Xcel Energy is sending employees from across the states it serves to the areas impacted by Hurricane Helene in order to help restore power following the devastating storm.

More than 100 Xcel Energy employees from Minnesota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas left for Georgia last week. Line workers—along with safety consultants, fleet mechanics and operations leaders—will join their counterparts from other utilities across the country under the industry’s mutual assistance program. Crews are currently assigned to support local power companies in Georgia to restore power to customers.

“We understand the essential role electricity plays in powering our everyday lives and are committed to supporting our fellow Americans when disaster strikes,” said Bob Frenzel, chairman, president and CEO of Xcel Energy. “The impacts on the electrical system in these areas is extensive and unparalleled for this region, and it will take the contribution of all of our nation’s utilities to restore power to these areas. We are committed to doing our part and know they would do the same for our customers.’’

“Our employees are dedicated to serving not only our customers but those in need elsewhere,” said Ryan Long, president, Xcel Energy—Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. “We’re thankful for our crews who work around the clock to restore power after severe weather hits and know they will deliver outstanding service for those affected by the hurricane.”

Employees are expected to work in parts of Augusta, Georgia with power restoration efforts expected to last roughly two weeks. Earlier this week, Xcel Energy released 230 contractors to help restore power in the region.

Xcel Energy is part of the Edison Electric Institute’s Mutual Assistance program. Following major storms that bring significant outages, electric companies use this program—a voluntary partnership of electric companies from across the country—to help speed restoration. For more about mutual assistance visit EEI.org.