Mississippi Power storm team released after Virginia restoration work

Mississippi Power’s storm team of more than 70 linemen and support personnel was released by Appalachian Power Wednesday morning after helping restore service on Tuesday to Virginia customers in Roanoke and Independence affected by Sunday’s damaging storms.

The team departed on Monday and went to work on Tuesday with the Northern Division crews working in Independence and the Coastal Division crews working in Roanoke.

“Our crews did outstanding work and they performed it safely and efficiently,” said Meridian Engineering and Operations Manager Rob Robinson, who is serving as the storm team leader. “The teams in Independence replaced poles and wire on very steep terrain that’s been challenging. The Coastal teams really surprised our host by finishing all of the jobs that were assigned to them in one day.”

Appalachian Power customers have expressed their gratitude for the assistance from Mississippi Power through the company’s Facebook page.

“This amazing team called Mississippi Power showed up like a small army in my neighborhood today and have been working so hard all day with smiles and laughter through an absolute mess of broken poles, downed trees and lines everywhere,” said Rebecca Harmon or Roanoke. “They have gotten more done in a day than I thought possible in two.

Charles Harmon of Roanoke was impressed with how the Mississippi Power teams focused on safety as they worked.

“It’s almost dark and they are still out there working so hard, so maybe we can all have heat and electricity back. I’m feeling blessed by this sight today! Go teamwork! And a huge thanks to these folks for feeling like we were important enough to leave their homes, city, even state to come help! Thank you, Mississippi Power and AEP! My family and my neighbors thank you!!”

“Mississippi Power arrived today in our town and we were all amazed how fast they assessed and got on problems we are having,” he said. “I watched them work and I have never seen a crew like you have. They performed like nothing else in my book. We had over half a dozen poles snapped and your team walked through and advised a plan and before I knew it, they were on every pole working together. We are all very grateful to these fine men and to their families for lending them to us. Thank you and God bless you all!”

Mississippi Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), produces safe, reliable and environmentally responsible energy for more than 187,000 customers in 23 southeast Mississippi counties. With nearly 160 megawatts of approved solar energy capacity, Mississippi Power is the largest partner in providing renewable energy in the state of Mississippi. Visit our website at mississippipower.com, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

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