As Tropical Storm Bertha moves toward the Texas Gulf Coast, AEP Texas has activated storm readiness measures across its coastal service territory. Crews and support teams have secured staging locations, positioned resources, increased vegetation management activities and reviewed response plans to support safe and efficient restoration efforts should impacts from the storm occur later this week.
"Over the past several days, our teams have taken deliberate steps to prepare for potential impacts from Tropical Storm Bertha," said Alex Ramirez, AEP Texas vice president of Distribution Region Operations and Incident Commander. "We have positioned resources, established staging locations, increased field readiness activities and reviewed restoration plans across the coastal service territory. While the storm's track remains uncertain, we are prepared to respond safely and efficiently wherever impacts occur."
Approximately 1,000 responders have been mobilized in support of storm readiness activities across the coastal service territory. Teams have secured critical resources, positioned equipment, reviewed emergency response procedures and completed operational readiness activities ahead of the storm's anticipated arrival.
- Crews have increased tree-trimming activities near power lines and electrical facilities throughout potentially affected areas, helping reduce storm-related risks and support restoration efforts.
- Multiple staging sites, receiving centers and support locations have been established across the coastal service territory to support resource deployment and restoration operations should impacts occur.
- Scheduled maintenance activities and planned outages have been evaluated for rescheduling, preserving crew availability for storm response and restoration efforts.
AEP Texas also reminds customers to keep these storm safety tips in mind:
- Always assume downed power lines are energized and dangerous. Do not touch anything in contact with a line, including trees, fences or standing water. Stay at least 10 feet away from any downed power line.
- Customers who rely on life-support systems or other electric-powered medical equipment should have a backup plan in place in case of prolonged outages.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using portable generators.
To report a safety hazard, downed power line or tree hazard, visit aeptexas.com/outages or call (866) 223-8508.
Customers can follow AEP Texas on social media for the latest storm preparation and response updates.
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