Eight crewmen from Carroll Electric Membership Cooperative traveled to Jennings, La., on Saturday, Aug. 29, to assist Jeff Davis Electric Cooperative (JDEC) with cleanup and power restoration in the aftermath of Hurricane Laura.
When the severe weather hit, damaging winds and heavy rain blew electric poles and structures to the ground and knocked hundreds of trees on power lines, shutting off power to thousands of EMC consumers. The Louisiana cooperative reported 100% of their Members were without power following the storm, and Members are expected to remain in the dark for an extended period due to the extent of damage. The hurricane made landfall as a category four, making it one of the strongest storms to ever hit Louisiana since Hurricane Katrina.
Mutual aid from fellow cooperatives, including Carroll EMC, arrived to provide needed assistance and equipment to begin the restoration process. Carroll EMC linemen have extensive experience in restoring power following destruction from a variety of weather events, including ice storms, tornadoes and hurricanes like Louisiana experienced early Thursday.
“Our hearts go out to those who have felt the devastation of Hurricane Laura,” said Tim Martin, President and CEO for Carroll EMC. “Our community extends beyond our own service territory, and we are always ready to help our fellow cooperatives when they are in need. It’s more than a duty or obligation but a mutual care for one another.”
Carroll EMC is a Member-owned cooperative providing electricity to approximately 50,000 homes and businesses. The co-op serves Members in Carroll, Haralson, Heard, Paulding, Polk, Floyd and Troup counties. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. For more information visit the cooperative’s website at carrollemc.com or follow Carroll EMC on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, Instagram and LinkedIn. Carroll EMC: Community Built. Community Builder.
