Shifting Roles for a Storm

Our employees work across a wide range of roles — from engineering and operations to customer service and corporate support.

But when a storm approaches, everything changes.

We activate our storm response and many of our employees take on temporary storm roles that are quite different from their day-to-day responsibilities.

Meet Andrew Netherwood

As a manager of meter service mechanics, Andrew Netherwood understands what can be done with meters.

At his day job he supervises and coordinates work for his team that installs, maintains and replaces meters, as well as tests and troubleshoots equipment. 

In a big storm, he shifts gears and leads a team of contract lineworkers in reattaching power lines to customer homes that may have been brought down by wind, rain or trees. 

He coordinates assignments and equipment for the crews and serves as a liaison to customers while they reattach power lines.

In many cases, power can be restored when the line is reattached if other equipment, such as meters, was not damaged.

What is the most satisfying aspect of his storm duty?

"Turning the lights back on for the customer,” he said. “We’re able to accomplish something. It feels good to see the lights come back on.”