Gulf Power, EREC Are Prepared For Gustav

September 1, 2008

Gulf Power Company and Escambia River Electric are prepared for whatever Gustav brings to North Escambia.

“We have a storm-tested restoration plan and we’re preparing for widespread power outages,” John Hutchinson, corporate services general manager said. “We’re prepared to activate our emergency operation center and each Gulf Power employee has a specific storm duty to ensure that power is restored quickly and safely.”

“We are watching Gustav closely and all emergency response personnel are ready to respond to whatever the storm may bring our way. Additional co-op crews are on stand-by status to speed the recovery process if needed,” said Clay Campbell, EREC CEO and general manager.

Gulf Power is also checking with neighboring utilities and contractors to put crews on standby in case outside workers are needed. After Hurricane Ivan in 2004, Gulf Power brought in more than 4,000 outside workers. The company is also checking its supplies of materials and reviewing storm assignments.

“We will work as fast and as safely as possible,” Hutchinson said. “We ask our customers to please be patient.”

Hutchinson said if the hurricane does effect us in Northwest Florida, Gulf Power crews would more than likely be sent to help neighboring states restore power, something the utility does almost anytime a hurricane strikes in the Southeast.

“We work a hurricane somewhere almost every year,” Hutchinson said. “The good part about that is that our crews are very well tested and have more experience in emergency restoration operations than other utilities across the country.”

EREC is also prepared to help electric cooperatives in neighboring states if there is little damage here.

“As a Touchstone Energy® cooperative, EREC is part of a vast network of member-owned electric co-ops committed to superior service. Assisting fellow cooperatives in times of need is an essential part of the Touchstone Energy® network,” Campbell said.

Gulf Power is able to detect most widespread outages during a storm and customers should wait a reasonable time before calling in an outage report. The number to call for reporting outages is 1-800-GU-POWER (487-6937).

EREC customers should call (8877) OUT-EREC (688-3732) to report a power outage.

Comments

Comments are closed.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive