Florida utility workers aid New Jersey’s recovery from Hurricane Isaias

Utility crews from Florida Power & Light Company and Gulf Power roved far from home this month, heading to New Jersey in the wake of Hurricane Isaias to help the northeastern state restore power to its people.

FPL deployed more than 600 employees and contract workers to the state, and Gulf Power sent nearly 120 lineworkers, support personnel, and contractors. All were focused on restoring electric service and aiding recovery efforts. These consisted of long days since more than 3 million customers from North Carolina to Maine were affected by the storm. In New Jersey, crews helped restore power to nearly 3,000 homes and businesses.

Isaias was an oddity, paralleling Florida’s east coast before swinging northward and slamming the eastern seaboard from the Carolinas to Maine. Though it never crossed higher than a Category 1 hurricane, its effects were devastating and far reaching as it shifted from hurricane to tropical storm and back again.

“As Floridians who know exactly what it’s like to be impacted by a hurricane, we understand the critical role mutual assistance plays in getting communities back up and running safely and as quickly as possible following severe weather,” Eric Silagy, FPL president and CEO, said. “Just as we’ve appreciated help from energy companies across the United States over the years, FPL is always eager and ready to step up and lend support, particularly during this global pandemic, which has only amplified the importance of uninterrupted electricity.”

Such supportive efforts are typical in the energy industry. After natural disasters, it is a common occurrence to see workers from utilities outside of the afflicted states providing on-the-ground assistance for days and weeks after.

“We understand what the customers are going through, and how difficult it is to be without power – especially in the midst of the pandemic when we are all spending more time at home,” Marlene Santos, Gulf Power president, said. “Just like when utilities came from all over the nation to help us after Hurricane Michael, Gulf Power employees have the experience and stand ready to lend support. It’s been a busy hurricane season already, and I am so proud of our men and women for leaving their families to help other communities during a time of need.”

Both Gulf Power and FPL have extensive experience with storm recovery efforts, being from Florida, which is a regular stop for major storms. Both dispatch workers outside the state only after guaranteeing no other storms loom on the horizon that could affect their customers.