FPUA receives national commendation for electric restoration efforts in response to Hurricane Ida

Fort Pierce, Fla. — Fort Pierce Utilities Authority (FPUA) has received a national commendation from the American Public Power Association for its support in electric power restoration efforts in Plaquemine, LA.

On August 29, 2021, FPUA sent two mutual aid crews to the City of Plaquemine, Louisiana, along with two bucket trucks, one digger derrick, one pole trailer, and one flatbed pickup with additional fuel tank. FPUA assisted City of Plaquemine Light and Water with its efforts to restore power to residents after Hurricane Ida passed, leaving widespread power outages. The crews were busy setting poles, restringing lines, repairing or replacing services, and other general restoration activities. FPUA crews returned to Fort Pierce on Thursday, September 2.

"Mutual aid is a critical part of our utility disaster relief planning," said John Tompeck, FPUA Director of Utilities. "Municipal utilities benefit from mutual aid to get the lights back on. Without the help of mutual aid crews, post-storm outages would last considerably longer. Mutual aid has greatly assisted FPUA in returning to normal after Hurricanes Frances, Jeanne, Irma and others. It is truly a case of working together to solve a common problem and FPUA is proud to be part of the mutual aid teams in Florida that have assisted, most recently, for Hurricane Ida in Louisiana.”

FPUA participates in the American Public Power Association’s Mutual Aid Network, which coordinates with utilities and authorities during widespread power outages.

For more information on FPUA and its commitment to mutual aid, visit www.fpua.com or PublicPower.org/MutualAid.

About FPUA: Fort Pierce Utilities Authority is a municipal utility whose mission is “to provide our customers with economical, reliable and friendly service in a continuous effort to enhance the quality of life in our community.” Fort Pierce is one of more than 2,000 communities in the United States served by a community-owned electric utility, and one of very few who also provide water, wastewater, natural gas, and Internet services. Public utility systems are owned by the people they serve. All benefits from our locally controlled utility remain right here in the community. Additional information is available at www.fpua.com.