Occasionally, Mother Nature deals a blow that is more than a local utility can reasonably bear. Thanks to mutual aid agreements, electric utilities can back each other up, and help restore needed electric service weeks earlier than anyone could by going it alone. In April and May of 2011, customers benefited from those arrangements of assistance and good will, and Alabama Power is more than happy to do our part to help others in need.

From late October to mid-November, Alabama Power had more than 900 employees and contractors assigned to help. Originally positioned near Washington, D.C., our crews moved north into New Jersey and New York once it was clear there was a greater need.

Those affected customers were grateful to have the help, and many took the time to share that gratitude through email, pictures, Facebook and Twitter. Here is just a very small sample of the thank you messages for our crews – and let us add our own: You really are the best.