Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. received the Edison Electric Institute’s (EEI) Emergency Assistance Award last month for providing crews and trucks to aid in storm recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene, the utility announced Monday. Presented twice a year, the Emergency Response Awards recognize recovery and assistance efforts of electric companies following service disruptions caused by extreme weather or other natural events. This is the ninth EEI recognition Central Hudson has received, both for local emergency response and for providing mutual assistance in other parts of the country.

“Throughout 2024, America’s electric companies and their dedicated workforce answered the call to help restore power and hope to communities impacted by extreme weather events and natural disasters,” said EEI interim President and CEO Pat Vincent-Collawn in a statement. “This commitment to mutual assistance is vital to our efforts to serve customers safely and reliably, and I applaud Central Hudson for aiding neighboring electric companies in their times of need. Central Hudson and its storm response team are extremely deserving of this well-earned award.”

In October 2024, Central Hudson sent a 30-person contingent to assist Georgia Power with their restoration efforts after Hurricane Helene caused devastating floods and left millions throughout the Southeast without power. In all, more than 50,000 workers from at least 40 states, the District of Columbia and Canada helped with restoration efforts, making it one of the largest mutual assistance mobilizations ever, according to the Edison Electric Institute.

“Sending our power line technicians to Georgia is a testament to the spirit of mutual aid that defines our industry,” CH Vice President of Electric Engineering and Operations Ryan Hawthorne said. “Just as we lean on other utilities and partners in an electric emergency at home, we understand the need to return that favor and lend a helping hand when others are responding to such powerful events.”