FPUA Sends Mutual Aid Crew to Georgia Ahead of Historic Winter Storm

Fort Pierce Utilities Authority has deployed a mutual aid crew of six electric linemen to Jackson, Georgia, to assist local utilities in advance of a historic and widespread winter storm expected to impact large portions of the southeastern United States.

The winter storm is forecasted to begin impacting the region on Friday, with heavy snow and damaging ice expected through Monday, posing significant risks to electric infrastructure and regional power reliability. Areas unaccustomed to prolonged freezing temperatures and ice accumulation are expected to experience hazardous conditions and potential widespread power outages.

Utilities throughout the region have activated mutual aid agreements in anticipation of storm-related damage, allowing crews to be pre-positioned and ready to respond quickly once conditions allow restoration work to begin.

As Florida’s mutual aid coordinator, the Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) has coordinated throughout the week with public power utilities nationwide and the American Public Power Association, with more than 185 personnel from 15 Florida public power utilities scheduled to deploy to South Carolina and Georgia to assist with anticipated power restoration efforts.

FPUA’s linemen departed Fort Pierce with specialized equipment to support repair and restoration efforts alongside crews from other public power utilities. The deployment reflects the long-standing mutual aid partnerships among public power providers, which enable utilities to mobilize skilled personnel and resources ahead of major weather events.

“Mutual aid is a cornerstone of public power,” said Keith Stephens, FPUA Director of Gas and Electric Systems. “We have relied on this same network of support following hurricanes and severe weather here in Fort Pierce, and we are committed to providing assistance when other communities face significant challenges.”

FPUA has both provided and received mutual aid assistance over the years, particularly following major storm events in Florida. Those experiences reinforce the importance of regional cooperation and shared preparedness when responding to large-scale weather emergencies.

While the crew is deployed out of state, FPUA has confirmed that local electric system operations and emergency response capabilities in Fort Pierce remain fully staffed and prepared.

Fort Pierce Utilities Authority thanks the deployed crew members and their families for their service and support as utilities across the region prepare for this historic winter weather event.