Omaha Public Power District sent a 17-person team to the Des Moines, Iowa, area to assist MidAmerican Energy with power restoration efforts. Severe storms blew through Monday evening leaving tens of thousands without power in Iowa.
“We received a request for assistance through our mutual aid process. It was through this same process that OPPD called upon help from neighboring utilities following severe weather June 26, and MidAmerican Energy sent crews to help in our restoration efforts,” Nebraska-based OPPD noted.
“It is extremely gratifying being able to return the favor,” said Brian Kramer, senior director of Utilities Operations, Construction and Maintenance. “That’s what mutual aid is all about, utilities helping utilities restore power to our customers when they need it most. Electricity is a critical service, and we never take that for granted.”
OPPD’s mutual aid team left from Sapp Brothers Truck Stop in Council Bluffs, Iowa, at about 4 p.m. on July 16. The group consists of four 3-person line crews, a 2-member safety team, a supervisor and two transportation mechanics.
They were sent to assist with power restoration in the Davenport area.
On Wednesday afternoon, OPPD reported that the work location for the crews shifted into Western Illinois where there is extensive system distribution from straight line winds. "Our employees have continued to work safely and expressed they are grateful for the opportunity to help a neighboring utility in need," it noted.
