Missouri electric cooperative crews helped restore power to thousands of Alabama homes and businesses in just days following Hurricane Isaias. Working alongside local employees, contractors and other mutual aid crews, Missouri lineworkers contributed to a restoration effort that has dramatically reduced outages across the region.
A total of 184 Missouri lineworkers and support personnel representing 30 Missouri electric cooperatives deployed to Alabama on Saturday, Oct. 10, to assist three electric cooperatives with restoration efforts following the storm. The cooperatives were: Southern Pine Electric Cooperative in Brewton, Covington Electric Cooperative in Andalusia and Wiregrass Electric Cooperative in Hartford.
At Wiregrass Electric Cooperative, the number of meters without power dropped from around 18,500 at the height of the storm to just 500 by Monday evening. That represents more than 97% of outages restored. Meanwhile, Covington Electric Cooperative in Andalusia reported Monday evening that power had been restored to all members who could safely receive service.
“We’ve had a great response, and it means so much to see Missouri and cooperatives from several other states come together to serve our members,” said Jason Thrash, vice president of engineering, operations and information technology at Wiregrass Electric Cooperative. “We had 34 men representing five Missouri cooperatives helping us, and our staff, board and members are extremely grateful for that support.”
With restoration efforts nearing completion at those two cooperatives, 82 Missouri lineworkers and support personnel are expected to begin their journey home Tuesday, Oct. 13. Another 102 Missouri personnel will remain in Alabama, continuing restoration efforts at Southern Pine Electric Cooperative.
“The progress made in just a few days has been remarkable, and we’re proud of the role Missouri’s crews played in helping get the lights back on for thousands of families,” said Johnie Hendrix, vice president of risk management and training for Missouri Electric Cooperatives. “We’re grateful to every lineworker and support person who answered the call, whether they’re heading home or continuing restoration work. Safety has been our top priority throughout this effort, and now we want to make sure every crew member returns home safely to their families.”
Missouri electric cooperatives have a long history of helping fellow cooperatives following natural disasters. Missouri crews first assisted with hurricane relief efforts in 2004 following Hurricane Ivan. Most recently, 353 Missouri lineworkers traveled to Georgia in 2024 to assist with restoration efforts following Hurricane Helene.
Missouri's mutual aid response is being coordinated by Missouri Electric Cooperatives. The Jefferson City-based association represents all 47 of Missouri's electric cooperatives. Learn more here.