Everything in Our Power

Casey Millsaps, a contract land agent working for Georgia Power on transmission projects, took on an extraordinary role in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Casey, who is also a pilot, collaborated with other pilots to fly much-needed supplies into Western North Carolina. Dubbed the "Appalachian Airforce" by locals, this group completed more than 55 missions, with Casey himself flying nine loads of essential items like food, water, warm clothing, and more. People from all over Georgia donated supplies, which Casey collected and transported to an airport in Calhoun, GA. There, the supplies were distributed among 11 planes and flown to small airports in the mountains, where volunteers unloaded and categorized the items for distribution to those most in need.

Students from The Museum School in Atlanta sent handwritten letters and drawings to line crews in Augusta, offering heartfelt words of thanks and encouragement. One student expressed gratitude by writing, "You are doing so much good. Keep up the good work, Georgia linemen." Another student empathized with the crews, saying, “I'm sorry you have to be away from your family. I know how it feels because my dad was a lineman. He had to travel out of town a lot.”

While traveling to the Vidalia Service Center for damage assessment following Hurricane Helene, Brian Habicht, AGL Crew Lead for Vidalia, witnessed a large oak tree fall onto a car in front of him, trapping the passenger inside. With his chainsaw in hand, Brian and another traveler began cutting and removing the tree's canopy that blocked the car door, eventually freeing the uninjured passenger.  After ensuring the passenger's safety, Brian continued his journey to work, stopping along the way to help locals cut and remove trees that littered the road. What is typically a 45-minute trip turned into an 8-hour journey. Reflecting on the experience, Brian said, “I was just at the right place at the right time, so I’m glad that I was able to help a fellow resident in need.” He added, “It’s encouraging to see the spirit of teamwork in our local communities during such a challenging time.”

Bud, a dedicated Georgia Power employee who served the company for over 30 years, came out of retirement to assist in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Recognizing the immense task of restoring power following the most destructive hurricane in Georgia Power's history, Bud was part of a special program involving retirees who put "eyes on the wire" to expedite restoration efforts. With over 20,000 personnel engaged, including support from Alabama Power, Mississippi Power, and dozens of other companies, it was truly all hands on deck.

Embodying our motto of being A Citizen Wherever We Serve, a Georgia Power crew helped a stranded Augusta driver who had run out of gas in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Understanding the challenges faced by many without power and fuel, lineman Nate Wallace said they were happy to step in and help push the woman and her vehicle to safety.

Augusta couple Rayne and Jenni Johnstun were stuck at their home because of multiple trees that had fallen across their driveway. Georgia Power line workers nearby at a staging area went over and helped by clearing their driveway so they would be able to leave.