BRAINTREE ELECTRIC LIGHT DEPARTMENT (BELD) RECEIVES NATIONAL COMMENDATION FOR ELECTRIC RESTORATION EFFORTS IN IN REPONSE TO HURRICANE ISAIAS
Contact: Marketing Communications James Ritchie, Braintree Electric Light Department
Braintree, MA- September 14, 2020 — BELD has received a national commendation from the American Public Power Association for its support in electric power restoration efforts in Wallingford, CT.
On August 4, BELD sent two crews to assist Wallingford, CT, which suffered widespread outages as a result of Hurricane Isaias.
The devastation from the storm created very dangerous working conditions all over the area. But BELD crews and over 20 other Northeast Public Power Association utilities worked tirelessly to get everyone’s lights back on as quickly and safely as possible.
Work involved replacing and repairing numerous broken poles, cross arms, and downed wires and climbing inaccessible poles that were severely damaged by the storm. The teams continued to work throughout the week until much of the work was completed. The state reported an estimated 5,000 downed trees and over 12,000 broken poles.
“We are very proud that we are able to quickly and effectively send our Mutual Aid crews to areas in need of help after these devastating storms.” said BELD’s General Manager, William Bottiggi. “I want to thank all the crews who answer the call for help whenever needed—job well done by everyone involved!”
BELD participates in the American Public Power Association’s Mutual Aid Network, which coordinates with utilities and authorities during widespread power outages.
For more information on Braintree Electric Light Department and its commitment to mutual aid, visit www.BELD.com or PublicPower.org/MutualAid.
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