Wisconsin Xcel Energy crews are among many traveling to Georgia for hurricane relief

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) – It has been several days since Hurricane Helen devastated the South.

“When you look at the things they talk about, the sights, the sounds and the smells, a little bit comes to mind,” Terry Schloer said.

He has worked for Xcel Energy for decades. He and others from Wisconsin are using their skills to help people affected by power outages in Augusta, Georgia.

“Knowing that they're still looking for help a week after the storm just proves there's significant damage,” said Brad Polacek.

He is one of three managers traveling with 12 linemen who make up six Wisconsin-area teams.

Xcel Energy dispatches a total of over a hundred workers from various states, including our western neighbors in Minnesota.

Four of the six Wisconsin groups met in Eau Claire on Wednesday to discuss the game plan before hitting the road.

“You only realize how important this electricity is when the light switch no longer works,” said Schloer.

Our sister state WAGT/WRDW reported that thousands of linemen from various companies in various states are in the Peach State to help.

Our colleagues said the Category 1 storm caused the following to Georgie Power's grid:

More than 8,000 electricity pylons

Over a thousand miles of cabling

More than 1,500 transformers.

The station also reported that the majority of the 184,000 Georgia Power customers without power are in Augusta.

“There are a lot of people who will be down there helping. These guys will be putting in 16 hour days. Turning on lights, fixing polls and laying cables,” Schloer said.

The linemen making their way down already had quite a bit of power restoration work to do.

“In our area we have seen large wind events, thunderstorms and tornadoes, these are not uncommon in this area either,” Polacek said.

The crews realize that the task ahead is easier said than done.

“We are happy to do this and help. We get dirty and tired. We're going to have some long days. But it’s only part of it,” Schloer said.

“What we must not lose sight of is the safety aspect. We need to make sure we take the time necessary to do what we do safely. Make sure we don’t have any injuries along the way, do our job and get home safely,” Polacek said.

The Wisconsin teams plan to arrive in Georgia by Friday and are expected to work over the next few weeks.

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