PINEVILLE, La. – Cleco is preparing to send a 44-member storm team to assist Georgia Power as the southeast coast braces for Hurricane Matthew and has released 59 contractors to assist utilities in Florida.

Hurricane Matthew is currently a Category 3 storm. The governor of the State of Georgia has declared a state of emergency as have other governors of southeastern states.

“The track and intensity of this hurricane may be uncertain, but it is wise for utilities along the East Coast to prepare now for the possible impacts from Matthew,” said Floyd Pittman, Cleco’s mutual assistance coordinator.  “Cleco has been part of conference calls with utilities that have customers who could be impacted from the storm. They are taking the storm seriously, and we are ready to help in any way we can.”     

Cleco crews from Pineville, Eunice, New Iberia, Bunkie, Covington, Mansfield and Rosepine plan to leave Thursday, Oct. 6, for Georgia. The plan is to travel to Alabama by Thursday evening and arrive at Macon, Georgia, the final destination, by Friday.

“We understand all too well the challenges utilities face following severe weather,” said Pittman.  “It is common practice for utilities to assist one another during large restoration efforts. We have received help after hurricanes damaged our system, and we gladly support those who could see a large number of power outages due to this hurricane.”

Cleco is a member of the Southeastern Electric Exchange mutual assistance program where member utilities offer restoration assistance after major outage events.

Georgia Power is a subsidiary of Southern Company and serves 2.5 million customers in Georgia.