A 15 member crew from OPPD was in Orlando ahead of Hurricane Dorian to help get the lights back on after the storm. They were released from duty Tuesday and were on their way back home when they got another call.
OPPD Spokesperson Jodi Baker tells NewsRadio 1110 KFAB, "They were headed out of the Orlando area but then we got a call from a utility in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. They do need help. They are requesting our assistance so our team was happy to head back in that direction. Once the storm passes and it is safe to move around, then they will move into the area and help where needed."
There are 12 linemen, two mechanics and a field supervisor in Florida ready to help.
Nebraska Public Power District sent an 18 man team to Florida to pre-stage for Hurricane Dorian. Efforts were demobilized Tuesday morning and they were released by the Orlando Utilities Commission.
The crew left Orlando Tuesday morning. NPPD alerted other utilities of their availability. The team is expected to be back in Nebraska late Thursday if they are not called upon before that.