Entergy Louisiana lineworker providing mutual aid: ‘Here to get a job done.’

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Entergy Louisiana lineworker providing mutual aid: 'Here to get a job done.'

10/07/2024

Crews continuing to push through challenging conditions in Georgia to restore power following Hurricane Helene

Lineworkers with Entergy's Louisiana utilities have once again demonstrated their unwavering dedication to restoring power, this time by aiding Georgia Power in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. A storm travel team of hundreds has been on the ground in Georgia, battling tough conditions to get the lights back on for residents and businesses impacted by the storm.

Helene's devastation has been far-reaching, with severe impacts stretching from Florida to Georgia and the Carolinas. Entergy crews from Louisiana initially rode out the storm in Atlanta before making their way through debris-strewn roadways to reach areas such as Madison, Union Point and eventually Augusta. The devastation they encountered became more apparent as they moved eastward, with downed trees and broken power lines marking their path.

Ryan Buras, Entergy Louisiana distribution operations senior region manager, leads the Louisiana team in Georgia. He expressed immense pride in his crew's hard work and determination.

"Our teams are working long hours in challenging terrain, facing tough conditions that aren't ideal but are typical of storm response, and they're doing it with incredible resilience," Buras said. "The goal is to get the lights back on as safely and quickly as possible, and that's exactly what they're doing."

The crew has been stationed at a staging site in Hephzibah, Georgia, where they sleep in semi-trailers packed with 36 beds. A fueling station and food tent are available, but hot showers are not promised. Despite these conditions, the crews press on, installing new poles, power lines and other equipment in rugged, wooded areas across eastern Georgia.

Dylan Granger, an Entergy Louisiana lineworker out of Zachary, shared his experience of working on the ground. Granger has been part of Entergy for over a decade and is no stranger to storm restoration efforts, but this one is different.

"I come here to get a job done-handle business," Granger said, adding that while the conditions are far from ideal, the reward of seeing power restored makes the effort worthwhile. He mentioned how residents were thrilled to see their bucket trucks arrive, eager for power to be restored.

Granger also touched on the personal sacrifices that come with the job. He missed his kids' first fall rodeo while working in Georgia, but he remains committed to completing the task at hand. "I look forward to getting home, hugging my wife and kids and taking a nice long nap in my own bed-maybe even a hot shower," he added.

For many Entergy lineworkers, the job isn't just a profession, it's a calling. Joanna Booty, who has worked as a lineworker for around eight years, joined the profession after being told she wouldn't make it and wanting to prove that statement false. Since then, she has taken part in numerous storm restorations, including those following hurricanes Irma and Michael. Helene is her first off-system storm with Entergy, and she was struck by how far inland the storm's damage extended.

"Every day is different. No job is the exact same, and it's never boring," Booty said. She spoke proudly of her crew's efforts, particularly after completing a massive rebuild job in a single day. "We had about 15 broken poles and power lines on the ground, but by the end of the day, we got the lights back on," she said.

Booty's sense of accomplishment was heightened by the warm reception from the local residents, who provided her crew with pulled pork and brisket for lunch. "When the lights came back on, they were outside hollering and waving at us," she said. "It's a nice feeling, getting the lights on and seeing them come on."

Like Granger, Booty's family is eager for her return, but she remains steadfast in her commitment to see the job through.

Justin Martens, an Entergy New Orleans operations coordinator, echoed the sentiments of his colleagues. Having been with the company for more than a decade, Martens is familiar with the ups and downs of storm restoration work. But in Georgia, he's found an incredibly appreciative community.

"I don't think we've reached a customer that hasn't been appreciative," Martens said. He added that the devastation in areas like Augusta, known for its scenic beauty and golf courses, was sobering. Despite the challenges, Martens, like his fellow workers, maintains a positive outlook.

The team's efforts come as another storm looms-while Hurricane Helene's impact on the region will be felt for some time, utility crews are on alert for Hurricane Milton, a strengthening storm set to threaten Florida in the coming days.

"While we're focused on restoring power for customers impacted by Hurricane Helene, our thoughts are also with those in the path of Hurricane Milton," Buras said. "Mutual assistance in the utility industry is all about helping one another in times of need and I know the industry will support one another once again."

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