KPUB linemen heading to Georgia to restore power. Left to right: Joseph Buenrostro, Eric Hancock, Toby Geurin (crew leader), Nathaniel Crabtree, Justin Martinez, Jose Valdez, Josh Whitworth (crew leader), and Trey Owen.
September 25, 2024—Kerrville Public Utility Board (KPUB) has dispatched a team of eight linemen to assist with power restoration efforts in Southwest Georgia in response to the anticipated impact of Hurricane Helene. The line workers—Joseph Buenrostro, Eric Hancock, Toby Geurin (crew leader), Nathaniel Crabtree, Justin Martinez, Jose Valdez, Josh Whitworth (crew leader), and Trey Owen—are heading to Moultrie, Georgia, to assist the community with restoring power outages.
The City of Moultrie requested mutual aid support through the American Public Power Association (APPA) network. As a community-owned utility, KPUB is part of a nationwide network of more than 2,000 public power utilities that unite to provide mutual aid during emergencies. Smaller communities, in particular, face significant recovery challenges when storms like Hurricane Helene cause widespread power outages, making mutual aid essential.
“We are incredibly proud of our linemen who have volunteered to help restore power to Georgia during this critical time,” said Mike Wittler, KPUB General Manager & CEO. “Their commitment to leave their families behind to work in difficult conditions for long periods of time is truly commendable.”
This deployment marks the 10th time KPUB has provided mutual aid to other communities following natural disasters.
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Photo cutline: KPUB linemen heading to Georgia to restore power. Left to right: Joseph Buenrostro, Eric Hancock, Toby Geurin (crew leader), Nathaniel Crabtree, Justin Martinez, Jose Valdez, Josh Whitworth (crew leader), and Trey Owen.
About KPUB
The Kerrville Public Utility Board (KPUB) was acquired by the City of Kerrville in 1987. KPUB serves approximately 24,000 customers throughout its 146-square-mile service area, including Kerrville, Center Point, Ingram, Hunt, and surrounding areas in Kerr County.
KPUB is overseen by a five-member board of trustees who serve without compensation and who are responsible to the City of Kerrville for the management and control of the system. KPUB is a responsive and efficient, locally owned provider of safe and reliable utility service at the lowest responsible price.