Tracking APS Crews in Hurricane Restoration Effort

Oct. 15, 2024

Crews inspired by cheers and honks

As 30 APS employees rolled across the country in a caravan of bucket trucks on a 3-day journey to hurricane-ravaged Florida, they weren’t sure what they were about experience.

Now in their third day of restoration efforts, they say Arizona’s extreme weather has prepared them for the strenuous work they’re performing in challenging conditions. APS lineworkers have completed more than 12 different assignments in heat, humidity levels at 80% and swampy, flooded areas. They’re helping people in need by rebuilding the grid where extreme winds snapped power poles, tore down power lines and knocked out power.

The APS crews are currently working in the city of Palm Coast, south of Jacksonville. They’ve teamed up with Florida lineworkers to assess damaged infrastructure and remove fallen trees and debris to ensure safe worksites. They’re installing new power poles and electrical equipment and stringing power lines. Already, their work has restored power to hundreds of homes and businesses. The reaction from locals keeps them going.

“We’ve heard cheers and celebratory honking from people driving by. The residents here are so appreciative of the work we’re doing to restore power,” said Robbie Houle, APS Construction Maintenance Supervisor. “One woman approached our crews today and when she learned we had traveled all the way from Arizona, she wept as she shared her gratitude. We’re so humbled to be here and be a part of this effort.”

After the double whammy from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, APS received the call for help as part of a utility mutual assistance network. Each of the employees – 24 lineworkers and six support staff – volunteered to leave their daily duties and families to support the hurricane restoration effort. They left Arizona Oct. 10 from all over APS’s service territory, including Phoenix, Flagstaff, Yuma, Douglas, Casa Grande, Payson, Snowflake, Prescott, Cottonwood and Wickenburg.

Daytona International Speedway has transformed into a campsite for people participating in hurricane restoration efforts. That is where APS crews spent last night.