Xcel Energy to help with Florida power restoration

AMARILLO — Xcel Energy is sending 36 workers from Texas and New Mexico to assist with power restoration efforts in Florida after Hurricane Irma passes through.

An Xcel news release said workers from Clovis and Roswell will be among those traveling to the Tampa, Florida, area early this morning.

In all, Xcel will send about 200 workers from across its eight-state service area to assist those battling power outages caused by Hurricane Irma.

Crews are expected to be deployed for about two weeks, according to an Xcel news release.

“We know if we were affected by a natural disaster, other utilities would help us, and they have many times in the past,” said David Hudson, president, Xcel Energy – New Mexico, Texas. “We have some of the best line workers in the nation, and we’re honored to play a role in helping our neighbors, even if they live more than one thousand miles away.”