Local Utilities Help Restore Power Post-Hurricane Helene

WINNESHIEK COUNTY — Iowa utilities Alliant Energy and MidAmerican Energy have dispatched voluntary crews to assist in restoring power to states affected by Hurricane Helene. Approximately 150 workers from Alliant Energy and 70 from MidAmerican Energy have been sent to Virginia and Ohio, respectively, to help local energy companies restore power to customers impacted by the storm. Melissa McCarville, spokesperson for Alliant Energy, noted that among their 150 employees deployed, 90 are from Iowa and 60 from Wisconsin, with seven specifically from the Winneshiek County area. Alliant Energy began its support of American Electric Power's Appalachian Power in Virginia cities, including Lebanon, Richlands, and Woodlawn, on Sunday, September 29. The initial timeline for assistance was estimated at one to two weeks, with ongoing assessments being made daily. "Geography is presenting some challenges," McCarville stated. "The hilly and rural terrain is slowing progress, making access to certain locations difficult, and cell service is spotty. However, once our teams reach the areas in need, morale is high; everyone is eager to do the job well and safely." MidAmerican Energy has responded to a request for help from Duke Energy in Hamilton, Ohio, with crews on the ground since Saturday, September 28. "Our teams have made significant progress and continue to work hard," said Geoff Greenwood, media relations manager for MidAmerican. "Their restoration tasks range from repairing downed lines to replacing broken components, including poles. They are working long hours in challenging conditions because they are committed to helping those affected." In the aftermath of the storm, nearly 2 million customers across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Kentucky, Ohio and Virginia were reported without power, according to the U.S. power outage database. South Carolina recorded the highest number of outages among these states. Hurricane Helene, classified as a Category 4 storm, occurred from September 24 to 29 and was noted as the strongest hurricane to impact the "Big Bend" region of Florida. The death toll has exceeded 230, making Helene the deadliest Atlantic hurricane since Hurricane Maria in 2017 and the most lethal to hit the mainland U.S. since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Feed your curiosity! Subscribe to the free newsletter and indulge in all that's local. Your friends will be impressed.