The Edison Electric Institute (EEI) today presented Xcel Energy with the association’s “Emergency Recovery Award” for its outstanding power restoration efforts after Winter Storm Goliath hit New Mexico and Texas in December 2015.
The award is presented twice annually to EEI member companies to recognize their extraordinary efforts to restore power to customers after service disruptions caused by severe weather conditions 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 Annual Convention in Chicago.
Beginning on December 26, Winter Storm Goliath impacted Xcel Energy’s New Mexico and Texas service area. White-out conditions, wind chills below zero and sustained winds up to 80 miles per hour swept through the region. These factors combined with heavy snowfall resulted in 10,500 customers with sustained outages. Xcel Energy’s crews worked safely and quickly to restore service to 100 percent of its customers by December 30 in the face of challenging conditions.
“Xcel Energy’s terrific effort to restore service in the wake of Winter Storm Goliath exemplifies our industry’s commitment to customer service,” said EEI President Tom Kuhn. “The company’s crews who braved difficult and dangerous conditions to quickly and safely restore service to customers are greatly deserving of this honor.”
David Hudson, president Xcel Energy – New Mexico, Texas, said Xcel Energy crews routinely deploy crews and supplies ahead of big winter storms, which proved to be wise with this storm. “We encountered snowdrifts up to 15-feet high, blocking roads to the point that not even the National Guard could get through, and we were still able to restore power to most customers within a 12-hour period.”
EEI is the association that represents all U.S. investor-owned electric companies. Our members provide electricity for 220 million Americans, operate in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, and directly employ more than 500,000 workers. EEI has 70 international electric companies as Affiliate Members, and 270 industry suppliers and related organizations as Associate Members.
(News release from Xcel Energy)
