Grant PUD line crews provide aid

EPHRATA — Grant County Public Utility District dispatched two line crews last week to provide mutual aid to Snohomish County PUD following damage from wind and snow.

Snohomish PUD marshaled 55 line crews to assist with repairs and power restoration. Washington state PUDs participate in a mutual aid program to assist each other when needed.

Grant PUD spokesman Gary Garnant estimated Snohomish PUD paid a total of $4 million for the labor of mutual aid and contract workers, meals, motels and vehicle use rates.

The two Grant PUD line crews worked primarily on Camano Island, Garnant said.

The first five-man crew from Grant PUD was dispatched on Nov. 28, leaving with three trucks. Linemen on the crew were: Tony Alberti, Kyle Nelson, Gerry Duff, Don Thill and Barry Leaf.

The second line crew also used three Grant PUD trucks. They departed Nov. 29. Linemen on the second crew were: Scott Elliott, Dan Beierman, John Johnston, Eric Huber, Buck Gilmore.

One Grant PUD line crew returned Dec. 2 and the other on Dec. 3.

The storm hit the Snohomish County area Nov. 26, knocking down 500 power lines. During the worst of the storm, 59,000 homes and businesses were without electricity.