Last Updated: Thursday, September 18, 2008 9:18 AM CDT
WPS workers respond to hurricane
By Michael Skubal - Daily News Staff
Hurricane Ike battered Texas and America’s midsection this past weekend. Wisconsin Public Service crews prepared for the inevitable call for help. It came Monday.
WPS utility crews that were prepared to travel to Texas Monday to help restore power to victims of hurricane Ike have been redirected to Ohio, according to Leah Van Zile, Community Relations Leader for the Rhinelander office. “We’re going to Columbus, Ohio, the front came through and pulled Ike with it,” said Van Zile. “There are 500,000 people without power in the Columbus area.”
According to the American Electric Power (AEP) of Ohio website the company continues to assess the widespread damage caused by a major wind storm on Sunday, Sept. 14.
AEP Ohio crews are working with contract crews and support from other utilities to help restore power as quickly and safely as possible. In addition, more than 600 forestry workers are being brought in to help cut trees and remove debris from power lines.”
“Ten line crews, twenty line electricians, are on their way along with two supervisors and one mechanic,” said Van Zile. “They will be putting up power lines, restoring power. There are three or four from the Northwoods, Minocqua, Eagle River and Rhinelander. The rest are from Wabeno, Merrill, Waupaca, Wausau, Antigo, Green Bay and guys from the Upper Peninsula Power Company.”
AEP foots the bill. The workers stay in area hotels and motels with a per diem for meals. There are OSHA rules regulating driving and the hours they work.
“They were told to plan for two weeks away,” said Van Zile. “The guys are excited to get down there and help out. The companies are good at lending a hand. It’s a pride thing, care and concern.”
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