CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The Edison Electric Institute (EEI) this week announced Appalachian Power as a recipient of EEI’s Emergency Response Award for the company’s power restoration efforts following damaging February 2021 ice storms. Presented to EEI member companies, Emergency Response Awards recognize recovery and assistance efforts of electric companies following service disruptions caused by extreme weather 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 virtual Board of Directors meeting.
“Appalachian Power and its employees went above and beyond for the customers and the communities impacted by the February ice storms, and they are exceptionally deserving of this outstanding award,” said EEI President Tom Kuhn.
Back to back ice storms that struck parts of eastern Kentucky and western West Virginia February 11 and 15 caused extensive damage and left nearly 100,000 Appalachian Power customers without electric service. Ice persisted on roads and trees for 12 days, creating difficult conditions for the nearly 2,500 workers who came from several states to help.
In the company’s Virginia service area workers restored service from ice storms February 13 and 18 that together left more than 40,000 customers without service.
“When damaging storms strike our employees are laser focused on getting power restored safely and efficiently, and that certainly was the case following the February ice storms” said Aaron Walker, Appalachian Power’s vice president distribution region operations. “We greatly appreciate our crews and those who came from near and far to assist, we appreciate the kindness and words of support of our customers as we worked, and we appreciate EEI for recognizing our effort.”
Kentucky Power, another AEP Company, also received the award for its response to the February ice storms.
EEI is the association that represents all U.S. investor-owned electric companies. EEI members provide electricity for more than 220 million Americans, and operate in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.