Austin Energy crews deploying to Houston to help with hurricane restoration efforts

September 15, 2021

In the wake of Hurricane Nicholas (now Tropical Depression Nicholas), Austin Energy sent lineworkers and support personnel to Houston to help with restoration efforts.

Twenty-three Austin Energy team members departed Austin this morning with bucket trucks and other equipment to help bring power back for affected communities. The team is prepared to provide help for at least a week in Houston and the surrounding area. Austin Energy received the request for mutual aid from CenterPoint Energy.

“I’m proud to work with such a great team of professionals,” said Elton Richards, Austin Energy vice president of Electric System Field Operations. “Their willingness to help the people of Houston – in addition to the hard work they do every day for Austin Energy customers – is what being a public power utility is all about.”

Safety is always the top priority at Austin Energy, and deploying aid during a pandemic requires extra care and consideration. To ensure the safety of our employees, our crews will only work with other Austin Energy staff, staying with their same team members and following established COVID-19 safety protocols. Additional safety measures are also taken into consideration when setting up lodging for the crews. 

View video of Austin Energy crews departing for Houston this morning