NPU dispatches crews to assist with ‘overwhelming’ situation in South Carolina, Georgia

NORWICH – Over the weekend, crews from Norwich Public Utilities (NPU) were dispatched to assist with power restoration in South Carolina and Georgia in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. NPU’s mutual aid efforts are in response to request made by the Northeast Public Power Association (NEPPA) and in coordination with the American Public Power Association (APPA).

“The news reports and updates we’ve received from our employees following this storm are catastrophic, with more than 100 dead and hundreds of thousands of people without power,” said Chris LaRose, General Manager of NPU. “We understand the importance of providing mutual aid when we can – because it’s entirely possible that one day, NPU will be the organization asking for help.”

On Thursday evening, NPU Foreman Scott Smith and Linemen Tom Holmes and Nate Dimmock arrived in Oxford, Georgia. They worked throughout the day on Friday and Saturday, restoring power to hundreds of customers of the Oxford City Utility.

Late on Saturday, the NPU employees were transferred to McCormack, South Carolina, a town of approximately 2,400 on the Georgia / South Carolina state line and began working early on Sunday morning. They are working to restore power to customers of the McCormack Commission of Public Works. The town has been severely impacted by flooding, with limited public water or cell phone service in the area.

On Monday morning, NPU’s Tony Rizzi, an Electric Maintenance Manager, was dispatched to McCormack to replace Smith. Rizzi is bringing water, bedding and blankets, and additional supplies with him. It is estimated that McCormack is about 14 hours by truck from Norwich.

NPU will provide updates on its mutual aid efforts throughout the week on its Facebook page.