Austin Energy crews to help with Hurricane Hanna restoration efforts

AUSTIN, Texas - Austin Energy says it is sending line workers and support personnel to South Texas to help with restoration efforts in the wake of Hurricane Hanna.

Five bucket trucks, two digging derricks, and three support vehicles are being deployed to help bring power back to affected communities. 

Austin Energy says the team is prepared to provide help for up to two weeks in Mercedes, Texas and the surrounding area. It says it received the request for mutial aid from American Electric Power Texas (AEP Texas).

Officials say that safety is always a top priority and it's especially important when deploying aid during a pandemic so extra care and consideration is being taken to ensure the safety of Austin Energy employees.

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Crews will only work with other Austin Energy staff, staying with their same team members and following established COVID-19 safety protocols. Additional safety measures were also taken into consideration when setting up lodging for the crews.

Austin Energy plans to leave at 11:30 a.m. today (7/27).

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