SLEMCO Crews Mobilize to Assist in Recovery Efforts
In response to significant power outages caused by Winter Storm Fern, SLEMCO crews have mobilized to assist in recovery efforts in Mississippi. They departed on Tuesday for the Twin County Electric Power Association in Hollendale, which is facing severe challenges following the storm.
SLEMCO Crews Aid in Power Restoration
As reported, around 80% of the 12,600 customers served by Twin County Electric are currently without power. This grim situation stems from the devastating impact of ice accumulation, which has resulted in over 1,200 downed power poles and damaged power lines.
Deployment of Resources
SLEMCO has dispatched a total of 31 skilled line workers and support staff to assist with the restoration efforts. The teams are equipped with specialized tools and vehicles, including:
- Material handlers
- Digger-derricks
- Pole trailers
- Four-wheel drive trucks
- Flatbed trailers
- Side-by-side off-road vehicles
- A mechanic truck with a parts trailer
Commitment to Cooperative Principles
Mary Laurent, SLEMCO’s Communications Coordinator, emphasized the cooperative’s philosophy of mutual assistance. “Lending a hand when other electric cooperatives need additional manpower to restore power in the wake of a major storm is one of the key principles of being a cooperative,” she stated.
SLEMCO, which serves approximately 120,000 customers across several parishes, including Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, and Vermilion, embodies the spirit of cooperative support. These fundamental values ensure that when disaster strikes, the response is swift and cooperative.
The commitment to help fellow cooperatives reflects a strong sense of community and resilience in the face of natural disasters. By collaborating with local utilities in times of need, SLEMCO reinforces its dedication to both its customers and the broader electric cooperative network.
