COLUMBUS, Ohio — Electric companies nationwide lean on each other for support. To help out after the devastation in Florida, AEP Ohio is sending crews to help get power restored faster for those impacted.
Our 10TV crew was there as the central Ohio crews headed south before 7 a.m. Thursday morning. The crews were checking all their gear, trucks, and safety equipment.
"The biggest challenge is the difference of terrain. So, we'll meet with the safety personnel down there, with that company, and go through their safety protocols. Safety always being our number one priority, making sure that our crews stay safe as they travel down and as they work in Florida," said AEP Ohio Director of Operations Matt Bennett.
Anticipating widespread power outages, the Tampa Electric Company asked for help.
Bennett said that his crews "take so much pride in their work and what they do"
"This is the rewarding part of the career. So you know, you go on these hurricane deployments, and you see total devastation, and the individuals you're helping, or they're just so happy to see that you're there," he said.
AEP Ohio sent 94 workers from about 40 service centers across the state. When they arrive, they will be directed to where they're needed. The work they do in Columbus will be similar to the work being done in Florida.
"We're very proud of our team," Bennett said. "They go down there, and they see the total devastation. You know we're step one of restoring normalcy to those folks who have been impacted by the hurricane."
They don't know how long they will be down there, but they were told to pack for 14 days.