City of Newberry Commended for Electric Restoration Efforts in Tallahassee, FL

The City of Newberry has received a national commendation from the American Public Power Association (APPA) for its exceptional support in electric power restoration efforts in Tallahassee, FL. According to APPA, this commendation is a testament to the City of Newberry's dedication and expertise in disaster recovery.

On May 10, the City of Newberry sent crews to assist Tallahassee in the wake of three devastating tornadoes. These tornadoes caused more damage to the electric utility’s infrastructure than Hurricanes Hermine, Irma, and Michael combined, resulting in widespread outages across the region. Newberry’s crews, worked tirelessly alongside other utilities to restore power to thousands of affected customers. They were instrumental in repairing downed power lines, restoring substations, and ensuring the public's safety during the recovery and rebuilding efforts. Their dedication and expertise were crucial, highlighting the strength and solidarity of the public power mutual aid network.

"The mutual aid system is a vital component of public power," said Jamie Jones, Assistant City Manager for Utilities & Public Works. "It allows us to lend a helping hand to our neighbors in need and ensures that our communities can recover swiftly from disasters. We are proud to be part of such a resilient and supportive network."

The City of Newberry participates in the American Public Power Association’s Mutual Aid Network. This collaborative platform coordinates with utilities and authorities to respond rapidly during widespread power outages. This network ensures that resources and personnel are available where needed most, exemplifying the power of community and cooperation in disaster recovery.