Lafayette, LA – Lafayette Utilities System (LUS) has been honored with four national commendations from the American Public Power Association (APPA) for its outstanding support in the restoration of power following major hurricanes in Florida in 2024. The recognition comes in acknowledgment of LUS’s timely and effective mutual aid response to power outages in Tallahassee, Gainesville, and Lakeland during the hurricane season.
LUS’s efforts began on September 25, 2024, when the City of Tallahassee reached out for assistance ahead of Hurricane Helene. In response, LUS deployed 17 employees and several vehicles to help restore power to around 70,000 residents in just three days. By September 29, the restoration efforts in Tallahassee were complete, and the LUS crews moved to Gainesville, where they spent five days working to bring power back to 67,000 customers.
The mutual aid response continued on October 7, 2024, when Lakeland Electric requested LUS’s assistance in preparation for Hurricane Milton. LUS once again sent 17 employees and multiple vehicles to assist in restoring power to approximately 90,000 customers. The restoration in Lakeland took 11 days to complete, ensuring that the community’s power was fully restored in the wake of the storm.
The commendations reflect LUS’s commitment to providing critical support during times of crisis, as well as the dedication of the utility’s personnel. Jeffrey Stewart, Director of LUS, expressed gratitude for the recognition, noting, “This recognition reflects the dedication, skill, and heart of every lineman and support staff who answered the call.”
LUS is an active member of the APPA’s Mutual Aid Network, which facilitates the coordination of resources and support among public power utilities during emergencies. Through this network, utilities like LUS can rapidly mobilize teams to assist areas in need, minimizing power outages and accelerating recovery efforts.
The recognition from the APPA underscores the vital role mutual aid plays in the utility industry, highlighting the collaborative spirit that enables communities to recover quickly from devastating storms.