PowerSecure signs contract with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to help restore Puerto Rico electric grid
<p>One month after Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, PowerSecure employees will arrive on the island today to help with the restoration of the energy grid. Millions of people across Puerto Rico are still without power after the Category 4 storm caused extensive damage to the island’s electrical infrastructure.</p>
<p>The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), in coordination with the Jacksonville District, awarded a contract to PowerSecure Wednesday, Oct. 18, for additional support to repair the power grid in Puerto Rico.</p>
<p>“PowerSecure has a proven track record of success with restoration efforts following major storms,” said Mark Lantrip, chairman, president & CEO of Southern Company Services. “Beginning today, PowerSecure personnel will be on the ground in support of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to help restore power to Puerto Rico.”</p>
<p>Personnel from PowerSecure will help supplement efforts taking place by more than 400 crews to repair the distribution and transmission lines. Recovery crews include members of Delta Company, 249th Engineer Battalion (Prime Power) along with Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority.</p>
<p>“The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers continues to take all necessary steps to support Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) response in Puerto Rico following Hurricanes Irma and Maria,” said Brig. Gen. Diana Holland, South Atlantic Division commander. “We are one hundred percent committed, along with our partners, to restoring electricity to the citizens of the Island.”</p>
<p>Repairing the power grid is a process that includes four main efforts: provide temporary emergency power and spot generation for critical facilities; ensure adequate generation at power plants; reinstall and repair transmission lines; and restore and repair distribution lines.</p>
<p>USACE will continue to work in partnership with the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, the Department of Energy and FEMA on the power grid restoration.</p>
