NPU dispatches crews to assist with anticipated impact of Hurricane Milton in Orlando, Florida

NORWICH – On Sunday, Norwich Public Utilities (NPU) responded to a request from the Orlando Utility Commission (OUC) to provide mutual aid and assist with anticipated wide-spread power outages as Hurricane Milton approaches Orlando.

The response, which includes utility crews from Holyoke and Boyleston, MA, was organized by the Northeast Public Power Association (NEPPA) and the American Public Power Association (APPA). There are 15 NEPPA members sending employees to Orlando.

NPU’s latest mutual aid effort follows assistance provided following power outages and significant damage in Georgia and North Carolina last week.

“As long as there will be no impact on our operations or customers, NPU always tries to respond to requests for mutual aid from our friends and fellow municipal utilities,” said Chris LaRose, NPU General Manager. “We know that our employees can make a significant impact with their hard work and help get the lights back on for thousands of people far from home.”

On Sunday morning, NPU dispatched Electric Maintenance Manager Tony Rizzi, Chief Lineman Jeff Burgess, and Lineman Kramer Sullivan from Norwich and are expected to arrive in Orlando on Tuesday evening.

According to the National Hurricane Center, the hurricane is expected to reach Florida by mid-week, bringing the risk of life-threatening impact to portions of state’s west coast.

The OUC is the second largest municipal utility in Florida and 14th largest municipal in the country. They provide electric, water, chilled water and/or lighting services to more than 240,000 customers.