Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc., (AECI) has sent 34 workers to assist with power restoration efforts along the East Coast in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.
AECI, the Little Rock-based statewide service organization for Arkansas’ 17 electric distribution cooperatives, took 12 bucket trucks, three digger-derrick trucks and 10 pick-up trucks, along with other assorted equipment, to assist in the restoration efforts.
Pat McClafferty, vice president of utility sales and services for AECI, said the crews departed Arkansas on Saturday and are waiting for conditions to improve to commerce restoration efforts. The crews are working for Orange and Rockland Utilities based in Pearl River, N.Y. The utility is a subsidiary of Consolidated Edison, Inc., which supplies power to New York City.
“The electric cooperatives have a strong tradition of pulling together to help others in times of crisis,” said McClafferty. “Our dedicated workers will do their best to restore electric service to those impacted in a safe manner.”
The Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas comprise 17 electric distribution cooperatives; Arkansas Electric Cooperatives Inc. (AECI), a Little Rock-based cooperative that provides various services to the distribution cooperatives; and Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corp. (AECC), a generation and transmission cooperative. The distribution cooperatives provide electricity to more than 500,000 members, or customers, in Arkansas and surrounding states.
For additional information, contact:
Rob Roedel, Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas, 501.570.2296 or rroedel@aeci.com
www.ecark.org
