I&M crews are heading south ahead of Hurricane Helene to be in position to assist in anticipated power restoration efforts. I&M is sending 180 employees and contractors along with nearly 40 vehicles from across our service area to assist Georgia Power.

Line workers, fleet technicians and safety support staff will work in Georgia to restore a sense of normalcy and comfort in the wake of the hurricane. Crews will work 16-hour days performing duties such as repairing and replacing damaged power poles and power lines. Among those heading south is I&M’s Manager of Distribution System for our Michigan districts, Donny Williams.

Among those heading south is I&M’s Manager of Distribution System for our Michigan districts, Donny Williams.

“We know firsthand how much mutual assistance is appreciated when we have storms that impact our customers. That’s why we are proud to safely return the support when other communities and power companies need it the most,” Williams said. “While it’s hard for us to leave home, we know helping turn the lights back on for impacted neighborhoods along with the messages of gratitude and support we receive makes it worth the effort.”

I&M and AEP are part of a nationwide group of power companies that help each other when significant power outages occur. I&M crews helped with Hurricane Beryl restoration efforts in Texas. Crews from Kentucky, Ohio and other states helped I&M restore service after this summer’s damaging storms.

Though there is no timetable for our crews’ return, I&M remains ready to respond if outages occur here at home.