Lowell Light & Power Helps Florida Restore Power

Three representatives from Lowell Light & Power (LL&P) have been working in Florida to help restore power to those who lost it in the wake of Hurricane Irma.  Work has been ongoing in areas where residents and businesses have not been able to return on a permanent basis due to loss of power and destruction.  Working with other power companies, Lowell is helping to make a difference in a part of the country in need.

Representing Lowell
Hurricane Irma has been one for the record books.  Scenes of destruction continue to come out of Florida a week after the storm hit.  While the hurricane came and left quickly, clean-up efforts will take much longer.  Some homes and businesses may never be the same.  Restoring power to the over one million locations without it could still take weeks.  

The Florida Municipal Electric Association sent out a call for help to electric associations across the country.  This electrical bat signal of sorts was received by the Michigan Municipal Electric Association of which LL&P is a member.  Mark Droog, Rich Mutschler, and Steve Shade left on Saturday, September 9 to head to Florida representing our local power company.  They have been helping with rebuilding distribution systems.  This includes, but is not limited to, putting up new poles, hanging cross arms, pulling wire, and energizing transformers.

A bucket truck, pickup truck, and typical equipment used by linemen accompanied the trio on their journey to Florida.  These items will be put to use rebuilding the power system where is has been damaged or destroyed.  Lowell Light & Power General Manager Steve Donkersloot is grateful for the staff representing Lowell.  He says, “We are extremely proud of Mark, Rich, and Steve and their willingness to serve other fellow municipals and this country!  They are giving up time with their families IN THE SUMMER in beautiful West Michigan…but for the greater good and for a greater cause…which is what being an American and being in the electric industry is all about!”

In the past LL&P has sent a trio to the east coast to aid with similar rebuilding after Hurricane Sandy in 2012.  Traverse City Light & Power, the City of Portland, and Great Lakes Energy have also be helped in the past after severe storms passed through their areas.

If you see a member of the Lowell Light & Power team out in Lowell working on something take a moment to thank whoever it is for their hard work here and willingness to help other communities in need.  

Photos courtesy of Lowell Light & Power and used with permission.

1 Comment

  1. This is from my cousin who lives in Florida. Yes, we are very thankful! Most people will never realize the destruction caused by Irma here in Florida as the damage is so widespread. We were still recovering from Mathew less than a year ago. Our governor warned us repeatedly to be prepared as no one knew where the storm would go. I pray for the people especially in the Florida Keys and islands where the damage is so severe. Even now, areas are still flooded. Thank God for all the support we have received from companies all over the country, and doing what America does best, people helping people! Thank you Lowell for sharing your workers.

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