APS sending utility crews to help restore power in California

Arizona Public Service Co. will send nearly 40 of its utility workers to California to help Pacific Gas & Electric Co. restore power in the Camp Fire’s devastating aftermath.

The wildfire, which killed 85 people, began Nov. 8 and is now considered California’s deadliest fire.

Electric utilities in the country have an agreement to help one another rebuild power lines amid natural disasters in order to restore power to customers’ homes and businesses as soon as possible.

APS told PG&E they would make their crews available to help.

APS officials said about 20,000 people were without power in California. Crews will repair large transmission lines and attempt to bring power back to gas stations, schools, grocery stores, and hospitals.

Wade Ward, a fire mitigation specialist for APS, said he’s proud to work for a caring organization.

,” Ward explained. I spent an entire career as a firefighter and then coming to APS, it’s really great to be part of an organization that really steps up when people are in need and have the ability and the resources to respond and help out, so it’s important to me as well ”

APS will send the remaining 20 crew members by the start of December. All crew members are expected to be back for the holidays.