Local electric cooperative assists with “Restoration and rebuild” following Hurricane Helene

Crew members from Bayfield Electric Cooperative joined dozens more from across the state in providing assistance with storm recovery after Hurricane Helene.

The storm not only caused power outages for more than 800,000 people throughout Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina, but also caused complete decimation in some areas, according to a news release from Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association, which the Bayfield cooperative is a part of.

Crews heading south are prepared for a deployment that is expected to last two weeks. While crews were ready to head south immediately after the Helene hit, the widespread destruction in the south meant local authorities had to get infrastructure in place to be able to house and direct those traveling to the area to assist.

“Restoring power in this area is going to be a monumental effort,” said Tim Clay, WECA vice president of operations, in a the release. “We offer our gratitude and appreciation for the crews heading south to assist with this crisis, who will be working in challenging conditions, including mountainous terrain and extensive flooding. The work will be physically challenging, with off-road restoration and a lot of climbing. Safety will be paramount as they work to assist in this unprecedented event.”

Over a dozen other cooperatives part of WECA also provided assistance.

“Concern for community” and “cooperation among cooperatives” are among the principles that cooperatives are built on, and the Wisconsin crews will join electric cooperatives from at least nine other states in the effort,” Clay said in the release.