PPL working to restore power in Puerto Rico

Feb. 22--NORTHUMBERLAND -- Employees of PPL Electric Utilities have been working to restore power to Puerto Rico following a devastating hurricane last fall.

A total of 37 PPL technicians have helped restore electrical service to 1,000 homes, schools, businesses and churches in the Cuguas region since late January, said PPL Regional Affairs Director Tracie Witter. Another group of employees will arrive in early March to take over PPL's part in the relief effort.

Puerto Rico, a territory of the United States, was severely damaged Sept. 20 and 21 as Hurricane Maria made landfall with 155 mph winds and up to 30 inches of rainfall. Voice of America, a federally-funded news agency, reported this month that nearly 40 percent of Puerto Ricans are still without power.

Witter witnessed the devastation first-hand this month when she visited PPL crews on the island.

"We knew the people of Puerto Rico needed our help," she said.

Jeff Higley, a lineman leader from Sunbury, said residents are so grateful for the assistance. "The people here tell us their house is our house."

Witter said PPL's efforts are just one piece of a unified front to assist Puerto Rico's recovery. When the Edison Electric Institute, a trade group, invited PPL and 17 other investor-owned utility companies to help restore power to Puerto Rico, Witter said PPL responded immediately.

PPL employees also helped the Salvation Army give out supplies to residents on Valentine's Day.

"It's been a humbling experience down here. During the first week, our work seemed like an impossible task," said Chris Kocher, a PPL employee from Bloomsburg.

Witter added, "We saw ourselves as one small role in a larger effort."

PPL employees in Pennsylvania have worked to help with general recovery as well. "We had an employee campaign to raise money for the Salvation Army," said Witter. "It took no effort to get donations from employees. We surpassed our $10,000 goal and donated $11,000."

PPL also sent crews to restore power in Florida last year after Hurricane Irma.

"Delivering safe, reliable and affordable power to our customers is our primary role, but we know there are other ways to empower a community," said Witter.

"Our commitment to the environment, philanthropic contributions and the dedicated volunteerism of our employees allow us to improve the communities in which we live, work and serve."

Anyone can help in the relief effort, she added, advising people to reach out to the Salvation Army and other non-profit agencies about their plans to aid Puerto Rico.

"We represent the United States to them," said Witter. "We want them to have a good impression."

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