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TEP lends support to restoration efforts after Irma

Posted at 4:25 PM, Sep 13, 2017
and last updated 2017-09-13 20:23:52-04

Tucson Electric Power is sending employees and other resources to the Turks and Caicos Islands in the Caribbean to support power restoration efforts in the wake of Hurricane Irma.

According to a media release from TEP, the company is is making arrangements to ship bucket trucks, fuel tankers, pickup trucks and lighting equipment this week.

Restoration efforts in the area are expected to last several weeks.

TEP and UniSource Energy Services, are sending more than a dozen journeymen, heavy equipment mechanics, construction supervisors and safety experts.

More than 1,900 power poles were blown down on the islands when Hurricane Irma struck Thursday/ Relief crews will focus first on restoring power to critical infrastructure such as water supply systems and to emergency response organizations like fire, police, hospitals and shelters, according to the media release.

TEP’s costs to participate in these restoration efforts will be covered by Fortis TCI through a mutual assistance agreement, not customers’ rates.