After 37 sixteen-hour days without a day off, Snohomish PUD crews recently returned to Washington State after helping with power restoration efforts in Guam in the wake of a typhoon that knocked out power to a vast swath of customers on the island.
During their time in Guam, crews were able to repair all five major transmission lines that cross the island -- repairs that were essential to restoration efforts, the PUD said.
The PUD was the only utility to answer the call for mutual aid from the contiguous United States.
The PUD noted that expenses for mutual aid were paid for by the Guam Power Authority. The Federal Emergency Management Agency covered the costs for transporting crews, vehicles and supplies.
“Our crew knocked it out of the park,” said Scott Packebush, PUD Line Foreman. “We were on highline the entire time. It was huge work with heavy insulators. We were often working on five or six structures at the same time to get the wire work done. The way our team worked together was incredible.”
“We are very grateful for the support and the hard work of the Snohomish PUD crew on the 115KV transmission line that is critical in reaching full restoration,” said Joleen Cruz, Administrative Officer at the Guam Power Authority.
She noted that the Snohomish PUD crew were presented certificates of appreciation on July 13. Later that evening, they joined GPA management at the Governor’s House for an appreciation event. And lastly, an informal gathering of appreciation with the entire restoration team was held before their departure home.
GPA will also be passing resolutions in August thanking everyone, including Snohomish PUD, for the assistance in support of Typhoon Mawar recovery.
