FKEC Sends Crews to Assist with Hurricane Ian Power Restoration

Posted: September 30, 2022 at 2:10 pm

On Friday, September 30, FKEC sent crews, equipment, and material to assist with Hurricane Ian power restoration in Florida. 

Three two-person FKEC Journeymen Linemen teams and a line superintendent with three bucket trucks, a pickup truck, and a digger truck towing a back-yard lift are responding to the request for assistance from Glades Electric Cooperative. Glades provides power to over 17,000 accounts in portions of Glades, Hendry, Highlands, and Okeechobee counties. 

In response to a request for help in their warehouse, FKEC also sent a General Storekeeper to Peace River Electric Cooperative, whose service area extends from Ruskin on Florida’s west coast to near Vero Beach.

“At FKEC, we know all about the importance of mutual aid. Five years ago, we had outside assistant crews here helping us restore power after Hurricane Irma,” said CEO Scott Newberry. “This will be a marathon, not a sprint, and we will continue working with our fellow electric cooperatives to support them however we can.”

While this is a critical situation, COO John Stuart reinforced the importance of safety to the crews before they left, saying, “You will be working in an urgent situation, but safety cannot be sacrificed. We know you will do a great job and come home safe.” 

From left, FKEC Line Superintendent Billy Goodwin, with linemen John Stofko, Rob Christensen, Josh Nicolay, Jordan Quade, Rudy Vega, David Ragland, and General Storekeeper Jerry Betancourt head out to help with Hurricane Ian storm restoration work. The line crews will report to Glades Electric Cooperative, and Bentancourt will assist Peace River Electric with their stores and inventory.