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Local powerline workers headed to Florida to assist with recovery efforts after a pair of powerful hurricanes over a two-week period, were called back while en route.
“Florida Power and Light said that they didn’t need them so the convoy was sent back,” Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy, who is also chair of E.L.K. Energy, told the Star Friday. “It can be interpreted as a good thing.”
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Two E.L.K. Energy powerline maintainers were dispatched Wednesday and were joining crews from Entegrus, Essex Powerlines, Bluewater Power and ERTH Power as part of a co-ordinated mutual aid response, working with crews from across North America.
The powerline workers were to assist Florida Power and Light to restore hydro to residents impacted by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton.
Bondy agreed the decision to send the workers back was surprising after seeing the widespread damage caused by the storms.
“We’re kind of shocked, too. We’re ready and we were prepared,” she said. “And this was the first time that E.L.K Energy was able to send crews so we were kind of proud and excited, but it is what it is.
“We’re a phone call away and we’ll rally the troops again if need be.”
Bonday said E.L.K. Energy has benefited from the support of other utilities during local challenges in the past, so it was only fitting that the utility extend a helping hand in return.
“We needed help last year with the ice storm so now it’s good to give back when you can,” she said. “We were pretty proud to be able to give back and we’ll be ready if they need us.”
E.L.K. Energy officials said they ensure crews are well-prepared for the challenges they may face in the aftermath of hurricanes.
“Storm restoration is a demanding task but we know the team will deliver with the highest level of safety and professionalism,” Bondy added.
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Crews had deployed for Florida Wednesday afternoon.
Hurricane Milton moved into the Atlantic Ocean Thursday after barrelling across Florida as a Category 3 storm, pounding cities with ferocious winds and rain, whipping up a barrage of tornadoes and causing a death toll that is still being counted.
Compounding the damage already wrought by Hurricane Helene, the Hurricane Milton hit the Florida coast south of Tampa.
— with files from the National Post
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