Thousands without power following devastating overnight storms
Pedernales Electric Cooperative is sending 33 lineworkers and support staff to Gilmer, Texas, to assist with power restoration following a strong storm system that rolled through East Texas overnight Thursday, June 15. This morning, PEC responded to a request for mutual aid sending several construction and service crews, large bucket trucks, equipment, and supplies to assist Upshur Rural Electric Cooperative. Currently, more than 47,000 of Upshur’s 53,000 members are without power. PEC crews are prepared to provide assistance over the next few days.
“This storm caused significant damage across East Texas, and we understand the tremendous amount of work required to restore power after an event like this,” said Eddie Dauterive, PEC Chief Operations Officer. “We are grateful to have received assistance from other electric cooperatives and utilities when we needed it earlier this year following Winter Storm Mara. Today, it is our honor to help a fellow electric cooperative in need. I’m proud of our crews for stepping up and know they will do what it takes to help restore power as safely and quickly as possible.”
All cooperatives are guided by seven principles that make electric cooperatives unique from other utilities. One of those principles includes showing Cooperation Among Cooperatives and working to support one another.
“This is the cooperative difference in action,” Dauterive said. “We stand with those affected and wish our crews a safe return.”
