Minnesota Power and Superior Water, Light & Power, both are divisions of ALLETE Inc., were awarded for helping others.

The Edison Electric Institute awarded their Emergency Response Award to Minnesota Power and Superior Water, Light & Power for helping Ameren power company in restoring power to customers in La Salle and Ottawa, Illinois.

Residents and businesses in La Salle and Ottawa were left without power after a strong storm with straight line winds over 80 MPH swept through the area. Minnesota Power and Superior Water, Light & Power sent a combined 20 line workers, two supervisors and two fleet mechanics to help with the recovery efforts.

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Helping in these disaster situations is never easy, but during the pandemic it was extra daunting, to maintain social distancing guidelines the workers had to travel in separate bucket trucks or other vehicles.

Edison Electric Institute President Tom Kuhnsa said in a press release, “Working around the clock to restore power safely and quickly to customers and deploying mutual assistance crews to support impacted companies are hallmarks of the electric power industry. When disasters strike, impacted and neighboring electric companies are quick to assess damage and to respond and assist with restoration.

Minnesota Power and Superior Water, Light & Power were voted on by a panel of judges following an international nomination process, and the awards were presented during Edison Electric Institute’s virtual Winter Board and Chief Executives Meeting.

 

 

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