In the true cooperative way, American electric co-op lineworkers quickly responded to a call for help to restore power across international borders. This time, a team of nine volunteers from eight co-ops traveled to Jamaica in August. Hurricane Beryl struck the island nation in July, leaving many communities on the southern coast without power.
The category four storm – one of the most powerful to ever hit the country – swept along the island’s southern coast bringing more than 12 hours of heavy rain, leaving thousands of people without power, and heavy flooding in farm areas. The Jamaican Public Service (JPS) reached out for assistance, and when NRECA International turned to the co-op network for help, the response was quick.
“We have a very active network of volunteers and many lineworkers were ready to pack their bags right away,” said Ingrid Hunsicker, NRECA International’s senior program manager who oversees the robust volunteer program. “Within a week, the team was assembled and were on their way to Jamaica.”
The team traveled from across the country, and many met for the first time at the Atlanta airport. That did not get in the way of working seamlessly as a strong team, and by the time they landed in Kingston, the bond was evident.
“I didn’t know most of the people on the team,” said Gena Boarman from Northern Neck Electric Cooperative in Virginia. “But after the plane ride, we all got along really well like we knew each other for years.”
“The way we got along and worked so well together shows the standard and culture of electric co-ops,” said John Hawkins from First Electric Cooperative in Arkansas.
The team worked hand in hand with employees from the Jamaica Public Service (JPS). A day after they arrived, they all traveled to St. Elizabeth Parish, located about 3.5 hours from Kingston. Known as the breadbasket of Jamaica, communities in this region suffered great loss, and needed help to restore power, and their livelihoods. The challenges were obvious from the time they arrived.
“We didn’t know exactly what we were going to do until we got there,” said Luke Furber from Orcas Power & Light Co-Op in Washington. “We had to improvise, get really creative, but we got the job done.”
“I love doing power restoration work, it is my favorite thing to do,” said Boarman. “Here at home, we have the materials, and equipment in our truck to do the job. “On this trip, we had to set our expectations a little differently, adapt, and I learned to be very patient.”
Despite the challenges, the team completed the power restoration work ahead of schedule, shared an abundance of knowledge with their JPS counterparts and returned home a few days early.
“We are fortunate to represent a community almost 900 electric cooperatives who have a culture of supporting one another during times of crisis,” said Dan Waddle, NRECA International’s senior vice president. “And this culture has extended to provide assistance to neighbors in need beyond US national boundaries.