Austin Energy crew returns home after aiding in Puerto Rico hurricane relief efforts

It’s been four months since Puerto Rico was hit by hurricane Maria and Irma and the small island is still without full power. Four Austin Energy employees were sent to aid in recovery efforts.

Austin Energy Public Information Specialist Luis, Rivas said the crew spent 30 days laying down the ground work, working 14 hour days, seven days a week.

"It was an eye opener I have dealt with incident command in the past with Austin but nothing of this magnitude not just the number of customers but being on a very remote area of Puerto Rico," Rivas said. "It was little bit tough not being with my family during Christmas or New Year’s but like I said it just gives me a lot of gratitude that even though I was not with my family I was able to be a part of a movement."

The crew worked primarily in Carolinas. Rivas said one of the biggest challenges was the lack of resources such as hardware. He said shipments would take anywhere from eight to 13 days. He said about half of the island had power so the residents used back up generators or candles to get by. Rivas said at this point there is no telling how much longer it will take the island to restore full power.

Austin Energy has sent a second crew to spend 30 days in Puerto Rico to aid in recovery efforts.