LINCOLN, R.I. (WPRI) — As Hurricane Milton approaches the Gulf Coast of Florida, Rhode Island Energy crews are heading down to offer support.
Seven bucket trucks with 20 people left Tuesday morning to help Tampa Electric, which has called on crews from the Northeast as they anticipate widespread power outages.
“It’s very rewarding to get people’s power back on. That’s what they need right now. They’re going to they’re looking forward to having us come down and help them out. There’s a lot of work involved. A lot of climbing is going to be involved, a lot of bucket work, a lot of cleanup,” Overhead Line Supervisor Brian Madden said. “Looking forward to the trip and, hope everybody comes home safely.”
This comes on the heels of Hurricane Helene, which tore through the Gulf Coast of Florida, parts of Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee and Virginia.
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Rhode Island Energy had 18 people on the ground in Virginia four days ago. They were able to assist with pole replacements, running new wires, clearing trees, and patrolling lines before power was restored.