Nine UCEMC linemen from the Livingston and Carthage Districts headed South early Friday to restore power in the hurricane-ravaged Gulf Shores area.

L-R front row: Doug Regan (Liv); Brandon Rigsby (Car); Corey Gregory (Car); Tim Reid (Liv); Devan Copeland (Liv); Jonathan Washer (Car); T.J. Hillabrand (Liv);

L-R top: Spencer Anderson (Car); Adam Jolley (Car).

Crew Rushes to Assist in Hurricane Aftermath

Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation is sending two crews of lineworkers and equipment to assist Baldwin Electric Membership Corporation with recovery efforts near Gulf Shores, Alabama. Hurricane Sally slammed the Gulf Coast with winds and heavy rain, leaving more than a half-million residents without power.

“We’re proud of our linemen for volunteering to assist the Baldwin EMC crews,” says UCEMC General Manager Jimmy Gregory. “They will be working long days in difficult conditions, but they quickly responded to the call for help. We ask that the public keep them and their families in your thoughts and prayers while they are away.”

Crews from UCEMC’s Livingston and Carthage District offices loaded equipment and headed out early Friday morning.  It is unclear how long they will be in Alabama. These nine linemen from UCEMC are joining other co-op lineworkers from across Tennessee who will be assisting with hurricane recovery efforts. The Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association in Nashville coordinates requests for mutual aid and makes travel and lodging arrangements for crews who respond. “It is an honor to work alongside so many brave and selfless individuals who leave behind family and the comforts of home to serve strangers in need,” says David Callis, executive vice president, and general manager of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association. “Godspeed, gentlemen, and thank you for the important work you do.”

UCEMC is a member-owned cooperative that provides safe, reliable, and affordable power to more than 50,000 homes and businesses in the Upper Cumberland.