TULARE, CA — Southern California Edison workers from Tulare traveled to Louisiana on Wednesday, Jan. 28, to help restore power as Winter Storm Fern moves across the country.
The Tulare crews are part of a 168-member team sent by the utility company to fix power outages caused by the severe weather. The group consists of 94 staff members and 74 contract workers, including line crews, mechanics, safety officers, and administrative support staff.
According to Fox 26 News, the workers will repair broken utility poles, fix downed power lines, and clear away trees and branches that have knocked out electricity.
The company sent the team after the Southeastern Electric Exchange, a coalition of 13 utility companies, asked for help. The exchange requested support for a broad region stretching from Texas to the Carolinas as providers prepare for the impacts of the storm.
Winter Storm Fern is expected to hit more than two dozen states. Forecasters have warned that the storm will bring hazardous ice, snow, and freezing temperatures, creating dangerous conditions for both residents and the power grid.
Southern California Edison assured customers that local service will remain reliable. The company kept enough staff in California to handle local outages and emergencies while the Tulare teams are away.
