Mobile Alabama Power lineman reacts to ‘aggressive’ Houston residents

MOBILE, Ala. ( WKRG ) — Several crews from the Alabama Power Mobile division were sent over to Houston to help restore power for several residents impacted by Beryl.

Beryl knocked out power for nearly three million people in the Houston area, and with summer in full swing, thousands are still without power and are losing their patience, threatening the crews who are trying to restore electricity.

These threats have prompted Houston Mayor John Whitmire to address the community.

“These linemen are our friends!” Whitman expressed. “Quit threatening linemen. HPD is present at our staging centers. Will escort linemen to their workstations. But let me just really plead with anyone who can hear my voice: linemen or our friends in doing their job. Do not threaten them. I understand you’re angry and, mad and frustrated, but let’s get through this together.”

Alabama Power has more than 250 linemen including Ed Holmes, who’s with the Mobile Division, in Houston. Holmes has spent the last nine days in Houston.

“We want to help these folks in need,” Holmes said.

Holmes said he hasn’t encountered any angry, hostile residents but can understand their frustrations.

“I wouldn’t want to be at home any longer than I had to be without lights and my lights was out,” he sympathized. “The folks that are doing that are slowing the process of getting their lights fixed.”

Holmes expects himself and his crew to return to Alabama in the next three days.

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