The Edison Electric Institute (EEI) presented Duquesne Light with the association’s “Emergency Assistance Award” for its outstanding work assisting customers impacted by Hurricane Irma in September 2017.
The award is presented to EEI member companies to recognize an outstanding response in assisting other electric companies in power restoration efforts after service has been disrupted by severe weather conditions or other natural events. The winners were chosen by a panel of judges following an international nomination process, and the awards were presented during EEI’s Winter Board and CEO Meeting.
In September, a group of Duquesne Light Company employees volunteered to hit the road to help Florida Power & Light combat a record-breaking number of outages caused by Hurricane Irma. In total, the company sent 64 employees, including lineworkers and mechanics, to Florida.
“When disaster impacts a region, electric companies from across the nation are called on to assist impacted companies in need – mutual assistance is a hallmark of our industry,” said EEI President Tom Kuhn. “When Hurricane Irma struck, Duquesne Light answered the call to help. Their assistance to restore service to impacted customers is a terrific example of mutual assistance in action.”
“While our customers in Allegheny and Beaver counties are our top priority, Duquesne Light Company always is willing to provide help to communities in need, both near and far,” said Rich Riazzi, President, Duquesne Light. “We’re honored to be recognized with this prestigious award.”
###