southern Company. Gulf Power serves more than 447,000 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 MyGulfPower.com or on the company’s Facebook page. News information can be found at GulfPowerNews.com.
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