The Kerrville Public Utility Board (KPUB) has received a prestigious national commendation from the American Public Power Association for its dedication to supporting electric power restoration efforts in other communities.

 KPUB actively participates in the American Public Power Association’s Mutual Aid Network, which facilitates coordinated responses among utilities and authorities during widespread power outages. To date, KPUB has extended mutual aid on 13 occasions, delivering critical assistance to utilities during large-scale outages.

In September 2024, KPUB deployed a team of eight linemen to assist with power restoration in Georgia and Florida following the devastating impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The crews began work in Moultrie, Georgia, and completing several days of repairs there, they were redirected to the City of Fitzgerald to continue restoration efforts until October 4.

As the team was heading back to Texas, they received a request to assist in Florida, where Hurricane Milton was expected to cause significant damage. Just 30 miles from the Texas border, the crew convened and unanimously decided to reroute to Lakeland, Florida—a community they had previously supported after Hurricane Irma in 2017. In Florida, the team faced particularly challenging conditions, including high water levels, which made restoration efforts even more demanding. Overall, the crews dedicated three weeks to providing mutual aid to these out-of-state communities.

“Restoring power during major events provides our team with invaluable experience in managing widespread outages,” said Larry Lee, KPUB General Foreman. “The work involves long days and nights and significant time away from their families, but they take pride in helping those in need. There’s a strong sense of brotherhood in this profession.”

 For more information about KPUB’s mutual aid efforts, visit kpub.com or PublicPower.org/MutualAid.

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Photo cutline: KPUB lineman, Jose Valdez, restoring power in Moultrie, GA, after damages from Hurricane Helene.

KPUB lineman, Jose Valdez, restoring power in Moultrie, GA, after damages from Hurricane Helene.

KPUB lineman, Jose Valdez, restoring power in Moultrie, GA, after damages from Hurricane Helene.