Kiamichi Electric Cooperative (KEC) sent 10 crew members to Georgia to help restore power lines to thousands of members left in the dark after Hurricane Helene's devastating aftermath. The crew left on Friday, October 4th, and joined the Jefferson Energy Cooperative crew members the following day. After Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc, only 6 of their 26 substations were operational. Hurricane Helene was a Category 4 storm that made landfall in Florida on September 26, then moved over Georgia, the Carolinas, and Tennessee, causing tornadoes and heavy flooding.
Jack Godowns, Jefferson Energy Cooperative Line Supervisor, said, “The KEC crew is a fantastic bunch of guys. They worked well together and hit the ground running upon their arrival. They jumped in and worked hard, just like they were at home. It was a pleasure to work with them, and I wouldn’t hesitate to call on this crew again.”
Of course, when crews are sent out during storm recovery, the co-op is left short-handed, but the crew back home stepped up and kept things running smoothly while the crews were gone. CEO Brett Orme expressed his gratitude for the team's willingness to travel to Georgia and for the crew that stepped up to cover their responsibilities at home during their absence. “I am so glad our team made it home safely. I also want to acknowledge the crews who remained behind—they worked tirelessly to keep everything running smoothly."
Thousands of utility workers from more than a dozen states assisted Georgia crews in restoration efforts. Godowns said, “I’ve seen a lot of devastation in my career, but it’s different at home. Having KEC linemen assisting in restoration efforts made all the difference.”
Established in 1945, KEC provides electric service to over 22,000 meters and maintains approximately 4,207 miles of distribution line in Latimer, LeFlore, Pittsburg, Pushmataha, and Atoka counties.