Gulf Power, EREC Gear Up For Karen

October 4, 2013

Gulf Power and Escambia River Electric are  monitoring Tropical Storm Karen and making preparations should the storm affect our area.

“If we have a direct hit from a Category 1 or strong tropical storm, outages could last two to three days,” said Jeff Rogers, corporate communications manager. “We are making plans to account for all scenarios.”

Line crews are fueling their trucks and warehouses are stocking materials. In addition to Gulf Power crews, about 60 contract line crews and tree trimmer crews are on standby to assist in restoration efforts.

“Our employees are well trained and have the resources to repair our system as soon as the storm has safely passed.  We have additional crews and equipment from other electric cooperatives ready to assist if needed,” Said EREC spokesperson Sabrina Owens.

“We are looking at our crew schedules to ensure we have maximum coverage should the storm affect our area,” Rogers said. “We will continue to monitor the storm’s track…and will make preparations based on the landfall of the storm.”

Pictured top: Clint Floyd checks equipment on Gulf Power trucks. Pictured inset:  Stewart Cornelius loads equipment on a Gulf Power truck. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Comments

2 Responses to “Gulf Power, EREC Gear Up For Karen”

  1. Jane on October 5th, 2013 8:03 am

    I am so thankful for all that Gulf Power does to keep our electricity on during/after storms. Good job guys! And I am even more thankful that this is not run by our federal government!!!

  2. SAL on October 4th, 2013 10:54 am

    Looking good GP! Thanks for being prepared. Stay safe.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive