City thanks Electric Cities of Georgia partners

GRIFFIN — Municipalities across Georgia and Alabama answered the call to assist Griffin Power after five devastating tornadoes hit Griffin-Spalding on Jan. 12.

According to the city, the storm damaged 60% of Griffin Power's electric infrastructure; 10,000 citizens were without power at its peak.

"We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the 25 mutual aid partners, coordinated through Electric Cities of Georgia, that poured into our community to help reconstruct the backbone of our system," said Jennifer Freeman, director of Griffin's Electric Department.

Without the help of these partners, Freeman said it would have taken the city months to rebuild.

"But in a matter of approximately 10 days, we had the majority of the infrastructure rebuilt, helping to return some normalcy to the residents of our city and county," Freeman added.

Through ECG's Mutual Aid Agreement, the following municipalities offered support:

Opelika Power ServicesCity of CovingtonCity of LaGrangeDalton UtilitiesCity of TroyCity of LaFayetteCity of AcworthCity of ElbertonCity of LawrencevilleCity of BarnesvilleNewnan UtilitiesCity of EllavilleCity of WhighamCity of MonroeCity of ForsythCity of MariettaCity of CartersvilleRiviera UtilitiesUtilities Board of TuskegeeCalhounAlbany UtilitiesCity of CairoCrisp CountyUtec Contractors, andDeep South Utility Services.

"Our mission is to protect and enhance the quality of life for our citizens by providing a high level of service in an efficient and responsive manner," City of Griffin Manager Jessica O'Connor said. "Our City of Griffin crew and those who came to support us did just that, and I am grateful."

ECG is a non-profit organization providing strategic and technical services to 52 public power communities with utility operations.