Howard Electric Cooperative in Fayette has sent two linemen to Alabama to help restore power after Hurricane Isaias. The two-man crew is assisting Southern Pine Electric Cooperative in Brewton, which reported 16,400 meters without power Monday morning.

Due to privacy concerns, Howard Electric said they won’t release the names of the two linemen until after they return.

The Fayette crew is part of a larger Missouri mutual-aid response. One hundred eighty-four linemen from 30 Missouri electric cooperatives were deployed on Saturday to help cooperatives in Alabama.

“One of the greatest strengths of the electric cooperative family is knowing you never have to face a storm alone,” said Caleb Jones, CEO and general manager of Missouri Electric Cooperatives. “When a cooperative needs help, others step up. We’re proud of the Missouri lineworkers answering that call today. Their hard work and dedication will help get the lights back on for families in Alabama, but their safety comes first. We want every one of them to return home safely to their families in Missouri.”

Hurricane Isaias made landfall near Destin, Florida, late Friday as a Category 2 hurricane, bringing powerful winds and heavy rain to the Gulf Coast. The storm toppled trees, damaged power lines, and left hundreds of thousands without electricity. About 300,000 homes and businesses in Alabama were without power early Saturday.

Missouri’s electric cooperatives have a long history of helping their cooperative peers. Missouri crews first helped with hurricane relief efforts in 2004 after Hurricane Ivan and have continued since. Their most recent hurricane deployment was in 2024, when 353 Missouri lineworkers traveled to Georgia after Hurricane Helene. The favor has been returned: Missouri co-ops received assistance restoring power after ice storms in 2007 and 2009.

The response is being coordinated by Missouri Electric Cooperatives, the Jefferson City-based association that represents all 47 of Missouri’s electric cooperatives.