Avista dispatches crews to assist Florida Power & Light with restoration efforts

Rhea-AI Summary

Avista has dispatched crews to assist Florida Power & Light with restoration efforts following Hurricane Helene and in preparation for Hurricane Milton. Three five-member line crews and additional personnel from Avista are en route to Lake City, Florida, to help repair electrical distribution infrastructure. The 12-vehicle, 19-person convoy left Avista's Coeur d'Alene office and is expected to arrive in Florida within 4-5 days, covering a distance of over 2,600 miles.

Avista is part of the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) Western Region Mutual Assistance Group (WRMAG), one of seven such groups in the United States. The company is joining other regional utilities in this volunteer mutual aid effort. Heather Rosentrater, President and Chief Operating Officer of Avista, expressed solidarity with those affected by the hurricanes and highlighted the importance of utility cooperation during disasters.

Positive

• Demonstrates Avista's commitment to mutual assistance and industry cooperation
• Showcases Avista's ability to mobilize resources quickly for disaster response
• Potential for positive public relations and brand image enhancement

Negative

• Temporary reduction in available workforce for Avista's own service area
• Potential increased operational costs due to long-distance deployment

SPOKANE, Wash., Oct. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Avista today sent three, five-member line crews and other personnel to Lake City, Florida to assist in electrical distribution infrastructure repairs as Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall.

Avista is a member of the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) Western Region Mutual Assistance Group (WRMAG) which is one of seven mutual assistance groups in the United States. The Avista crews are among several other regional utilities that have been deployed to assist in the volunteer mutual aid effort.

Two Avista crews from Spokane and one crew from Coeur d’Alene will travel more than 2,600 miles to Lake City, Florida.

The 12-vehicle, 19-person convoy left Avista’s Coeur d’Alene office at approximately 7:00 a.m. and is scheduled to arrive in Lake City, Florida within 4-5 days. They will join numerous other utilities from across the country that are also supporting Hurricane restoration efforts. The return date for the crews has not yet been determined.

“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the hurricanes,” said Heather Rosentrater, President and Chief Operating Officer. “In times of disaster, the unity among utilities is truly inspiring. We’re honored to be part of this mutual assistance effort, dedicated to restoring power swiftly and safely to those impacted. Having experienced devastating storms in our own service area, we understand the importance of support from fellow utilities. Now, it’s our turn to extend that same support.”

About Avista Utilities
Avista Utilities is involved in the production, transmission and distribution of energy. We provide energy services and electricity to 418,000 customers and natural gas to 382,000 customers in a service territory that covers 30,000 square miles in eastern Washington, northern Idaho and parts of southern and eastern Oregon, with a population of 1.7 million. Avista Utilities is an operating division of Avista Corp. (NYSE: AVA). For more information, please visit www.myavista.com.

The Avista logo is a trademark of Avista Corporation. SOURCE: Avista Corporation

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Contact:                                                
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Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: 

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4810baac-a93d-4485-bab7-b601faef381a

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/da00b4c4-9371-450e-9059-93141c14cc4e

FAQ

How many crew members has Avista sent to assist with hurricane restoration efforts in Florida?

Avista has sent a total of 19 personnel, including three five-member line crews and additional support staff, to assist with restoration efforts in Florida.

Where are the Avista crews (AVA) being deployed for hurricane assistance?

The Avista crews are being deployed to Lake City, Florida to assist with electrical distribution infrastructure repairs following Hurricane Helene and in preparation for Hurricane Milton.

How long will it take for Avista's crews to reach their destination in Florida?

The Avista crews are expected to arrive in Lake City, Florida within 4-5 days, traveling more than 2,600 miles from their starting point in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

What organization is Avista (AVA) a part of for mutual assistance in disaster situations?

Avista is a member of the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) Western Region Mutual Assistance Group (WRMAG), which is one of seven mutual assistance groups in the United States.