Crews from four of Alabama’s rural electric cooperatives were sent to help fellow cooperatives in Tennessee and Georgia restore power in areas affected by mid-February’s severe winter weather.

Five men from Joe Wheeler EMC and 10 men from Black Warrior EMC have been sent to help restore power to areas served by Duck River Electric Membership Corporation in Shelbyville Tenn. Twelve men from Central Alabama Electric Cooperative were sent to help Ft. Loudon Electric Cooperative in Vonore, Tenn., according to Mike Temple, director of training and risk management for the Alabama Rural Electric Association of Cooperatives. Thirty-six men from Baldwin EMC were sent to help Jackson EMC in northeast Georgia.

The 63 men brought with them bucket trucks, digger trucks, pole trailers, tree clearing equipment, mechanic service trucks as well as food, water, warm clothing and other necessities for the icy conditions. Two safety representatives from the Alabama Rural Electric Association (AREA) were also onsite with the crews.

The cooperatives are members of AREA, a federation of 22 not-for-profit electric cooperatives that provides dependable electricity to more than 1 million Alabamians in 64 counties.