Three crews with six workers and a supervisor from Greer Commission of Public Works are in the midlands helping crews there to restore power to thousands of homes.
Downed trees and power lines caused by Hurricane Matthew in the Orangeburg, Bamberg and Georgetown area left a good portion of the area without electricity. Thousands of residents in Orangeburg were reported without power late Saturday.
Crews are expected to help with clearing downed trees, replace broken or damaged power lines, and restoring power to business and residential areas. CPW
CPW General Manager Jeff Tuttle said last week inventory of extra parts were being accumulated in anticipation of helping after Matthew dumped heavy rain and strong winds in the midlands.
“We know many of the utility leaders in South Carolina and recognize some agencies may only have one or two linemen on their staff,” Tony Farr, CPW electric operations manager, said. “Because of the large weather event, we are happy to offer assistance to those who need it more than us.”
CPW last sent aid to Orangeburg in 2014 during an ice storm.
It is not uncommon for utility departments to ask other departments not impacted by storms for help through the South Carolina Association of Municipal Power Systems.