ALLENTOWN, Pa. (WHTM) — The first wave of Pennsylvania utility crews assisting hurricane relief efforts in Georgia could remain there for two weeks, according to a spokesperson from PPL Electric.
PPL Electric Utilities sent 60 electric line workers and 80 contractors to Georgia, where they will help with restoration efforts after Helene passes. PPL Electric belongs to both the Southeast Electric Exchange and the North Atlantic Mutual Assistance Group, allowing crews to help one another in times of crisis.
Hurricane Helene caused nearly 950,000 PPL customers in affected areas to lose power. PPL also sent drone assessment and storm management resources to assist in managing the effort.
“We have about 60 lineworkers, which is about 20 crews or so. We have about six drone pilots. We have a handful of managers coming down to support that contingent as well,” said Tom Bender from PPL. “We have two mechanics, you know, obviously when we are traveling, things break down on the road so we will have them there with us. We will also have numerous supervisors, field supervisors from our regions to help out as well.”