The City of Concord Electric Systems received a national commendation from the American Public Power Association (APPA) for its support in electric power restoration efforts in Gastonia, N.C.
On May 9-11, 2024, the City of Concord sent six Electric Systems crew members to assist the City of Gastonia Utilities in restoring power to the community after severe storms and two confirmed EF1 tornadoes knocked out power to thousands of homes and businesses across Gaston County. At its peak, about 45% of Gaston County was without power.
The Concord Electric Systems crew included lineworkers Chandler Rice, Jason Sartain, Zach Gobble, Chris Aldridge, Clay Vaughn, and Triston Langston. They spent three days replacing broken poles and repairing damaged lines to help restore power to the community.
“Mutal aid is at the heart of what it means to be a community owned, public power provider,” said Alex Burris, Director, Concord Electric Systems. “We come together and join forces to help rebuild communities. We are always the first to answer the call to get the power back on, whether it’s in our own city or a neighboring town. I’m extremely proud of the team that went to Gastonia and answered that call.”
As a member of ElectriCities of North Carolina and the APPA, the City of Concord participates in a mutual aid network that coordinates with utilities and authorities during widespread power outages.
The City of Concord Electric Systems has been providing reliable power and superior service to customers since 1904. The city’s electric department currently has over 80 employees who operate more than 1,700 miles of distribution lines and 21 substations and deliveries, to serve over 34,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers.
City of Concord Electric Systems Lineworkers (from left to right) Chandler Rice, Jason Sartain, Zach Gobble, Chris Aldridge, Clay Vaughn, and Triston Langston