EEI > Issues & Policy > Electric Reliability > Mutual Assistance
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Hurricane Matthew: Restoration Efforts

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Hurricane Matthew brought heavy rains, high winds, serious inland and coastal flooding, and storm surge to parts of Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, and Virginia. Overall, the storm impacted more than 3.2 million customers who are served by EEI member companies. Approximately 30,000 workers were dedicated to the overall recovery effort, working around the clock to restore power as safely and efficiently as possible. This included crews and lineworkers from impacted electric companies and the industry’s mutual assistance network.

After a storm, some customers may not be able to receive power to their homes because of the damage caused by high winds or flooding. Many local codes require that a licensed electrician or plumber do any repair work or that a city/county inspector check the system before power can be restored. If your meter box, pipes, or wires are bent or broken, contact a licensed electrician. Do not touch damaged equipment. If the meter itself is damaged, restoration workers will replace it.
 

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The Mutual Assistance Network

Restoring power after a major storm is a complex task, and a speedy restoration requires significant logistical expertise, along with skilled line workers and specialized equipment. Electric companies affected by significant outages often turn to the industry’s mutual assistance network—a voluntary partnership of electric companies from across the country—to help speed restoration.

Mutual assistance is an essential part of the electric power industry’s service restoration process and contingency planning. The mutual assistance network is a cornerstone of electric company operations during emergencies. 

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Above All, Safety First.

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