SHOCKING
NEWS
OEU Deploys Crews to the U.S. Virgin Islands to Assist with Hurricane Relief Efforts
Tuesday, Nov. 21, crews with Ocala Electric Utility (OEU) were deployed to the U.S. Virgin Islands to assist with mutual aid power restoration and relief efforts following Hurricanes Irma and Maria. OEU crews will be deployed to St. Croix and St. Thomas for a minimum of two rotations, lasting approximately three weeks each. During each rotation, crews from OEU will include two linemen, two apprentices, two groundmen, one general foreman and one working foreman. Crews will work approximately 12-16 hours, seven days per week and will assist with reconductoring power lines and replacing broken power poles.
As of Monday, Nov. 27, 36 percent of power has been restored in St. Croix, 47 percent restored in St. John, 48 percent restored in St. Thomas and 37 percent restored to Water Island
customers. These power restoration totals represent approximately 20,500 customers in the territory. According to WAPA, the goal is to restore 90 percent of power to all areas in the U.S. Virgin Islands by Monday, Dec. 25.
During this mutual-aid deployment, OEU crews will also be working with crews from the City of Tallahassee (FL), Fort Pierce Utilities Authority (Fort Pierce, FL) and Homestead Electric Utility (City of Homestead, FL).