VIRGINIA, USA — After Hurricane Helene devasted much of the southeastern U.S., many have been pitching in to help.
The Southwest Michigan American Red Cross sent volunteers to help. Now, Consumers Energy is sending help as well. About 60 Consumers workers will be heading to Virginia on Wednesday to help in the recovery.
“This hurricane has caused catastrophic damage that has leveled entire communities. Consumers Energy hopes we can contribute and make a difference for so many people in need,” said Chris Laird, Consumers Energy’s vice president of electric operations. “Our lineworkers have trained for conditions like these, and they will work around the clock to help get the lights back on.”
Among the 60 workers being sent there will be 48 lineworkers – 15 three-person crews three individual service lineworkers, field leaders and others, as well as equipment. Consumers said the workers could be down there for as long as two weeks.
As of Tuesday afternoon, around 65,000 homes and businesses in Virginia were still left without power after Helene. Outside of Virginia, over 1.5 million customers were affected across five states.
The aid comes after energy providers in the affected states requested help. Consumers said they did so through a "collection of regional mutual assistance networks." Those networks are something Consumers has also used to receive help during major storms, as well as providing help in the past.
“The strength of our industry is that energy providers like Consumers Energy are willing to help each other in times of need,” Laird said. “We will be thinking of our Michigan lineworkers when they’re helping restore power in these states and look forward to their safe return.”
If you would like to also assist in the recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene, you can find a list of organizations you can donate to or get involved with here.