SAN ANTONIO – Some local CPS Energy employees will be providing a helping hand to people in Florida in the wake of Hurricane Ian.
The storm, which is carrying heavy rain and powerful winds, could cause widespread power outages in that state.
The Jacksonville Electric Authority requested help in advance of the hurricane, and CPS Energy was happy to oblige.
“Electricity is no longer a luxury in life. It has become a necessity,” said William Schneider, the company’s construction maintenance manager.
Schneider is leading the group of about three dozen employees who set out, caravan-style, from their East side service station on E. Houston Street.
For Schneider, this is his first time making a trek like this in a supervisory role, although he has seen his share of hurricanes.
“Dolly, Ike, Matthew. Several of them,” he said, ticking off the storms by name.
The crews expect to perform tasks that include repairing power lines and replacing utility poles –- anything to help people affected by the storm to get back on the electric grid.
However, Schneider said the crews, themselves, may reap the biggest benefits.
“An extreme amount of gratitude to us for being out there, away from our families, making it comfortable for them again,” he said. “So it’s a very humbling and heartfelt experience.”
The travel plan involves spending the night in Mississippi, then taking to the road again Thursday morning to reach Jacksonville by afternoon.
Forecasts called for the hurricane to begin hitting Florida as soon as late Wednesday.
Therefore, in the middle of helping others, the crews will have to worry about themselves and make sure they are able to return home safely.
Schneider said the damage in Florida will dictate how long the CPS Energy workers are gone, but it could be up to three weeks.