NEWS Contact:
For Immediate Release Stevie Sauls
Oct. 13, 2026 334-723-2218
ssauls@wiregrass.coop
Wiregrass Electric Coopera ve Reaches 100% Restora on
Following Hurricane Isaias
Cooperative celebrates major milestone, recognizes extraordinary efforts of crews, mutual aid
partners and employees
HARTFORD, Alabama — Wiregrass Electric Cooperative (WEC) has reached 100% restoration
following Hurricane Isaias, marking the completion of an extensive recovery effort that brought together
cooperative employees, contractors and mutual aid crews from across the country.
Hurricane Isaias caused widespread damage throughout southeast Alabama. The storm left downed
power lines, broken poles and damaged electrical infrastructure across the cooperative’s service territory,
requiring significant repairs and rebuilding efforts. At the height of the storm, WEC had approximately
18,000 outages among the cooperative’s 27,750 meters.
As of 4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, power has been restored to all members affected by Hurricane Isaias.
“This is an incredible accomplishment, and I could not be prouder of the people who made it possible,”
said Brad Kimbro, chief executive officer of Wiregrass Electric Cooperative. “From the moment this
storm passed through our communities, our employees, contractors and mutual aid partners worked
tirelessly toward one goal: getting the lights back on for our members. Reaching 100% restoration is a
testament to their dedication, determination and commitment to the people we serve.”The restoration effort required extensive coordination across WEC’s service territory, including
replacing damaged utility poles, repairing downed power lines, clearing debris and rebuilding sections
of the electric system.
Mutual aid crews from multiple states joined WEC employees, contractors and right-of-way personnel
to accelerate recovery efforts. Their assistance was instrumental in restoring service following one of the
most significant storms to impact the cooperative’s system.
Behind the scenes, WEC employees played an equally important role in the restoration process. The
cooperative coordinated crew assignments and resources, while employees at headquarters worked to
ensure trucks were equipped with the materials, supplies and equipment necessary to complete repairs.
The National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds served as a staging area for restoration crews, and MLU
Services provided a base camp to accommodate additional personnel supporting the recovery operation.
“Restoring power to approximately 18,000 members after a hurricane is an enormous undertaking,”
Kimbro said. “It takes an entire team working together, from the linemen in the field to the employees
coordinating logistics, managing supplies, answering member questions and supporting our crews.
Every single person involved contributed to this milestone, and we are deeply grateful for their efforts.”
WEC also extends its sincere appreciation to the electric cooperatives and mutual aid organizations that
responded to the call for assistance. Their willingness to leave their own communities and families to
help restore power in southeast Alabama reflects the cooperative spirit that strengthens electric utilities
across the nation.
“One of the greatest strengths of the electric cooperative network is knowing that when disaster strikes,
we are never alone,” Kimbro said. “The crews who traveled here to help us became part of our
Wiregrass family. Their hard work and generosity made a tremendous difference, and we cannot thank
them enough.”
Beyond the restoration crews, WEC recognizes the support of local businesses, community
organizations and individuals who provided resources, meals, encouragement and assistance throughout
the recovery effort.
The cooperative also extends heartfelt thanks to its members for their patience, understanding and
support during the extended outages.
“Our members have shown tremendous resilience throughout this challenging time,” Kimbro said. “We
know that being without electricity is difficult, especially when restoration requires extensive rebuilding.
The encouragement, kindness and prayers our crews received meant more than words can express. We
are proud to serve these communities, and we are grateful for the trust our members place in us.”As the cooperative transitions from emergency restoration to normal operations, WEC remains
committed to maintaining a safe, reliable electric system and serving the communities that depend on it.
“Today is about more than restoring electricity. It is about the people who came together to help our
communities recover,” Kimbro said. “We are grateful for every crew member, employee, partner and
member who helped us reach this milestone. Hurricane Isaias tested our system, but it also demonstrated
the strength of our cooperative and the communities we proudly serve.”
Any members still without power should contact WEC so the outage can be addressed immediately. Call
1-888-4-MY-OUTAGE (888-469-6882) or simply text OUT to the same number.
For additional information, visit wiregrass.coop or follow Wiregrass Electric Cooperative’s official
social media channels.
###
Wiregrass Electric Cooperative is an electric distribution system located in southeast Alabama with more
than 3,300 miles of power lines providing reliable and affordable electricity and energy solutions to
27,565 homes and businesses in Houston, Geneva, Covington, Dale, Henry and Coffee counties. For
more information, visit our website at www.wiregrass.
