During the Georgia State Legislature's House Session on January 15, 2025, a heartfelt tribute was paid to utility workers who demonstrated exceptional bravery and dedication during recent severe weather events. Lawmakers recognized the critical role these workers played in restoring power and ensuring community safety following devastating storms, including the significant tornadoes that struck Helene in 2024.

The session highlighted the extensive efforts of Georgia Power and local electric membership corporations (EMCs) in responding to the aftermath of these disasters. In Helene alone, Georgia Power addressed over 1.5 million customer outages, repaired more than 83,100 broken poles, and cleared 32,100 fallen trees, all while deploying 20,000 personnel and collaborating with 35 assisting partners. The EMCs faced similar challenges, with 12,500 poles needing repair and an estimated $535 million in damages reported.

Legislators emphasized the importance of planning and preparation that utility companies undertake to effectively respond to emergencies. The acknowledgment extended beyond utility workers to include the contributions of the Salvation Army, National Guard, law enforcement, and community volunteers who came together to support those in need during these crises.

The session underscored the sacrifices made by utility workers, many of whom work in hazardous conditions to restore services. A poignant personal story shared by a legislator illustrated the risks associated with this line of work, reinforcing the community's gratitude for their service.

As the session concluded, lawmakers expressed a commitment to recognizing and supporting the ongoing efforts of utility workers and emergency responders, ensuring that the community remains resilient in the face of future challenges.