WASHINGTON – The Edison Electric Institute today honored Westar Energy with the association’s “Emergency Assistance Award” for the utility’s outstanding efforts in restoring electricity following severe weather events occurring throughout 2011.
The award is presented annually to U.S. and foreign-based member companies to recognize an outstanding response in restoring electric service to a neighboring or nearby utility company that has been disrupted by severe weather conditions or other natural events. Winners were chosen by a panel of judges following an international nomination process, and the awards were presented during EEI’s Spring CEO meeting.
On April 27, 2011 Westar dispatched 41 people, including line personnel, management, safety personnel, material handlers, and fleet personnel to Alabama Power service territory after deadly tornadoes hit the area, cutting power to thousands of customers. Following Hurricane Irene in late August, Westar sent 80 linemen, supervisors, safety and support personnel and contract workers to New York. Crews from Westar Energy were praised as having provided critically needed assistance in addressing emergencies and restoring service when and where it was required.
On October 31, 2011, Westar Energy received a call for assistance from utilities throughout the Northeast due to a rare autumn snowstorm that dumped two feet of snow in some areas. The storm left about 1.8 million customers without power, and Westar Energy crews were dispatched in order to help with assist with restoration efforts. Westar sent 77 company linemen, supervisors, safety and support personnel to assist other utility personnel in restoring power.
“Just as it has in years past, Westar has again proved that it is a company that is dedicated to serving customers,” EEI President Tom Kuhn said. “As Westar crews worked long hours and drove many miles to assist those outside of their service territory, they showed once again that they are willing and able to work side by side with other crewmen to complete difficult restoration efforts far from their service territory.”
Westar was honored with the Emergency Assistance Award for 2010 for response to a snowstorm in Oklahoma and for 2008 after assisting utilities in five states with restoration following six storms. In 2007, the utility earned the Emergency Recovery Award for its response to a snowstorm that knocked power out to more than a third of its customers.