News Releases

Walton EMC Storm Troopers Make Way to Mississippi

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 31, 2005

Contact Greg Brooks, 770/266-2307, or Katie Woodall, 770/266-2572

MONROE, Ga. – Five electric crews from Walton Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) will arrive in southwest Mississippi this morning to help restore power to victims of Hurricane Katrina.

The crews will assist Southwest Mississippi Electric Power Association (SMEPA) based in Lorman. SMEPA serves 25,000 customers in nine counties in the southwest corner of the state.

“We don't have a single customer with electricity,” said SMEPA General Manager Percy McCaa.  “We have lots of broken poles and lines down. Every one of our substations is off line.”

Since electric cooperatives follow the same power line construction standards, the Walton EMC crews will be able to go right to work when they arrive in Lorman. They can work side-by-side with local crews or independently.

Due to the extent of the damage, it is probable that replacement crews will be sent to relieve the first crews in several days.

Additional hazards face electric crews after natural disasters. Fallen trees can put excess tension on wires and flooding can make access to repairs difficult. The rising waters can also displace poisonous snakes and make mosquito populations explode.

“There is also the hazard from incorrect use of standby generators,” said Greg Brooks, WEMC spokesperson.  “Small generators can put several thousand volts back out on power lines if they are not correctly installed, presenting a hazard for line technicians or anyone else who may come in contact with them.”

Walton EMC is a customer-owned power company that serves 110,000 accounts between Atlanta and Athens.

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