CSG Associates in Action
by Julianne Stahl
Associates in Action articles highlight CSG Associates’ philanthropic efforts and public-private partnerships throughout the states.
Alliant Energy and ITC were named by The Edison Electric Institute (EEI) as a recipient of EEI’s Emergency Response Award for working collaboratively to restore electricity following the Aug. 10, 2020 derecho in Iowa. Emergency Response Awards recognize electric companies for their recovery and assistance efforts following service disruptions caused by extreme weather or other natural events. Alliant Energy, EEI and ITC are CSG Associates.
“I congratulate and applaud Alliant Energy and ITC for demonstrating continued commitment to the customers and to the communities they serve,” said EEI President Tom Kuhn. “In the midst of a global pandemic and often in the most hazardous of conditions, the Alliant Energy and ITC teams worked around the clock to restore service safely and quickly. Both utilities are exceptionally deserving of this prestigious award.”
With an estimated $11 billion in damage, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has categorized the derecho as the second costliest weather disaster of 2020 and the most-costly thunderstorm in U.S. history. The unprecedented storm severely impacted the heart of the Alliant Energy and ITC Midwest service territories in Iowa, ITC Midwest sustained damage to more than 30 percent of its electric transmission system, with 37% of the Alliant Energy distribution system impacted. In all, more than 256,000 Alliant Energy customers in 341 communities were initially without power.
Alliant Energy and ITC mobilized more than 2,400 utility workers from 25 states and Canada to supplement their normal crews and personnel to support the restoration effort. Between the two companies, more than 4,800 poles and structures were replaced. While utility crews worked day and night to restore all services, they also focused on staying safe and healthy, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The crews rose to the challenge to restore the transmission and distribution systems as quickly and safely as possible. Within eight days following the storm, ITC Midwest had restored transmission service to the distribution utilities it serves, while Alliant Energy had restored electric service to approximately 90% of its customers. By Aug. 26, all Alliant Energy customers once again had power available.
“We truly appreciate the patience, support and kindness from our customers, as our crews worked tirelessly to restore services, as quickly and safely as possible,” stated Terry Kouba, President of Alliant Energy’s Iowa Utility Company. “We are thankful for the mutual assistance we received from companies across the country and the partnership with ITC. Together, we focused on showing care for others and doing the right thing, while working at extraordinary speed to get the lights back on for all.”