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

September 28, 2022

In the wake of Hurricane Ian, Austin Energy is sending 18 line workers and support personnel to Jacksonville, Florida to help with restoration efforts. The Austin Energy team plans to leave Wednesday, Sept. 28 at 6:30 a.m., with six bucket trucks, three digging derricks, and 12 support vehicles to help restore power to affected communities.

The team is prepared to provide help for two weeks, though that may change depending on the direct impacts of the storm. Austin Energy received the request for mutual aid from the American Public Power Association and has previously assisted Jacksonville Electric Association (JEA) with hurricane recovery.

“I am honored to work with such caring individuals who not only work day in and day out for our own community here in Austin, but are also willing to help others in need,” said Elton Richards, Austin Energy Vice President of Electric System Field Operations. “Their generosity and willingness to help Florida rebuild is what being a public power utility is all about.”